Your Weekly News & Updates |
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From Rachel Yates, Presbytery Executive |
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Depending on your calendar, Monday might have been Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day. They are part of different, though intertwined stories. Both recognize the geographic magnificence of the Americas and the many Indigenous Nations who live here. One thread comes from the people whose cultures, family systems, religions, and languages were established here centuries before the first Europeans. The other comes from a tradition that claimed to...(read more)
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THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP! |
As we begin the process of providing nominations for the next presbytery meeting, we have a number of positions available for Ruling Elders. Nearly every commission is in need of Ruling Elders willing and able to serve. Those commissions with the greatest need of good talent are Commission on Transitional Ministries and Commission on Congregational Vitality, though I am sure we can put an interested Ruling Elder to work in nearly any commission in which they are interested. Please look of the Manual of Operation to consider where an elder might best use their gifts and strengths.
There are a couple of positions available outside the commissions as well. In particular, we are seeking a Ruling Elder synod commissioner. The synod has been engaged in much social justice/racial justice ministry as of late, so people with a passion for that work might find an outlet there. As the current synod commissioner, I would be happy to answer questions. We are also seeking Ruling Elders willing to read ordination exams. This sounds daunting and Ruling Elders often feel unqualified, but it is quite rewarding and the training is very good, as is the staff for answering questions. Again, if someone is interested I would be happy to talk with them about the process.
We have received no YAAD applications for General Assembly in 2022. If you know of a young member of the church age 17-23 who is interested, please contact Chris at the Presbytery Office for an application.
AND FINALLY, just because we have focused on Ruling Elders for most of this article, worry not Ministers! There is room for you too! In addition to CTM that is always in need of gifted people to serve since the number of commissioners grew to fifteen, the Foundation is in need of two ministers to help do that important work. Please consider serving the presbytery in on one of those vital teams.
Thank you for the help. We look forward to hearing from you with all those wonderful names!
Lance Loveall
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MILWAUKEE PRESBYTERY IS IN THE NATIONAL NEWS ONCE AGAIN! |
As congregations join this week with the Presbyterian Hunger Program to celebrate Food Week of Action, five Wisconsin churches (Apostle Presbyterian Church, Calvary Presbyterian - The Big Red Church, Delafield Presbyterian Church, Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, and Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church) are living into their Matthew 25 calling to feed the hungry. This summer they built a community garden and now are harvesting the produce, distributing it to people who are experiencing hunger.
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WITH CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES |
We recently learned that an honorably retired minister member of the presbytery, the Rev. Norman Fedderly, entered Life Eternal on September 11, 2021 in West Bend. Before returning to our presbytery in 2014, Norm served years ago at Faith Presbyterian Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. |
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The Synod of Lakes & Prairies Assembly met for its Fall meeting on October 3 & 4. Synod Executive & GA Co-Moderator Elona Street-Stewart gave a shout out to Milwaukee Presbytery for its innovative Matthew 25 work. Rev. Lance Loveall (First Kenosha) gave the report for the Finance Committee. In its programming, the Synod is working to attract and retain pastoral leadership in light of challenges faced by many congregations. Rev. Deb DeMeester also reported on congregational vitality programming in the works for 2022, in collaboration with Milwaukee Presbytery.
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Matthew 25: I was hungry and you fed me... |
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HELP NEEDED FOR LABOR TRAFFICKING VICTIMS |
This week and next, 5 people are being moved out of a bad situation and into apartments. Can you help? If you have anything to offer, we’ll make it happen! Please encourage others to contribute as well. Call or email Rachel Yates (contact info on Presbytery website), or leave a comment with your details.
Long Term Needs for Victims
- 5 Mattresses (New, queen or full Size) and 5-Bed Frames
- 5 sets of Bedding (Fitted sheets, blankets, comforters)
- 5 Dressers
- Microwave, blender
- Kitchen Table w/ chairs
- Couch/chairs
- Television
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Trash Can
- Towels
- Lamps
- Coffee table/end tables
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FOOD WEEK OF ACTION & WORLD DAY OF FOOD
October 10-16, 2021
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We envision a world where everyone has enough affordable, healthy and culturally appropriate food – where one is hungry, and all workers in the food chain are fairly compensated, respected and celebrated!
Join the Presbyterian Hunger Program and global partners in building more just and sustainable food & farm systems!
The Global Food Week of Action includes World Food Day (Oct. 16), International Day for Rural Women (Oct. 15), and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Oct. 17).
Put your faith into action today!
People and Planet First is the theme of this year’s Oct. 10–17 Food Week of Action. People and Planet First mean prioritizing family farmers, fishers and others producing in harmony with nature – agroecologically – and achieving food sovereignty. As communities continue to face the pandemic and vulnerable food chains, we are called to build resilient food systems to protect and cool the planet while putting farmers and workers first. Food Week highlights groups and initiatives that are building equitable and sustainable food systems, while also tackling the economic and racial drivers of hunger, poverty, and oppression.
Gather us so that we may pour out our lives in Christ’s name, as Christ does on behalf of those who hunger.
For hope. For justice. For daily bread.
So that it will be on earth as it is in heaven.
For now and for always.
~ from the World Food Day Prayer, Presbyterian Hunger Program
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PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGAM RESOURCES |
Resources and materials are available from the Presbyterian Hunger Program, including educational resources for congregations and individuals. Many resources are available as free downloads or as printed copies for purchase. Below you will find links to specific resources created by the hunger program as well as recommended resources produced elsewhere. |
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Download current and previous issues of the Hunger Program’s quarterly journal. Each issue focuses on one hunger- and poverty-related topic and includes updates about PHP programs as well as reflections, scripture and activities. Email php@pcusa.org to sign up to receive the Post.
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MATTHEW 25: FEEDING THE HUNGRY |
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HELP FEED COLLEGE STUDENTS! |
At the September Presbytery Gathering, GA Co-Moderator Elona Street-Stewart lifted up college students as one of our population segments who struggle with food insecurity. University Christian Ministries (UCM) serves the UWM campus. For over 20 years we have provided FREE Meals to UWM students. The Presbyery Council recently provided funding to help UCM spread the word on campus about our FREE Meal program. You can help by making a generous donation to UCM through our special GoFundMe fundraiser https://www.gofundme.com/f/make-a-difference-with-a-matching-gift, by a designated gift on our new website https://ucm-uwm.org/, or by sending a check made out to “UCM” to: University Christian Ministries, 2211 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee,WI 53211.
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COVID-19 News & Information |
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The Missional Network, a consultant for Awaken Dane, has developed a new and free resource entitled Leading Out of COVID to support churches as they make yet another transition through the pandemic.
"Leading out of COVID gives you a concrete way to work with your leadership team and name together what you want to carry with you into this next, unknown, stage of being a congregation. Gather with a group of leaders in your congregation for four s essions and do the following: dwell in Scripture, attend to stories about people's experiences during COVID, connect these stories to what's next for your church, and determine how to share what you have discerned in order to shape what's next."
Awaken Dane will be working to integrat this resource into the work it is already doing with some of its participating churches.
Click here to learn more or download this free resource.
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HUNDREDS OF THREE-EYED 'DINOSAUR SHIRMP' EMERGE AFTER ARIZONA MONSOON |
Following a torrential summer downpour in northern Arizona, hundreds of bizarre, prehistoric-looking critters emerged from tiny eggs and began swimming around a temporary lake on the desert landscape, according to officials at Wupatki National Monument.
These tadpole-size creatures, called Triops "look like little...(read more)
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CELEBRATE 160 YEARS WITH FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OTTAWA |
You are cordially invited to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa on Sunday, October 24th, 2021. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a luncheon and fellowship.
Masks are recommended and social distancing will be observed with possible.
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Disaster Preparedness & Response Task Force |
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OCTOBER IS FIRE PREVENTION MONTH |
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Month and Week. This year the theme for Fire Protection Week, October 3-9, is ‘Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety’. This month is the perfect time to educate and talk with your whole family about fire safety – including the use of fire and CO alarms, fire extinguishers and escape route planning.
The Milwaukee Presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force wants to encourage everyone to take time to educate your family. Throughout this month we will be featuring a number of resources, tips, and tools that you can use that will help to keep your family safe.
Did you know that home fires account for...(read more)
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Thomas Goetz, serving in Japan, reminds us to celebrate anyone who ministers in Jesus’ name whether they are part of our group or not. As Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
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Josh Heikkila, serving in Ghana, reminds us that we need to listen in bold humility to our partners, respect their guidance and follow their lead.
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The Sower - August 2021 Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
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Future Presbytery Gathering Dates |
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- THURSDAY, November 18, 2021
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Presbytery of Milwaukee
414-292-2740
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