FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
A WEEK LIKE NO OTHER
It's almost too late.  You need to act now because you definitely don't want to miss this opportunity.  Call in the next five minutes, and you will receive...

Okay, maybe my sales pitch is a little over the top, but it's because I'm excited about Congregational Vitality Week (Oct. 28-Nov.1).  The learning and fellowship opportunities are outstanding, and each day of the week has ... ( READ MORE ) .
PRESBYTERY PULSE
CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY WEEK
October 28 - November 1
Looking to reignite the ministries of your congregation, so that they feel more engaging and energizing?
Hoping to discover new ideas for ministry that is both deeply rooted in the gospel and transformative?
Yearning to connect your ministry more...to your members, your community, and the world?
Or, just seeking a chance to build relationships and learn from colleagues in ministry?
Each day of Congregation Vitality Week offers you an opportunity.

Throughout the week, you will be able to learn from each other as well as gifted leaders in the Presbytery, the denomination, and beyond -- all of whom are focused on empowering today's leaders in ministry that leads to a promising future.  Come for one event or take advantage of the entire week's program.  Where two or three of us gather, Christ is with us...come join us!
SEPTEMBER 25th PRESBYTERY GATHERING RECAP
Thank you Good Shepherd Trinity Church for hosting the September 25th Presbytery Gathering.  We had an excellent time learning about and discussing the educational inequities for children of color with Dr. Bettina Love and being in communion with one another.
PRESBYTERY HIGHLIGHTS
Weren't able to make it to the last Presbytery Gathering but interested in the good work happening in the Presbytery?  Check out the Presbytery Highlights, a one-page synopsis of the September 25, 2019 Presbytery Gathering.
PRESBYTERY GATHERING SURVEY
Did you attend the September 25th Presbytery Gathering at Good Shepherd Trinity Church?  We would love to hear your feedback!  Please take a moment to complete our short survey.  By doing so, you will help us with the planning of future events.
SPECIAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES PRESBYTERY TOUR  
America's Black Holocaust Museum 
Sunday, October 13
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
401 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53212
 
~ Light refreshments provided ~
 
For members of the Presbytery of Milwaukee: Get a sneak peak into America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) before it reopens to the public. Reggie Jackson, ABHM's Head Griot (Storyteller), will provide an-depth presentation and Q&A on the museum's history and mission, Dr. James Cameron, and the museum's goal of promoting racial repair, healing, and reconciliation. Mr. Jackson will then lead a tour of the museum. Click for more information and to REGISTER
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
REFORMATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019
Presbyterians celebrate the tradition that grounds their faith on Reformation Sunday.  It is always the last Sunday in October, marking the occasion in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  For bulletin inserts and other resources for the upcoming Reformation Sunday, visit this page from the Presbyterian Historical Society.
'STUDY 7 DEVOTIONAL GUIDE' ON THE UN'S SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT GOALS EXPANDED
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations has expanded its Study & Devotional Guide on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.  In addition to snapshot into each of the goals through the lens of Matthew 25, the second edition of the guide also includes biblical reflections from mission co-workers and global partners serving around the world.
INVITATIONS
HELPING CHURCHES TALK ABOUT RACISM
Immanuel Presbyterian Church is participating in the upcoming Helping Churches Talk About Racism webinar and welcomes all colleagues and friends from the Presbytery who would like to participate.  Please email ipc@immanuelwi.org to register.
If you are in one of the many predominantly-white Presbyterian congregations across the PC(USA), chances are that racism isn't a topic that gets addressed from the pulpit unless there's a major news event of a hate crime.  Many people avoid talking about racism for a number of reasons: worry that they will say the wrong thing, the belief that avoiding the subject will make race less significant, or the fear of creating conflict in the church.
On Tuesday, October 29th at 1:00 p.m. (CST) Presbyterian Outlook will host  Helping Churches Talk About Racism, a 90-minute webinar designed to help congregations start having meaningful conversations about race.   Find out more about the webinar and purchasing details here.  
Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI
HERITAGE IS BACK ON THE ROAD IN NOVEMBER
For the past three years, Heritage Presbyterian Church has gone out to lead worship at other congregations to raise awareness and funds for their mission partners.  In 2019, they have partnered with The Women's Center.
Heritage's Shelter Service is a full worship service from beginning to end.  They invite your folks to sing in the choir (Heritage will provide music ahead of time) and ask for access to your sanctuary the Saturday before the service for set-up and rehearsal.  This is a Communion worship service (they will provide gluten-free bread) and a special offering will be collected for their mission partner (they will provide marked envelopes).
All of the proceeds raised go to TWC.  Available dates are November 10, 17, and 24.
If you're interested, please contact Michelle Henrichs.
SUNDAY LIFT EXPERIENCE WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 23rd, 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
All are invited to the workshop: Sunday LIFT Experience on Saturday, November 23rd, at Southminster Presbyterian Church.  The workshop will be led by Jacob Sefton and Amanda Hinthorn from GenOn Ministries.
The Sunday LIFT Experience workshop explores the concept of intergenerational ministry, and discovers why gathering multiple generations together to learn, worship, serve, and build relationships is important for faith development and church growth.  The event includes time for planning practical ways to become more intergenerational and time to experience Sunday LIFT with guidance on implementing it.  Find more information about Sunday LIFT here.
Cost: $70/person
Please contact the Rev. Dr. Christian Boyd, Pastor of Southminster, with any questions.
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard Street, Waukesha, WI
SARA GROVES LIVE IN CONCERT
Saturday, October 12th, Crossroads Presbyterian Church
Over two decades and 12 albums, singer/songwriter Sara Groves has attempted to name and explore the many tensions of faith.  Sara recorded her first album, Past the Wishing, in 1998.  Since then, she has released 11 additional albums and appeared on several others.  Sara has been nominated for three Dove Awards including New artist of the Year in 2002 and Special Even Album of the Year in 2003 by the Gospel Music Association.  She was named one of the best Christian music artists of 2005 and the album, Add to Beauty, was named Album of the Year for 2005 by CCM Magazine.  She will be in concert at Crossroads Church with her band on October 12th.  
Tickets are available here and group discounts are available by contacting Steve Carpenter.
Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 6031 West Chapel Hill Road, Mequon, WI
FALL CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Friday, October 25th - Sunday, October 27th at Pilgrim Center
Get excited about exploring and expressing your faith through the idea of PLAY at this years Intergenerational Fall Camp!
The keynote speaker, Jason Santos, PC(USA) Mission Coordinator for Christian Formation, will explore the ways PLAY can help strengthen and expand our faith and our understanding of faith.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Individual churches call to reserve spots for the retreat (920-745-4746)
Individual churches collect fees and submit one check for their group to the Pilgrim Center on or before the event (preferred)
Each individual attendee registers through the Pilgrim Center's online platform under their church group to fill out the appropriate forms (medical, etc.) -- Need help?  Please see this example
Fall Camp is an event hosted by the Presbytery of Winnebago, with special invitation to the Presbytery of Milwaukee.
WHITE FRAGILITY DISCUSSION GROUP
All are invited to attend the White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism discussion group on Wednesday mornings, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., October 2, 16, and 30.  The discussion group will meet in the fellowship area of the First Congregational UCC in Waukesha.
Unable to make it to First Congregational UCC, but interested in participating in a White Fragility discussion group?  There are additional opportunities in Hartland, Waukesha, and Oconomowoc in October and November.
First Congregational UCC, 100 E. Broadway, Waukesha, WI
PASTORAL STUDY LEAVE PROGRAM
Established in 2005, the University of the Ozarks Pastoral Study Leave Program is a unique opportunity for Presbyterian pastors to visit the University for personal and professional development.  
During this self-guided study leave pastors can access University resources, attend classes, and engage with faculty, staff, and students.  The participant will also have the opportunity to preside over the weekly chapel service. 
Travel expenses, meals, lodging, library resources, and work space are provided in-full for participants.
HOLOCAUST STORIES AT THE CATHEDRAL
Join us as we listen to the survival stories of the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center's Speakers Bureau.  This program allows community members, both teenagers and adults, an opportunity to listen to the testimonies of our local Holocaust survivors while there is still time to do so, and to recognize these unique individuals for their heroic survival of the Nazi hell and their creation of a new life on American soil.  Please view this flyer for full details about the upcoming engagements on Sunday, October 13th and Sunday, November 17th.
These events are free and open to the public.
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Atrium, 812 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF 
Help keep Wisconsin waterways clean by properly disposing of household hazardous waste.  The State Fair Grounds (Gate 1) will be a drop-off location for  household hazardous waste - such as clearners, lawn chemicals, nail polish, gas, aerosols, and paints - on Friday, October 11th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 12th, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
DIVINE INTERVENTION ORIENTATION/TRAINING
Saturday, November 3rd, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Collaborating with 56 Faith Communities and neighborhood groups, Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church is entering its 10th season of Divine Intervention to the Homeless.  This program provides overnight prayer vigils and warming rooms during the cold Wisconsin winter from December 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020.
New Host Orientation/Training will be offered on Sunday, November 3rd, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Tippe sanctuary.  Please share this information with your community.  All are invited to come learn more about this ministry. 
Tippecanoe Church, 125 W. Saveland Avenue, Milwaukee
HOT LINKS
A Year in Zambia  - YAV Emily Teerink's Blog - Relief and Development
Grapevine - Presbyterian Women's Newsletter
Keeping In Touch  - Newsletter from the Synod of Lakes and Prairies 
Life in the Labyrinth - Inspirational Website by Michelle Henrichs
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Current Information
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Good Shepherd Trinity is a combined ELCA/PCUSA congregation.  Please see their Ministry Site Profile and direct all inquiries and interest in the position to Ann Gibbs, Associate for Ministry Vitality, Presbytery of Milwaukee.
University Christian Ministries (UCM) seeks   COOK FOR 2019
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
  • THURSDAY, November 21 - Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, Wales

Share this information with your congregation -- bulletin inserts & bulletin board flyers available!