FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
COMING TO JESUS
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be

This traditional gospel song is a favorite for many.  Its authorship is disputed, but there is strong circumstantial evidence suggesting the song dates back to southern African-American churches of the nineteenth century, possibly even prior to the Civil War. 

What a lovely sentiment!  Set to music that keeps us open to ... ( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERY PULSE
WITH CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES
Longtime minister member of the Presbytery, George Weinberg,  passed away Friday, December 20th. George was very active in the presbytery over the years, serving as the founding pastor at Brookfield Presbyterian Church (now Living Hope Presbyterian Church) and as an interim pastor at many churches throughout the Presbytery.  Please keep George's family in your prayers.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
OPW CALLS FOR DIPLOMACY WITH IRAN
The Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness in Washington D.C. has issued an Action Alert that urges members to contact their congressional representatives and ask them to oppose further military action against Iran without congressional approval.  Read more here.
ADVOCACY ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR THE BOP
The parking lot tax is gone and other pension and healthcare benefits are protected.  Good news from the Board of Pensions!
PER CAPITA & FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY PRELIM REPORT
A committee considering the future of per capita and financial sustainability in the PC(USA) has issued its preliminary report.  Among the possibilities the committee is considering are recommending a process for restructuring the PC(USA), initiating a staff effort to determine a new system for allocating both restricted and unrestricted funding to support the work of the OGA, and asking the assembly to authorize interpretation campaigns to "explain the 'why' of making one's church the giving priority."  Final recommendations to the General Assembly are due February 21, 2020.  Read more and find the full report here.
2020 IRS STANDARD MILEAGE
On December 31, 2019, the IRS announced the following changes to the standard mileage rates:

Beginning January 1, 2020, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) will be:
  • 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 58 cents for 2019
  • 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 20 cents for 2019
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
INVITATIONS
CARROLL UNIVERSITY FOUNDERS' DAY CONVOCATION
Wednesday, February 5, 2020, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), will speak at Carroll University's 174th Founders' Day convocation.  As Wisconsin's first four-year institution of higher education, Carroll is proud of its Presbyterian heritage.  It is only fitting to honor that heritage as the university celebrates its rich history and pioneering spirit.
Carroll University is honored that the Rev. Dr. Nelson will be on campus and hopes member and friends of the Presbytery of Milwaukee will join the Founders' Day celebration.
The schedule of the day's events is as follows:
10:45 a.m. - Processional lineup: Shattuck Recital Hall (clergy may robe and process)
11:00 a.m. - Founders' Day ceremony: Shattuck Auditorium
12:00 p.m. - Founders' Day luncheon in the Campus Center's Stackner Ballroom
Please RSVP for each event you plan to participate in by Sunday, January 19, 2020.
HERITAGE IS BACK ON THE ROAD!
For the past three years, Heritage Presbyterian Church has gone out to lead worship at other congregations to raise awareness and funds for our mission partners. Our 2020 focus is on refugees and our partner is the International Institute of Wisconsin,  dedicated to the promotion of multi-ethnic perspectives as well as immigration and naturalization services.
 
Our Shelter Service is a full worship service from beginning to end.  We invite your folks to sing in the choir (we can provide music ahead of time).  We ask for access to your sanctuary the Saturday before the service for set-up and rehearsal.  This is a Communion worship service and we ask for a special offering for our mission partner (we provide marked envelopes).  We will bring gluten-free bread with us.
 
All of the proceeds we raise go to IIW. Dates this winter are February 9, February 23, March 1.
 
If you're interested, please contact Michelle Henrichs at mahenrichs@gmail.com.
ZEN SITTING: FINDING THE PATH
An introduction to the practice and teaching of Zen Buddhism will be offered at Tippecanoe Church on Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. beginning January 9, 2020.  Rev. Tonen O'Connor, Resident Priest Emerita at the Milwaukee Zen Center will lead the practice.
Sessions will begin with zazen, sitting quietly together in the peaceful embrace of silence.  Rev.  O'Connor will give a brief talk on the Buddha's teachings and how they can help find a path of  serenity amidst the chaos of change.  The evening will conclude with shared discussion, questions, and fellowship.
All are welcome, no preparation is necessary, and there is no charge.  An open heart offering in support of Tippecanoe's Living Waters Contemplative Life Center would be appreciated.
Tippecanoe Church, 125 W. Saveland Avenue, Milwaukee
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
MILWAUKEE DAYTIME WARMING CENTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
A daytime shelter/center will be opening up at Vineyard Milwaukee Church on 10th/Madison as a space for individuals to go who are staying at warming rooms or shelters at night, during the winter months.  The purpose of staff will be to provide general coverage at the site and assess for housing/shelter eligibility.
To learn more about this volunteer opportunity and sign-up, click here.
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
The Sower - Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Good Shepherd Trinity Church in Milwaukee seeks PART TIME DESIGNATED PASTOR
Good Shepherd Trinity is a combined ELCA/PCUSA congregation.  Please 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
  • TUESDAY, February 4, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church, Janesville
  • SATURDAY, May 16, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Carroll University, Waukesha
  • TUESDAY, September 29, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Apostle Presbyterian Church, West Allis
  • THURSDAY, November 12, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - Covenant Presbyterian Church, Racine 

Presbytery of Milwaukee
414-292-2740
khopta@pbymilwaukee.org
http://www.pbymilwaukee.org