FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
LOVE
Love has come into the world.  Perhaps you lit a fourth candle on your Advent wreath this past Sunday, reflecting on the love shown by the holy family to each other and anticipating the love we would experience as God entered this world in human form.  Then boom!  Christmas arrived.  Love got short shrift as far as Advent went.  Next year will be better, I promise.

Of course, love doesn't stop because... ... ( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERY PULSE
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
On  Wednesday, December 25, 2019, and  Wednesday, January 1, 2020, the Presbytery Office will be closed  for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.  Staff will be on call in the event of an emergency.
We hope you have a joyous time with those you love.
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.
PARTNERSHIP COMMISSION GRANTS AWARDED
The Partnership Commission is pleased to announce that Voces de la Frontera and UMOS have been awarded $25,000 each for their community work.  These grants were made possible by a legacy gift to the former Bethany Presbyterian Church on Milwaukee's South Side neighborhood.  In keeping with the desire to help organizations in that neighborhood, the grants will be used locally.  Voces de la Frontera will be able to improve both the technological support and field experience for its New Americans Program, especially its work toward citizenship.  UMOS's Latina Resource Center offers programming to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.  Our grant will be used for youth leadership development to help identify victims and create safe practices to prevent dating violence and sexual exploitation.  We are grateful for the work of these organizations and glad that we can support their efforts.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
2020 WOMEN OF FAITH AWARD NOMINATIONS
The Women of Faith Awards, sponsored by Racial Equity & Women's Intercultural Ministries in the Presbyterian Mission Agency, will offer an awards breakfast at the 224th General Assembly (2020).  The 2020 theme is Women who Disrupt Systemic Poverty.  Nominations are being sought for women who challenge systems of poverty and join in action and solidarity with low-income communities and individuals.

A nomination form can be found on the web at www.pcusa.org/women. Nominations must be postmarked by January 8, 2020.

Many of us know women who have raised the economic level of entire families and communities.  We also know women who have provided educational opportunities for girls and boys, joining alongside poor communities, listening to dreams for a better future, and supporting communities as they determine how to make their dreams reality.  Gratitude abounds for these women who "see those who are hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison" and give of themselves to serve others, through the power of Jesus Christ, who is Savior of all.  Your assistance in the nominating process is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to seeing you at the Women of Faith Awards breakfast in Baltimore, MD, on Sunday June 21, 2020.
REGARDING RULING ELDERS: 
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
Gina Yeager-Buckley has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
INVITATIONS
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
CHOIR ROBES
Linn Presbyterian Church has 40 blue and gold choir robes to be given away at no charge.  If you are interested, please send an email to the church to arrange a time to meet and receive the robes.  
LinnChurch@gmail.com; 262-248-1588
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
2020 HOPE MISSION TRIP
May 4-8, 2020
The 2020 HOPE Mission trip is planned for May 4-8, 2020, to Omaha, Nebraska.  This area of the Midwest experienced extreme flooding in the spring of 2019.  The HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Mission trip is being co-sponsored by the Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church in Janesville and the Jerusalem Presbyterian Church in Wales.  We will be staying at a Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) site at the Presbyterian Church of the Cross in Omaha.  A volunteer handbook with more information can be requested by emailing col-mike@charter.net or calling Mike Williams, HOPE Coordinator at 608-751-6274.
CALLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Our Long Term Mission Volunteer, John Etheredge, has posted an update, Called by the Holy Spirit.  John, who serves in Ghana, shares a touching story of his call to Africa and how God has been equipping his for service there.
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