FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
 WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
We're in the throes of preparation for the February 4 Presbytery Gathering.  Registration is open!  It's the first time in people's recent memory that the Stated Clerk for the General Assembly has visited.  We're thankful to Carroll University which initiated that contact, inviting the Stated Clerk to participate in its Founders' Day events on February 5.  That started the ball rolling, and now the day is almost here.

Our business meeting should be relatively short - did I just jinx us? - so we might get to spend extra time ... ( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERY PULSE
REGISTER NOW FOR THE FEBRUARY 2 PRESBYTERY GATHERING WITH REV. DR. J. HERBERT NELSON
The Presbytery of Milwaukee is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), as our keynote speaker and worship leader at the February 4, 2020, Presbytery Gathering at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Nelson is convinced that we are engaging in one of the most exciting times of ministry in the history of the world, as he will discuss the work to which the church is called in this time, particularly how pastors, elders, deacons, and others should work together for God's service at the congregational level.  At this time of change in the life of the church, he will call us again to remain faithful to the ministry and mission given to us by Jesus Christ.
REGISTER NOW and/or download the February 4th MEETING PAPERS
PRESBYTERY GATHERING NEWSFEED
Does your church have an upcoming event that you would like promoted at the February 4th Presbytery Gathering?  Send information and graphics to Kate Hopta by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3rd, to have your information included in the before and after gathering Newsfeed slides.
SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT
This is a reminder to all clerks of session that the Annual Statistical Report for the year 2019 needs to be submitted online before February 7th. Your membership numbers from this report will be used to determine next year's Per Capita Apportionment, so please make sure your membership numbers are accurate. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Halverson, 414-292-2740. 
THE 2020 PRESBYTERY GATHERING POSTER
We are excited to share the line-up of exceptional speakers who will be joining us for our 2020 Presbytery Gathering speaker series.  The following poster and bulletin insert can be printed and widely distributed in your congregation and community.  
A note about the poster -- for ease of printing, the poster was designed as two standard 8.5x11 sheets of paper that can be hung together or distributed as a flyer.  If you are interested in receiving a larger sized poster file to print and display, please contact Kate Hopta in the Presbytery Office.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
STATED CLERK'S STATEMENT ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND ABUSE  
The 223rd General Assembly (2018) addressed the serious problem of sexual abuse and misconduct in the church . Included in the action was direction to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly to communicate with the church in confession and commitment. Read, heed, and share with your congregations and members.
REGARDING RULING ELDERS: 
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
Mary Marcotte has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
INVITATIONS
CREATIVE WORSHIP DESIGN RETREAT
Did you miss Dr. Marcia McFee's excellent session during Congregational Vitality Week?  Did you attend, but leaving wanting even more?  You'll want to consider this special retreat for creative worship design.  Immerse yourself in God, nature, and spirit with a retreat for the soul in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Lake Tahoe, May 11-15, 2020. The Elevation Retreat is a full program of ideas to inspire and motivate you-but that includes plenty of free time, too.
MONTREAT YOUTH CONFERENCE 2020
You're invited to the 2020 Montreat Youth Conference! Our youth attend this conference every 3 years, and this is our year, 2020! Dates are July 25-August 2. It is open to current 8th graders through graduating seniors. Please click the link for more information and to register. For questions please contact Pastor Dee Anderson at 414-630-4347.
#TRUTH...OR CONSEQUENCES 
(WE WON'T KNOW WHAT WE DON'T KNOW...)
The Peace and International Issues committee of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee (IFGM) is sponsoring a lecture series addressing the vital importance of a free and independent press in a democracy, and some essential considerations in our pursuit of truth.  
Programs run from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Society on March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2020.  Individual lectures are $20.00; the full series is $75.00.  A simple, buffet-style, primarily vegetarian meal will be provided.
For more information and/or to register click here.
First Unitarian Society, 1342 North Astor Street, Milwaukee
UNLEARNING RACISM: TOOLS FOR ACTION
The YWCA's 6-week course (February 4 - April 14)  Unlearning Racism is now accepting registrations.  The course will occur on 6 Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin.  Topics include the impact of racism, the roots of racism, manisfestations of racism, understanding whiteness, your role in addressing racism, and taking action against whiteness.
YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, 1915 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, 53212 
MONTREAT MUSIC & WORSHIP CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP
Registration for the annual Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) Music and Worship Conference at Montreat Conference Center is open!  PAM is excited to celebrate their 50th anniversary through this conference.  Early registration rates are good through  February 29 th. For more information about PAM conferences, please visit www.presbymusic.org/montreat. 
PAM also has scholarship money available.  Thanks to a generous grant from the Central Mission Endowment Fund of St. Philip Presbyterian Church in Houston, PAM is delighted to offer more scholarships for our 2020 Worship and Music Conferences at Montreat. These St. Philip/CMEF Scholarships are available to large groups, small groups, and individuals too! In addition to the conference registration fee, these scholarships can cover lodging, meals, and - for large groups - even travel costs! If you would like more information or would like to apply, please visit www.presbymusic.org/montreat-registration and click on Scholarships.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
CHURCH OF CENTRAL AFRICA PRESBYTERIAN & THE PC(USA)
Co-written by YAV Emily Teerink, this article explores the partnership of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) and the PC(USA) through God's ministry for health and wellness in Zambia.  The Health Department, created by CCAP's Synod of Zambia with the support of the PC(USA), has strengthened the health of thousands of rural Zambians by building and improving infrastructure, strengthening the health of women and girls, and ensuring availability of preventative medicine and personnel.
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
University Christian Ministries (UCM) seeks   COOK FOR 2020
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES

2020 Presbytery Gathering Posters and Bulletin Inserts are available for download and distribution!

  • 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