FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
WHEW!  IT'S HOT IN HERE!
Every year my husband and I are enticed into buying beautiful hanging baskets of flowers.  Every year we commit to watering them daily.  Every year we get busy and forget the watering schedule.

This year was no exception.  The new hanging baskets decorated our back porch in dazzling colors.  We watered the flowers faithfully ... until we didn't.  I don't remember why.  It's not like we went anywhere this summer.  Nevertheless, the watering schedule went to every other day and then every few days and then only when the flowers got droopy.  By the time they turned crispy in early August, I couldn't remember...(READ MORE)
PRESBYTERY PULSE
HEALING THROUGH ACTION
Presbytery Gatherings for 2020 & 2021
2020 has thrown us more than a few curve balls and the Presbytery is responding accordingly.  Presbytery Gatherings for 2020 have been re-imagined and redesigned and 2021 Presbytery Gatherings are in the works.  The following flyer with upcoming Presbytery Gathering dates and theme can be printed and widely distributed in your congregation and community.  You can also use this link to include the flyer on your website or social media.
YATES APPOINTED TO ETHICS BOARD
Presbytery Executive Rachel Yates has been appointed to the Milwaukee County Board of Ethics, filling a seat designated for the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee.  She will serve a six-year term.  The Ethics Board is responsible for enforcing and interpreting the Ethics Code for the guidance of county public officials and employees to help them avoid conflicts between their personal interests and their public responsibilities, improve standards of public service, and promote and strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of Milwaukee County.
HAVE YOU REGISTERED?
JESUS CHRIST & THE 'DIVIDING WALL': RACE & GOD'S MISSION
October 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2020, at 6: 30 p.m. (CST)
As our nation continues to grapple with the consequence of racial injustice, Christians need to have a truthful conversation with one another on how our understanding of race impacts the way we engage in God's mission. This virtual McClure Lectures and WMI Month of Mission Series will gather online for four Wednesday evenings to explore issues of racial justice with world-class speakers and provide an opportunity to connect and learn with people from all over the country. Churches will also be organizing watch parties to gather their members for guided discussion following plenary presentations.

This event is free to everyone, but registration is required.  Click here to find out more about this Wednesday mission series, register, and download materials to share.

The Presbytery of Milwaukee is a proud co-sponsor of Jesus Christ and the "Dividing Wall": Race and God's Mission.
NEW PASTORS SERVING OUR PRESBYTERY
WELCOME TO TERESA LARSON
Greetings, all!  My name is Teresa, and I am delighted to be joining the Milwaukee Presbytery and the ministry team at Immanuel Presbyterian Church.  I am a proud Michigan native and am coming to Milwaukee from Louisville, Kentucky after graduating from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in May.  I was a preschool teacher for five years prior to stepping into ministry (including a year in Chicago through the Young Adult Volunteer Program) and have served various churches in multiple capacities -- most recently as the ministry intern at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville.  My favorite childhood book is Harold and the Purple Crayon and my go-to fair food is fried Oreos.  I am looking forward to meeting my new presbytery colleagues soon!

Congratulations Teresa!  Teresa was examined and approved by the Lake Michigan Presbytery this past Saturday and will be celebrating her ordination by LMP on October 4th.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
CHILDREN AND DIVERSITY: TELLING STORIES THAT EDUCATE
Creating a world where diversity is embraced begins with education, and many congregations are focusing their attention this fall on offering online book discussions specifically on how to dismantle racism. Christian educators are doing likewise, using Zoom as a storytelling opportunity to teach children about the inclusive love of God.

Flyaway Books, a children's book division of the Presbyterian Publishing Corp. that was launched in 2018 to offer books that carry the themes of diversity and inclusion, is providing educators with books that help children understand today's pressing social issues. Many of the books are multicultural in their artwork and characters.  Find out more about Fly Away Books and new titles being released.
MORE VIDEO RESOURCES THAN EVER BEFORE
With more communities worshipping virtually, PC(USA) Special Offerings is proud to bring you a number of videos you can incorporate into your upcoming worship services. From the popular Pastor Ryan's Sixty Second Sermons, to a Children's Message recorded in English and Spanish, to testimonials provided by International Peacemakers of the past, these videos are an incredible resource as you promote the Peace & Global Witness Offering in your congregation and mid council.
ANYTHING BUT COVID-19 NEWS
ZOMBIE HURRICANE, BECAUSE #2020
As if the weather chaos of a record hurricane season wasn't enough, we now have a new thing to worry about -- Zombie Hurricanes.  The National Weather Service went there and brought up a moniker we haven't heard yet in 2020: "zombie tropical storms."   The term surfaced in an NWS tweet on Tuesday.
HALLOWEEN BLUE MOON
Spooky season is almost upon us -- and this year it will be a little bit spookier as the night sky on Halloween will be illuminated by a blue moon, the second full moon in a month.  The relatively rare occurrence happens once every two and a half years on average, according to NASA's National Space Science Data Center.

Every month has a full moon, but because the lunar cycle and the calendar year aren't perfectly synched, about every three years we wind up with two in the same calendar month.  October's first full moon, also known as the harvest moon, will appear on...(READ MORE)

INVITATIONS
DRIVE THRU SPAGHETTI DINNER, FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Saturday, October 3, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Faith Presbyterian Church invites you to their annual spaghetti dinner catered by That's Amore on Saturday, October 3rd. The annual event you have come to know and love, but this year, is drive-thru only. Enjoy spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce, salad, bread, and a cookie at this affordable night-in that supports the work of Faith's Deacons. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Pre-order your tickets and pay online now or order and pay cash at the door. 
 
Faith Presbyterian Church, 3800 W. Rawson Avenue, Franklin, WI. 
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VIRTUAL GALA
Thursday, October 8
Forget the heels and cummerbund and join Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity's Framing the Future Virtual Gala from the comfort of your favorite cozy chair!  Bid on fantastic auction items with brand new party packs delivered right to your door.  Your participation can make a life-changing difference for local families in need through safe, affordable housing.  Get your tickets today!
LOMBARD MENNONITE PEACE CENTER UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Multiple sessions of the following workshops will be available online from now through the end of the year.  For a complete list of learning opportunities, including 90-minute webinars and multi-day seminars, please visit the LMPC website.  Registration forms can be found on the brochures; otherwise, you can register online at BrownPaperTickets.
 
Conflict Transformation Skills:  Although a normal part of life, conflict is usually seen as something negative. Acquire the knowledge and skills to transform conflict into a force for positive change and spiritual growth. Attend this 7.5-hour event online via Zoom on Oct. 23, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, and Dec. 5, 2020.   Register as a group, using this CTS Discount Coupon, and save up to $50 per person.
 
Healthy Congregations: Could your congregation use a wellness check? Attend this 8-hour workshop and learn ways to minimize or prevent destructive conflict, manage negative reactivity, and help your church stay focused on its true mission and purpose.  Attend this 8-hour event online via Zoom on Sep. 22, Oct. 30, Nov. 13, or Dec. 8, 2020.  Register as a group, using this HC Discount Coupon, and save up to $50 per person.
 
Leadership and Anxiety in the Church:  Participants will look at the challenges presented by the rising levels of anxiety experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership plays in calming such anxiety. Works of fine art are integrated at various points to facilitate theological reflection. Attend this 7-hour event online via Zoom on Sep. 24 or Dec. 3, 2020.    Register as a group, using this LAC Discount Coupon, and save up to $50 per person.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
SAVE THE DATE
The PC(USA) Ghana Mission Network is planning a Virtual Meeting this year. It will be held over two days, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, 2020, 8-11 am.  More information and details will be sent out over the next few weeks.
 
The GMN looks forward to connecting and reconnecting with one another, offering some encouragement and support, especially through these challenging and changing times.  Please consider participating, spread the word, and join in praying for this exciting new way of gathering our GMN Family and Friends!
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 -  August 2020 Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES

Download the 2020-2021 Presbytery Gathering flyer

  • TUESDAY, September 29, 4:00 p.m. 
  • THURSDAY, November 12, 4:00 p.m.
  • TUESDAY, March 9, 2021
  • SATURDAY, May 22, 2021
  • WEDNESDAY, September 22, 2021
  • THURSDAY, November 18, 2021 

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