FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
CO-WORKERS IN GOD'S SERVICE
Do you remember Steve Martin's excitement in "The Jerk" when he cries out, "The new phone book's here!  The new phone book's here!"  That's sort of how it feels around the Presbytery office this week as we launch the 2020 Presbytery Gathering speaker series.  Check out this line-up !

We plan to gather four times this year around the theme of being Co-Workers in God's Service, based on 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 (NIV).  You'll see a nice progression of the theme.  We start on February 4 by looking at... ( READ MORE ).
PRESBYTERY PULSE
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE WELCOMES
REV. DR. J. HERBERT NELSON
The Presbytery of Milwaukee is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk 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.
IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE! THE 2020 PRESBYTERY GATHERING POSTER IS HERE!
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.
PRESBYTERY OFFICE CLOSURE
The Presbytery Office will be closed Monday, January 20, 2020, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 21st, for normal business hours.
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION
As we approach this year's celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25), the committee working on the Twentieth Anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification wanted to share this signed document endorsing the continued commitment to the unity Christ desires for all those who profess, believe, and are baptized into that One Christ.  
The committee is composed of 
Rev. Paul D. Erickson, Bishop, Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA
Bishop Jeffrey Hanes, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Rev. Dr. Christian D. Boyd, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Milwaukee (PCUSA)
Rt. Rev. Steven Miller, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
Rev. Forrest R. WElls, SE Dist. Superintendent, Wisconsin Conference UMC
"By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and received the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works." (para. 15 JDDJ)
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.
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Just as the snow starts to fly, we get the good news that summer will eventually come.  The Pilgrim Center-UCCI has its summer program dates available, and registration is open on their website.  Sessions fill up fast, so be sure to register as soon as you can!
Milwaukee Presbytery provides youth camp scholarships of up to $150.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
FROM OUR MISSION CO-WORKERS IN LEBANON, SYRIA, & IRAQ
For an on-the-ground report from our mission co-workers in Lebanon, Syria, 
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 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