Soft serve ice cream is flowing

68th annual Synod School is well under way

New at Synod School is the use of an app, allowing attendees to view schedules and documents, share pictures, receive notices and plan additional activities to attend.

Meredith Sauer, Synod School Dean, welcomed attendees Sunday evening before Tim Hughes Williams, guest worship leader, led the opening service.

Monday began with Sara Sutter leading nearly 600 attendees in Morning Song and a Prayer. Convocation speaker Elizabeth Hinson Hasty, started the week long look at this year's theme; Experiencing Belonging "...so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually, we are members one of another." Romans 12:5.

Middle and high school youth participate in planned programs with their very own guest convocation speaker Alonzo Johnson.

All attendees are able to participate in spiritually based art experiences led by Artist in Residence Cathy Kolwey.

Throughout the week special activities are available to participants. Art Share offers everyone the opportunity to create a special Synod School memory. Several people offer a mini-experience of their particular art or craft such as silk-screening. Evening mini-courses offer one-time sessions on a wide range of topics from continuing the discussion begun at morning convocation with Elizabeth Hinson Hasty, to Socially Responsible Investing, to games night. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg in things to do.

If none of those activities peak an attendees interest there is the Synod School tie-dye craze. Over two evenings 80 or more people transform the plain t-shirt into a one of a kind item.

The soft serve ice cream is always popular.

You can follow us on FaceBook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/77936670308.

The 225th General Assembly ends on a note of gratitude and hope for the future of the church

Volunteer opportunities

A message from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

It is clear that COVID will influence the way we live and do ministry for years to come. Yet in an adapting world, natural disasters continue to affect communities, who still rely on the generosity of volunteers to support the long-term recovery from floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Individuals and families who have been marginalized in the past continue to be marginalized during disaster recovery.

Along with many other faith-based and non-profit groups, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) provides opportunities to step into the gap, walk with those impacted, and work towards healing. 

PDA currently has 7 host sites receiving volunteer teams, and hopes to have an eighth site prepared to receive volunteers in late summer 2022. Click here to find our about the available sites and how to volunteer.

Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship applications now being accepted

The Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship Fund is an educational assistance program designed to encourage racial ethnic students in their preparation for academic success in higher education. Students must have a permanent residence within the Synod of Lakes and Prairies and be active members in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation. The synod is committed to partner with students and schools for greater access to lifelong leadership skills and affordable education. Application awards are based on personal achievement, financial need and recommendation from a teacher and pastor. Submission deadline is September 30, 2022.

Applications are available here.

A COVID-19 update from Lisa Allgood

Executive Presbyter of Cincinnati Presbytery and Immunocytochemist

The current Omicron variant in circulation, BA.5, is adept at evading the current vaccine, even with boosters. It has enough variations to have successfully created a series of new waves across Europe as well as now beginning in the United States. While the original vaccine and boosters continue to protect against serious illness with Omicron BA.5, re-infections and new infections with this variant are increasing steadily. COVID Omicron BA.5 is evolving to evade protection from infection offered by both vaccination or recovery from previous illness with COVID, and it is more transmissible as well, although it generally causes milder symptoms than the original COVID except in those at high risk and with underlying medical conditions or immune insufficiency.

With restrictions and caution relaxed now for so long and immediate protection from the original vaccines waning, a variant that evades the vaccine has been a growing concern in the epidemiologic community. Right now CDC notes...(read more)

Building Ministry Vitality through Matthew 25

Adult Faith Formation

An interview with Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka

Lifelong Discipleship means growing in faith doesn't stop with confirmation. In this interview, Rodger addresses questions on developing attractive options for adult learners, where to find resources, support for teachers and recruitment tools as well as how to have meaningful conversations about our faith, including with those who have been hurt by the church in the past.

Presbytery of Milwaukee

Lifelong Learning Grants

We are excited to offer multiple opportunities to support congregational leaders, through scholarships and financial support grants, and PC(USA) institutions hosting programs that nurture and equip congregational leaders. Learn more and apply here.

Tending to Trauma: Yours, Mine, and Ours

Mon., August 8th – Tue., August 9th, 2022•9:00am – 1:00pm

Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center

“The opposite of trauma is connection,” says therapist and sociologist Terry Real. Traumatizing experiences leave us feeling isolated and lonely. In this retreat, therapist and professor Carla Dahl will lead us in exploring how to relate to our personal trauma histories, how to recognize and tend to the evidence of traumatic experiences in others, and how to deepen our awareness of collective trauma (including intergenerational trauma and community experiences of disaster). We will discuss physiological and spiritual aspects of trauma, the importance of self-compassion, and practices and rituals that help re-establish connection with ourselves and others. Whether you are personally experiencing trauma or caring for others with traumatic experiences, (or both), this retreat will increase your capacity to live with hope and healing in the midst of it all. Find out more and register for this event here.