The latest news for you

From Rachel Yates, Presbytery Executive

PEACE

From time to time, it’s helpful to move beyond our principal ways of thinking or communicating. I use words. A lot of words. I speak and write them. Some of you communicate best with music and song. Others paint or sculpt. We have our go-to approach for conveying meaning. When we shift out of our primary mode, however, we can activate other ways of thinking and feeling. We might find or convey new meaning.

For example, I have some...(read more)

Presbytery Pulse

AID FOR VICTIM OF SEX TRAFFICKING SOUGHT

Mission partner UMOS is in need of furnishings for the apartment of a victim of sex trafficking. The apartment is in the Milwaukee area and would need to be delivered directly to the apartment. The following items are needed, and your help is greatly appreciated!

1. Kitchen Essentials (pots, pans, dish towels, hot pads)

2. Small Rugs

3. Coffee table

4. Lamps

5. Night stand

Please notify Rachel Yates if you can contribute.

REV. DR. DAN GONZALEZ-ORTEGA ON A MATTER OF FAITH PODCAST

The November 24 episode of A Matter of Faith podcast featured our own Evangelista del Presbiterio/Presbytery Evangelist for Latinx Ministries Rev. Dr. Dan Gonzalez-Ortega!

Check out this third episode in the deconstruction of Matthew 25 series by visiting https://www.amatteroffaithpodcast.com/una-cuestion-de-fe

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING GRATITUDE

With gratitude for their continued and generous participation, the Presbyterian Mission Agency lifts up the following congregations of Milwaukee Presbytery, who have given to the Christmas Joy Offering for at least 20 years!

First Presbyterian Church, Richfield, Wisconsin

First Presbyterian Church, Horicon, Wisconsin

Grace Presbyterian Church, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church, West Allis, Wisconsin

Heritage Presbyterian Church, Muskego, Wisconsin

West Granville Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Mequon, Wisconsin

Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Building Ministry Vitality

Through Matthew 25

Empowered Servant Leadership:

"We all have gifts according to God's Grace"

TEAM TANNENBAUM DELIVERS CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR KENOSHA SENIORS

A Christmas kindness in Kenosha has grown into a heartwarming holiday tradition.

Some 10 years ago, a group of parishioners at First Presbyterian Church noticed a need they could fill. Some of the older church members found it difficult to put up a tree and decorate it. But with a little help from some younger volunteers, they could have a decorated tree with all the trimmings.

The idea worked and now after ten years the small group of volunteers have turned their simple idea into an organized team of do-gooders.

On CBS 58 Sunday Morning, Natalie Shepherd highlighted the giving spirit of Team Tannenbaum. (Video in link)

Although this article is from 2019, Team Tannenbaum is still active, spreading Christmas joy in Kenosha. This year trees were delivered and set up on December 3.

EMPOWERED SERVANT LEADERSHIP

For the next three months we are celebrating the Vital Mark of Empowered Servant Leadership. To be EMPOWERED leaders need know what they are being called to and provided training. The Presbytery of Milwaukee Empowered Servant Leaders webpage has resources to assist with training for elders and deacons. Visit https://www.pbymilwaukee.org/empowered-leadership.html and check out Mini-Manual for Ruling Elders by Winnebago Presbytery, Coming Alive in Christ: Training for PC(USA) Elders and Deacons Based on the Constitutional Questions, and Preparation for Ordered Ministry by Theocademy. And feel free to share what training resources you find helpful!

News From The Denomination

PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY RELEASES NEW LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES

The Presbyterian Mission Agency has released new resources to help promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion and understanding within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as anywhere that individuals or families may be seeking answers about issues related to inclusion and diversity.

The resources include “F.A.Q.S: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Church,” a guide that addresses questions such as “How does the Bible support the inclusion of all God’s people?” and “How does our denomination affirm the freedom and autonomy of identity?”

The second resource is “LGBTQIA+ Deepening Our Understanding: A Resource in Transgender Identity,” which is also written in a question-and-answer style and addresses topics such as “How can someone who is trans still be created in the image of God?” and “Does a trans person have to disclose their identity?”

The third resource is a bibliography covering various topics, such as LGBTQIA+ theology as well as pastoral care and ministry.

PARENT & CAREGIVER SURVEY

The Office of Christian Formation is exploring exciting new opportunities for supporting parents and caregivers in faith formation at home. Parents, caregivers, and grandparents are all invited to take this short 5 minute survey.

Out of the Blue in '22

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHORISTERS: WITH WHAT SHALL I COME?

Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10, 7:30 p.m.

Did you know that several members in the Milwaukee Presbytery participate in the Milwaukee Choristers? Enjoy their voices and accompaniment in Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria and Margaret Bonds’ Ballad of the Brown King, both with chamber orchestra, plus a delightful and surprising rendition of a Christmas favorite. Stay after the concert for cookies, punch and holiday raffle.

Non-perishable food items will be collected and distributed by Tosa Cares.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Bay Shore Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Hampton Road, Whitefish Bay, 53217

WAUKESHA WALK OF LIGHTS

Throughout December

This year the City of Waukesha is spreading holiday cheer with lights! Come down to the Riverwalk throughout the holiday season and see the Bus Depot, Gazebo, Love Bridge, Bryant Bridge and Friedman Alley lit up with holiday cheer! Lights will be lit each night starting at dusk following the December 2nd lighting ceremony.

29 Riverfront Street, Waukesha, 53156

Invitations

GET TO KNOW FAITH IN PLACE IN WISCONSIN!

Tuesday, December 13, 5:00-7:00 p.m. @ Fresh Madison Market

Faith in Place is the Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana affiliate of the nationwide Interfaith Power and Light campaign. (WCC's Justice and Witness Coordinator, Dr. Peter Bakken, served as the statewide coordinator for Wisconsin Interfaith Power & Light prior to its merger with Faith in Place.) Its mission is to empower people of diverse faiths and spiritualities to be leaders in advancing environmental and racial justice.

Faith in Place's partners and Green Teams (groups of three or more people from a spiritual community or area who join to create healthier communities by advancing environmental and racial justice) represent diverse traditions, including Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant Christian churches; Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist denomination Jewish synagogues; Muslim mosques; and Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Ancestral & Tribal Traditions, and Baha’i houses of worship.

If your congregation would like to partner in Faith in Place's mission, please contact Jonathan "Cosmic" Jackson, Wisconsin Outreach Coordinator, or Alexander Malchow, Wisconsin Policy Coordinator.

Fresh Madison Market, 703 University Avenue, Madison, 53715

BE PART OF A 2023 CLERGY COHORT

The Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal (ECCSR) located at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI, is accepting applications for it's fourth year, 2023 Clergy Cohort. If you’re a pastor who hungers for time to listen deeply to God and to your own heart in the context of a supportive, contemplative cohort of ecumenical pastors please consider applying!

Follow this link for more information if you:

Are open to receiving the blessings of the ancient rhythms of a progressive, ecumenical Benedictine monastery
Live within 4-5 hours driving distance of Madison, WI
Have approximately 3-15 years of experience serving as an ordained pastor in a congregational setting

Applications will be received until December 31, 2022. This program is made possible at no cost to pastors by a generous Thriving In Ministry Grant from the Lilly Endowment.