The latest news for you

From Rachel Yates, Presbytery Executive

STAYING BUSY

Since I last wrote, a lot has happened on the Church calendar. Advent came to a close; we celebrated Christmas; and because of the way our Sundays arrived this year, many of us observed Epiphany (and New Year’s Day) this past Sunday. This week, we’re already well on our way to Baptism of the Lord Sunday. Is it Lent yet?

Before we advance too far, I want to share one more story from the Christmas season. I offer it in the spirit of Christmas, but also for...(read more)

Presbytery Pulse

RACIAL EQUITY & JUSTICE TASK FORCE SURVEY

The Racial Equity and Justice Task Force (REJTF) is asking for a clergy person in each congregation in the Presbytery to complete their survey regarding the state of anti-racism work throughout the Presbytery. When the Presbytery established the REJTF, they were asked to consider engaging all congregations in the Presbytery through a review of current efforts related to racial equity and justice. The survey is our first step in doing this. It is being sent directly to clergy via email on Wednesday, January 4. The REJTF would like all surveys completed by Wednesday, January 25. If you have any questions, members of the Task Force would be happy to answer questions and support you in this.

THE ORDINATION OF LISA LYNNE KIRKPATRICK

All ordained clergy are invited to wear liturgical vestments and gather in the narthex for the processional at 2:00 p.m.

Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church, 2366 N. 80th Street, Wauwatosa, 53213

MILWAUKEE PRESBYTERY AND SOUTH CENTRAL SYNOD OF WISCONSIN (ELCA) COMMISSIONING OF REV. DAN GONZALEZ-ORTEGA

TOD BOLSINGER TO VISIT PRESBYTERY

Presbytery pastors and leadership teams mark your calendars for February 17 and 18 and two opportunities to join with renowned author and speaker Tod Bolsinger as we engage the vital marks of Empowered Servant Leadership and Ecclesial Health.

On Friday, February 17, Tod will lead us in a retreat:

How NOT to Waste a Crisis.

As the world is emerging from the disruption of the past few years, what has become of your congregation? What challenges are you facing? What capacities have you discovered? What opportunities are before you that you couldn't even see before? And mostly, what leadership will be required of you?

Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience will take us through some interactive sessions that will help us develop the leadership capacity needed to take a congregation through a world of constant disruption and change--and how you can not only survive, but thrive.

More details on location, time, and registration to come!

And on February 18^th Tod joins us as the speaker and guest preacher for our presbytery gathering at West Granville as we shift from Empowered Servant Leadership to Ecclesial (Church) Health.

FPC RICHFIELD'S REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR SUCCESS

In November, FPCR’s Slinger Food Pantry Liaisons brought forward the idea of the church family doing a“Reverse Advent” food collection for the Pantry, an idea that had been shared in Fresh Impressions. With a little tweaking to match the FPCR calendar, the idea came to fruition and was communicated to the FPCR community just in time for Advent.

Read about the success First Presbyterian Church of Richfield had with the Reverse Advent Calendar.

VIRTUAL OFFICE TRANSITION, #1

As the Council explores the transition to a fully virtual Presbytery Office by year-end, they have asked the staff to reflect on what the physical office closure might mean for the Presbytery. Rachel Yates reflects: For 3 of the 5 years that I’ve been your Presbytery Executive, I’ve worked from my home office (aka the laundry room, dining room, or kitchen). It was rare that I needed to “go to the office,” except maybe to look at an old file. Even now, as your Bridge Executive, I’m able to serve with you from Idaho, hopefully seamlessly. The office staff typically meet by Zoom three times per week. The meetings can be as short as a half hour, but they still allow us to check in with each other on ministry activity and needs and to maintain collegiality. I continue to support the Commission on Transitional Ministries, which also meets by Zoom even though the office conference room is available. This saves travel time and, for pastor candidate interviews, travel expenses. Happily, when we need to gather, there are many available venues. Pre-COVID, the staff enjoyed our periodic days on the road, when we would set up the office at a coffee shop in Janesville or Racine or Delafield, and invite nearby pastors or church members to drop in. We look forward to gathering in these settings in the coming year.

CELEBRATING REV. ALAN MCCALISTER'S MINISTRY

Please join Second Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of Milwaukee in celebrating Rev. Alan McCalister on his impending retirement at the end of this year. While in the Presbytery of Milwaukee, Alan has served Westminster Presbyterian Church and Second (Racine). He also finished his years of service with University Christian Ministries, our ecumenical campus ministry at UW-Milwaukee. Second hosted a lively retirement party, with members and guests from around the Presbytery.

REV. DAN GONZALEZ-ORTEGA AWARDED TWO HONORARY DOCTORATES

On December 19, Rev. Dan Gonzalez-Ortega, our Presbytery Evangelist, was recognized for his 12 years as President of the Theological Community of Mexico. In a farewell ceremony, he received the Doctorate Honoris Causa granted by the Universidad Autónoma Central Santo Tomás de Aquino "for his important contributions in national and international institutions in biblical and ecclesial matters, as well as for his unconditional support in the establishment of higher studies in Sacred Scriptures and Theology in Jalisco, Mexico.”

The Forum for Ecumenical Theological Education in Latin America and the Caribbean also awarded a Doctorate Honoris Causa to Dr. Gonzalez with emphasis in religious sciences for the impact of his ecumenical efforts in theological education.

This ceremony allowed students, professors, and institutions of theological education from across Mexico and many Latin American countries to bid farewell to Dr. Dan Gonzalez-Ortega. These two honorary doctorates are representative of more than 50 theological seminaries in this region of the continent. However, our Milwaukee Presbytery Evangelist was quick to respond: "Soli Deo Gloria, glory must be given to God alone.”

Building Ministry Vitality

Through Matthew 25

Empowered Servant Leadership:

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

HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER MY CHURCH IS READY TO INNOVATE?

Creative churches don’t panic when things go wrong. They pivot. But how do you know whether your church is prepared for it?

You can find this article and other resources in the Empowered Servant Leadership section of our website.

News From The Denomination

PC(USA) 2023-24 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications for 2023-2024 scholarships through the Presbyterian Mission Agency are now open. The applications are available in English, Spanish, and Korean through the Kaleidoscope platform linked through the Financial Aid for Service page of the Presbyterian Mission Agency website. The Kaleidoscope platform allows students to complete the application at their own pace over the span of weeks or months until the final deadline of May 15, 2023. As a host for other grants and scholarships, it also allows students to apply simultaneously for several scholarships through multiple foundations — a further benefit for students seeking to finance their education.

REGARDING RULING ELDERS

Now What?

Julie Hester has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.

What You See in '23

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

In 2023 we want to see what you see! Send Kate photos of things that catch your eye -- beautiful sunrises, storm clouds, people laughing, celebration events, flowers blooming, pet antics -- all the things that catch your breath, make you smile, or bring joy to your heart. The photos will be compiled into a monthly collage to be shared in Fresh Impressions.

God is at work in the world through all these moments that cause you to snap a quick picture! Let us share that glimpse of God with the Presbytery.

Photos submitted by Presbytery staff

Invitations

2023 OJIBWE STORYTELLING SERIES

In Ojibwe culture, winter is storytelling season. The Wisconsin Historical Society is very excited to bring you four wonderful Ojibwe storytellers: Mike Wiggins, Val Barber, Chris McGeshick, and Wanda McFaggen.

Storytelling will meet virtually, via Zoom, Tuesday evenings, January 10^th - 31^st from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. This series is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Once you’re registered, you will receive a zoom link to attend that evening.

Please visit https://wihist.org/OjibweStorytelling to learn more about the storytellers and to register for these events.

For questions please contact Liz Arbuckle at liz.arbuckle@wisconsinhistory.org.

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES PRESENTS FAITH & DEMOCRACY

COPING WITH GRIEF AND TRAUMA BROCHURE

The City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) created a small brochure in English and Spanish for victims and their families coping with grief and trauma.

Employment Opportunities