FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
ALPHABET SOUP
I never did like alphabet soup.  It always looked good in the commercials - or at least, it looked fun.  In reality, I thought it tasted terrible, and I could never get enough of the right letters on my spoon to spell anything.  What a disappointment!

The Presbytery created its own pot of alphabet soup in February, a broth with random letters:  C, P, V, M, T.  We mixed up the ingredients of Presbytery responsibilities from our Manual of Operation and let them simmer for a time.  On our organizational spoon, letters began to group themselves as CCV, CTM, CPM. 

Having lived with our new organizational structure for a few months now, it felt timely to report on ...( READ MORE )
PRESBYTERY PULSE
PRESBYTERY HIGHLIGHTS
Weren't able to make it to the last Presbytery Gathering, but interested in the good work happening in the Presbytery?  Checkout the Presbytery Highlights, a one-page synopsis of the February 4, 2020 Presbytery Gathering.
WITH CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES
Nancy Theoharis, mother of Rev. Liz Theoharis and long-time member of North Shore Presbyterian church, passed away on June 6, 2020. An online memorial service was held on June 8th to celebrate Nancy's life. Nancy's obituary can be read online.
 
A NOTE ABOUT THE PRESBYTERY WORSHIP SERVICES
For the next two weeks, there will not be a worship service from the Presbytery while Ann works on two multi-faceted summer series that will include worship and options for Bible study and prayer.

The series will feature sermons from our own Milwaukee Presbytery preaching team that will be available both in a cohesive worship format or separate and adaptable for pulpit supply needs for online worship.

The first series, The Minor Leagues (featuring the 12 minor prophets), will offer some fun baseball themes while at the same time tackling the realities of our day through the voices of those who knew what it was to be a disparate people and struggling for justice in the world.  It will launch July 8.
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore these online services available each week from our member congregations:  www.pbymilwaukee.org/covid-19coronavirus-worship-resources.html.
UPDATED PULPIT SUPPLY LIST
The Presbytery of Milwaukee has updated the Pulpit Supply list with new information you can use when you need help filling your pulpit (digital or physical).  Check it out here.
COVID-19 PRESBYTERY RELIEF GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Presbytery of Milwaukee Council and Commission on Congregational Vitality are working together to provide relief aid and support for our congregations in response to COVID-19.
Please see this  grant application form for details.  Grants are available to both individual ministers and congregations.
We continue to hold you and your ministries in prayer.
If you have any questions, please contact Ann Gibbs, Associate for Ministry Vitality.
LORD, HERE WE ARE - COVID-19 HYMN
Michelle Henrichs and Heidi Surprenant have written a new hymn (with vocal line) for this difficult time.  They are offering it to you to use.  Thank you for this musical gift! 
ANYTHING BUT COVID-19 NEWS
MILWAUKEE HABITAT'S GOOD NEWS TUES. (ON WEDNESDAY)
On February 28th, as the world was just beginning to understand the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carleda got the keys to her brand new Milwaukee Habitat home. She and her three children realized the safety, security and stability of their four-bedroom Midtown residence mere weeks before Governor Evers issued the Stay At Home Order. The home would have been a welcomed departure from their previous rental under normal circumstances. But this pandemic has made having a safe, affordable place to call home more important than ever before.
AMERICA'S 11 MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES
Tourists love to visit the National Mall Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., but few know that the National Park Service site is threatened by rising sea levels and outdated infrastructure.   Visitors to Nashville's Music Row may not realize that many historic buildings where hits were produced are being demolished in favor of new development.   And sacred artifacts -- some dating back 8,000 years -- near Bears Ears and Canyons of the Ancients national monuments in southeastern Utah are being threatened by oil and gas extraction.  Read more about these, and others, in the 32nd annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
TINY HEDGEHOG GOES CAMPING WITH TINY EQUIPMENT
Animal photos which tell a story have become very popular on social media and lots of pet are now Internet sensations. This tiny adorable hedgehog is called Azuki and has taken Instagram by storm thank to all the cute photos which illustrate him all sorts of day-to-day situations. Azuki is a pygmy hedgehog and appears in photoshoots while being dressed up, sporting adorable hats, or going on camping trips with his tiny camping equipment. According to the latest pictures, Azuki had a blast on a camping trip, where he cooked, relaxed, and even went canoeing. The pictures speak for themselves and if you want to follow the adventures of Azuki, just click follow on his Instagram account and get your daily dose of cuteness.
224TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FROM LAMENT TO HOPE: GA 224
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) meets biennially in even-numbered years. It consists of commissioners elected by each of its 173 presbyteries.
 
The assembly acts on hundreds of items of business, which it receives through the reports and recommendations of various assembly entities, and through overtures from synods and presbyteries.
 
This year's GA will be held entirely online. The GA business meeting will take place June 19, June 26, and June 27.
 
Other virtual events that the public are encouraged to attend include the Poor People's Assembly and Moral March, Hands and Feet:Youth Rising Coalition, and two Bible Study sessions. Click here for a full docket. Please note: all times listed on the GA website are Eastern time zone.
OUR COMMISSIONERS TO GA 
The elected commissioners from the Presbytery of Milwaukee are Rob Ater and Cathy Manthei. Elizabeth Tan is attending as our Youth Adult Advisory Delegate. All the commissioners will be participating in the General Assembly virtually, and we thank them for representing the Presbytery of Milwaukee!
MASS POOR PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY & MORAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON
June 20, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and June 21, 5:00 p.m., Central time zone
On June 20, 2020, the digital stage is being built for the plight, fight and insight of poor, dispossessed, and impacted people. The two-hour program will include the stories, solutions, and songs of movement leaders and artists. Participants will receive information on how to go back to our communities to take action together and continue building power for November's election and beyond.

 

A global pandemic is exposing, even more, the already existing crisis of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and militarism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. On June 20/21, the 140 million poor and low-wealth people across this nation will be heard! Click here for more on the campaign, resources, and registration.
HANDS AND FEET: YOUTH RISING COALITION
June 23, 2:00 p.m., Central time zone
Young people in Baltimore are looking for opportunities. They have the ideas, talent and the dreams for their future, but oftentimes they are overlooked and their talents go undeveloped. Racism and classism are rampant. With no hope and no support, they look for other means to help support themselves or their families.
 
Youth Rising Coalition members and supporters will join the 224th General Assembly (2020) for an online event. All are invited to participate as we gather here in Baltimore and across the country . . .
 
To hear the voices and stories of Baltimore area youth who have compelling ideas about creating a more just and opportune environment for young people.
Join with community and faith leaders who stand alongside these young people and the organizations that empower them, to amplify their voices, making their hopes our opportunity for action.
 
All are invited participate in this online event on June 23 at 2 p.m. central time. Click here for more information on the Youth Rising Coalition and the online event.
 
The GA224 Worship Offering will go towards
the Youth Rising Coalition to help Baltimore youth rise above job scarcity in Baltimore.
Contribute to the offering here .
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INFORMATION AND LIVESTREAM
Read the Pre-GA Bulletin  to find out what's coming up at this year's General Assembly.

K eep up to date on all the latest news prior to General Assembly on their website.
 
Follow General Assembly as it happens via their livestream on the website at  https://ga-pcusa.org/  
or the GA Facebook   page.
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
THE CHURCH FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IS HERE!
The Presbyterian Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the Church Financial Leadership Academy (CFLA). The CFLA is an E-learning platform designed to help  pastors institute best practices for church financial leadership, introduce them to new models of giving and stewardship, and offer new ways to talk about money and form generous disciples within their congregation.
The CFLA will enable you to:
  • Complete the courses at your own pace
  • Use the courses as a resource later
  • Share your playlist with other congregational staff
  • Access courses and resources at no cost to you
Experience the interactive online educational tool for pastors today. Simply visit Churchfla.org and create an account using the registration code: PCUSA
If you have questions or comments feel free to contact serving@presbyterianfoundation.org , or 800-858-6127 ext. 5904. 

2020 RACIAL ETHNIC STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Synod of Lakes & Prairies has announced it is now accepting applications for its 2020 Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship.  The Student Scholarship is an educational assistance program designed to encourage indigenous and students of color 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 leadership development and quality instruction of clergy and lay persons for lifelong service. Application awards are based on personal achievement, financial need and recommendation from a teacher and pastor.
 
Completed applications are due September 30, 2020  and must include an official transcript and financial aid statement.
 
Please help share this news by distributing the form to eligible students and interested church partners.  Still have questions? Contact Elona Street-Stewart, 651-357-1149 or estreetstewart@lakesandprairies.org .
REGARDING RULING ELDERS:
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS

Praying for Others in the Time of Pandemic
Susan Forshey has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
VIEW "JUST MERCY" FOR FREE IN JUNE
"Just Mercy," directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, tells the true story of the first case of long-time civil rights advocate Bryan Stevenson, who in the late 1980s became the head of Alabama's Equal Justice Initiative right after graduating from Harvard Law School.

Seeking to overturn the falsely obtained conviction of Walter McMillian, the African American lawyer runs up against a thoroughly racist justice system, starting with the police, the district attorney, the prison guards and the judges. Only by a persistence like the widow in Jesus' Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge does Stevenson emerge victorious at last. The faith of the advocate and of the African American family is well depicted, with the lawyer's words near the ending possessing a biblical ring: "We all need justice, we all need mercy, we all need unmerited grace."
Presbyterian pastor and film critic Edward McNulty provides discussion questions for the acclaimed film so Presbyterians and others "can take advantage of a major film shedding light on systemic racism."
The studio has made the film very easy to watch. It's available for free via most services where you would normally pay to rent a film:  YouTube,  iTunes,  Amazon Prime Video, and  Google Play.
SYNOD OF LAKES AND PRAIRIES PANDEMIC SUPPORT GRANTS
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic could materially diminish income streams and threaten staffing and ministries across presbyteries, churches and camps, the Synod has identified approximately $251,000 to date which can be used to support the staffing needs of affiliated organizations.
 
Grants will be offered on the basis of need and for a maximum of $10,000 or one month of a church's average operating costs for:
  • Churches whose vitality would be threatened by disruption to staffing and ministry programs;
  • Churches and ministries in need which serve historically marginalized communities; and
  • Camps, particularly as they seek to maintain programs staffed by college students.
 
In all cases, the Presbytery would apply for grants on behalf of churches whose vitality or critical ministries are threatened by financial impacts of the pandemic. If you believe your congregation or ministry qualifies for and has a need for these grant funds, please notify Associate for Ministry Vitality Ann Gibbs at agibbs@pbymilwaukee.org .
 
Grants within each program will be awarded within two award periods:
 
Award Period                   Application Deadline              Award Decision          Award Distribution
Summer                           June 30, 2020                          July 15, 2020               July 30, 2020
Fall                                   August 31, 2020                      September 15, 2020   September 30, 2020

INVITATIONS
PANDEMIC STEWARDSHIP: LIVING IN HOPE
Thursday, June 18, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
In this challenging time many congregations worry about finances.  How can they encourage generosity at a time when many people financially struggle?  How does the church  talk of hope amid such uncertainty?  Rev. Pete Reuss will address these core challenges to congregational life in this Zoom workshop.  He will provide practical tools that will inspire congregations to encourage the generous giving that allows them to boldly live out God's mission. 

Find our more about this workshop and register here.
3 WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES FROM LEADERWISE

Conversations on Race
three evenings: July 7, 14 and 21, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm (Central time)
 Join LeaderWise Staff for three 90-minute online conversations about race. Listen to a panel of speakers of different cultural backgrounds, who will share their experiences with race and racism; participate in small group conversations facilitated by LeaderWise staff; and ask questions during Q&A with our panelists. Okokon Udo , a LeaderWise staff consultant, organized a similar in-person event last year for a church in the Twin Cities suburbs, which drew a large gathering and sparked deep, honest conversations. Click here to register to participate in a similar series of conversations online.
Unmasking Discovery: A Journey of Identity, Voice and Impact
 a 15-Hour Workshop, Fall 2020
 Come with Okokon Udo  on a journey of social action and personal transformation. As he explains, we all learned to wear masks as a way to function in the world, which once served a purpose but now hold us back. These out-of-date masks include racist messages that limit our ability to be fully present with ourselves and others. You are invited to examine the masks you've had, to re-discover your authentic self, and to create a new way of being in the world. Okokon shares, "This workshop is about making life simpler, richer and lighter and about enhancing leadership impact in the world." Registration for this workshop is not yet open. Please click here to indicate your interest in this workshop and to be notified when registration opens.

Wellness and Leadership Consultations
 1-Hour One-on-One Meetings through August

Societal and personal transformation is emotionally hard work, and, for those of us serving in leadership positions, it can stretch and test our skills, too. To help you remain resilient and impactful while you engage in this work, check in with one of our counselors for a wellness consultation or with one of our coaches for a leadership consultation. LeaderWise has reserved 10 hours per week for pro bono wellness and leadership consultations for anyone who might wish to access them. We will schedule people on a first-come basis. Begin the process by submitting this form.
NOT MY IDEA: A BOOK ABOUT WHITENESS
Through June 19th, Dottir Press is offering a free download of Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness.  

From the author, " When grown ups try to hide scary things from kids...it's usually because they're scared too.
'Not My Idea'  is a book for white children of open-minded white parents who have been misled - as I was - into believing racial justice is going to happen eventually, like it's all going to work out somehow.
 
I want to shake us free from our delusions and call us into community. This book is a tool for white people to circle up, read and educate ourselves, talk it out, cry, and fight it out too.
 
That was the original idea-but I am now surprised to find that Black and Brown people use the book with Black and Brown children. This reveals another layer of my ignorance. I believed that Black and Brown people already know everything about race, and it's only the white people who are confused.
 
While white people are confused about forces of white supremacy working through us, Black and Brown people are confused (and traumatized and exhausted) by navigating systems of oppression-including white people like me and my kids who don't always know when we're doing it.
 
We all need to to learn how to see white supremacy where it lurks (in us!) so we can weaken its control over us."
ATTEND PRESBYTERIAN PEACE CAMP FROM HOME
June 18-27
Presbyterian Peace Camp: A Virtual Week of Learning, Prayer and Action  will be June 18-27 during time slots when the General Assembly business meeting is not in session. The Peace Fellowship invites GA commissioners and advisory delegates, denominational leaders and staff, and Presbyterians across the nation to join virtually in daily experiences of worship, issue teach-ins and action. The actions will focus on the peace and justice witness that local presbyteries and congregations can make in their home communities, including responses to the escalating movement to end police brutality against communities of color. Peace Camp is offered free of charge and will include the annual Peace Breakfast on Wednesday morning, June 24.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE TASK FORCE
SELF-CARE TOOLS #10
by Marilyn Stone
The importance of self-care was recently highlighted by PDA's Emotional and Spiritual Care Team.  "In these ever shifting, unpredictable times of virtual worship services and pastoral care, post home schooling childcare, working from home, and doing our best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, we are all learning as we go.  Most of us are making a few mistakes along the way.  A common theme in the emotional and spiritual care wisdom being shared in these days is ...( READ MORE )
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
A LETTER FROM ELLEN & ALAN SMITH, SERVING IN GERMANY, BELARUS, AND RUSSIA
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Berlin!
We are living through an unprecedented time. It is as though we have all paused mid-step, and we are waiting to move on. World Mission did call all of their mission personnel back in March, but Al and I requested and were granted an exception, allowing us to shelter in place in Berlin. Germany did pass through a terrible time with the virus, but things begin to find a new normalcy. It isn't what was, at least not yet. We are required to wear ...( READ MORE )
REV. LYDIA NESHANGWE APPOINTED MODERATOR OF COUNCIL OF WOLD MISSION 
We bring this sign of the church alive:  The Presbytery of Milwaukee celebrates with the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa ( http://www.unitingpresbyterian.org ) the appointment of our sister, the Rev. Lydia Neshangwe, as the Moderator of the Council of World Mission . 

As previously reported, Lydia also is a candidate for the position of Moderator of the General Assembly of the UPCSA.  Lydia has served the CWM's various programs for four years, and, if elected by the UPCSA, will serve both organizations simultaneously. We thank God for the gifts and strengths Rev. Neshangwe will continue to bring to the church universal.

Read the letter from the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa 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 -  May 2020 Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES

2020 Presbytery Gathering Posters are available for download and distribution!

  • 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