Your Weekly News & Updates |
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From Rachel Yates, Presbytery Executive |
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At our September 22 Presbytery Gathering, we introduced the final theme of our six-segment Matthew 25 vision: food security. Drawn from the question, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you?”, we turn our attention to ensuring all have enough to eat. We also have a chance to dive into the topic of food sovereignty, or control over the means and outcome of food production.
Next week is an excellent kick-off: Oct. 10–17 is...(read more)
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PRESBYTERY GATHERING HIGHLIGHTS |
Weren't able to make it to the last Presbytery Gathering, but interested in the good work happening in the Presbytery? Check out the Presbytery Gathering Highlights, a one-page synopsis of the September 22, 2021 Presbytery Gathering.
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Spiritual Care Week gives organizations the opportunity to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their midst and the ministry which the caregivers provide. The first Pastoral Care Week was held in October 1985. Since then it has grown beyond national to international proportions. In Milwaukee Presbytery, we offer prayers and our gratitude to the many chaplains and specialized ministers, who have faced unique and difficult stressors during the pandemic: Kerri Allen, Julie Craig, Nicole Farley, Steve Fringer, Ann Gibbs, Thomas Goetz, Dottie Halverson, Erin Hittle, Traci Houts, Judi Holmes-Jensen, Barbara Horner-Ibler, Meagan Ludwig, Alan McCalister, Elizabeth McCord, Catherine Neal, Adam Walker Cleaveland, and Carol Wickersham. Loving God, embrace them in their calling, capture their tears, grant them rest, and encourage them for the work ahead. Amen! |
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The Synod of Lakes & Prairies Assembly met for its Fall meeting on October 3 & 4. Synod Executive & GA Co-Moderator Elona Street-Stewart gave a shout out to Milwaukee Presbytery for its innovative Matthew 25 work. Rev. Lance Loveall (First Kenosha) gave the report for the Finance Committee. In its programming, the Synod is working to attract and retain pastoral leadership in light of challenges faced by many congregations. Rev. Deb DeMeester also reported on congregational vitality programming in the works for 2022, in collaboration with Milwaukee Presbytery. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO MADDIE LANNON |
Maddie Lannon, Middler at Princeton Theological Seminary and Inquirer in the Presbytery of Milwaukee, received a 2021 Apollos Scholarship through the Omaha Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
The Apollos Scholarship Program directly supports the mission of the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation to seek, develop, and support excellence in Christian leadership through the Presbyterian Church (USA). The program has funded hundreds of seminary students since it was launched in 1954 by the Omaha Presbyterian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees.
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Matthew 25: I was hungry and you fed me... |
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FOOD WEEK OF ACTION & WORLD DAY OF FOOD
October 10-16, 2021
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We envision a world where everyone has enough affordable, healthy and culturally appropriate food – where one is hungry, and all workers in the food chain are fairly compensated, respected and celebrated!
Join the Presbyterian Hunger Program and global partners in building more just and sustainable food & farm systems!
The Global Food Week of Action includes World Food Day (Oct. 16), International Day for Rural Women (Oct. 15), and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Oct. 17).
Put your faith into action today!
People and Planet First is the theme of this year’s Oct. 10–17 Food Week of Action. People and Planet First mean prioritizing family farmers, fishers and others producing in harmony with nature – agroecologically – and achieving food sovereignty. As communities continue to face the pandemic and vulnerable food chains, we are called to build resilient food systems to protect and cool the planet while putting farmers and workers first. Food Week highlights groups and initiatives that are building equitable and sustainable food systems, while also tackling the economic and racial drivers of hunger, poverty, and oppression.
Gather us so that we may pour out our lives in Christ’s name, as Christ does on behalf of those who hunger.
For hope. For justice. For daily bread.
So that it will be on earth as it is in heaven.
For now and for always.
~ from the World Food Day Prayer, Presbyterian Hunger Program
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PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGAM RESOURCES |
Resources and materials are available from the Presbyterian Hunger Program, including educational resources for congregations and individuals. Many resources are available as free downloads or as printed copies for purchase. Below you will find links to specific resources created by the hunger program as well as recommended resources produced elsewhere. |
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Download current and previous issues of the Hunger Program’s quarterly journal. Each issue focuses on one hunger- and poverty-related topic and includes updates about PHP programs as well as reflections, scripture and activities. Email php@pcusa.org to sign up to receive the Post.
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MATTHEW 25: FEEDING THE HUNGRY |
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HELP FEED COLLEGE STUDENTS! |
At the September Presbytery Gathering, GA Co-Moderator Elona Street-Stewart lifted up college students as one of our population segments who struggle with food insecurity. University Christian Ministries (UCM) serves the UWM campus. For over 20 years we have provided FREE Meals to UWM students. The Presbyery Council recently provided funding to help UCM spread the word on campus about our FREE Meal program. You can help by making a generous donation to UCM through our special GoFundMe fundraiser https://www.gofundme.com/f/make-a-difference-with-a-matching-gift, by a designated gift on our new website https://ucm-uwm.org/, or by sending a check made out to “UCM” to: University Christian Ministries, 2211 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee,WI 53211.
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COVID-19 News & Information |
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The Missional Network, a consultant for Awaken Dane, has developed a new and free resource entitled Leading Out of COVID to support churches as they make yet another transition through the pandemic.
"Leading out of COVID gives you a concrete way to work with your leadership team and name together what you want to carry with you into this next, unknown, stage of being a congregation. Gather with a group of leaders in your congregation for four s essions and do the following: dwell in Scripture, attend to stories about people's experiences during COVID, connect these stories to what's next for your church, and determine how to share what you have discerned in order to shape what's next."
Awaken Dane will be working to integrat this resource into the work it is already doing with some of its participating churches.
Click here to learn more or download this free resource.
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PC(USA) VACCINATION EXEMPTION INFORMATION |
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News from the Denomination |
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GENDER AND INCLUSION TRAINING |
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s final gender-and-inclusion workshop of 2021 will be presented in mid-October. There is still time to sign up for Gender & Inclusion Training at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on October 19 and held on Zoom. This will be a private meeting, not shared on Facebook or any similar forum, to allow for a free-flowing, candid discussion between participants and leaders.
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CLOWN SHORTAGE: APPEAL FOR NEW RECRUITS IN NORTHERN IRELAND |
"There's a lot more to being a clown than just putting on a big red nose and a big baggy pair of pants."
That's according to David Duffy, co-owner of Duffy's Circus, who is appealing for people from Northern Ireland to become clowns.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a shortage of the performers, as many returned to their home countries when the first lockdown came into force in early 2020, according to Mr Duffy.
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Disaster Preparedness & Response Task Force |
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TEACH YOUTH ABOUT PREPAREDNESS
Disaster Preparedness for Families
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As we wrap up our Disaster Preparedness for Families Series, the Presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force encourages everyone to talk with their kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
- Review your family emergency communications plan with kids at your next household meeting.
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Kids, parents, & educators, visit the Ready Kids web pages in Spanish: www.ready.gov/es/ninos
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Need tips for talking to your kids about natural disasters? Visit www.ready.gov/kids/parents
- Many Americans aren’t familiar with their child’s school evacuation & reunification plans. Are you?
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Kids can become Disaster Masters with this @Readygov preparedness game: www.ready.gov/kids/games
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Get involved in Teen CERT. Find opportunities by learning about Teen CERT online: www.ready.gov/kids/teen-cert
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Your community needs YOU! Find opportunities to help your community here: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness
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SPAGHETTI DINNER AT FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
October 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
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Faith Presbyterian Church invites you to their annual spaghetti dinner catered by That's Amore on Saturday, October 16th. The annual event you have come to know and love, but this year, is drive-thru only again. Enjoy spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce, salad, bread, and a cookie at this affordable night-in that supports the work of Faith's Deacons. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Pre-order your tickets and pay online now or order and pay cash at the door.
Faith Presbyterian Church, 3800 W. Rawson Avenue, Franklin, WI.
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A CALL TO REJOICE
October 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
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The PWP of Milwaukee Coordinating Team extends an invitation for you to join our Virtual Women's Gathering on Saturday, October 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The theme for the day, "A Call to Rejoice" is based on Joel 2:21, "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!". Our speaker will be Lisa Schrader from Native Connections, an agency that works with youth to combat suicide, substance abuse, and mental health issues in Pine Ridge, on the Pine Ridge Reservation. This agency also provides programming for new mothers, including the "Welcoming the Child" ceremony, a Lakota traditional ceremony, and those grieving the loss of their children and youth. We will discuss ways one can partner with them.
This event is open to everyone, however, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
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THE ART OF TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP: VIRTUAL TRAINING
November 8-12, 2021, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Whether it is a change in leadership or a changing community, leading a congregation through change is both challenging and rewarding. It takes knowledge, skill, resilience and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of change in a way that leaders and congregations thrive. This training is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings (as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of their ministry setting. Best practices in transitional ministry include ways to enter the congregation and community, how to analyze a congregation’s strength and growing edges, and how to assist a congregation in moving toward a vibrant future. This training will delve into navigating change, the pastor as a spiritual interpreter of transition, family systems, mission focus ministry, conflict mediation, and building resiliency.
Participants completing the full 30 hours of training will meet the requirements for Week I Transitional Ministry Education. If you want a certificate of completion, you must actively participate in all sessions in their entirety. Tuition and fees cover the tuition as well as the costs of taking the Thomas Kilman Inventory and the Intercultural Development Inventory and its interpretation.
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PREACHING PRACTICUM WITH TOM LONG
November 19-21, 2021
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This weekend class invites participants to explore the craft of preaching from one the Presbyterian Church’s “master”preachers, Dr. Tom Long. This in person course provides the opportunity to walk through the practice of preparing a sermon alongside colleagues with the inspirational presence of a mentor.
Who should consider taking this class?
- Anyone who wants to grow in their faith and understanding of preaching the Word
- Session members and Deacons who may be called to preach
- Commissioned Pastors seeking a helpful continuing education opportunity
- Those who might be called to be commissioned pastors
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INVOLVEMENT OF YOUTH
A Message from Presbyterian World Mission
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The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) invite you to a partnership conference, Involvement of Youth, Sunday, October 17, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
This YOUTH partnership conference is to bring together people of all ages from both the Czech Republic and the U.S.A. to get to know the different ways of youth involvement, gain inspiration, and share mutual experiences. There will be four thematic workshops: youth activities in civil society, leading summer camps, ways you can be active outside the church, and youth involvement inside the church.
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A Letter from Your Mission Co-Worker Nadia Ayoub in Greece
Dear friends and family,
I greet you all in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I can never thank the Lord enough because He is our provider; indeed, he provided Jesus Christ for our salvation, and he is able to provide all our other needs. I thank you, my dear friends, for, through you, God shows his love for many needy people. Thank you for...(read more)
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The Sower - August 2021 Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
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Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church in Winnebago Presbytery seeks PASTOR
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Are you looking to break away from the stress of urban life? Are you ready for small town ministry on an intimate level? Consider living in the north woods of Wisconsin where there is an abundance ofthick forests, clear lakes and rushing streams. Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church is located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and is looking for a full time pastor either from the Presbyterian denomination or one of the denominations that covenants with PCUSA. We are a small to medium sized active church with a strong mission program and a definite presence in our communities. Please contact the Pastor Nominating Committee through Moderator Suzanne Bell (715-850-2488 text enabled) for more details on this amazing church and the opportunity it presents.
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Future Presbytery Gathering Dates |
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- THURSDAY, November 18, 2021
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Presbytery of Milwaukee
414-292-2740
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