Your Weekly News & Updates |
|
From Rachel Yates, Presbytery Executive |
|
I’ve been monitoring my speech. I realized just how many violent metaphors I use: a shotgun approach, a bulletproof argument, fire away. That language is so commonplace, it rolls off my tongue with little thought. It might not make a difference for the pursuit of world peace, but I’m still trying to avoid words that suggest someone’s about to be killed.
Not even a pandemic could slow violence in our communities. A nonprofit group, Gun Violence Archives tracks gun violence in the United States, and it reported...(read more)
|
|
The Presbytery staff has returned to the office and is continuing to work "in building" throughout the summer on the Monday - Thursday schedule.
While the Presbytery staff has been fully vaccinated, portions of the building require visitors to wear masks. Please follow the latest CDC guidelines when visiting the Presbytery Office.
|
|
TRIGGER: THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF GUN VIOLENCE
"VIRTUAL" VIEWING AND DISCUSSION
|
The traumatic impact of gun violence can be seen in almost every community. We may hear briefly about the victims of these shootings, but what happens after the media attention moves on and the wider public becomes numb to 'just another shooting'? Drawing upon conversations with ER chaplains and trauma surgeons, police officers and ATF officials, survivors and victims' families, students and school counselors, and others, TRIGGER: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence shares the story of how gun violence impacts individuals and communities and examines the 'ripple effect' that one shooting has on a survivor, a family, a community and society.
We’ll gather via Zoom tomorrow, Thursday, July 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM to watch the award-winning film from Presbyterian director, David Barnhart, and then have guided discussion around the film.
As the content is powerful, you will be invited to join from somewhere comfortable and view the film with your computer’s camera off. We’ll make space for some silence when it ends and then turn on our cameras as desired and enter into our discussion time with prayer.
Register today for this Zoom event at
|
|
The Presbytery office is now taking orders for the 2021-22 planning calendars. The calendars begin with the month of September 2021 and go through December 2022 and will be printed on matte paper (not glossy paper like was used in 2020-21). We order in bulk, making the calendars a considerably cheaper price. Place your order before August 5th to be included in this price break.
|
|
UPDATE YOUR ONLINE WORSHIP INFORMATION |
|
PRESBYTERY STAFF EVALUATIONS -- DO YOU HAVE FEEDBACK? |
In August, the Presbytery Personnel Committee will be conducting evaluations of all our Presbytery staff. If you would like to provide a comment or concern about or celebration of any of the Presbytery Staff, please reach out to the Moderator, Rev. Jenny Gleichauf at jenny@covpres.org.
|
|
PRESBYTERY TREASURER SEARCH |
The Presbytery of Milwaukee is currently in search of a treasurer. Bookkeeping skills and comfort with numbers are required and computer skills to quickly be able to adapt to the financial software (ACS) will be a plus. This is a volunteer position of about 8-10 hours per month. If you know of someone who has the necessary skills and interest in serving the presbytery in this way, please have them contact the presbytery office. The sooner we have someone in this position the more time they have to train with Gail, our current treasurer. Thank you for helping us in this important matter.
Lance Loveall
Nominating Committee
|
|
COVID-19 News & Information |
|
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DELTA VARIANT |
Lisa Allgood, our trusted immunocytochemist and Executive Presbyter for Cincinnati Presbytery offers another update for us:
I’ve gotten notes or spoken to several pastors who are dealing with upcoming Session meetings about masks and the Delta variant and vaccines. A few things to consider:
- The Delta variant is in all 50 states and currently makes up more than 50% of new cases in the US and 80% of new cases in the Midwest
- The Delta variant is 60% more infectious than the original variant Alpha, and about twice as infectious (200%) as the original virus. That means it has and will continue to spread very rapidly, particularly in unvaccinated people.
-
Those who have both doses of an mRNA vaccine are more than 80% covered against Delta. Those who only have one shot are about 30% covered. The J&J shot is also effective at about...(read more)
|
|
AACC CONVERSATION ON COVID-19 |
The African American Council of Churches (AACC), through a grant received by the Wisconsin Council of Churches, will be conducting an open and honest discussion on COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination led by Elizabeth Priller RN, BSN.
The discussion, taking place on Saturday, July 17, at 4:00 p.m., will help educate the community about the dangers of COVID-19 and the importance of being vaccinated. The COVID-19 pandemic has social and racial injustices and inequity to the forefront of public health, making this free event a vital discussion.
Zoom Meeting ID: 447 278 9844
Passcode: 1zbkrC
|
|
EMPATHETIC LISTENING TRAINING FROM THE WCC |
Wisconsin Council of Churches’ long-awaited LOVE BUILDS UP training on empathetic listening is on the schedule! Join the WCC on Tuesday, July 20th, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. with a follow-up session on Wednesday, September 1st, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Both sessions will be provided by Zoom meeting.
This training will provide participants the tools and confidence they need to listen to COVID vaccine concerns, affirm people in their process, and steer them toward making a well-informed decision about vaccination. WCC will provide follow-up sessions to strengthen and consolidate skills, and help members of underserved communities tailor their approach.
|
|
COVID-19 VACUNACION INFORMACION EN ESPANOL |
Spanish-language answers to questions about COVID-19, information about other vaccine-preventable diseases, and resources for vaccines during pregnancy can be found at: https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/en-espanol/ . You can also find a series of videos in Spanish to share information about COVID-19 vaccinations with Spanish-speaking workers. The videos, produced by WI DHS in cooperation with Dr. Javier Rincon of Family Health La Clínica, address frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
|
|
Matthew 25: I needed clothes and you clothed me... |
|
GRACE UNITED TAKES UP MATTHEW 25 CHALLENGE |
Grace United Church in Fort Atkinson is close to doubling the $2000 given to them through the Matthew 25 Project! When the Matthew 25 Initiative began, Grace United decided to begin with Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents. Having been entrusted with a gift of $2000, they thought they ought to multiply it for the reign of God, before giving it away. So its members used the funds to invest in their projects of crocheting baby blankets, dish cloths and scrubbies; baking cookies, scones and bread; and making other crafts to sell at the Fort Atkinson Farmer's Market booth, where they braved a hot and rainy day to sell all their goodies and wares. Between these projects and other donations, the congregation has raised well over $1500, on top of the original $2000 gift. When its campaign ends on Labor Day, they hope to match or exceed the original gift! The next Farmer's Market booth is scheduled for July 24, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Everyone is invited to come out and say "hi," and buy up some yummy treats to help Grace United multiply its Matthew 25 "talents" for the reign of God!
Total funds will be divided between two worthy organizations:
The Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson, which is raising money to purchase a transitional home for families in crisis (www.forthomeless.org)--three of the members of Grace Church are founding members on the Board of Directors; and RIP Medical Debt (www.ripmedicaldebt.org), a national organization that purchases delinquent medical debt and cancels it for people in need. Pastor Delisa Buckingham-Taylor reports, “We really like this organization, because it can prevent people from becoming homeless, AND, it takes the money we multiplied, and multiplies even further (a hundred times--so $2000 will cancel $200,000 in debt!).
|
|
News from the Denomination |
|
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, TAKE ACTION |
The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Program is asking you join with other congregations across the United States on Sept. 4 by hosting a disarming event at your church. Invite persons in your church or community to safely surrender guns that they no longer want. Pray with or listen to the story of the person bringing the unwanted gun. You need a chop saw and an outside concrete area near a power source to disarm unwanted guns. Send the scrap parts to RAWtools to be made into garden tools or art. Spurred into action by the 2012 shooting at the Sandy Hook school, RAWtools has been implementing the vision of Isaiah by beating "swords into plowshares" and guns into garden tools for nearly ten years.
The Guns into Gardens project can utilize the skills of many in your congregation, from publicity and outreach, to pastoral care for those who donate guns, to correctly operating power tools, to securely handling the guns themselves. These initial September events in congregations can be small, even one firearm. Sign up HERE to learn more about how your church can become a disarming church.
PPF will provide training resources and support for Guns into Gardens and will help congregations share and learn from each other's experience. For questions, contact Rev. Deanna Hollas, new owner of a chop saw and Coordinator of the PPF Gun Violence Prevention Ministry, at deanna@presbypeacefellowship.org
|
|
FREE AT-HOME FAITH FORMATION RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN |
The PC(USA) is offering free resources specifically selected to help households with younger children engage in Scripture and story books that highlight the vision of being a Matthew 25 faith community. While the offer is intended for smaller congregations, it is open to all. Apply by filling out this survey; chosen congregations will receive an email that they've been selected, followed by a shipment of the resources. Surveys will be reviewed every two weeks beginning July 16.
|
|
NEW RESOURCES FOR POST-PANDEMIC REFLECTION |
As we move post-pandemic, with most, if not all, congregations returning to the sanctuary and building, we may find ourselves asking questions such as: What’s next? Where do we go from here? What needs to be left behind? What new opportunities do we have? The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators in partnership with the PCUSA Office of Christian Formation has created “Post-Pandemic Pondering & Planning: A Resource for Faith Re-Formation” to assist sessions, committees, church leadership, individuals, and others to consider and evaluate the ministry of faith formation, including Christian education, worship, and mission, as we begin to move beyond the pandemic. There are opportunities for brainstorming, reflection, and action around the themes of Identity, People, What’s Next, Self-Reflection, Capacity, and Program.
|
|
PRESBYTERIAN INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE GUIDE UPDATED |
When the last edition of the “Well Chosen Words” guide to inclusive language came out in 2010, “brothers and sisters” were listed as “Words that include,” and preferable to the commonly used “brothers” and “brotherhood,” which were listed as “Words that exclude.”
In the latest edition of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s guide, “brothers and sisters” is now listed as “Words that exclude,” with “siblings” and “humankind” being the inclusive terms.
“It was done well, for the time that it was done,” the Rev. Shanea D. Leonard, Associate for Gender & Racial Justice in the PC(USA) Office of Gender, Racial & Intercultural Justice, says of the 2010 guide. “There were some things that were outdated in there that needed to be done over. It’s been expanded to not only include the ways in which we encounter God within the text … it includes a chart of words that help us to build a more inclusive kin-dom. (Read more, find downloadable guides, and cards)
|
|
SUMMER OF SONG: A CONCERT SERIES |
Presbyterians are making a difference all over the world — and Presbyterian Giving Catalog saying thank you through song!
Summer of Song: A Concert Series brought to you by the Presbyterian Giving Catalog is their gift to you and the many others across the country who have come together to make a positive impact in the lives of people in need.
In this spirit, please join the July 21 performance by The Stillman College Concert Choir at 6:00 p.m. (cst). The gifted students of Stillman College — a Presbyterian-affiliated historically black college in Tuscaloosa, Alabama — will share sacred and secular music from the Renaissance to present.
Use this link to join the concert on July 21, or to revisit our June performance from Elizabeth Stockton Perkins.
Stay tuned for updates on the final concert in August, coming soon!
|
|
RACIAL ETHNIC STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION |
The Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministries of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies has just announced its 2021 Racial Ethnic Student Scholarship application for college students. The deadline for applications is September 30. 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, be active members in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation and have confirmation of enrollment in a college, university, or specialty program. Check out the application for more details.
|
|
The blues and a bit of soul and r&b and, of course, partying, dancing, and twisting and shouting are returning to Granville July 15-18! The Granville Blues Fest is back with an amazing lineup and headliners every night. There is also a delicious selection of food, drinks, and a vendor market.
Fun all weekend with the party beginning on Thursday, July 15 at 4:30 p.m. and continuing until Sunday at 10 p.m. Be prepared for a great weekend of music and fun and think about bringing your own chair.
|
|
Downtown Janesville Inc. will be hosting Nights on Festival (formally Street Fair) on the following Thursdays, July 15, August 19, September 16 from 4-8pm at Town Square.
Enjoy over 40 local vendors selling their wares. Be sure to grab dinner and drinks from one of the food trucks before enjoying the music on the great lawn area.
|
|
ROBES AND STOLES FOR SALE |
The Rev. Dr. Mark McDonough is selling a pulpit robe, cassock-alb, and six stoles. |
The pulpit robe is wine red with black doctoral chevrons and front panels trimmed with white piping. The robe is best for those over 6'1". It is ~45 years old and in good condition.
The cassock-alb is raw silk, off-white and also best for someone over 6'. The rope cincture comes with the robe.
There are six stoles, four traditional stoles in raw silk with symbols as shown. They are 40 years old. The green stole shows some wear at the apex of the yoke where it has rubbed against the collar of my pulpit robe. The red, white, and purple stoles show little wear. These four are part of a matched set.
There is an additional white stole with children pictured holding hands and an additional green stole with a quilted pattern. The white stole is ~8 years old and worn only 2 or 3 times. The green stole with the quilted pattern is ~20 years old but not worn often and still in excellent condition.
|
|
SELF-HELP FEDERAL CREDIT UNION INTRODUCTORY ZOOM |
Join Common Ground on Tuesday, July 20, at noon to learn more about Self-Help Federal Credit Union, a non-profit, member governed financial institution that now has two office in Milwaukee.
Self-Help specializes in serving Communities of Color offering products and services that will help people thrive financially. Common Ground has become a member and depositor along with the Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative.
Pamala Bell, the City Manager with Self-Help, will introduce Common Ground members and friends to the opportunity to support Self-Help by becoming a member.
|
|
HYBRID CHURCH -- COMBINING ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COMMUNITIES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. (CST)
|
Creating a hybrid church extends beyond Sunday morning. Bringing online and offline worship attendees together is only one step. To align your church with digital culture through hybrid experiences, we must find more creative practices than providing a dial-in for our events. In this hybrid webinar, New Church Ministry will
- Explore what it means to bridge offline and online in faith formation and spiritual practice
- Help participants deepen faith formation with technology
- Support spiritual practice and authentic connection across multiple platforms
- Discover good ideas with attendees to blend in-person worship with an online component — permanently
- Form diverse teams and make mission plans more efficiently
The current featured guests include Danielle Kosanovich DeNise (Director for Evangelical Mission, North Carolina Synod of ELCA), Jose Martinez (Associate Minister of New Church Strategies for New Church Ministry) and Rebecca Davis (Associate Professor of Christian Education for Union Presbyterian Seminary).
|
|
A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE PANDEMIC
WOMEN CLERGY & CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS FALL RETREAT
|
Has the shutdown, pandemic and trying to "return to normal" left you drained? Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation invites all Women Clergy and Christian Educators to a time of renewal, prayer, skill sharing and fellowship with other women in ministry September 26-29, 2021.
The Revs. Kathy Noble and Suzanne Gorhau will lead workshops on giving voice to the stress of the pandemic, sabbath and sabbath styles of rest, God care (not self-care) and prayer forms. The Rev. Sara Tonje will lead experiential worship services. Time will also be available for story sharing, enjoying nature, naps and a night of creativity.
Rooms are available at Camp Calvin Crest and Holiday Inn Express on first come basis.
Registration deadline August 31, 2021
|
|
The Sower - May 2021 Newsletter for the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies
|
|
Future Presbytery Gathering Dates |
|
- WEDNESDAY, September 22, 2021
- THURSDAY, November 18, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
Presbytery of Milwaukee
414-292-2740
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
