LET US HELP YOU SPREAD THE WORD

With the promise of warmer days ahead, many churches are planning sales and fundraisers to support mission work, youth programming, and special events. Let us help you spread the word! Not only will the free advertisement reach the Presbytery's list serve, it might also help fill a gap in the work of a congregation. Having a church-wide yard sale? There are a number of congregations helping families find furnishings to make a house a home. Youth hosting a spaghetti dinner? A great way to support youth in the church and to not have to worry about putting a meal together.

To get your event information in Fresh Impressions all you need to do is send Kate a brief description with a time and location and she will make sure the information is shared in the newsletter and on the Presbytery's social media. Pictures or an event flyer can also be sent, but are not required.

REGARDING RULING ELDERS

Responding to God’s Activity in the World through Service to Others

Marissa Galván-Valle has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly

FAITH, DEMOCRACY, AND JUSTICE: UNDERSTANDING WHY ELECTION ISSUES MATTER IN 2024

March 21, 10:00 a.m. CST

Join the PC(USA) for an engaging panel discussion centered on the intersection of Faith, Democracy, and Justice. In this dialogue, pivotal issues will be delved into that shape the landscape of the upcoming 2024 US Presidential Election. Discover the significance of exercising a faithful voice at the polls as we strive to advocate for justice for both God’s people and the planet we inhabit.

Panelists will explore the role of a faithful voice in election participation, clarify the rights of voters, and address the pressing equity and access challenges within the framework of American Democracy. Throughout the discussion, focus will be on human rights globally and domestically as we touch key issues related to climate, the Middle East, and gender equality.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and contribute to the discourse on fostering a just and equitable society through the lens of faith and democracy.

PRESBYTERIAN PEACE FELLOWSHIP LAUNCHES NEW GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION CONGREGATIONAL TOOLKIT

The Gun Violence Prevention Working Group of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship (PPF) has been hard at work. The team of 15 Working Group members has completely re-tooled its primary resource, the Gun Violence Prevention Congregational Toolkit. One of the few comprehensive resources for congregations on this issue, the prior Toolkit editions have been accessed by more than 2,500 Presbyterians and others from all 50 states. It was time for an update!

The completely updated toolkit is available both online and in print form. Find out more here.

Having worked through the Seven Marks of Vitality over the past couple of years, the Presbytery staff thought it would be fun to see images that fit into Outward Incarnational Focus. Those are the times when you're looking "out the door" with mission, philanthropy, connecting with partners, building relationships...you get the idea!

Photos sent to Kate will be shared in Fresh Impressions to celebrate you're Outward Incarnational Focus and help inspire those who are looking out their own door.

S.O.U.L. YOUNG ADULT GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Children’s WI Grief Services is now offering a young adult group (18-29) called S.O.U.L. for individuals experiencing any significant death in their lives. This is in addition to multiple support groups covering all ages, texting program, podcast, camps, events and workshops. 

Learn more and register at:

https://childrenswi.org/patients-and-families/milwaukee-campus/inpatient-visit/during-your-stay/hospital-programs-and-services/grief-support or email griefsupport@childrenswi.org for information.

SACRED BEAUTY: MUSIC FOR THE LENTEN SEASON

You are invited to join the Collegium Ladyes choral ensemble for a concert of sacred music for the Lenten season. The Ladyes will perform at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, at All Saints' Episcopal Cathedral, 818 E. Juneau Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. The program includes Randall Thompson's "The Place of the Blest" and Gabriel Faure's "Missa Brevis." As Passion Week approaches, this concert will immerse listeners in sacred compositions sharing themes of gratitude, peace, and God's mercy. No tickets are required for the concert; a freewill offering will be taken. 

FORMER WISCONSIN GOV. MARTY SCHREIBER TO LAUNCH CROSSROADS PROGRAM ON AGING WITH HIS STORY OF MY TWO ELAINES

We can’t predict the future but we can prepare for it by hearing the stories of those who have gone before us.

By sharing his story Governor Schreiber will launch Discovering Aging, It’s a Family Affair on Sunday, April 7 at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Mequon WI. If Alzheimer’s is bad, ignorance of the disease is even worse. This is the reason former Governor Marty Schreiber wrote his book, My Two Elaines: he wants others to benefit from lessons he wishes someone had told him. It is also the reason Crossroads is sponsoring this program on aging. Since his book’s release Marty has worked tirelessly to share his message of hope and survival for those with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and their families. Following his talk Marty will be available to sign books. Net proceeds from all sale of My Two Elaines are used to support Alzheimer’s caregiver programs.

Discovering Aging, It’s a Family Affair is open to the public and will offer a series of conversations focused on lessons seniors and their families are better learning sooner than later. The full program lineup includes:

3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2024

My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver,

Former Wisconsin Gov. Martin Schreiber

4:15 p.m. – following Gov. Schreiber’s talk and book signing

Put Your Oxygen Mask on First: Taking care of yourself so you can take care of others.

This conversation differs from Marty’s in that its focus is on caregiving in general

6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Death Over Dinner: Helping family members have “the talk” sooner than later

6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2024

There is No Typical Senior: Helping family members bust myths about aging

6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024

It’s Not Over ‘til It’s Over: Discovering how growing older can be joyful & fulfilling

Contacts & Additional Information        

Tom Guay, Discovering Aging Lead 

6031 W. Chapel Hill Road, Mequon, 53092

ON THE GROUND

NEXT Church National Gathering

April 8-11, Falls Church, VA

The Church is always called to be on the ground and grounded. Rooted in a faith which connects us to the needs of others and the yearnings of all Creation, we respond in order to transform the world around us. This work requires trust, openness, and resiliency.

At this year’s gathering, NEXT Church has changed up the schedule in service to deeper growth. The community will gather in three main ways: daily worship, communal meals, and topic-specific breakout sessions called “Pathways.” Six pathways have been curated from which to choose – each with a different focus and content leader. Your chosen pathway will meet five times during the gathering to give you the opportunity to dig deep into an area of focus. And because every ministry context is different, Next Church has paired content leaders with coaches to help each participant move from head knowledge to impactful action when you leave the gathering.

NEXT Church is a network of leaders valuing opportunities to meaningfully connect and strengthen coalitions across the Church. The National Gathering is a place where church leaders of all kinds share ideas, support one another, and engage in relevant discussions about the future of the church.

Rev. Rob Ater from Milwaukee: Immanuel is a member of the NEXT Church Vision Team. Feel free to reach out to him with questions about the National Gathering or NEXT Church in general.