Winnebago Presbytery

News & Notes

APRIL 19, 2024

Presbytery News

Gospel Reading, Matthew 4:12-17

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

Upcoming Presbytery Staff Travel

Depending on the day, response time may be delayed if you are hoping to contact Dave Colby or Miranda Halsey the week of April 22nd.

Dave Colby and Katie Estes (chair of COM) will be traveling to Denver, CO April 23-24 for a consultation with the Board of Pensions about the recent structural changes they unveiled recently. Looking forward, Dave will also be attending the Synod spring meeting in Farmington, MN April 28-30.

Miranda Halsey, who shares her time with John Knox Presbytery, will be traveling to Richland Center, WI to assist in the closure of their office on April 25th.

Synod School Registration NOW OPEN - Winnebago Presbytery Synod School Scholarships AVAILABLE

The Synod of Lakes and Prairies has officially opened their Synod School registration process. Synod School 2024 will be on July 21-26 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. Register or Learn More Here

Winnebago Presbytery offers scholarships to those who plan to attend Synod School. The application can be found on our website here. Please, return the application to the presbytery office via email or postal mail by June 1.

Presbyterian Women Virtual Gathering: Saturday, May 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Hear from featured speaker Kathleen Keefer, Presbyterian Women's 2021-2024 Churchwide Vice Moderator, a participant in the USA Mission Experience (USAME) to the Arizona-Mexico border, reflecting on what they witnessd and how we can faithfullyrespond to the realities of migration and immigration.

Make your reservation by contacting Judy Bell at jmoinebell@aol.com or 414-378-6437 and provide your name, presbytery, church, and phone number. Register by May 1 (Zoom link will be emailed to registrants).

Spotlighting Congregations: First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne "Help for the Homeless Drive"

We hope to highlight images from congregations within the presbytery for the next 4 newsletters - This is your congregation's opportunity to shine! Please, send us any images you would like shared with our mailing list and we will put you in the spotlight.

The “Help for the Homeless Drive” is an annual event throughout the Fox Valley that benefits pantries, shelters, and other agencies that work with the homeless population by collecting hygiene products, period products, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc. FPC Winneconne's items went to COTS in Oshkosh, a residential facility that provides a place to live, food, household needs, and training programs to help those affected by homelessness transition to independent living.

Athelstane Presbyterian Church & Rodgers Classic Organs Dedication Concert: Sunday, April 28th at 1:00 p.m.

This FREE concert will NOT be an ordinary organ recital! This Rodgers 2-manual Organ provides hudnreds of extraordinary digital pipe-sampled voices as well as the voices of the entire orchestra - Also, featuring singers from Athelstane and Wausaukee Presbyterian Churches and congregational singing of your favority hymns!

With Special Guest Artist Val Bartlein, you will enjoy a fantastic hours of inspirational and uplifting music to help you be filled with the spirit of new life!

Worship will begin at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. dedication concert, and a reception following the concert. All events are FREE and all are welcome!

Athlestane Presbyterian Church is located at N12826 Davis Road, Athelstane, WI 54104. For more information, call: 715-548-1056.

Ecumenical Partners Updates

Samaritan Counseling

Radiate Hope Replacing Silent Samaritan Campaign - May 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

An Evening to support the Samaritan Fund is replacing the Silent Samaritan Campaign and luncheon. Today’s mental health crisis is too big for us to fight silently. We need your help to replenish the Samaritan Fund and offer support to those who need access to mental health services regardless of their ability to pay.

5:00 pm - Cocktails and Appetizers

5:30 pm - Music from David Paul Martin

6:30 pm - Testimonials from Clients and Staff

7:30 pm - Silent Auction Closes

Games and silent auction bidding available throughout the evening.

United Church Camps, Inc.

Enjoy this short overview of all UCCI offers at their three Wisconsin camp and retreat centers: Moon Beach Camp - UCCI, Daycholah Center - UCCI, and Cedar Valley - UCCI.

They are a family of three distinctive locations and one outdoor ministry family, extending a warm welcome to all guests. As a part of the United Church of Christ (UCC), we embrace a progressive and inclusive approach to community and faith.

Join them as they explore the beauty of their locations and the spirit of ministry. Discover how they celebrate diversity and openness, creating a space where everyone can feel at home. Whether you're seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a peaceful retreat, they would be honored to be part of your journey.

Wisconsin Council of Churches

Justice & Community Care Conversations: Digital Equity & Access - April 23 at 2:00 p.m. & May 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom

What if the digital ministry of Churches included not only live-streaming services but also helping people in your community afford access to the internet? What would it look like to use your coffee hour to increase digital access in your congregation by enrolling people in Lifeline? Or training a volunteer to sit at a table at your food pantry and help get people enrolled? What would it look like to create a designated space using church wifi for community members to attend online appointments? What if we brainstormed together to think of other ways our churches could help increase digital access and increase community care?

Take the next step with us. We will hold two online and two in-person trainings, Let’s Talk: Digital Equity & Access, as a launch to our Justice & Community Care Conversations. In-person training will take place in northwest WI and will be announced soon.

Online conversations will be on April 23, 2:00 pm, and May 2nd, 10:00 am. Register Here

Denominational News

PC(USA) Podcast Offers a How-To on How to Hold Conversations When Not Everyone is on the Same Faith Journey

'Around the Table' podcast hosts invite one friend each to sort out what can be a prickly topic

by Mike Ferguson - Presbyterian News Service

For the fifth of six installments of their “Around the Table” podcast, which can be heard here, hosts the Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush and the Rev. Cliff Haddox each invited a friend to talk about conversations around the table where not everyone is a person of faith.

“Around the Table” is an initiative of the Office of Christian Formation. Listen to previous editions here.

Read Full Article Here

Archives of Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully

Articles which lift up the specific responsibilities within the calling of ruling elders while also providing an opportunity to reflect upon how they are lived out, including the spiritual life of leaders.

Browse the Archives by Topic