BELOVED COMMUNITY - OUR NEW BLOG!
       BELOVED COMMUNITY  
If you are looking for some inspiration in your life, some ideas,  some challenge for your imaginat ion, you've found a source! It's our new blog site, "Beloved Community."  You will be able to subscribe to the blog, leave comments, and share the articles.  There are also links to related resources. We hope you like this new feature in Fresh Impressions. Nice to have you with us!  Be sure to check out Craig Howard's new blog entry about  "The Exit Called Change".


SHARING THE MINISTRY
THE EXIT CALLED CHANGE
When you answer the call to become an elder or a deacon, you take the exit called "change" off the highway of mediocrity. Leadership in our congregation today means leading change. This is different from creating change. Change already exists. From the challenge of making Sunday School relevant to soccer families, to having a level of commitment in a time when people don't join anything, but treat commitment as an option. Our culture is changing. The change we are experiencing is what Michael Fulton calls complex change. He writes, "Complexity means change, but specifically it means rapidly occurring, unpredictable, nonlinear change." In other words... ( READ MORE)

Rev. Craig M. Howard
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
Welcome to a new feature in Fresh Impressions. We are featuring books/movies which our readers have found inspiring and meaningful in their lives. This next one is from 
Alan McCalister who is pastor at Second Presbyterian Church, Racine, as well as being a resource at University Christian Ministries at UW. He recommends the following as inspiration for individuals and/or congregations. Thanks so much, Alan!

Test of Faith is a DVD series which explores the compatible relationship between faith and science.  The three-part documentary interviews top scientists and theologians in a very engaging presentation.  

Happy reading/viewing! If you would like to share a favorite book or movie, please send the title and a brief summary of why it was important in your life, and send it to dholmes@pbymilwaukee.org. Thank you!
 PRESBYTERY PULSE
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WIN A GRAND PRIZE IN OUR PHOTO CONTEST!
The Presbytery of Milwaukee is looking for your photos! If you are our contest winner, you will receive a $100 gift card for the dinner of your choice. The winning photo will illustrate your congregation and what it represents to you. Contest ends January 30, 2016. Click here to find out how to submit your picture!
FEBRUARY PRESBYTERY MEETING
"Church As Improv"  Put Saturday, February 27 on your calendar for a fabulously fun, informative, and refreshing day at Carroll University.  The Presbytery of Milwaukee will experience "Church As Improv" led by Bob Orvis from Milwaukee's Comedy Sportz and Ashley Goff, Pastor for Spiritual Formation at Church of the Pilgrims (Washington, D.C.).  The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until 2:00 with lunch provided (for a reasonable cost).  You'll see ministers put in situations that make them look ...(READ MORE)        
YEAR END REMINDER

Clerks of sessions have until February 5th to submit their 2015 online statistical report.  Please contact Chris Halverson with questions.

PRESENCE ON CAMPUS
Welcome to this new feature for Fresh Impressions! We are hoping to feature several campuses affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, in an effort to share their dynamism and allow us to remain connected. It's a great opportunity to support these campuses either with your prayers or with your presence at their events. Thanks for reading!

University of Dubuque Theological Seminary Announces New/Transformed Degree Programs - Click for more information.
 INVITATIONS
PEG WOEHL MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE
Transform a life in celebration of life.  Ruling Elder Peg Woehl, wife of Honorably Retired Teaching Elder Roger Woehl may have lost her fight with AM Leukemia, but a battle continues for many children and adults who have experienced trauma, surgery, and life threatening diseases.  In remembrance of Peg's need Forest Park and Southminster will be hosting blood drives during the year.  The next blood drive is February 3rd.  Click for details. 
WINTER FARMERS MARKET
Winter Farmers Market - join the local and sustainable urban movement! Sunday, January 24th 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.  Tippecanoe Presbyterian.  Click for details.
BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTRY IN THE 21
st CENTURY CONFERENCE
 
 
APRIL 15-16, 2016;  EPWORTH BY THE SEA, ST. SIMON'S ISLAND, GA  
This event is geared both toward those serving or seeking to serve in a bi-vocational ministry context  as well as governing body or judicatory leaders who work with ministers who serve in such contexts.  More information.
2016 RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE
The 2016 Rural Ministry Conference will be held in Dubuque, IA, March 6-8th.   The Rural Ministry Conference outreach is continuing to grow and has become an ecumenical conference for those working in small town and rural parishes throughout the Midwest.  The theme this year is "Life Changing Ministry in the Small Membership Congregation."   The information will also be useful for larger congregations.  Scholarships are available for those who have served in a rural/small town ministry for less than five years.  New this year for congregations within driving distance is the availability for lay people to attend the Monday afternoon workshops at a reduced price.  Participants can also view the information and register online at   www.ruralministry.com .
FAMILY SEDER OPPORTUNITY
We would like to invite you to participate in some interfaith family programming with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. The program would begin with the ecologically-oriented holiday of Tu B'Shevat, for January 24, 2016, 4:00PM until 6:00PM, at Congregation Sinai. This would be a family event which includes a holiday "seder" (participatory fun program), ecological crafts, and a planting. Though intended to celebrate the trees in anticipation of spring, the holiday falls in January because of the difference in the Jewish and Christian calendars. So the group will very likely be planting indoor herbs, such as parsley, which are then used at the Passover seder, which is the real spring holiday. This could be the first of a two-part Jewish-Christian family program on the environment. The second event would then take place at a church and share with our Jewish friends a Christian holiday.  If you would like to participate, please contact Craig Howard at choward@pbymilwaukee.org. Thank you!
HOT LINKS
Find out what is happening in our Synod of Lakes and Prairies and be informed about our larger church presence.   Keeping In Touch

Delafield Presbyterian Church will celebrate 150 years with 150 Acts of Kindness in 2016.  Click for
 
Thinking about sending your youth to the 2016 Youth Triennium this summer at Purdue University? Forest Park, Crossroads, Lisbon and Linn churches are already making plans.    Fiona Nicolaisen   is our presbytery's registrar.  Contact her for details.
     
The Presbyterian Church celebrates Epiphany each January, and now is the time to look ahead.  Marilyn Gamm's monthly article reflects on the season and what it means in today's world.  
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
HANDBELL DIRECTOR
Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church is seeking an experienced director for the handbell program at the church, starting in Fall 2016. This is a church with an active and accomplished music ministry. The handbell choir plays monthly for worship plus occasional special services and programs. Click here for more details.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
First Presbyterian Church, Racine is seeking a part-time office assistant.  Office skills to include MS Word, Publisher and Outlook.  Maintain calendar, website and Facebook.  Coordinate building use and ordering of office supplies.  Hours - Tues to Friday 9.00 to 1.00pm.  For more information: pastorgillian@firstpresracine.org
FREE TO A GOOD HOME
PULPIT AND BAPTISMAL FONT
Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam has recently renovated their sanctuary.  If there is a church that could use their old pulpit and/or baptismal font, please contact secretary Chris Braemer , 920-885-3198 x221.  Click for pictures.