The Presbytery of Milwaukee  
 
Fresh Impressions
October 22, 2014

In This Issue
Sharing the Ministry
Parking Lot
Hot Links
Highlighted Congregation
Invitations
Employment Opportunity
Looking Ahead
Quick Links
 
PRESBYTERY INVITATION
We are excited to offer a chance to meet with our November presbytery meeting keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, at a gathering the evening before the presbytery meeting.  We hope you can join us!

GATHERING OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE 

Friday, November 21st, 2014

"Risking Mission - Joining In Advocacy"

6:30 p.m. Hospitality  

7:00-8:30 p.m.  
Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church 
121 W. Saveland Ave.  

Rev. Nelson reflects on the risks and joys of local mission and advocacy, including a time of informal conversation together.

 

Open to Commissioners and Non-Commissioners,
especially open to those involved in local missions.  Please RSVP to the presbytery office if you are planning to attend,  414-292-2740 or chalverson@pbymilwaukee.org

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Saturday, November 22nd, 2014   
10:00a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
9:30 am Registration
9:50 am - Announcements 
Immanuel Presbyterian Church 
Stated Business Meeting + Keynote + Lunch + Worship  
"Call to Social Justice"
with the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson
from the PC(USA) Washington Office

Online Registration coming soon
 
SHARING THE MINISTRY

Craig Howard invited the Rev. Ann Gibbs be the guest writer for his Sharing the Ministry article this week:

 

The Tiny House Movement- by Ann Gibbs

 

There is a movement sweeping the nation, and it's the tiny house. The average American home is 2300 square feet. Tiny houses are on average one-tenth of that. Tiny houses are for the single adventurer and the family of four. They are for people who want to leave a smaller footprint and go off the grid and for those who want a portable house (imagine taking the comforts of home with you on your next trip to the mountains!). But the most astounding feature of the tiny house movement is that it is inspired by people who have figured out they can live bigger by living smaller. Those brave adventurers who go tiny usually discover that having the essentials but not a lot of extra clutter means the freedom to invest in other areas of life- less maintenance, more enjoying.

 

I believe there is something we churchians (yes, I made this word up) can learn from this, especially as we are experiencing a whole other phenomenon. We hold onto the big house, big building mentality thinking that more will mean more, even though when it comes to the average worship attendance, we see less and less. And, even though our old (and failing) heating systems, drafty windows, and 1950s plumbing suck more energy and dollars than we invest in serving others. "But," I hear you cry, "The stain glassed windows are beautiful, and so-and-so donated that thing."

 

In the gospel of Luke, after Jesus calls his disciples he sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God (or as I like to think of it the Kin-dom of God), telling them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money-not even an extra tunic." It looks like the call to live bigger by going smaller has been around longer than the church pew. Somehow, though, we've been too long attached to the "If we build it they will come" mentality, forgetting in the meanwhile that Christ was building a people (a body) not an it.

 

The greatest challenge for tiny house adventurers is that moment when they are confronted with the reality of actually living with less. It's when they realize they can't take it all; and looking at all the accumulated stuff they've gathered over the years of living in 2300 square feet, they have to decide what is essential- what has purpose and meaning- what do they really need in a house.

 

We churchians will always need a place to gather and worship God together, whether it's the seashore or a sanctuary, but perhaps it's time to remember that we who are gathered are also sent. Could it be that fewer people in the pews isn't necessarily a sign of the decline of the church but rather more of a factory recall- that it's a sign to stop filling the rooms in the Kingdom with stuff and focus instead on being the Kin-dom? Is it possible for us to live bigger by living smaller?

 

 THE PARKING LOT
Minutes - The minutes from the September 20th presbytery meeting can be found on our website or by clicking here.

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Discovery Day!! Do you have a workshop that you would like to present at Discovery Day on February 21st, 2015?  Please click on the link to fill out a  workshop proposal for the committee to consider.  The theme will be based on
Communicating Faith in the 21st Century.  

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There are 2 new articles posted!! The Presbytery now has a paid subscription to The Parish Paper, which publishes online articles monthly.  Go to our website and click on the "Parish Paper" button to read the timely and informative articles.
 
HOT LINKS
HIGHLIGHTED CONGREGATION
We lift up one of our congregations each week in Fresh Impressions, inviting you to learn more about your sister congregations and keep them in your prayers.  This week we are lifting up:


Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church
in Milwaukee

Click to see their website
 
INVITATIONS

A journey to the "old country" - our Presbyterian Heritage.  Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland, then to York, England, then through Wales (with a visit to Stonehenge), Oxford, and ending in London.  Along the way we'll be remembering the rich history of the Presbyterian Church - as well as just seeing some wonderful country and having fun with friends new and old.  The trip will be next September 16-29, with a cost (not including airfare) of $2,799/person.  The folks of Jerusalem Presbyterian would like to invite you to join in!  There is a $100 discount for sign-ups before 10/31.  Contact Bill Petterson if you'd like to learn more.  (262-617-9338 or pastor@jerusalempresbyterian.org)

 
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You are invited to hear Neal Plantinga, Senior Research Fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at Calvin College, speaking on "Reading for Preaching." and "Preaching Sin and Grace in a No-Fault Culture."  This event will be held  from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, November 22, at the Wisconsin Conference UCC Frederick R. Trost Center, 4459 Gray Road, DeForest, WI. This lecture is part of the Mutton Lectureship series of The WI Conference, United Church of Christ. Click for a flier with information about the speaker, the event, and registration.  Questions, feel free to contact Curt Anderson at    

curtjoana@aol.com or cell 608-217-6039  

  

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On November 8th Solar Power Wisconsin hopes someone from your Faith Community will join them for the Solar Power Wisconsin conference. One of their panelist speakers is retired minister John Helt from Wisconsin Interfaith Power & Light. This is the state affiliate of the national organization, Interfaith Power & Light. This organization includes people of all faith traditions working towards a healthy planet through responsible climate stewardship. While minister at St. Paul's UCC in Colgate, WI he oversaw the installation of 50 solar panels.  Come and learn about options your congregation has for letting the sunlight work for you. There will be break-out sessions of particular interest such as Organizations, Energy Conservation, and Solar Basics. For more information check out their website.  

 

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Crossroads Presbyterian"s IGNITE worship event:

Join them on Sunday, November 2nd at 6:30pm for an opportunity to dive deeper into your faith with others.  Invite friends! Their own Chris Spotts will offer a challenging message on hope, and the evening will be filled with songs you love.  Child care offered through age 5, and treats will follow.  Matthew 17:14-18 Questions? Contact Doug Uhl at  familyuhlwi@gmail.com.

  

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WI Council of Churches Announces their  
2015 Winter Forum:
Another Way of Doing Life

  2015 Winter Forum with Shane Claiborne

  February 27-28, 2015 in the Wisconsin Dells

Please click here for details.

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Milwaukee Festival Brass Concert
:"Not Much. You? A minimalist mashup of music from our state."Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 3:00p.m.  Mark your calendar! First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha is hosting a concert by the Milwaukee Festival Brass.  The Milwaukee Festival Brass is a 30 piece all brass ensemble using the traditional British Brass Band formation and sound. The band was formed in 1985 and features some of the area's most capable brass players, teachers and students as its members. The band performs regularly throughout the Milwaukee metro area and runs a four concert season.  Waukesha, First is honored to host their first concert of the season. Won't you join them?  Admission: Adults $12. Seniors / students $9.  Visit their website for more information, the address, and a handy map.

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Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church invites EVERYONE to attend their annual FALL FEST celebration on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  It includes a high-quality RUMMAGE SALE;  a BAKE SALE that's filled with delicious pies, cookies, breads, & more; a caf� serving barbequed beef & pork sandwiches, among other things; a RAFFLE with wonderful prize baskets, including one $500.00 CASH PRIZE;  hand-made greeting cards; free blood pressure checks, & more!  The church is located at 1455 S. 97th St. in West Allis, & you'll be welcomed with opened arms!  Join us, & invite your friends to come too!   

  

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Southminster Church in Waukesha is looking for volunteers for their Adult Mission Trip Opportunity in Partnership with Venice Presbyterian Church, FL., "Guatemala Stove Team".
Purpose: To be ambassadors of God's care and comfort to impoverished Guatemalans through the provision of safe and efficient stoves and water filters. When: March 7- March 16, 2015. Where: central highlands of Guatemala.  Click here for more information.      

   

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Commission on Ministry Coordinator -Winnebago Presbytery is now accepting applications for the 15 hour per week position with a minimum salary of $14,000 annually and includes continuing education and professional expenses.  The position description is available here. Send cover letter and resume or PIF to General Presbyter Sarah Moore-Nokes (sarah@winnebagopresbytery.org) or mail to her attention at the Presbytery Office, 181 E. North Water St., #207, Neenah, WI  54956.     

 

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Greenfield Avenue Presbyterian Church has openings for Director of Choirs, Pianist and Organist. These rolls might be filled by several persons, or one, depending on a number of factors. If interested, please send a resume to the church at 1455 S. 97th St., West Allis, WI 53214 or suesmith@gapc-usa.com.  Any questions, please feel free to call Pastor Kevin Tarvid: 414-588-0159.  

 

LOOKING AHEAD
Nov. 21st - Gathering with J. Herbert Nelson - Milwaukee, 
                  Tippecanoe
Nov. 22nd - Presbytery Meeting - Milwaukee, Immanuel
Feb. 21st - Discovery Day - Mequon, Crossroads