The Presbytery of Milwaukee  
 
Fresh Impressions
October 29, 2014
In This Issue
Presbytery Meeting
Employment Opportunity
Sharing the Ministry
Parking Lot
Hot Links
Highlighted Congregation
Invitations
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.  Program
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 [email protected]

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Saturday, November 22nd, 2014   
10:00a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
9:30 am Registration
9:50 am - Announcements
10:00 am - Business Meeting
11:00 am - Keynote
12 noon - Lunch
1 pm - Public Worship
Immanuel Presbyterian Church 

"The Call to Social Justice"
with the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson
from the Office of Public Witness, PC(USA) 

 
OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES

The positions of Treasurer and Stated Clerk are up for election at the November presbytery meeting. We are opening the positions for anyone who seeks to apply. This open process is different than our past practices. It is not a reflection on the outstanding job already being done by our current Treasurer and Stated Clerk. An open practice allows presbytery members to apply for elected positions. All applications will be screened by the Personnel Work Group of the Council, with final recommendation being made at the presbytery meeting through the Nominating Committee. 

 

All applicants should submit their resume to [email protected]. Any questions should be addressed to [email protected].

 

Treasurer Job Description

 

Stated Clerk Job Description 

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WEBCAST

ON NOVEMBER 11th THE COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE WILL DISCUSS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OVERTURES  

 
You are invited to join Judy Jaggard, Bruce Jones, Catherine Neal, and Larry Nunley for a Presbytery of Milwaukee Webcast on Tuesday November 11 at 11:00 am. This will be a live interactive video conversation with the commissioners where you will be able to ask questions. Don't miss this important event where our General Assembly commissioners will discuss the proposed amendments to the Constitution, including the Belhar Confession and Marriage amendment. To participate you will need to email [email protected] by November 10th at 4 pm and you will be emailed a participation link on the 11th. 

  

SHARING THE MINISTRY

We Have This Treasure

 

The great ends of the Church are:

The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;

The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;

The maintenance of divine worship;

The preservation of the truth;

The promotion of social righteousness;

The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

 

"The transparency of the Presbyterian church is what people are looking for." This statement came from my seminary adviser while we were having lunch in Chicago last week. He is a brilliant historian and member of a Pentecostal denomination. He said, "People struggle with what the church does with its resources. By having a transparent system, Presbyterians are addressing this issue."

 

In a different meeting with a community consultant, I prepared a document describing a vital Presbyterian worshiping community in Milwaukee. In the description I also placed the Great Ends of the Church. When the consultant read it, she beamed. "This is what the church needs today!" she said. "Milwaukee needs Presbyterian churches in its inner city."

 

Each of these experiences reminds me that the Presbyterian church has something the world needs. We do not have to recreate the church or our identity. Instead we are challenged to express what is already in our DNA.

 

We believe in transparency. We care about our community. We are connected to one another.

 

Our November Presbytery meeting will challenge all of us as we seek creative ways to promote social righteousness. On Friday November 21st, we will gather at Tippecanoe and experience Divine Intervention to the Homeless, and other ministries. We will be lead in a reflection by J. Herbert Nelson from our Washington office. I would like each of our congregations to be represented at this gathering at Tippecanoe.

 

On Saturday November 22nd will be our stated meeting at Immanuel Church. Come and experience their beautiful addition to their building as we meet, learn, fellowship, and worship together. J. Herbert Nelson will be our workshop leader and preacher for the afternoon.

 

The Presbytery meeting is designed to stimulate our imagination and kindle our spirit as we envision ways to be the church in the world in 2015. I strongly encourage each of our congregations to gather and participate in this 2 day event.

 

Craig M. Howard

 

(To respond to Craig, go to [email protected]) 


 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:
Trinity Presbyterian Church
in Milwaukee
Click to see their website
 
INVITATIONS

Janesville, First: 2014 Ham Loaf Luncheon & Basket Sale

Mark your calendars for the Women of Faith Annual Ham Loaf Luncheon and Basket Sale to be held on Saturday, November 8th from 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. The luncheon ($9.50) includes ham loaf, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, applesauce, homemade breads, dessert and beverage.  Tickets may be purchased prior to the event or at the door. No children's tickets will be available. The proceeds support our local mission projects in Janesville.   

 

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Living Waters Contemplative Life Center...A Mission Ministry of Tippecanoe Church Presents:  "Unknowing the Unknowable".  Presenter: Jeffrey Fisher, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Carroll University. Sundays November 2 and 9th 11:30am-12:30pm  at Tippecanoe Presbyterian.   

  

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Rev. Erin Musolf invites the Presbytery to Avalon Square, 222 Park Place in Waukesha on November 17th at 1:30pm for an exciting and timely Chapel Speaker Series event.  Avalon Square will host Mr. Othman Atta, the executive director of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.  Mr. Atta will give an introduction to Islam and will have an extended question and answer period, so bring your questions and a desire to better know and love our Muslim neighbors. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Chaplain Erin at 262 446-9436.  

  

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Apostle Church Covenant Circle is hosting a FUNDRAISER FOR TERESA PUSCHNIG and a delicious spaghetti dinner on November 2nd immediately following worship from 11-12:30.  Please join us in this opportunity to help Teresa with her mounting medical expenses as she continues to courageously fight her battle with cancer.  Tickets are available by contacting Gail Rogers 414-327-6855 or the church office 414-476-2043 for reservations or more information. Apostle Presbyterian Church, 1509 S 76th St. 
Adults $8.50

Children 4-12 years $4.50

Children under 3 years - Free

  

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Signature Skill Workshop: Contemplative Practices The Project for Community Transformation (a project of Marquette University College of Professional Studies) enhances the work of Milwaukee's citizens and community organizations already involved in community transformation. Tuesday, Nov. 18 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church 125 W. Saveland Ave., Milwaukee  Click for details.                                   

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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 [email protected])

 
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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    

[email protected] 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  [email protected].

  

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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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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

   

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 [email protected].  Any questions, please                  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