FROM RACHEL YATES, PRESBYTERY EXECUTIVE
A LEGACY
On Sunday, I worshiped with the members of First Presbyterian Church of Fox Lake, along with Lee Tan (Presbytery Moderator) and Ann Gibbs (Associate for Ministry Vitality).  On a snowy, cold day, we gathered in the cozy sanctuary that has served the congregation well for 95 years.  Sunday's worship was different than all the others . ..( READ MORE ) .
PRESBYTERY PULSE

SESSION ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT

This is a reminder to all clerks of session that the Annual Statistical Report for the year 2018 needs to be submitted online before February 8 th . Your membership numbers from this report will be used to determine your 2020 Per Capita Apportionment, so please make sure your membership numbers are accurate. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Halverson, 414-292-2740. 
BE AN EFFECTIVE ELDER IN AN EFFECTIVE SESSION
Dave Wilkinson, Stated Clerk in the Presbytery of San Fernando, offers helpful and healthy advice for ruling elders who are serving on Sessions.  Topics include keeping your meeting on task, the importance of voting, appropriate sharing, wise use of personnel process, and many others.  You can read the full article here.
IRS MILEAGE RATES FOR 2019
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
  • 58 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3.5 cents from the rate for 2018,
  • 20 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up 2 cents from the rate for 2018, and
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (Winnebago Presbytery uses 15 cents per mile)

Click here for full IRS guidelines

HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS WORKSHOP
On Saturday, January 26, from 11-5:30 at Dickson Hollow in Menomonee Falls, the Commission on Ministry will be hosting the third and final workshop in our three-part series with Lombard Mennonite Peace Center: 
Healthy Congregations. Cost $22 per person.

Healthy Congregations are able to stay focused on their unique mission and purpose, because they are equipped to respond to the anxiety and destructive conflicts that often plague congregations. This workshop is designed to help participants:
  • Learn how you as a leader can influence the health of your congregation - how to detect and avoid unhealthy patterns of living together in community.
  • Learn how to keep anxiety from becoming infectious.
  • Gain confidence in responding to challenges and opportunities.
  • Learn how to put limits on invasive behavior, manage reactivity, and overcome sabotage.
  • Discover how leaders can function as the congregation's immune system.
  • Learn to focus on strengths, resources, options, and the future. 
 View Brochure.  Please register by January 18. 
STAND-UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE! 
BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING
Don't be a push over...don't let yourself be pushed around or over
because you do not know how to respond to a situation that calls out for your response!
 
Bystander Intervention Training will focus on ways to intervene in public instances of racist, sexist, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, anti-Trans, and other forms of oppressive interpersonal violence and harassment while considering the safety of all parties. The physical and vocal practice of various strategies is designed to change social norms and encourage people to find ways to interrupt violence and prevent further harm. This training workshop is open to the public. Any questions, email surjmke@gmail.com.

Thursday January 24 6:30-8:30pm, or Saturday January 26 10am-Noon  AND/OR as the message at  Worship Sunday January 27 9:30am as part of Tippe Faithing Community's justice response to local racial profiling as a Common Ground member
 
Where: Tippe Faithing Community, 125 W. Saveland Ave. in the BayView area of Milwaukee
 
Sponsored by Tippecanoe Faithing Community and SURJ MKE
BLOOD DRIVE
Forrest Park Presbyterian Church is hosting a Blood Drive on Monday, February 4, from 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The event will take place in the lower level Fellowship Hall. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome! Please make your appointment by clicking  here  or email   Denine Dulde

Forrest Park Presbyterian Church is located at 2300 South Sunnyslope Road in New Berlin.

More information can be found here.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FOX LAKE
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Fox Lake invites community and Presbytery friends to join them for a final service celebrating work and ministry of the church for the past 95 years.  The service will be held on February 24th at 3:00 p.m.
A WEEKEND WITH DR. JENNIFER HARVEY 
FEBRUARY 23-24, 2019
Presbytery friends are invited to join Immanuel Presbyterian Church for a Saturday afternoon program and workshop (1:00 - 4:00) engaging important learnings from her racial identity work from  Dear White Christians: For Those Still Longing for Racial Reconciliation .  
Dr. Harvey will be the guest preacher for morning worship at Immanuel and then lead a conversation for parents about  "Talking with Children About Race"  based on her recently published:   Raising White Kids: Bringing up Children in a Racially Unjust America.   The weekend will conclude with a lunch for both adults and children.    This special weekend event is being offered to Church and community through a special gift.   Please share this invitation with others who might be interested.   Click here for the event website and free registration.  
A LIVING WATERS CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE CENTER PRESENTS 
THE ORIGINAL PRAYER OF RABBI YESHUA
E ver wond er about the Aramaic world in which Jesus lived and taught? You know he never said the Lord's Prayer in English! Come to  Tippecanoe Church 's Living Waters Class and find out about the Original P rayer as Jesus spoke it in Aramaic!
Thursdays February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28

More information can be found here.
SOUL SHOP: MINISTERING TO SUICIDAL DESPERATION
Delafield Presbyterian Church invites you to join them for a one-day training -- Soul Shop: Ministering to Suicidal Desperation. The training will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
While this training is directed to pastors and faith community leaders, Soul Shop training benefits counselors, first responders and essentially anyone interested in learning how to effectively minister to suicidal desperation.
The workshop fee is  $5, and includes lunch.  Your advanced registration is recommended, as this event's capacity is 120. You are encouraged to register online here
OFFICER TRAINING
Ruling Elders and Deacons are invited to a training session sponsored by the presbytery and offered through the Leadership Development Task Force.  This training will be held Saturday, February 23rd from 9am to 1pm at Faith Springs Presbyterian in Pewaukee.  Click here  for more information and to register.  Registration deadline is February 6. 
PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES FOR 2019
Please mark your calendars with the four gathering dates of the Presbytery in 2019. (Please note that Council changed the May date to Tuesday, May 21st.)
  • Tuesday February 19th - Living Hope Presbyterian in Menomonee Falls
  • Tuesday May 21st - TBD
  • Wednesday September 25th - TBD
  • Thursday November 21st - TBD 
PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION OFFERING WEBINARS
The Presbyterian Foundation is offering a series of five webinars in 2019 on engaging church givers in stewardship and money-related conversations. Click for more information.
GET TO KNOW OUR PASTORS
WH O IS THIS? SNOW DAY EXTENSION !
Last week's mystery pastor spent the turn of the millennium (midnight Jan. 1, 2000) roaming the streets of Little Havana in Miami.
Can you guess who this is?

Due to inclement weather, the guessing of last week's Mystery Pastor has been extended.  Find out who both of these pastors are in next week's edition of Fresh Impressions.

*********************** ********************************
WHO IS THIS?  
As a child, this week's mystery pastor created the "Olympic" sport of Synchronized Hot Tub Swimming.
Can you guess who this is?
Send your guess to  Chris Halverson  and the first person to guess correctly will be recognized next week and receive a free dinner at the next presbytery meeting!
NEWS FROM THE DENOMINATION
REGARDING RULING ELDERS: 
A MONTHLY SERIES FOR SPIRITUAL LEADERS

Gathering the Manna
Rev. Joan Gray has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.
INVITATIONS
FAITH OVER FEAR - CHICAGO
Faith Over Fear training, to be held February 1-2 at the Mecca Center in Willowbrook, Ill., offers participants information about Islam and the opportunity to develop skills to address Islamophobia.

More than 20 national and local experts will share their expertise and experiences in confronting difficult issues of hate (in families, congregations and communities) with care and passion. In addition to the training, Rohina Malik will perform her critically acclaimed play, Unveiled, on Friday, February 1, at 7:30 p.m. (also open to those not attending the training); suggested donation $15.

For more information and to register, check here . Full conference registration is $125 ($30 for students); one day rate is $75 ($20 for students). The conference runs from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
PC(USA) ISSUING CALL FOR PHOTOS FOR PLANNING CALENDAR

The Presbyterian Planning Calendar  is seeking photo submissions from congregations, mid councils, camps, conference centers and education centers for use in its 2019-2020 edition.
Focusing on congregational vitality, fighting poverty, dismantling racism and other mission activities, the request for images also asks, "Who are the unsung heroes of your congregation?"
Images should feature congregation members engaged in activities including worship, mission service, creativity and the arts, and direct outreach. Calendar planners ask that staged photos of groups of people and photos of people sitting at conference or dining tables be avoided.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 14, 2019. Photos should be submitted online using a form found here.
More information can be found here.
   LIVING IN THE WEB OF CREATION
    Waukesha County Creation Care Network

    February 17, 2019
    1:00-3:15pm
    St. John's Lutheran
    20275 Davidson Rd., Brookfield

    Program: Creating a Web for Action
    Speaker: Dr. David Rhoads, founder of Lutherans Restoring Creation
    and  the Green Congregations Program
    Register at: 

AWAKEN THE ADVOCATE WITHIN
With Breon Wells, strategist and policy advocate
 
This half-day workshop will equip you with a blend of teaching and practical exercises so you're ready to step into the halls of power (even if they're  in your own hometown). Our presenter, Breon Wells, is a seasoned policy advocate, former legislative staffer and expert in the field
who wants to help you use your political and social capital for transformation. This day will help you think carefully about who you're advocating for and why, and begin to develop your advocacy strategy. Get ready to present yourself as the grounded faith leader you are. Learn how to shape your story for impact, and p repare yourself to speak to the people who can make policy changes happen. 
 
Saturday, February 23 - 9 am to 1 pm | Brown Deer UMC 
$30 earlybird registration ($40 after Feb 8)  Click here to register
HOW MILLENIALS THINK ABOUT CHARITY
Registration is open for the Nonprofit Institute's workshop on April 9, in Madison.  Clayton Ramones from Funraise will share insights and strategies on donor engagement, including a session called How Millennials Think About Charity in the Age of Social Media.  Learn more about this full-day conference and register at https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/madison
PEOPLE OF FAITH UNITED FOR JUSTICE
An Advocacy Day at the Capitol
 
Join a coalition of faithful people as we learn, discuss, pray and advocate together for social justice issues of importance to all the people of Wisconsin. We will work together for a state budget which
reflects our commitment to compassion and justice. As people of faith we are called to join the public conversation about the common good - about the kind of state and nation we can be justifiably proud of, the legacy we want to leave 
our children and future generations.
 
Thursday, April 11 - 8:30 am to 3 pm | First UMC, Madison
$35 earlybird registration ($50 after March 18)   Click here to register
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
LETTER FROM JOSH HEIKKILA IN GHANA
Mission Partners can use a little to get a lot done. 
 
HOT LINKS
A Year in Zambia - YAV Emily Teerink's Blog - a New Year's reflection!
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - Current Information
Grapevine, Presbyterian Women's Newsletter
Life in the Labyrinth, inspirational website by Michelle Henrichs.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
HOMESTEAD PRESBYTERY SEEKS INTERIM EXECUTIVE
CHAPLAIN - EASTCASTLE PLACE
PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE SEEKS PASTOR TO PASTORS  
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN IN WAUKESHA SEEKS STATED SUPPLY PASTOR
First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha, WI, is seeking a pastor starting Feb. 1, 2019.  This is a stated supply position for a limited term with the possibility of renewal. We envision a full-time (40 hours per week) position, although we will consider candidates interested in a part-time position. Effective salary $55,000 plus benefits. Download a job description. Please e-mail your résumé or PIF to:  presby1@sbcglobal.net
THE LISBON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUSSEX AND THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RICHFIELD, WI ARE SEEKING A STATED SUPPLY PASTOR TO SERVE BOTH CONGREGATIONS
Click  here  for job description and compensation.  
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN IN JANESVILLE SEEKS PART TIME SOLO PASTOR
CROSSROADS SEEKS TWO POSITIONS
GOOD SHEPHERD TRINITY SEEKS PART TIME BOOKKEEPER
CALVARY SEEKS SUNDAY SCHOOL EDUCATOR
Sunday School Educator: job description here .
Contact calvarychurchmke@gmail.com for more information.
FUTURE PRESBYTERY GATHERING DATES
  • TUESDAY, February 19 - Living Hope Presbyterian in Menomonee Falls, 4pm
  • TUESDAY, May 21 - TBD
  • WEDNESDAY, September 25 - TBD
  • THURSDAY, November 21 - TBD
NOTICE FROM CHRISTAIN BOYD, STATED CLERK
The Stated Clerk has received a disciplinary complaint. Following the Rules of Discipline, the Presbytery Moderator and Stated Clerk have activated the Permanent Judicial Commission, and the Investigating Committee.