UPDATED LOCAL FLOOD RECOVERY INFORMATION...

The Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force is helping connect you to local needs in response to the local flooding August 9-10.  We believe that as a Presbytery, it is important to be a part of the healing love of Christ by caring for those in our communities adversely impacted by the significant flooding. . . that we join the efforts of volunteers from other denominations to help those with the most significant needs to receive the gift of hope and help in recovery.  Contact Marilyn Stone at mmstone52@att.net if you are able to help.

1. Long Term Recovery from the August Floods: A Community Discussion, a meeting of community members, organizations, members of the faith-based community, and partners to build a shared vision for recovery and to organize a Long-Term Recovery Committee.  This meeting will be held this Saturday, November 8, from 1-3 PM, at Brown Deer United Methodist Church.  See flyer HERE.  We are looking for someone(s) to attend this meeting and to possibly serve on the Long Term Recovery Committee. 
2. Volunteer chaplains and those with emotional/disaster trauma training are needed for events where impacted individuals need someone to provide a “ministry of presence”.
3. A pressing need is for volunteers to make phone calls to clarify unmet needs from those registered with Crisis Cleanup.  Training will be provided.
4. Volunteers are still needed to help remove debris, for mold remediation, and for mucking.  Training and supplies will be provided.
5. Donations to the Presbytery’s “Flood Relief Fund” through online giving or by check to “Presbytery of Milwaukee” clearly marked for flood relief.

REMINDER:  

Time is running out to apply for FEMA assistance!  The application deadline is November 12^th

Residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362.  In person assistance is also available at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center location, McNair Elementary School at 4950 N. 24th St., Milwaukee, WI 53209, open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This site closes on Friday, November 7.  Even if you are awaiting insurance response, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance.

If you have been denied FEMA assistance or have received much less than needed, assistance is available to appeal.

AVAILABLE FOOD FOR FOOD BANKS

The Interfaith Council of Greater Milwaukee has been made aware that the UMOS food pantry has an excess of food that UMOS would like to donate to other food pantries and food banks.  Much of UMOS's food supply comes from corporate sponsors and will not be effected by government funding.

Interested pantries should contact Gigi at UMOS' main number, 414-389-6000. Please share this information widely with the local food pantries that you support.

ON THE ROAD TO GA, ISSUE 4

The 227th General Assembly (2026) will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Click here to read the latest issue.

2025/2026 STATISTICAL SEASON SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES

December 20, 2025: Last day to submit missing EIN through email to PCUSA staff (ogarecords@pcusa.org)

December 1, 2025: Statistics entry option available for presbyteries opens. 

January 2, 2026: Statistics entry access opened for churches.

February 20, 2026: Last day the statistics entry option will be available for churches.

BRIDGING THE GAP: LOVE GOD-LOVE SELF-LOVE NEIGHBORS 

APCE's Annual Event, January 21-24, 2026, Pittsburgh, PA

Registration is now open for this event. The Association of Partners in Christian Education is part of the PCUSA Christian Formation Collective. Leadership for the event includes Theresa Cho, MaryAnn McKibben Dana, Evan Moffic, Daniel Heath, and Paul Timothy Roberts Sr. In addition, there are dozens of workshops, a vendor marketplace, and wonderful pre and post events. Join the event in person or online. And look for additional information soon for Annual Event online in Spanish.

"GUN VIOLENCE AND CHRISTIAN ETHICS" 

This new adult educational video series, presented by the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Office of Public Witness, brings together leading Christian academics from around the United States to think about how Christians might think about the uniquely American problem of gun violence as people of faith. What might our faith might say about gun violence? How might it counter the cultures of fear, civil distrust, and alienation that make guns attractive? And how it might move us to engage in ministries of prophetic advocacy and tender reconciliation that help to end gun violence in the United States?

Click here for all the videos in the series 

DIA DE MUERTOS AT PARROQUIA SAN JOSÉ

BONFIRE WITH PARROQUIA SAN JOSÉ & ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Recently, Parroquia San José and St. Paul Lutheran Church (the host church for San José) organized a joint bonfire with games, costumes, tamales, chocolate, and pan de muerto (bread of the dead). A wonderful and fun night of fellowship!

ABRAM NEUMANN TO SPEAK AT GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

November 19, 9:30 a.m.

The Reaching Out committee of Grace Presbyterian Church invites you to a presentation by Abram Neumann, pastoral leader and Director of the Iglutheca (Lakota word meaning “make yourself new”) Ministry. Located in Pine Ridge, SD, the Iglutheca Ministry paves a pathway of support for those of the Lakota Nation who are home insecure, immersed in the darkness of addiction and impoverished.

Join Grace for a time of fellowship and refreshments while learning how God is working through this ministry, bringing hope and healing to the Pine Ridge community.

215 Gould Street, Beaver Dam, 53916

WHAT IS YOUR CHURCH UP TO IN 2025?

Taking a break from the photo collages we've all grown to love, we want to share what your church is doing in 2025! No matter the size of the event, if it is coming up or has already happened, send Kate information about what's happening at your church! Have a great photo from the event? Please send it in, too! Just make sure to include a description to go along with the photo so everyone knows what's happening in the picture.



These events will be shared in Fresh Impressions on a rolling basis and can be sent to Kate at any point during the month.

SOPHIA'S RELIGIOUS LEADERS CAUCUS 2025 ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL EVENT:

Brief Overview of Current Issues in Immigration

Wednesday, November 12, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. via Zoom

Register for SOPHIA's religious leader caucus and annual education event.

NEW PARTNERSHIP RESOURCE: DIGITAL JUSTICE E-COURSE

WCC, WACC, and the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany have launched "Just Digital: Taking Control, Making a Difference" - a comprehensive 6-lesson course for digital advocacy.

Key learning outcomes:

→ Media literacy and misinformation detection

→ Understanding digital surveillance and privacy

→ Environmental impact of digital technologies 

→ Building inclusive digital communities

"Our everyday lives have simultaneously become our digital lives with all the rapidly arising ethical issues that accompany the online world," notes WCC director of communication Marianne Ejdersten.

This free resource empowers organisations to:

✓ Train staff on digital ethics

✓ Develop advocacy strategies

✓ Create safer online spaces

✓ Build community resilience

Ideal for NGO coordinators, policy advocates, and faith-based organisations seeking evidence-based approaches to digital justice.

More info:

https://www.oikoumene.org/news/next-level-just-digital-e-course-will-explore-ethical-issues-of-our-digital-lives

Access to Course:

https://ccrvoices.org/courses/just-digital/

Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee seeks NURSERY WORKER