AN INTERVIEW WITH MARILYN STONE, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TASK FORCE MODERATOR

For over 11 years, elder Marilyn Stone (Apostle Presbyterian Church, West Allis) has been serving as a volunteer with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). In this interview I ask Marilyn, who now serves as a member of the national Disaster Response Team, how she came to be involved with this ministry, what the work of PDA entails, and how others (like you and me!) support this vital ministry. We also talk a bit about the work of the Milwaukee Presbytery Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force which Marilyn moderates. As we come closer to Easter and the gathering of our One Great Hour of Sharing offering, this conversation reveals how a significant portion of those funds are used, to help people out of chaos and into hope. For more information on the work of PDA and how you and your congregation might join in that work visit the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance webpage. You can also invite Marilyn to speak with your congregation; email her at mmstone52@att.net.

DIVINE INTERVENTION OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, April 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church

REGARDING RULING ELDERS

Rooted: The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity — The Rules that Make Play Possible

Barry Ensign-George has written the most recent installment of Regarding Ruling Elders, a monthly resource of the Office of the General Assembly.

MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP AT CALVARY

This Holy Week, Calvary Presbyterian Church (935 W. Wisconsin Ave.) will be continuing our new tradition of Maundy Thursday worship on Thursday, April 17. This service is a simple meal of soup and bread, discussion, Communion, and a Tenebrae service of shadows that explores the Passion of Jesus in a moving and intimate way. Please join us in Calvary's sanctuary for the meal at 6:00 p.m, with worship to follow (on Zoom as well) at 7:00 p.m.

GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MILWAUKEE

We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon concert for the community on March 2. It involved music with Irish, Canadian, US and Hebrew background. It was enjoyed by neighbors, church members and friends of the musicians. In addition to promoting it on social media, we sent postcards to 980 of our neighbors through the USPS Every Door Direct Marketing program, which is very reasonably priced. We are planning to have 3 more quarterly concerts this year. The idea of planning activities that benefit the neighborhood rather than planning activities that benefit us came through our Fuller Seminary/Tod Bolsinger training and coaching on adaptive leadership.

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.

CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LABYRINTH

Labyrinths are used worldwide to quiet the mind, to find balance, and to encourage reflection, insight, and celebration. They are open to all people as a non-denominational, cross-cultural tool of well-being.

You are warmly invited to walk Calvary’s labyrinth for prayer or meditation in the beautiful and tranquil interior of this historic landmark building in downtown Milwaukee.

Calvary's labyrinth was created in the style of the 13th-century labyrinth at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres, France and is one of only a few permanent indoor labyrinths in the country.

Calvary hosts labyrinth walks by appointment only at this time; schedule your walk by completing our online Labyrinth Form or by contacting Calvary’s church office (calvarychurchMKE@gmail.com, 414-271-8782)! In addition to welcoming confirmation classes and church groups, we also invite organizations including teachers, health care professionals, police officers, and other groups who wish to schedule a private staff retreat.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

2025 Synod PW Gathering, June 12-15

The PW Synod Gathering will be held June 12-15 in Watertown, SD. All women are invited to learn about, rejoice in, and embody what it means to “Let your Light Shine” as guided by Matthew 5:14-16. Registration information can be found in the February edition of The Sower.

North Shore Presbyterian Church in Shorewood seeks DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

St. Matthias Episcopal Church / First Presbyterian Church in Waukesha seeks MUSIC DIRECTOR