LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE OCTOBER

IN-PERSON GATHERING!

Presbytery Friends,

One of the things we hear regularly after our in-person presbytery meetings is how much people value the chance to connect — to catch up with friends, share stories, and meet new folks from across our presbytery. These moments of conversation and laughter remind us that we really are part of something larger — a community of faith that encourages and supports one another in ministry.

With that spirit in mind, the Presbytery Planning Commission, together with the Commission on Congregational Vitality, invites you to join us for our Presbytery Gathering on October 18 at Stair Crest in Muskego from 1:00-4:30 p.m We’ve planned this time to make space for connection, learning, and worship — a chance to enjoy being together as the Presbytery of Milwaukee.

We’re a connectional church, and that connection is what gives us strength and joy. We hope you’ll come, be part of the conversation, and share in this time of fellowship and renewal. I hope to see you there and that you will encourage others from your congregations to join us as well. Please be sure to register so we know how many to expect!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Kim Trimboli

Moderator, Presbytery of Milwaukee

Pastor, Forest Park 

PRESBYTERY ON THE ROAD

To make ourselves more accessible, your Presbytery staff (Ann, Kate, and Christian) have scheduled some remote office days.  Thursday, October 30th, your staff will be at Inspired Coffee in Lake Geneva from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Stop by for some conversation and a beverage or snack - our treat! We hope to see you!

Inspired Coffee, 883 W. Main Stree, Lake Geneva, 53147

NOVEMBER 4 PRESBYTERY BUSINESS MEETING

ZOOM ONLY, 7:00 PM

Friends,

I pray this fall finds you well and able to take advantage of the beautiful days. We have been blessed by the bountiful harvests all around us. As November approaches, it is time for our next business meeting of the Presbytery, which will take place on November 4th at 7:00 pm on Zoom for all participants.

At this November meeting, we will be hearing from the Transition Team about their progress, and the second reading of the budget for next year will be presented and voted on. We will also have a report to vote on from the Nominating Committee for positions of leadership across the work of the Presbytery. Nominating always welcomes nominations, so if you know of a gifted someone willing to serve in the presbytery, please contact them.

As Presbyterians, our work is representative of the whole, meaning we function better when the voices of all our congregations and clergy are present. Sessions, please check that you have an elder available to attend. Clergy, please remember that attendance at Presbytery meetings is part of our commitment to our calling. All participants must register, as only registered participants will be admitted to the meeting. There will be an additional email coming soon with reminders and instructions about how to most effectively navigate Zoom for these meetings. I look forward to seeing you on the 4th!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Kim Trimboli

Moderator, Presbytery of Milwaukee

SYNOD MEETING SUMMARY

On September 28-29, 2025, the Synod of Lakes and Praries held its Fall stated and annual meeting via zoom. You can find the meeting summary here. If you have any questions, please contact Pamela Prouty, Stated Clerk at pprouty@lakesandprairies.org.

A NOTE FROM ANDY HOLMES, SYNOD COMMISSIONER

One of the things I most love about serving as synod commissioner is being challenged by different perspectives. Our synod is composed of Presbyterians from seven states in the upper midwest / great plains region. This includes large swaths of rural America and indigenous lands throughout. Working with people of great faith from backgrounds other than the Milwaukee metropolitan area grounds my wider understanding of the Body of Christ.

This fall our synod is encouraging every congregation to pick a date and celebrate Synod Sunday where churches pray for and learn about the larger church. You can find resources for Synod Sunday here: https://www.lakesandprairies.org/s-projects-side-by-side

--Andy Holmes

TE Synod Commissioner

RESOURCES FOR REFORMATION SUNDAY

October 26

Did you know that the last Sunday of the month of October is set aside to commemorate the events and figures of the Protestant Reformation?

This year, Presbyterians will celebrate Reformation Sunday on Oct. 26 along with millions of other Reformed church members around the globe. For the 2025 observance, the Presbyterian Historical Society aims to re-introduce congregations to John Knox (1514-1572), a leading figure in the Scottish Reformation.

Find more information about Reformation Sunday and resources from the denomination here.

FIRST KENOSHA IN THE NEWS

First Presbyterian Church in Kenosha has been collecting 100 (or more) specific items every month to celebrate its 100th birthday. The items are then donated to local non-profit organizations. Check out this newsreel from CBS 58: Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Kenosha church donates gifts to celebrate 100th birthday.

LIVING PROOF WITH BETH MOORE

Simulcast Conference & Worship Weekend

October 24-25, Crossroads Presbyterian Church

Join Crossroads Presbyterian Church for an unforgettable weekend with Jesus as we journey through the pages of Scripture with a broadcasted livestream from teacher and New York Times best-selling author, Beth Moore. You will experience a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit as while worshiping together LIVE with the Crossroads Worship Team. A light supper will be offered Friday evening at 6:30 PM, as well as fellowship around the Coffee Bar and Continental Breakfast on Saturday morning. Bring a friend and come to refresh and renew your faith and connect with other women!

Find the full schedule here

6031 W. Chapel Hill Road, Mequon

"TELL ABOUT A TIME IMMANUEL HAS INSPIRED YOUR FAITH"

Last weekend Immanuel had the privilege of hosting internationally acclaimed author, photographer, and peace advocate John Nolter. Our time together was full of connection, community, and celebrating the bonds of peace that hold us together. 

On Saturday afternoon Immanuel members and friends were invited to respond to the prompt “tell about a time Immanuel has inspired your faith.” Responses and portraits were collected and turned into a video shared during Sunday’s closing keynote.

Click below to watch the video.

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.

COMMON GROUND FALL ASSEMBLY

Common Ground has set a bold goal of having over 1,000 CG leaders and guests at their October 19th assembly.  Why are 1,000 people needed?

1.    To show Common Ground’s power. Several top City officials (including the Common Council President, the DA's Office, and the Executive Director of the Fire and Police Commission) have committed to attend. CG will be asking them to work together on tackling Southside crime.  News media will also be present. 

2.    Solidarity with new Common Ground Southside leaders. For 3 ½ years CG has been working to rebuild its base of Southside leaders. Now the leaders are ready to start their first campaign. We need to show them that we will show up and stand with them. Together we have more power.

3.    Building power with tenants. CG won big improvements for public housing residents. Now it’s time to launch Tenants United and start taking on other big, bad landlords. Watch this inspiring VIDEO from a tenant who wants to organize her building with Tenants United.   

Will you be there?  RSVP today.

Sunday, Oct. 19th, 3:00-4:30 pm

Serb Hall, 5101 W Oklahoma Ave.

Click for: FLYER (English) or FLYER (Spanish).

ONE MONTH AWAY...IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR ALREADY & NOT YET

NEXT Church National Gathering, November 11-14, 2025

A gathering for Church leaders committed to transformation, NEXT Church will host its next National Gathering this fall, next door, in Michigan. The gathering of approximately 250, mostly Presbyterians (all are welcome!), from around the country will include meaningful worship and five leadership pathways (pick one for the whole conference) --

Community Organizing: Building Movements for a More Just World

More Than Good Intentions: Aligning Your Mission Ministries for Impact

Leading Through Communal Trauma: Proclamation and Public Ministry Amid Traumatic Overwhelm

Art as Resistance: Awakening Imagination

Relentlessly Communing:  Cultivating Communities of Resistance

NEXT Church is a growing community of leaders — church members, ruling elders, youth leaders, educators, ministers, seminarians, mid-council leaders, and church professionals — who believe the Spirit is moving powerfully in the Church today, even as what it means to be Church is changing. Founded in 2011, Rev. Rob Ater (Milwaukee: Immanuel) has served on the NEXT Church Vision Team and Board since 2023. Learn about NEXT at:  https://nextchurch.net/. National Gathering details and registration at:  https://nextchurch.net/national-gathering/.

Would you like to attend with a group from our presbytery? Fill out this form or contact Rev. Ann Gibbs (agibbs@pbymilwaukee.org), to express an interest in carpooling and/or sharing expenses. There is a reduced registration rate for folks who do not have continuing education or professional development funds!

Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee seeks MISSIONS LEAD ASSOCIATE