The Presbytery of Milwaukee
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| The Presbytery of Milwaukee has a unique mission outreach that began in 1995. Immanuel Presbyterian Church in downtown Milwaukee initiated the first Alternative Christmas Market. The concept of an alternative Christmas was brought to Immanuel by a longtime member, Steve Swigart, who was inspired by the memory of receiving alternative Christmas presents in his childhood. Immanuel Church hosts representatives from twelve diverse service agencies whose focus encompasses children, women, poverty, hunger, and education—both locally and internationally. When someone makes a financial contribution to an agency or program in the name of a friend or relative, a gift card designed for the occasion is given in place of a tangible gift. This event provides the congregation with an opportunity to help share the good news of Jesus Christ and focus less on the commercialism of Christmas.
The first Alternative Christmas Market at Immanuel generated over $9,000. Over the years, at least five other churches in the presbytery have developed their own such markets. Each church is unique in the way it organizes and promotes its market. Crossroads Presbyterian makes sure to reserve a special time for the children to shop at its Gracious Gifts Alternative Gift Market, where thirteen organizations are represented. Jerusalem Presbyterian Church planned its first alternative market in 2004, which focused on community involvement and included four organizations. For many years, Wauwatosa Presbyterian has supported a less consumer-oriented observance of the Christmas season, and in 2005 it hosted eleven organizations at its first Alternative Christmas Market. The deacons at First Presbyterian in Racine have provided the leadership for the last several years for an Alternative Christmas Market in which ten agencies participate. Brookfield Presbyterian chooses organizations that the congregation has supported throughout the year with mission dollars and some hands-on opportunities. The mission committee invites representatives of all the organizations to be present at its event and to share their ministry and answer questions. In 2004, six congregations in the presbytery raised over $60,000 at Alternative Christmas Markets. Those funds were given to a wide variety of local, national, and international organizations. The Presbytery of Milwaukee has 49 churches serving 11,419 members. The presbytery is also home to Carroll College, a Presbyterian-related school in Waukesha, and Presbyterian Homes of Wisconsin Inc. |
 Presbytery Staff Rev. Gregg Neel, executive presbyter Elder Eileen Pierce, program coordinator Elder Roxanne Lawrence, resource center coordinator Elder Judy Bell, stated clerk Elder Detlef Pavlovich, treasurer Elder Chris Halverson, administrative assistant PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Allyn M. Schadt, NMD Colleen Scharpf, BOP Deborah Schenck, BOP |
 Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (Mic. 4:3). |
 Ps. 65, 91, 125, 147:1–11 Micah 3:9—4:5 Rev. 8:1–13; Luke 10:17–24 |
