J. Herbert Nelson to step down as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) |
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April 25, 2023 - Louisville, KY: After seven years as the chief ecclesial officer of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, has announced plans to step down from his role as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) effective June 30, 2023. The decision, he says, came after long conversations with his family and extended time in prayer. The announcement comes just days after he told the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly that he would not seek a third term as Stated Clerk. Read more...
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Please join us in gratitude for the dedicated service of Rev. Dr. Nelson. He has been a reliable and steadfast advocate for Justice, and a visionary leader who steered us through difficult times. Among his numerous achievements as Stated Clerk, we will never forget the personal role he took partnering with the Presbytery of Baltimore to produce the first virtual General Assembly of the denomination. Rev. Dr. Nelson’s seven years leading us have been a blessing, and his enduring example has shaped a legacy we will not soon forget. |
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Addressing the treatment of the “Tennessee Three” |
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If there was any doubt that racism is alive and well in our nation, the Tennessee State House of Representatives put those doubts to rest and to suggest otherwise would be disingenuous. On Maundy Thursday, their decision to expel two extraordinary men from their body was an act of racism. To her credit, Rep. Gloria Johnson, who survived the fate of Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson (both black) by one vote, has consistently stated that it was her whiteness that saved her seat.
As members of the Dismantling Racism Team, we believe it is our duty, indeed the sacred duty of all Christians, to uphold the teachings of Jesus. Jesus ministered to and uplifted those who were most vulnerable and marginalized. Jesus consistently called to task a repressive government and religious leaders/authorities that collaborated with that government. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for living out God’s word. That the Tennessee Three were abused by a government institution on the eve of Good Friday makes the connection even more poignant and our call even clearer. We must stand against racist and abusive treatment in all its forms, wherever we find it.
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The Clerk's Corner
At the May 11 stated meeting of Presbytery we will vote on the final group of proposed amendments to the Book of Order. These relate to the section "Book of Discipline." One amendment will replace the current "Book of Discipline" (BOD) with a rewritten "Church Discipline." The other 4 amendments would amend the current BOD in the event the replacement amendment is not approved by a majority of presbyteries.
Although the amendments are pretty clear and straightforward you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with them prior to the meeting. They are posted on the presbytery website along with a slide deck that explains the process of developing the proposed "Church Discipline" and the primary changes from the old BOD.
If you have questions that you would like to raise at the meeting it would be greatly appreciated if you email them to Mary Gaut asap so that she can make sure to have a complete and accurate answer. In addition, the Stated Clerk will host a brief Zoom meeting on May 3 at 4 pm for Q&A for those interested.
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TOMORROW: Legal Workshop Thursday, April 27th from 10-Noon – The session will be entirely online, with topics to be considered that include child protection policies and issues, insurance and liability including renters, and employment and personnel issues. Register in advance through the Presbytery website.
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Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Assembly Highlights |
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The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic thanks you for your continued support. There is an online summary of Highlights of the March 351st Synod Assembly. Please feel free to share with your churches, offices and associates. PDF Version
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2023 Ferguson Scholarships |
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The deadline for the Robert F. and Rosa M. Ferguson Student Scholarship Fund has been announced, and this year's applications are due by May 15th. The scholarship awards $5000 to a high school senior who will be attending an accredited college or university in the fall. Complete information and an application can be found here.
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Summer Courses at St. Mary's |
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St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute is offering a course this summer entitled, "Spirituality & Praxis of Resistance and Hope," taught by Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt. The class will explore how Christian spirituality can lead to human liberation and the actualization of hope for the church and world today. This 3-credit graduate-level course can be taken for credit or audit, and new and visiting students are welcome. Contact Galen gzook@stmarys.edu for registration information or to explore additional summer course offerings.
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Dickey Memorial Presbyterian Church Spring Concert Series
Suggested Donation: $10 per concert. Signature drinks will be available for purchase. 5112 Whetheredsville Road, Gwynn Oak, MD
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Saturday, April 29, 7 pm: Castlebay, Celtic duo
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Friday, May 19, 7 pm: Myroslav Peabody Classical Trio
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Sunday, June 18, 1 pm: Father's Day Celebration with Pilgrims of Deep Run, Irish band
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Thursday, April 27 – Legal Workshop: Baltimore Presbytery is hosting its second legal seminar for pastors and administrators, with attorney’s from Gallagher, Evelius and Jones, from 10 am - Noon, entirely online. Topics to be considered include: child protection policies and issues, insurance and liability including renters, and employment and personnel issues. More info and registration
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Saturday, April 29 – Prince of Peace will hold the second day of its Annual Used Book & Media Sale from 8 am to 4 pm, rain or shine (1657 Crofton Parkway, Crofton, 21114). Browse thousands of books from a wide variety of genres, all at bargain basement prices (most books are $1 or less)! Tons of kids' books, popular fiction, religious/spiritual books, and so much more! For a list of specific categories of books for each day, visit the Prince of Peace website. All proceeds support church mission projects. Questions? Contact the church office at (410) 721-2313
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Sunday, April 30 – Granite Presbyterian Church is hosting CPR / AED Training with Baltimore County Fire & Medical Training, at Noon in the GPC social hall. The cost is $60 per person. Payment can be made by check to BCFMT on the day of the class. The class will provide the instruction you will need to perform life-saving CPR, and the use of Automatic External Defibrillators. First Aid/Stop-the-bleed are included. The event is open to everyone, but re-registration is required. Contact the church at granitepcoffice@gmail.com. |
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Thursday, May 4th IPC hosts private screening of historian Anthony Cohen's film "Rooted Wisdom: Nature's Role in the Underground Railroad" at 7 pm. Hear about the perilous journey slaves took in search of liberation. The film is a guided experience that will be accompanied by guest speaker Linda Harris, Director of the Harriet Tubman Museum, and musician David Cole. Register here
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May 4-5 – THRIVE Seminars: The Board of Pensions Education team is pleased to announce that they have scheduled 7 THRIVE seminars (thinking retirement: identity vocation and economics) in 2023 around the nation. The first and closest is in Pittsburgh and the registration is now live. More information
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Wednesday, May 10 – Clergy Finding Resilience in Unimaginable Times featuring Dr. Robert Wicks, from 9:30 am to 2 pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210. Visit the program website and registration form. Baltimore’s SLD Commission sent a donation to this event so the cost for clergy in the Baltimore Presbytery is covered! Feel free to call Nancy Getter at (443-977-0712) or email with any questions.
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Transitional Pastor / Head of Staff
Harundale Presbyterian Church in consultation with the Presbytery of Baltimore’s Commission on Ministry (COM) is seeking a Transitional Pastor for 2 to 3 years. This position ideally would be full-time, but we are open to discussing part-time options. Job description. For more info, contact Wes Garrett, IPNC Chair: wes_garrett@verizon.net or (410) 215-3399, or Sarah Clifford, Clerk of Session: sclifford1123@gmail.com or (410) 446-8158.
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Office and Communications Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, MD (FPC) is seeking a part-time Office and Communications Coordinator. This person will be responsible for FPC’s office and communications activities including online media presence for the purpose of greater congregational engagement and connecting the community with the life and mission of FPC. Will coordinate with a wide variety of church committees, groups, and leaders. The Office and Communications Coordinator will report to the Pastor. More info here. Please submit resume, and references to office@firstpresbelair.org.
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Director of Youth Ministry
Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, located in Severna Park, MD, is searching for a dynamic Director of Youth Ministry. The ideal candidate will be an active member of the PC(USA) and have a love for the church and youth. The primary responsibility is to direct, train and recruit a team of youth leadership and adult volunteers to serve the spiritual needs of young people (grades 6 -12) and their families by creating an environment where youth, their families, and their adult leaders can engage in life-long Christian growth and discipleship. The Director of Youth Ministry will plan for and provide for a robust program of Christian Formation for youth and their families. Send resumes to clerkofsession@woodschurch.org
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