Churchville Presbyterian Child Care Center is doing well despite a year of challenges |
|
Each week, Child Care Liasons at Churchville Presbyterian rotate teaching Bible lessons with Pastor Steve. Due to the pandemic, they could visit only one class at the Child Care Center in person. Children in the other classrooms watch a live broadcast on classroom TVs. Our lessons also include short YouTube videos.
Carolyn brings flair to teaching Scripture, coming dressed in costume, for example, as Angel Gabriel, a shepherd, and a wise man. Adding visual elements to the story telling helps children process the information they receive. Pastor Stephen brings his parson’s props and “ah ha!” demonstrations. A Bible story is read aloud with opportunity for the children to ask questions. A Bible song and a prayer end the lesson.
|
|
Fawn’s Scripture lesson video uses a narration of an illustrated Bible storybook, plushie animals, posable mannequins, and set with backdrops and lights. Each week, via Brightwheels, a Parent Letter is sent home which contains the Scripture, key words and phrases, and, for Fawn’s lesson, the YouTube video link.
In November we provided a breakfast for the Center teachers and staff, with a sign that read “We cannot ‘mask’ our appreciation for all you do!” For Valentine’s Day the teachers were treated with coffee cake, fruit, chocolate hearts and ‘Thank You’ cards that were greatly appreciated.
In December, our church congregation and Child Care Center participated in the Reverse Advent Calendar activity. The children were encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items. The congregation and families at the Center were very generous, and donations were well received by the local churches’ food pantries.
|
|
During Advent, children decorated a Christmas tree with hats and gloves. These were delivered to LASOS which provides resources needed to support integration into American society for non-native English-speaking residents. The Center also collected men’s coats for the Harford County Welcome One Shelter.
Our Child Care Director was instrumental in taking individual pictures of the children at Christmas. Photos were made available to all the parents. Our Director also designed masks with the church logo to sell to the Child Care families and our congregation. Both initiatives were fundraisers for the Center.
The Child Care Center was blessed with an unexpected Valentine from the American Sentry Solar Company. They asked their customers for suggestions of worthy non-profits or small businesses. One of our families nominated us to receive a $1,000 donation. This was much needed income and a morale boost for our Center staff.
|
|
In 2020 the Child Care Center received a grant from the Presbytery's Enduring Witness Fund to purchase and install a screened-in gazebo on the church grounds. This safe space will be our outdoor classroom where students can learn experientially using the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) framework. In addition to the labor, most of the materials for the gazebo’s base were gifted to us.
Each spring students take care and feed Painted Lady butterfly caterpillars. This unit teaches the children to be responsible and compassionate wildlife stewards. An area near the gazebo will become a butterfly garden where teachers can hold their classes’ butterfly releases.
- By Fawn Palmer and Carolyn Bell, Child Care Liasons.
|
|
Introducing Baltimore Presbytery Cooking Classes |
|
Most people are familiar with the traditional Mexican dish, enchiladas - which are corn tortillas wrapped around some sort of stuffing like chicken, beef, potatoes, or cheese - covered in a savory sauce like a red enchilada sauce, or sometimes a green sauce, a sour cream sauce, or even a creamy cheese sauce. The name enchilada, however, specifically refers to the past participle of the Spanish word enchilar, which means “to add chili pepper to” or to literally season with chili pepper.
Enchiladas originated in Mexico and can be traced back all the way to the Aztecs. Since then, Mexican people have adapted the idea of enchiladas to fit with their own style. Depending on the region and the local ingredients, enchiladas can vary in sauce, filling, and even presentation. So, if en-chi-la-da means to add chili to, or to smother in a chili- sauce, then en-to-ma-ta-da means to add tomato to or to smother in a tomato-sauce.
|
|
Personal Property Tax Alert |
|
Every Maryland entity is required to file this return annually by April 15th. Nonprofit entities such as churches have the $300 filing fee automatically waived. Additionally, nonprofits are exempt from taxes on personal property.
|
|
Failure to file this report will cause an entity status of “not in good standing.” Entities that remain not in good standing for too long are in danger of being administratively forfeited by the State. While not in good standing status, an entity can file all missing returns. There is no penalty for a late filing for nonprofits. Once forfeit, an entity must file all missing returns and file Articles of Reinstatement. [Cost is currently $100].
However, more importantly, once forfeit, the corporation (or other entity) is defunct and thus provides no protections to individuals who act as agents for that entity. If someone is harmed by the negligence, the liability will fall directly on the governing board members and other leaders personally because there is no legal entity to shield them. Please be aware.
|
|
Each Church is required to file their individual statements, but if you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email or call the Presbytery offices at (410) 433-2012. |
|
Community Engagement Grants still available |
|
Do you have a new project you would like help funding? Maybe an initiative can expand or continue with some added support? The Presbytery’s Enduring Witness Fund is once again providing Community Engagement Grants, and we would like to encourage you to apply. 2021 Applications are now available on the Presbytery’s website.
The deadline for this year’s application is April 14th We are excited to hear from you and to see how God continues to bless the work you are doing in the community! An informational online meeting is scheduled for March 30th. If you are interested in joining, or have any questions or concerns, please contact José López-Chapa at jlopez@baltimorepresbytery.org.
|
|
TOMORROW: April 7 - 9 - Compassion Peace and Justice Training Days - Join to learn, organize and advocate around environmental justice! These sessions offer an opportunity to support this global movement centered on and led by the people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic racial and colonial inequities. More information and registration
|
|
April 12 - You are invited to join the Board of Lady Managers (virtual) spring meeting at 11:30 am. Contact Anne Perry for more information, or follow BOLM on Facebook.
|
|
Storytelling Masterclass: Becoming a Better Communicator. Tuesdays, April 13, 20, & 27, 10:00 - 11:30 am Online Workshop, 3-part series, led by: Christen Kinard, and sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary. More information
|
|
Ecumenical Advocacy Days: April 18 - 21 - Join the larger faith community for Ecumenical Advocacy Days. This is a gathering of Christian advocates and activists to worship, delve deeply into the pressing issues of the day and lift our voices by speaking truth to power on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit advocacydays.org.
|
|
April 19th, 6:30 pm - April B’more Human session: Liberation Theology - James Parks is hosting a panel that will have speakers on liberation theology in the context of the Black church, historically and present, women and LGBT communities, and globally (especially Latin America and Africa). Visit baltimorepresbytery.org for more information coming soon.
|
|
The Circle of Life - The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network features Rev. Fern Cloud, pastor of Pejuhutazizi Presbyterian Church on the Upper Sioux Dakota Community, Granite Falls, MN. In our culture we view life’s journey as a circle. There are four stages in our life’s journey, as there are four seasons, four directions. The circle of life is referred to as medicine wheel, in that are many teaching for a good long life. Register here.
|
|
May 6 - Community Engagement Conversations - Center staff gather on Zoom to facilitate a conversation about your congregation’s efforts to engage with the local community. Bring success stories, frustrations, questions, or places you are stuck, and we will brainstorm together. Register here.
|
|
Worship and Music Conferences in Montreat
|
|
This year, the conference theme is Gathered in My Name, and fitting with the name, The Presbyterian Association of Musicians are pleased to offer both in-person and online options for attending. They have assembled a stellar conference faculty that will be offering classes for all interests: musicians, pastors, educators, and church members - anyone interested in collaborative worship. Everyone is invited to visit their website to learn more about the plans for this summer.
|
|
In-Person Conference Dates:
Week 1: June 20 - 25, 2021
Week 2: June 27 - July 2, 2021
|
|
Online Conference Dates:
June 27 - July 2, 2021
|
|
Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church, in Annapolis, Maryland, seeks an individual to oversee all aspects of their childcare program. Read the full job description at link above for more information.
Havenwood Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time Church Office Administrator with strong organizational skills to provide administrative and secretarial assistance to the pastor, staff, clerk, elders, and committee chairpersons to facilitate the day to day operations of the church. Applicants should send cover letters and resumes to havenwoodptp@gmail.com.
Second Presbyterian Church is seeking a Consulting Pastor to work together with the Congregation, the Associate Pastor, and administrative staff. This is a full-time position, reporting to Session. They would provide for the spiritual growth and the ongoing mission and work of the church, prepare the congregation to receive a new installed pastor, using the interim time to assess the future journey of the congregation. They would focus on what might need to be changed, and to lead and support the congregation in fulfilling the interim period developmental tasks and goals. All interested candidates can email their PIF/Resume to SPCministersearch@secondpresby.org
|
|
The Presbytery offices are closed for visits or appointments until further notice, but staff and commissions continue to meet regularly online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
