August 2, 2019
884th Gathering of the
Presbytery of Baltimore
Join us for the 884 th Gathering of the Presbytery of Baltimore on Thursday, September 12, 2019, from 9 a.m. (Registration begins) till 3:30 pm, at St. John United Church in the Interfaith Center at 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD. The meeting will begin with worship and will include the Installation of Moderator Guy Moody and Vice-Moderator Michael Moore and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. We will then turn to a time for learning and discussion about one of the Presbytery’s most successful mission activities, The Center. Discernment and Decisions will include approving the COLA increase for pastors for the next year, the first reading of the 2020 budget, and approval of several important changes in the Presbytery manual.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Minutes and Meeting Papers will be on the Presbytery Website NO LATER THAN September 5, 2019. Please download to your computer and PRINT AND BRING YOUR OWN COPIES. We will NOT provide paper copies for Commissioners. WIFI will be available, but it may be a challenge if everyone tries to access meeting papers electronically during the meeting. Thank you.

Box lunches will be available for $12.50.
The Intersection is Back
By Jacqueline Taylor, General Presbyter

So, what is at the intersection of June and July?

Two new folks have joined our team. Frank Perrilli, is serving as our Communications/Social Media Consultant and Felicia Scott is serving as the Director of Administrative Operations. Both are currently “on contract” and will be joining our team “on the books” this fall!

Speaking of communications, the new and improved website is ready! Go to Baltimorepresbytery.org and start surfing. Some of our events are scrolling along the bottom of the screen and some can be found by clicking on the calendar. Now that the content is loaded, we can begin to explore some additional design options.

For the remainder of the summer, our office will be opening up our social media platform, continuing our preparation for the 2020 General Assembly and enjoying some vacation time. More important – we will be communicating with you more, so that you know what’s going on in our wonderful Presbytery office….located in the wonderful city of Baltimore!
Free Friday Events at Big Tent
If you are looking for a way to be a part of Big Tent, there are 3 different FREE events on August 2nd for you to consider. You do not have to be registered for Big Tent to attend.

The Prayer Walk for Peace will take place beginning at 5:30pm as a part of the grassroots Baltimore Ceasefire Weekend. Organizers anticipate having 200+ participants.
The PCUSA produced documentary Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence will be screened at the Lord Baltimore Hotel at 7:30pm, followed by a panel discussion.
The Genesis of Exodus is a film documenting the root causes of migration told in the voices of those affected and by country experts examining the issues. This event will also be at the Lord Baltimore Hotel at 7:30pm.

Find complete information about these events and how to participate HERE:
NWC and Transformation Grants Available
Racial Equity & Women's Intercultural Ministries and the Mission Development Resources Committee members continue to offer grants for New Worshiping Communities & Presbytery-Level Transformation efforts.  
 
Click this link below to read an overview of the grants and award available through this office - New Worshiping Communities Seed, Investment, Growth & Health Insurance Grants, Presbytery Grants for Congregational Transformation and the Sam & Helen R. Walton Award. The 2019 Proposal Submission & Review Dates are also included.  
 
Applications and resources for these grant programs are available for download through the Mission Program Grants website  https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/1001-2/mission-program-grants/ .  
Creating a Culture of Coaching
Coaching is not meant to be a remedial step for pastors who are failing; instead, it is a way to encourage and equip energized and committed pastors so they can become even better leaders of their congregations. This is the reason the Commission on Spiritual Leader Development has made it a priority to create a culture of coaching in our presbytery.
Presbytery & Church-wide
Guatemala Partnership plans for Fall trip
The Migrant Crisis: Root Causes, Christian Responses . Join the Baltimore Presbytery’s Guatemala Partnership on a specially-designed trip October 14-20, 2019 that will provide an up-close look at the forces driving migration from Central America. Experience first hand-encounters with those who know the human costs of this crisis and learn ways that CEDEPCA, our Central American partner, is responding. In addition, we will consider ways we might join them in their efforts. Cost is $1500 includes airfare, in-country transportation, all meals, and lodging. Financial assistance is available.  Registration deadline is Friday, August 16, 2019.

Contact the presbytery office at office@baltimorepresbytery.org  to request an application packet. Deposits can be made by check or online at Guatemala Fall 2019 .
Help Wanted
READERS NEEDED TO EVALUATE ORDINATION EXAMS

Baltimore Presbytery is seeking up to three Teaching Elders serve as readers or as alternate in the group of Readers that will be evaluating ordination exams the week of  May 4-8, 2020. If you are interested and/or would like more information, please contact Rev. Heather Shortlidge at  heather@annapolis-presbyterian.com , or call 410.267.8705. 
Jacqueline E. Taylor
General Presbyter
John "Jack" Carlson
Stated Clerk
Mary Gaut
Deputy Stated Clerk
Debbie Ingram Schmidt
Associate, Spiritual Leader Development
Susan Krehbiel
Director of Congregational Advocacy
Chuck Brawner
Administrator of Finances
Laura Mullen
Accountant


Kate Foster Connors
Director, The Center


McKenna Lewellen
Coordinator, The Center


Presbytery of Baltimore | (t) 410.433.2012 | (f) 410.433.2066| office@baltimorepresbytery.org |