August 11, 2022
Let's Get Ready to Gather!
By now, September 8th should already be on your calendar for the Presbytery’s 896th Gathering. It will be our second hybrid event, so attendees have the option of participating online or in person. Christ Memorial Presbyterian will be our generous host for the morning.
Please register in advance whether you plan to attend in person or online at BaltimorePresbytery.org. Some of the items we will be discussing and presenting include the following:

  • Installation of 2022-23 officers and leaders
  • Reports from GA225 Commissioners and Overture Advocates
  • An overview of the Presbytery's strategic plan
 
We will also be dedicating time for worship, and lunches will be optional for anyone who'd like to stay for fellowship after the meeting. We hope you can join us to tune in to what’s happening and learn more about the Presbytery’s exciting future!
SLD Scholarships Available
Did you know that Scholarships are available year-round for educational and spiritual offerings? Individuals can now apply for funding to support events and programs that bolster their development and congregational leadership.

Here are a few examples of scholarships that have previously been awarded:
  • Teaching Elders attending continuing education events and spiritual direction,
  • Lay leaders attending Stewardship Kaleidoscope,
  • Lay and ordained individuals attending coach training and conflict transformation training,
  • Staff attending APCE and Administrative Professional conferences. 

Occasionally, the Spiritual Leadership Development Commission will also consider creative applications from a single leader to provide for group resources (e.g. a pastor starting a small group within a church and buying journals for all participants). Please note that we ask all recipients to present a plan for sharing their experience with the broader presbytery.

Attention Clerks of Session
We are actively into the season of records reviews and they should be completed by the end of September. If you have not been able to connect with your partner clerk or need a reminder of who it is, please be in touch with Stated Clerk Mary Gaut at mgaut@baltimorepresbytery.org. There is also a video tutorial on paired reviews on the clerks of session resource page on the presbytery website. Send the completed checklists to Mary when you complete your reviews.
Take a Virtual Journey to Guatemala
CEDEPCA’s Virtual Journey, “The New Face of Mission,” has been announced for Wednesday, August 24th at 7:30 pm. Join the discussion on faithful local and global mission with Hunter Farrell and Bala Khyllep, co-authors of the book, Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development. All who are interested in engaging in mission and cross-cultural relationships are welcome.
Designed for an English-speaking audience, this Virtual Journey will be helpful for anyone interested in leading or participating in a service or learning trip.
 
The book’s co-authors Hunter Farrell and Bala Kyllep are professors and directors of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. They will be the guides on this Virtual Journey in important critical thinking and self-examination around mission. Although it’s not necessary, participants are encouraged to read the book beforehand for a richer experience. Pre-registration is required. And visit here to make a suggested donation of $11.
 
To buy the book, please visit: https://freeingmission.com. Use discount code: MISSION for a 30% discount + free shipping in the USA. A purchase of more than 10 books receives a 40% discount (no code needed).
Upcoming Events
Sunday, August 14 - Springfield Presbyterian Church is pleased to present The Satyr Hill Band for their next free concert at 3 pm on Sunday, August 14 at 7300 Spout Hill Road in Sykesville. Although primarily a bluegrass band, they play a variety of music and styles which include bluegrass, new grass (as in Revival), progressive, acoustic country and rock & roll, as well as innovative originals.
The group has worked together for many years and is comprised of 5 members, 4 of whom are lead singers. Instrumentation for the group is banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin, giving a wonderfully full sound to the band.
We welcome the public to all of our concerts. No tickets are sold, but there will be an offering during the concert. It will be followed by an ice cream social with delicious homemade ice cream. Masking is highly recommend due to the prevalence of the newest COVID variant in our community. More info
896th Gathering of Presbytery of Baltimore - Join us before 10 am for a hybrid event hosted by Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Maryland. Please register in advance whether you plan to attend in person or online at BaltimorePresbytery.org.
Prescription Drug Affordability Forums Learn how Maryland is working to make high-cost prescription drugs more affordable. Join us at a virtual meeting on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30pm for an update on state initiatives, including Maryland's landmark Prescription Drug Affordability Board and new legislation enacted in 2022. You will be asked to tell your stories of how high-cost drugs have impacted you and your families. They are also scheduling in-person meetings for this fall.
Help Wanted
Christian Educator
Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church is a small and welcoming congregation in the Cape St. Claire neighborhood of Annapolis seeking a Christian Educator. This position would be starting at 8 hours per week, year-round with flexible hours in the summer months. This is a rewarding and flexible part-time job. The ideal candidate would be an enthusiastic self-starter with a love for children and families. This position is supervised by the Pastor and reports to Christian Education Elders. Job description

Mission Coordinator
Catonsville Presbyterian Church is looking for a part-time Mission Coordinator starting this Fall.  The Mission Coordinator will help the congregation to ask good questions about where the needs are, what partners are effective to work with, and which churches and other non-profits we can work with to build a solid network in the community. Position description

Administrative Assistant
Maryland Presbyterian Church is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide support to the Pastor and lay leadership of the congregation in coordinating the work of the church office, and performing other duties as assigned. The Administrative Assistant is supervised and accountable to the Pastor. Job description and email for more information.

Temporary Supply Pastor
Mount Hebron Presbyterian Church in Ellicott City is seeking an individual with strong leadership skills that can enthusiastically reinvigorate our ministry during a three-year period. The church will commit all of its resources into finding sustainable paths for ministry during that time, and will seek COM’s permission each year to renew the contract of the Temporary Supply Pastor. Job description. Please email candidates PIF’s with cover letters as well as any questions to: susanmergenthaler@mthebronpc.org
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