August 25, 2022
Our 896th Gathering is 14 Days Away
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 update on 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.

An open space sponsored by the In The Loop Ministry Group and Dismantling Racism Team will focus on ways to encourage our church and community members to educate themselves on voter registration and GOTV (get out the vote) activity.

We hope you can join us to tune in to what’s happening and learn more about the Presbytery’s exciting future!
Two Decades of Peace & Global Witness
Congratulations are in order for Churchville Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Westminster. These two churches have participated in the Peace & Global Witness Offering, and its predecessor, the Peacemaking Offering, for at least 20 years! We wanted to share this this wonderful milestone, and encourage congregations to learn more at https://www.facebook.com/specialofferings.
A Summary of General Assembly Actions
If you are looking for a brief and concise summary on the most important actions that transpired at this summer’s General Assembly, this report has been published online for your convenience.
Attention Clerks of Session
When you have completed your paired reviews of records and minutes be sure to return the signed checklist to Stated Clerk Mary Gaut. The deadline is September 30. There will be one group review on September 17 at 10AM at Faith Presbyterian. If you prefer to participate in the group please let Mary know.
Retirement Savings Plan Open to Church Employees
You may have heard that, beginning in September, organizations with at least one W-2 employee who also use a payroll service are required to offer employees a retirement savings program. Fortunately the Retirement Savings Plan offered through the Board of Pensions qualifies and is an excellent way to help employees save for retirement. Participation is voluntary but should be offered, even if your church does not use a payroll service. Read more here.

Keep Awake! Teen Retreats
Keep Awake! is a new pay-what-you're-able retreat for high school students and their leaders, centered on worship, leadership development, and small group discussion while learning about PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 vision. To learn more and to register, visit their website, or contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org or (540) 434-3829
Upcoming Events
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.
First and Franklin Presbyterian is hosting a Gun Buy-Back on September 17th. Anyone with an unwanted gun in their home can bring it (unloaded) to the church that Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Volunteers will assist in taking the guns from cars and walking donors to the site of a chop saw which will dismantle the gun. The metal from the gun will then be refashioned by a blacksmith into a garden tool. More information
Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering - Join the celebration with Presbyterian women of Baltimore as they turn 100 years old at Catonsville Presbyterian Church, on October 1, from 10:30 am - 1 pm. The guest speaker will be Lancy Long, PW Moderator of the Mid-Atlantic Synod. Food will be provided for a picnic outside in their pavilion. Rain date: October 8. RSVP to Adrienne Knight at adrienneknight.pw@gmail.com.
October 6th: Our Presbytery will host an important workshop for pastors and administrators on legal issues every church needs to know. It will be lead by Meaghan Casey and other attorneys from the law firm of Gallagher, Evelius and Jones. Become better informed about corporate filings, taxes (especially related to renting space) and other related topics. This is a unique and valuable opportunity. Pastors especially are encouraged to attend. Save the date - info to follow.
Saturday, October 29th - Presbytery-wide Elder Training event: Transformative Leadership: Elder Training in a New Era. Designed for new, returning, and currently-serving elders, this day-long retreat will include a variety of workshops including "The State of the Church--Reimagining Community" by Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, which will provide a positive conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities of being the church in the 2020s. It will also provide time for you to meet and get to know Elders from other congregations in the Presbytery. 
The event will take place at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Mt. Airy, MD and is tentatively set for 9am to 3pm. Lunch will be provided. Although a hybrid option is anticipated, we strongly encourage you to come in person if you are able. More information to come! If you have any questions, or if you would like to RSVP, please contact Jennifer Barchi, jbarchi@baltimorepresbytery.org.
Help Wanted
Director of Children’s Music
Ark and Dove Presbyterian is searching for an individual to lead the Children’s Music Program under the direction of the Director in praising and worshiping God through a high quality, diverse, and engaging music program. Position is part time, working about 6 to 8 hours per week. Job description

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.
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