Here Comes the 900th Stated Meeting of Presbytery
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As we approach our historic 900th stated meeting this September, it is only fitting that we convene at Maryland’s oldest, and only the second Presbyterian Church in America. Much has changed in the over 300 years since Mt. Paran Presbyterian organized, and there is much to look forward to as our Presbytery adapts for the future. We hope you have Saturday, September 16th on your calendar, and look forward to seeing you in person to celebrate our ministries and work together.
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We are planning a memorable event with our host church. The morning will start with business and be followed by a lively program of worship and music, culminating with a lunch together outdoors. Much more will be revealed in the coming weeks, but registration before September 1st is greatly appreciated. Visit our website for more information and registration.
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Reducing Violence in Our Own Communities |
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The Baltimore City Police Department has recently updated their Shield website, and added some useful services for Shield partners. There is also a tab to become a Partner, which gives a password protected log on for access to everything church leaders might need for grants and training requests.
The BCPD also has a virtual Active Shooter class scheduled for August 24th, at 9 am. This course is open to anyone over 18 years old. Anyone in your organization can pre-register to get the Teams meeting invite. The course is approximately 2 hours with a Q&A at the end.
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Don't forget to register for one of the six remaining clerks' meetings/record reviews. All reviews are in person this year so that we can discuss the changes in the Book of Order that impact congregations. Register through the clerks of session resource page on the website where you will also find a new checklist.
ATTENTION NEW CLERKS: The Checklist is to be completed before you come to a review.
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS.... When Jesus spoke these words it was in the context of what we eat and wear etc. But the same might apply to the new policy requirements in the Book of Order. I want to reassure you that (a) For everything there is a season. We all know putting some of this in place will take time. Don't be anxious about getting it done yesterday or tomorrow. (b) You are not alone. Groups and teams in the presbytery are already at work to provide support and resources for congregational implementation. The clerks meetings over the coming months will be an opportunity to learn more, voice your concerns, and ask questions.
All the changes are designed to support the church in being a safer and more just community. I look forward to working with you as we put our values into practice.
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Kenneth Brandt Byerly passed away on July 18th, at the age of 86. Born in Uniontown, PA, Ken was a theologian, poet, organist, musician, sailor, professor, and more. Ken was ordained in 1959, and served the church throughout his life, including the Church of the Brethren, First Presbyterian Church (Kalamazoo, MI), The Presbytery of Baltimore, St. John the Evangelist Church (Long Green Valley, MD), and numerous other parishes. His lifelong commitment to learning and teaching touched students and colleagues at numerous institutions of higher education throughout the United States.
Our Stated Clerk, Mary Gaut remembers him well: "Ken was the associate exec for Baltimore Presbytery when I transferred here in 1989. He helped keep the work of presbytery moving forward in 1991-92, the year Herb Valentine was GA moderator. He was very helpful to me that year in my first interim position at Christ Our King. He was a gifted preacher, poet and musician and was quite a character at times. I was sorry to hear of his passing."
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Win a Star Quilt at Next Gathering |
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Raffle tickets are still available in advance for this wonderful hand made quilt by Gerald Amos, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota people. All proceeds benefit the Sisseton Learning Camp. The quilt is 77 in wide by 88 in long.
BDLC plans on drawing the winner at the Presbytery’s September Gathering. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and are $5 or 3 for $10. If interested, email Bob Steppling, BDLC Steering Committee Chair at Bobsteppling@gmail.com
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Knox Presbyterian Church is looking for flag poles and stands. Please check those closets at church for any spares, and email Adrienne Knight at aoukar@verizon.net if available.
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Baltimore Invited to Michigan
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network invites attendees to try on new adventures in service to God
Under a scriptural theme drawn from Isaiah 40:31, “Walking in New Shoes,” POAMN will sponsor a conference for POAMN members and friends from September 14-15 in Grosse Ile, Michigan, a Detroit suburb.
POAMN is also extending a discount of $15 on the registration fee — which includes the two-day program and five meals plus snacks but not lodging — for those who register for the conference by Aug. 9. Visit the conference website for complete information or to register.
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Saturday, August 5th - First and Franklin Presbyterian will hold a Community Peacebuilding and Resource Fair from 10 am - 4 pm with speakers, health care services, free food, and music. There will also be a Gun Buyback: Trade a handgun, rifle or shotgun for $200, or a semi-auto and fully-auto assault weapon for $300, no questions asked. It all takes place at Edmonston Village Shopping Center, rain or shine. Email information@firstfranklin.org if you are interested in volunteering! Download Flyer
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Sunday, August 6 - Knox Presbyterian’s 93rd Anniversary Celebration - Join Knox Presbyterian for worship at 11 am, with guest speaker Rev. Kevin Johnson, followed by fellowship with light buffet served at 12:30. 1300 N. Eden St. Baltimore 21213. View Flyer
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Tuesday, August 22 - Govans Presbyterian Church Racial Justice Ministry Summer Book Read 2023 - at 7 pm on Zoom. Register for a conversation about "The Bluest Eye," published in 1970. The first novel written by Toni Morrison, it tells the story of a young African-American girl who grew up following the Great Depression. Books will be available for $20 from the church office. Email lea@govanspres.org for info.
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Wednesday August 23 and Thursday August 24, at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County: Morton Harris and Sue Lowcock Harris are retiring! Between them, there’s a LOT of books. Commentaries, theology, liturgy, history, spirituality, Christian ed, administration, youth work – maybe some other stuff. Sue and Morton invite clergy, educators, avid readers of ecclesiastical material to come and take what you need from their libraries. First come – it’s yours! Noon - 4 pm.
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Sunday, August 27th - All are invited to celebrate with Joy the Ordination of Blake Allen Collins to the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County. Reception to follow. Ordained ministers are asked to wear stoles. If attending in person , please RSVP to
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Sunday School Series on Policy Advocacy
You are invited to join any or all of First Presbyterian Church of Howard County’s three-part Sunday school class on PC(USA)’s and individual churches’ engagement in public policy advocacy work. All sessions, 9:30 - 10:25 am, at FPCHC, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia, MD, 410-730-3545. Questions? Email Virginia Callegary – vcallegary@firstpreshc.org
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Sept 10 - Brief overview of federal and state rules on church advocacy, new FPCHC guidelines on advocacy actions, and how FPCHC engages in local issues. Moderator: Dr. Sara Watson, FPCHC elder and career advocate.
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Sept 17 - Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director of PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness: how PC(USA) develops its federal advocacy agenda, the issues they are working on, and how we can engage in federal policy.
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Sept 24 - Susan Krehbiel, PC(USA) Associate for Refugees and Asylum: federal and international advocacy on refugees and immigration; PC(USA) partners in this work; and how we can advocate at the federal and state level in coalitions.
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900th Gathering of Presbytery of Baltimore!
Save the Date: Saturday, September 16th In-person at Mt. Paran Presbyterian Church, 10 am – 2:30 pm Register in advance.
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September 19 & 23 - Healthy Boundaries Refresher Classes, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Two separate classes will be held on Tuesday and Saturday. People can register directly through Felicia at our office or contact Carol Eshelman, ckeshelman@gmail.com for more information.
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Interim Pastor
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County (FPCHC) is seeking an interim pastor to guide and prepare the congregation to call pastoral leadership, and ensure that the church has essential pastoral leadership during a time of change. The interim pastor will work with the church to assess the current state of the congregation and define its future direction. Full Position Description
Head of Staff
Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is seeking a called Head of Staff to lead their 1200 member, Severna Park congregation. The PNC is accepting self-referrals at this time, including those from clergy couples, at the following address: PNC@woodschurch.org. For more information, visit the church’s website at www.woodschurch.org/interim-ministry.
Director of Music Ministry
The Director of Music Ministry shall be responsible for the music during the worship services at Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church. This responsibility includes: instrumental proficiency in organ and piano, selecting music for: worship service and rehearsals for the adult and children and youth singers; providing music for special services (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas eve, etc.); working with soloists and other instrumentalists as applicable, and working with the Christian Education Team in the production of the annual Christmas pageant and Mother’s Day Service. This position will normally average about 8 hours a week. Job Description
Organist/Accompanist
Woods Presbyterian Church, in Severna Park MD seeks a part-time Organist/Accompanist. Traditional Sunday Services, Holiday Services, and two public choral concerts. Job Description
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