December 1, 2022
Two Churches Building One Community
The Matthew 25 Initiative has been the catalyst for many new relationships in the Presbytery of Baltimore. For more than a year Knox and Govans churches have grown as vital congregations by building a partnership centered around their joint focus on dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. While Knox is a smaller predominantly Black church in the Oliver community and Govans’ membership is twice as large and mostly white, the two churches share a commitment to building beloved community together.

As part of that commitment, they held a joint All Saints’ Day worship service on November 6th, and it was a revealing experience for those who joined.
North Baltimore Presbyterians Reconnect
On November 19th, The North Baltimore Presbyterians Ministry Group met for a "Relax and Reconnect" evening at Faith Presbyterian.
The opportunity to take a break, make new friends, and rekindle existing relationships included spiritual direction, prayer stations, professional coaching, and yoga. Participants enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, child care, chair massages, and beverages to unwind and catch up. It was their way of saying "thank you" for the dedicated service to their congregations and ministry.
2023 MLK Performing Arts Competition
The In The Loop Ministry group is reprising its Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. contest this January, and broadening the scope to include dance, prose, dramatic presentation, painting, drawing, and sculpture. This year's theme is: How MLK’s life exhibited the principles of Mathew 25: Dismantling structural racism, Eradicating systemic poverty.

The performance takes place on January 15th, but anyone wishing to enter should check the rules and submit their material before January 8th. Visit our website for complete rules and an application.
Our Newest Arrivals
When Covenant Presbytery closed this year, there was much to process. and all the record-keeping requisite for the decommissioning of the church ensued. Files were packed for transmission to the Archives in Philadelphia, and were brought to the our office for a layover.

Although Covenant members were welcomed to surrounding churches, there were two little ones discovered packed away in those boxes without a home.

Meet "Stew" and "Evangeline," stewardship bears who have likely seen more activity in our state than many of us. We know this because a lengthy journal was kept. It describes the numerous events and people they met in their pursuit of annual giving. They seem to like Baltimore, and are eager to help us get the word out and make new friends.

Stop by and say hello, or stay tuned. You'll be hearing more from Stew and Evangeline!
GBMC's Presbyterian Origins
Did you know that our local hospital, where so many of us have delivered babies, had tonsils removed, or even faced life threatening cancer surgeries has deep Presbyterian roots?

Over 50 years ago when The Presbyterian Eye, Ear, & Throat Charity Hospital located on Baltimore Street (site of the current Helping Up Mission) needed to find new quarters it merged with The Woman’s Hospital of Maryland. Together they bought property from Shepherd Pratt and became “The Greater Baltimore Medical Center.” Since 1877 the Presbyterian Charity Hospital, which was strongly supported by every local Baltimore area church, provided vital medical care to folks in who were often unable to pay. Many good-hearted Presbyterian ladies assisted with this important venture. Thus, The Presbyterian Board of Lady Managers (BOLM) began ...and still exists today! However, support has waned as times have changed, and they are currently supported by only 3 area churches, so they need your help.

This year BOLM is celebrating their 145th Anniversary on Monday, December 12, in the GBMC Conference Center. They welcome any and all Presbyterian women who live within the GBMC service area to join their worthy volunteer effort and proudly represent your church. For more information please contact: Anne Zouck Perry - aperry1011@gmail.com
Free Stuff
Catonsville Presbyterian Church has 14 light blue adult choir robes, sizes 50-54 which are no longer needed. There are gold/bright blue/white stoles to match. If desired, there are also 3 robes that need zippers but no stoles to match. Free to anyone who can use them. Please contact themchurch office at office@catonsvillepres.org

Maryland Presbyterian has four 4-drawer file cabinets with sheet music in them. The cabinets and music are free to anyone that would like to pick them up. We also have 42 copies of "The Presbyterian Hymnal" free to anyone who would like to pick them up. Please call the church office 410-825-0719 to arrange a date and time.
Upcoming Events
2022 Christmas Celebrations
Are you ready to spread Joy and Hope this Advent season? Once again, this year we are compiling a webpage full of information on Advent and Christmas events throughout our Presbytery!

If you would like us to add your concert, gift sale, performance, or any other organized activity to our online listings, please email details to Frank Perrelli at fperrelli@baltimorepresbytery.org and he'll be sure to promote it on the Presbytery's website.
Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm - Govans Presbyterian continues its Racial Justice Film series with Wit, Will & Walls, a powerful epic of an African American family's struggle for equality. The documentary will be followed by discussion. The event will be in-person in the Gallery (the education building across from the sanctuary). 5828 York Road
Sunday, December 11 - Springfield Presbyterian Church will host Harpist and vocalist, Meghan Davis in the third concert of their 2022-2023 FREE concert series at 3pm. This concert will feature a variety of music including selections for the holidays, and followed by a reception. 7300 Spout Hill Road in Sykesville,
Monday, December 12 - Presbyterian Board of Lady Managers Welcome / 145 Year Anniversary at GBMC. For more information please contact: Anne Zouck Perry - aperry1011@gmail.com
Wednesday, December 21 - Winter Solstice Worship Service - All are invited to join the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network (POAMN) to celebrate the longest night of the year. Light a candle and join this virtual worship service with Rev. Dr. Ella F. Busby. Registration and information
Employment Opportunities
Choir Director
First Presbyterian Church in Bel Air seeks choir director. Multi-faceted position requiring ability to play piano and/or other keyboard instruments and direct vocal choir. The successful candidate will work with the Pastor and Music Director to select appropriate hymns, anthems and songs for worship throughout the year and will rehearse weekly with the choir to prepare musical selections for each Sunday service, and Holy day services. Knowledge of the liturgical year is helpful. Please send a cover letter and resume to: office@firstpresbelair.org. Salary commensurate with experience. This is a 10 month, part-time position.

Interim Associate Pastor (IAP)
Second Presbyterian Church is seeking an individual to be is responsible for planning, executing and overseeing a vibrant program of spiritual formation and fellowship for children and youth and providing staff support for the Christian Education Committee. In addition, the IAP is responsible for pastoral care for homebound and hospitalized members and for providing staff support for the Board of Deacons. The IAP will participate in worship regularly, preach approximately 12 times per year and is generally responsible for preparation of a children’s sermon in Sunday worship that fits with theme of service/scripture used in worship. Job description

Office Administrator
Mt Hebron Presyterian Church in Ellicott City is seeking an energetic, outgoing, part time Office Administrator. Job description. Please send resume to: susanmergenthaler@mthebronpc.org
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