COVID Breaks Out in One of Our Churches |
|
A Letter from a Member Congregation
Recently a church in the Presbytery with a near 100 percent vaccination rate experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 after a worship service. Seven people, as of Thursday evening, had tested positive, including two children. This was 10 percent of those in attendance.
|
|
Sunday School families were notified and all members who have tested positive have been contacting people with whom they were in close contact. It could not be known exactly how many people were exposed before coming to church; therefore, the congregation was told to assume they had close contact. This church had a policy in place for such an occurrence. Both the COVID task force and the session had met expediently upon the report of the first case.
Each meeting was started by consulting directly with a medical expert on COVID who is daily treating acute COVID patients and patients with COVID Long Hauler symptoms.
It was learned that even the medical community has been surprised by how quickly this current surge came upon us. Many organizations are experiencing breakthrough infections in vaccinated people. Although rare, breakthrough infections can be severe. Blessedly those who have tested positive in this church have communicated they are experiencing only mild symptoms and it looks like there will be no further positive cases.
The following policy adjustments were made in this congregation through careful deliberation after listening to expert medical advice:
- The church was placed on a fourteen day institutional quarantine retroactive to the day of the outbreak. The following Sunday service was digital. All meetings at the church were suspended. The church building will be closed and sanitized. (This follows the congregations COVID guidelines and conforms with CDC guidelines)
- Sunday School was suspended until January
- Coffee hours and meals were suspended until further notice
- All gatherings at the church will now happen masked.
- During the passing of the peace we will remain in the pews and greet one another in place.
- After the quarantine it was made clear that Zoom options must be offered to those not comfortable meeting in person. Committees, bible studies, or fellowship groups that meet in person must now need in larger areas where social distancing is possible.
- Positivity rates will be monitored continually and adjustments to these policies will be made as is appropriate.
Spiritual siblings of the Baltimore Presbytery, It is understood how fatigued we all are with COVID. This virus: however, knows no fatigue. It is therefore important that our churches be prepared to make necessary adjustments to keep one another safe.
The good news is situations that occur like the one above no longer have to shut our churches down indefinitely. The science is clear that when people gather masked and vaccinated it protects ourselves and others. It makes the risk of transmission extremely low. Much more is known about this virus now. Such measures ensure that we can continue to worship safely and in person.
Psalm 118:26-28 “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession up to the horns of the Altar. You are my God, and I will praise you. You are my God and I will exalt you!!”
A blessed Christmas season in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings flow to all in the Service of Christ Jesus our Lord.
|
|
Most of us can agree, it’s been a tough year. Just when we thought children’s vaccinations would lead us closer to a “normal” Christmas, we’re at it again. New variants, breakthrough cases, and a straining hospital system have only increased our anxiety and contributed to another season of questions and confusion as we make and modify plans to gather with family and congregations during this most sacred season.
Let’s celebrate Advent and the coming of our Savior as best we can, and in spite of the world’s threats and complications. Let’s share, from afar if we have to, with one another all the celebrations and testaments of this blessed month. To that end, if you discover or create scenes celebrating the holidays this year, please share your photos with us! This year, we’ll also be listing Christmas worship and events that are available for online participation. If you have an inspiring celebration or display this year, please email Frank Perrelli, and we’ll be sure to share them with everyone.
In the meantime, we wish you and yours a safe and joyous Christmas season!
|
|
Attention Clerks of Session and Pastors |
|
The Statistical Reporting Season for 2021 has begun. Clerks of Session can access the reporting portal here. This page has the link to the statistics entry system along with some frequently asked questions. The deadline for completing the reports is February 10, 2022. Watch for additional information and updates via emails,Tidings and the Clerks of Session Page on our website.
|
|
Pulpit Supply Honoraria for 2022 and Beyond |
|
The Commission on Ministry has revised its suggested honorarium for Pulpit Supply: beginning in January, the suggested honorarium for Sunday pulpit supply is $175 for one service, and $225 for two services. Churches are also encouraged to pay round trip mileage.
It has been several years since the honorarium standard has been raised, and COM wants to point out that the suggested increase of $25 per Sunday would, in many cases, likely to be only an increase of about $100 to $150 a year in the annual budget, assuming the need to provide pulpit supply 4 to 6 times a year.
|
|
Presbyterian Women Celebrate with Stories |
|
The PWP is looking for your stories of times with your grandmothers or grandmother figures to share holiday memories with each other and the PC(USA) as a way to honor our precious relatives. Those of us lucky enough to have known our predecessors learned so much from them. Recently Mexicans celebrated their ‘Day of the Dead’ honoring ancestors. The heart of this is that by remembering our ancestor we keep them alive in the afterlife. While, not Christian, it’s a lovely idea that the God in us relates to the Creator/Sustainer in an ongoing way. So, let’s share those memories! I’ll start...
My Nana (maternal grandmother) lived next door. She had been a minister’s wife. I would help her prepare for Christmas Eve when all 10 of her living children and their families came to her house (a 20’ x 40’ living room). It was a command event and everyone came for at least 18 years of my life. Nana and I made Finnish bullas (cardamom sweet knots/coffee cake), baked a turkey in advance and decorated the house. On Christmas eve, the husband of her youngest daughter played Santa Clause for the exchange of presents among the children. One year one son came all the way from Australia. It was the time when all the cousins got to see each other (there ended up being 18 of us!) You can imagine the chaos that ensued for this glorious celebration of Christ’s birth. It was a merry Christmas indeed!
May you revel in your memories of the best Christmases past as you plan for this one. Please send your stories to me, Joan Berry to be shared with PW in the Synod and Church-wide.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the PW Coordinating Team of the Presbytery of Baltimore.
|
|
|
|
Springfield Presbyterian Church will be hosting the Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra for the next concert of their 2021-2022 Concert Series. On December 12, 2021 at 3:00 pm, enjoy a live concert with members of a unique group of musicians. In addition to the full orchestra pieces, there will be a few small ensemble groups included in the program this year. We also expect to see (and hear) a portable reed organ that will be part of the concert. The concert is free and open to the public, but due to the continuing COVID pandemic, all attendees will be required to wear masks.
|
|
|
|
Fresh Takes on Luke and Acts - The Spiritual Leader Development Commission will be offering a Bible Study next year, facilitated by New Testament Seminary Professor, Dr. Greg Carey, for the purpose of creating space for clergy to gather around The Word and grow in community. The Bible Study will be the first and fourth Monday January-March on Zoom. Stay tuned for more information in our next Tidings issue!
|
|
|
|
The 2nd Annual ITL Reverend Martin Luther King Spoken Word Contest - Sponsored by the In The Loop Ministry Group. Application information forthcoming, but save the date: Monday, January 17th at 1 pm.
|
|
Whatever you're doing, prepare to mask, encourage neighbors and loved ones to get fully vaccinated, and stay safe!
|
|
Holiday Presbytery Office Hours
|
|
Thursday, December 23 - Half Day 9-1:00
Friday, December 24 - Closed - CHRISTMAS EVE
Friday, December 31 - Closed - NEW YEAR'S EVE
|
|
Contemporary Music Leader
Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church is a small and welcoming congregation in the Cape St. Claire neighborhood of Annapolis, MD. This church plans to offer two worship services for all ages; one traditional and one contemporary and is seeking a music leader for the contemporary service. The ideal candidate would be creative, patient, organized, accepting, encouraging and demonstrates familiarity with contemporary Christian worship music. The Contemporary Music Leader shall be responsible to the Session of the church through the Worship Committee and shall be supervised by the Pastor. Job description
Office Administrator
Catonsville Presbyterian Church, Maryland, a church of approximately 400 members, is seeking an individual to join our team. Job duties will include: Publishing the weekly worship bulletin and newsletter, typical office tasks, welcoming visitors, answering calls, managing office workflow, and scheduling the use of the buildings as well as maintenance of church records in support of the pastor and leadership of the church. More info and application
Interim Minister
The Presbytery of Baltimore is seeking a Minister of Word and Sacrament to serve on the presbytery staff as an Interim for our congregations. This individual will be available to serve one full time interim or two part time interims. Job description
Music Director
Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church is seeking a leader to play for services and lead musical groups. The position is for about 10 hours a week, and includes a choir, a chime choir, and potential seasonal groups of children and youth. As Mt. Hebron is revising its vision, we seek someone to help us discern our musical direction. For more information, including job description and salary starting range, please email Elder Albert Lee at albertlee@mthebronpc.org
Summer 2022 Interns
The Center Baltimore is seeking Interns to split their time among three main tasks: Working with our summer groups, providing administrative support, and helping the Director and Assistant Director with other tasks, Full position description
Director of Music
Second Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, MD seeks a Director of Music to work in a leadership role to actively engage the congregation in the music ministry of the Church. People of all ages, cultures, and talents will be encouraged to participate in order to enhance the worship experience and encourage spiritual growth through music. She/he reports directly to the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff. The position is currently vacant with flexibility regarding start date. This is an exempt, part-time position. Benefits may be available, including paid vacation annually. Salary range is commensurate with skills and experience. Job Description
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
