Black History Month is Here |
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For 47 years, every American president since Gerald Ford has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. This year's theme, “ Black Resistance,” explores how "African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days.
The African American experience in America has been regularly observed and discussed in depth by our In the Loop Ministry Group. Topics ranging from the 1619 Project to local history, from racial justice to artistic expression have all been explored, and an archive of their " B'More Human" presentations can be found on our website. We encourage you to view and share their knowledgeable dialogues, and stay tuned for more candid and insightful programming in the year ahead.
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Matthew 25 Lenten Book Study |
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Knox Presbyterian Church and Govans Presbyterian Church invite all congregations to participate in their 2nd Lenten Book Study which will take place every Thursday in March at 7 pm.
In keeping with their Matthew 25 commitment to dismantle structural racism, they will read Burying White Privilege: Resurrecting A Badass Christianity. The author, Rev. Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre will join them for the first session on March 2nd. Learn more about the distinguished speaker and author here.
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Please register for the study by email to Andy Wilson (wilson@govanspres.org). A limited number of books are available at Govans and Knox. The book is also available for download to Kindle devices. For hard copy we recommend support of Black-owned business.
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Additional Lenten Studies from DRT |
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The Dismantling Racism Team has also offered Lenten congregational study ideas with guides for use with small groups. They recommend 2 books: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone, and The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee.Study guides for both works can be found on the Presbytery's website.
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Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake is currently preparing grant proposals to help congregations plant trees throughout Maryland to assist in reaching the state goal of planting 5 million trees. Whether you are at an urban, suburban or rural congregation, IPC might be able to help you achieve success with a tree planting project.
Please use this form to record your congregation's interest in having native trees planted on your property. Even if you don’t know how many trees can be planted on your congregational site that is OK – just fill that field on the form in with a “0.” IPC staff will review all requests and reach out to you with questions based on a site analysis and the availability of funding. Once we get the grant(s) IPC will work with you and their technical partners throughout the region to come up with a planting and project plan that works for your congregation. Each program and region have different parameters, so the assistance provided will depend on where you are located.
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The Clerk's Corner
Greetings Clerks,
STATISTICAL REPORTS - It is good to see so many completed statistical reports. Here’s a gentle reminder that the deadline is February 9 – next Thursday. If you need help, I am standing by, always happy to assist and support your work.
DIGITAL RECORD KEEPING - There’s an upcoming opportunity to hear from David Staniunas, records archivist for the Presbyterian Historical Society. He will be present with us on Zoom on February 16 at 10:30 am. You can register here. Come with your questions about record keeping in the digital age and when and how to transfer old records to PHS for archiving.
NECROLOGY - At our next stated meeting of Presbytery on March 9th, we will be reading the names of elders and ministers who died in 2022. If you haven’t done so already, please share your names with us.
Meanwhile, thank you for your good work as clerk of session in your congregation. It is important work and much appreciated!
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The Ruth Gosnell Education Fund |
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Do you know anyone who needs an interest-free loan for the 2023-2024 academic year to complete your college Junior, Senior or Graduate School studies? The Ruth Gosnell Education Fund, directed by the Springfield Presbyterian Church, provides interest-free loans for those full-time student categories. Regardless of religion, all applicants will receive impartial consideration; and repayment of the loan does not start until 6 months after graduation. Loan applications will be evaluated on academic performance, financial need, and a short essay. Download the RGEF Form A, “Ruth Gosnell Education Fund Loan Application” on their website, or call SPC at (410) 795-6152. Completed applications must be received by March 1, 2023. E-mailed applications are acceptable (spc.office@verizon.net).
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30 Mint Condition Church Pews
Yours free for the taking: 12 ft. in length, with or without blue seat pads, light oak wood / minimal ornamentation. Can be bracket to floor for safety. Contact Ashland Presbyterian Church (410) 527-1844 or office@ashlandpc.org to arrange pickup.
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Does your church have some choir robes stored in the closet or the attic? Our sister church in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba would love to have 20 - 25 robes that are used but in good condition. A group from Woods Memorial is making a trip there in March, and we have a small budget that could buy the robes. Please contact Marty Clayton, mclayton@breezeline.net, if you can help!
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offers many different speakers and workshops, both in person and online, including resilience workshops. The workshops can range from 90 minutes to a two day retreat. More information.
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Sunday, February 12 Installation Service
The members of Grove Presbyterian Church invite you to join them as they celebrate the installation of their new pastor, Rev. Dr. Harold J. Bennett II. This blessed occasion will be celebrated through worship and with God’s Word. Your presence will make this event a memorable experience for Pastor Hal and the congregation. A reception will follow in Mitchell Hall at Grove Church. Kindly RSVP to (410) 272-0896 or grovepchurch@gmail.com. (*Our last Tidings listing contained the wrong date. Our apologies for the mistake. Please note the corrected date here.)
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February 16th - Record Keeping in the Digital Age Join our Zoom session with David Staniunas, records archivist at the Presbyterian Historical Society, to talk about church record keeping and how PHS can help churches, at 10:30 am. Come with your questions about record keeping and when and how to transfer old records to PHS for archiving. Info and registration |
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February 16th - Elder/Deacon Mastermind Group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 7-8 pm on Zoom.This is a group for any elder or Deacon (whether currently serving or not) to discuss best practices, challenges, and ideas. It’s a great opportunity for fellowship and building relationships across the Presbytery. February's topic: Who We Are as Elders, with Rev. Steve Nofel. More info
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February 21st - Jazz Vespers/Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner at Granite Presbyterian Church 5:30 - 7:30 pm. The service will include prayers, a homily by Pastor Steve Nofel and New Orleans style sacred and secular jazz. Adults $10, children $6, under 6 free. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit local food pantries. 10637 Old Court Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163
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February 21st - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Churchville Presbyterian Church. Adults $8, family max $35, under 5 free. 2844 Churchville Rd, Churchville, MD 21028
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898th Stated Meeting of Presbytery - Thursday, March 9th, at 10 am. The next meeting of Presbytery will be virtual only. Mark your calendars! Registration and more event info is coming soon and can be found on the Presbytery's event page.
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Dismantling Racism Training - Tuesday, March 21 The training is for Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders required under Presbytery policy and open to other ordained and non-ordained leaders in their local congregations and Presbytery committee/commission members. More information
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Christian Educator and Church Administrator
Christ Our Anchor is hiring and we need you!! We are a small(er), family-friendly church in the Cape St. Claire neighborhood of Annapolis. Both of our open positions offer flexible hours and a rewarding, encouraging work environment. If you or someone you know might be interested in these job postings, please share this webpage with more details on each job, and encourage them to apply: www.christouranchorpc.org/jobs
Part-Time Pastor
Communications Assistant
Highland Presbyterian Church, in Street, Maryland, seeks part-time Communications Assistant to begin as early as January 1, 2023. Salary is negotiable. A job description for the position is posted on our website (www.highlandpresbyterianchurch.org). Please submit letter of intent and resume, and references to Personnel Committee Chair, Pete McCallum at plmmccallum@gmail.com and/or to Pastor Ray Meute at pastor.meute@verizon.net.
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