January 21, 2020
Connections: Clergy Family Retreat
August 13-15, 2020, Massanetta Springs Conference Center

Clergy face unique challenges, and relationships with others who share that calling can be a source of encouragement and inspirations. This year’s Clergy Retreat ventures into new ways to connect with colleagues.
 
As a family retreat, this is a retreat is for all expressions of family. You are welcome here, whether you are married, single, divorced, widowed, a single parent or a parent of five. By simply being part of Baltimore Presbytery, you are one of the family and you belong here. You will find people who share your stories, people who open your eyes to new ways of life, and those who challenge your perceptions of what it means to join together in connection.
Our hope is simple: that we will be able to connect with one another in a beautiful space and find God's Spirit moving among us.

Accomodations will be hotel style rooms in the beautiful Hubler Lodge. The Massanetta experience includes zip lines, canoeing, swimming, open space discussions, spiritual direction, hiking, and programming for youth and children. We would love for you to be there! If price is a hindrance, scholarships are available through the Spiritual Leadership Commission.

Cost:
Single: $110 - Couples: $220 - Families with Children: $300
Registration deadline: April 1st, 2020
The Ruth Gosnell Education Fund
Need an interest-free loan for the 2020-2021 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. Visit their website for more information .
Notice to Clerks & Pastors of Session
THREE WEEKS REMAINING

Twenty-two, or roughly 1/3rd of our churches have already completed their Annual Statistical Report! Remember that it must be approved by your Session before submitting. Do not click “submit” until your session has approved the report. Deadline is February 12 .


This year the Clerks' Annual Questionnaire, prepared by the PCUSA Office of Research Services, has been sent at the same time as Annual Statistical Reporting. This has come as a surprise to us and to other presbyteries. Only the statistical report has to be approved by sessions prior to submitting but both are important. Please contact Mary Gaut at the presbytery office with any questions you may have. We are sorry for any confusion this new scheduling has created. Deadline is Friday, February 14 .

In Memoriam
The Rev. J. Calvin K. Jackson, a Presbyterian pastor known for his bright spirit, keen intellect and inspiring sermons delivered during 40 years of ministry, died January 7 in Delray Beach, Florida. He was the Moderator for the Presbytery in 1966, and had led prominent churches in Baltimore, including Faith Presbyterian from 1956-1967, and as an interim at Roland Park. He also led congregations in Cincinnati, OH and Basking Ridge, NJ. Rev. Jackson was 91.
Save the Dates
To all pastors, clerks, presbytery commissioners, and interested Presbyterians: Registration is now open for the 886 th Gathering of Presbytery to be held at 3:30 pm, February 13, 2020 at Catonsville Presbyterian Church, 1400 Frederick Road, Baltimore. The meeting will feature an evening worship service with communion, with a focus on the theme “This is Our Story: Celebrating Black History in the Presbytery of Baltimore.” The service will also include the reading of the necrology of Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Ruling Elders who have passed away in the past year. Items for Discernment and Decision will include consideration of possible support for two overtures to the 224 th General Assembly. Commissioners. Register for dinner
The Steering Cabinet has also called for a Special Meeting of the Presbytery at 10 am. Thursday, March 19, at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear a report on plans for The Center, including an opportunity to review a motion which will be moved, debated and voted at the May 14 Gathering. At the March special meeting, presbyters will be able to ask questions, request further information, and make constructive suggestions, but again, no amendments will be offered at this time, and no vote taken until May.
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Cameroon, an update from the Ground
Please join to learn more about the critical situation in Cameroon and why it matters. We will hear from partners from the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon as well as our partners in World Mission and the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Register online
Our Puerto Rico Experience
Catonsville Presbyterian Church (1400 Frederick Rd.) hosts this dinner event at 6:00 pm to share news about the trip to Puerto Rico last November. Participants will tell stories, show pictures, and explain what was accomplished and what they hope to accomplish in the future. Facebook event
Flint: The Poisoning of an American City
January 31 is the official launch day of this eye-opening documentary featuring the late Congressman Elijah Cummings. It is available after this date on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, and OnDemand with all major cable providers! More Information
Kickball and Crafts in Alhambra Park
The North Baltimore Presbyterians ministry group and the Woodbourne-McCabe Community Association have partnered to present this regular event every first Saturday. Featuring board games, crafts, snacks and warm or cold drinks depending on the weather. A good time will be had by all. Facebook event
SouperBowl of Caring Luncheon 
Join your church family in fellowship hall following worship for a delicious soup luncheon hosted by the senior high and middle school youth. Donations go towards hunger-relief through our support of the Westside Shelter ministry. Each month, Catonsville Presbyterian provides a meal for the 150 residents of the Catonsville shelter. Facebook event
Cyber Safety Event
"Public & Permanent: Motivate Responsible Use of Technology & Prevent Digital Abuse!" featuring speaker Richard Guerry. The Bay Area Disciples (BAD) is hosting this important event for middle and high school youth, parents are encouraged to attend, from 6 - 7:30 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Saylor at saylordeb@yahoo.com
Jazz Concert
The Eric Byrd Trio is welcomed back to the concert series for a performance on Sunday, February 9th at 3:00 pm at Springfield Presbyterian Church (7300 Spout Hill Road in Sykesville). As always, there will be a reception with lots of good food following the concert. If you have any questions please call Linda Caviglia (410) 746-1221 or e-mail cavig5@comcast.net .
Help Wanted
Part-time Administrator
The Center is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, patient individual who is a good communicator and experienced managing a database to work with local congregations to host visiting groups from across the country for mission experiences in the Baltimore area. Full job description
General Assembly Volunteers
The Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) is seeing creative and energetic individuals to lead a team or be part of a workgroup for June’s General Assembly in Baltimore. Available roles include: Fundraising Co-Chair, Media & Communications Chair, and Welcome Reception Volunteers. For additional information, contact Sonce.Reese@pcusa.org or (410) 433-2012.
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