5th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts and Spoken Word Contest

It's time again to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the In the Loop Minitsry Group hosts their 5th annual Performaing Arts and Spoken Word Contest this month. This year's theme is "MLK’s Work for Fair and Affordable Housing."

Submissions are encouraged and welcome until January 10th. Learn more about contest rules on our website here. There is a flyer to download and share as well.

The event will be live streamed on January 14, 2024 at Light Street Presbyterian Church. All are invited to join online or in-person. Register to attend and learn more at https://baltimorepresbytery.org/2024-mlk/.

Overcoming Fear of the E-Word: A Day Discussing Evangelism

The Commission on Thriving Congregations invites you to join us on Saturday February 3rd, 2024 for the first in our series of Thriving Church Tools. The Tool for this first workshop is Evangelism. CTC anticipates putting forward a new tool quarterly in 2024.

Evangelism: Many of us have negative views and ideas about what it is, and maybe even more negative feelings about trying to do it. Through our presentations we are going to offer ways to redefine, refocus, and recapture just what Evangelism is and how we can be more successful and joyful in sharing our faith and growing the Church. One suggested tool for use will be the Unbinding Series by Martha Grace Reese.

The day will begin at Christ Our King Presbyterian Church with registration and coffee at 9:30 am, followed by presentations in the sanctuary at 10:00 am. Lunch will be served at noon and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm we will have group discussions on what has worked for each of us, what are some of our biggest fears about Evangelism, how we might scale different approaches for our churches, and more. Please register online and share any dietary needs. If you cannot register before the 3rd, please come and register that morning.

The Clerk's Corner

CLERKS OF SESSION AND PASTORS:

Remember that your annual statistical report deadline is February 8. (https://oga.pcusa.org/section/churchwide-ministries/stats/statistical-reporting-faq/) It should be approved by your Session before submitting. Do not click “submit” until your session has approved the report. You cannot make changes after you “submit.”

IF YOU ARE A NEW CLERK AND NEED MORE INFORMATION OR HELP, CONTACT MARY GAUT mgaut@baltimorepresbytery.org

Clerks of session are also reminded to complete the Church Officer Form for 2024. Thank you in advance

2024 Baltimore Dakota Learning Camps

It is with great excitement that the Baltimore Dakota Learning Camps are planning for three camps this summer:

• The Ihanktowan Learning Camp will be held June 15– 22, 2024 on the Yankton Sioux Reservation.
• The Sisseton Learning Camp will be held July 20-27, 2024 on the Lake Traverse reservation in Sisseton, SD.
• The Pejuhutazizi Family Learning Camp will be held July 27 – August 3, 2024 on the Upper Sioux Community in Granite Falls, MN.

At the March 14th Gathering, we will have an Open Space after lunch to provide an overview of our current camps and their schedules. We will also be able to answer any questions that you have concerning our mission. Please go to our website baltimoredakotalearningcamps.org if you are not familiar with our program. The website will be updated by February 1, 2024. Applications must be received by April 1, 2024 for this year’s camps. Wopila tanka,

- Bob Steppling, Chair, BDLC

The Ruth Gosnell Education Fund

Need an interest-free loan for the 2024-2025 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 application at https://www.springfieldchurchmd.com/rgef, or call SPC at 410-795-6152.

Completed applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2024. E-mailed applications are acceptable (spc.office@verizon.net).

Save the Date: Thursday, March 14th at Noon

The 902nd Stated Meeting of Presbytery

Plans are underway to identify a church to host our next Stated Meeting, and we are striving to organize a hybrid event to accommodate in-person as well as online participation. Stay tuned for further information as it develops, but please save the date!

One Book, One Presbytery

Church Educators, Teaching Elders and Education Committees: Explore The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, and make this 6-week opportunity part of your plans for Eastertide 2024. Save the dates!

• 6 weekly discussions – on Zoom
• Mondays, April 8 – May 6, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
• Special guests provide insight to the major topics
• Facilitated small group discussion

Sponsored by the Presbytery of Baltimore Dismantling Racism Team and In the Loop Ministry Group. (Full participation in the program will meet the Dismantling Racism training requirement.)

Part-Time Pastor / Bridge Pastor

Second Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time or a full-time bridge pastor in March 2024. This is a 20-40 hours per week flexible schedule based on the needs of the congregation and staff. The pastor would preach for two worship services on Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM during the church year (September through May) and at a single service at 10:00 AM during the summer (June through August). Full job description and information

Pianist/Organist

First Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, MD (FPC) is seeking a part-time Pianist/Organist. The Pianist or Organist works in conjunction with the Pastor and Music Director by performing music from the piano or organ which contributes to the musical portion of worship services. This includes using the piano and/or organ to provide a prelude and postlude for Sunday and Special services, leading the congregation in hymns, and providing accompaniment for the choir, soloists, and musicians for the praise of God. Please submit resume, and references to office@firstpresbelair.org

Head of Staff

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is seeking a called Head of Staff to lead our 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.

Visit the Presbytery's website for additional employment listings.