Presented by The Susquehanna Parish Ministry Group |
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By Edwin Lacy
In a recent Presbytery Gathering, our General Presbyter, the Rev. Dr. Jackie Taylor, made the statement (and I’m paraphrasing here) that “We need to make sure our intention of inclusivity extends to those who hold differing views than our own, especially toward the more conservative members of our presbytery.” And she added the reminder that “inclusivity” does not mean “tolerance.”
The Susquehanna Parish Ministry Group is trying to follow Jackie’s lead – to be more inclusive. We want to be more engaged across theological and ideological lines that tend to be so divisive. We want to quit feeling contempt toward people who don’t agree with us. We want to return to a time when people on opposing sides of an issue still had the ability (and desire) to have respectful discussions and meaningful conversations. But how?
Actually, Jesus gave us the answer two thousand years ago...
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Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Receives MDE Sustainability Award |
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Big congratulations to Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland, for being awarded one of only five Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Sustainability Leadership Awards for 2023! These awards recognize Green Registry member organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable practices, measurable results and continual improvements.
Woods Church’s environmental achievements include reducing energy usage by more than 50%, capturing storm water runoff from rooftops and paved surfaces in rain gardens and wooded areas, planting over 1000 native trees, shrubs and perennials, restoring the habitat for a variety of birds, wildlife and pollinators and refurbishing 500 sanctuary chairs for donation to other congregations in Baltimore, Delaware and North Carolina. The recognition is well-deserved!
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BOOK OF ORDER AMENDMENTS
The 2023-2025 Book of Order took effect on July 9th. Several of the changes are relevant to congregations such as new policies required, mandate leave for pastors and new boundary training requirements. More information is contained in an email sent to pastors and clerks of session and can be accessed on the presbytery website at https://baltimorepresbytery.org/book-of-order-amendments/
ANNUAL RECORD REVIEWS FOR CLERKS OF SESSION
There will be seven in-person meetings for the required annual review. These meetings will include more information about new policies and Book of Order requirements. Please register for one of these sessions on the clerks of session resource page on the website at https://baltimorepresbytery.org/clerks-of-session/ The fillable checklist is also available on that page.
ARE YOU GETTING PRESBYTERY EMAILS?
From time to time, I send email notices to clerks of session with important and time sensitive information. If you are not receiving these please contact Felicia Scott fscott@baltimorepresbytery.org to make sure your email address is correct. Also please make sure the presbytery and I are in your contact list to avoid important notices going to your spam folder.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
A shout out to other members of the presbytery staff whose talents and commitments help support my work and yours: Felicia Scott who worked with churches to schedule the record reviews, Frank Perrelli who helps maintain the clerks resource page on the website, publishes Tidings and, along with Felicia,
helps with the email notifications; Chuck Brawner, presbytery’s finance director who also is the staff Adobe guru and does the tedious work of creating those fillable forms.
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Two Weeks Remain for Thriving Congregations Grant Applications |
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If your church is looking for that little extra push in funding to complete a project or goal, there might be an Thriving Congregations Grant for you. But time is running out and applications are due July 31st. Please visit the Presbytery's website to see how you might qualify and for more information on applying. https://baltimorepresbytery.org/thriving-congregations-grants/
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Win a Star Quilt at Next Gathering |
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The Baltimore Dakota Learning Camps are raffling this unique quilt to support their Sisseton Learning Camp. It was hand made by Gerald Amos, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota people. The Dakota give star quilts for significant events such as births, deaths, marriages and graduations. The diamonds in the star represent the people so that when you wrap the quilt around yourself, you are surrounded by your people.
BDLC plans on drawing the winner at the Presbytery’s September Gathering. Tickets can be purchased in advance, and are $5 or 3 for $10. If interested, email Bob Steppling, BDLC Steering Committee Chair at Bobsteppling@gmail.com
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Call for Entries: "Artful Harvest: Supporting Artists, Fighting Hunger" Mini-Art Exhibition
Roland Park Presbyterian Church is providing a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their talent and creativity while contributing to a meaningful cause. They invite artists from all backgrounds and experiences to submit their original artworks for consideration. All two-dimensional art media will be considered, with the maximum dimensions for each entry (excluding matte or frame) not exceeding 8x10". The deadline for entries is Friday, August 25.
The exhibition will be held from November 3 to December 1, 2023, at the church. This special event aims to unite the community through the celebration of art while making a difference by supporting the GEDCO CARES Client Choice Food Pantry.
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July 21-23 - Presbyterian Men's Conference - at Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg Virginia. For questions & pricing contact Registrar:
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Tuesday, August 22 - Govans Presbyterian Church Racial Justice Ministry Summer Book Read 2023 - at 7 pm on Zoom. Register for a conversation about "The Bluest Eye, published in 1970. The first novel written by Toni Morrison, it tells the story of a young African-American girl named Pecola who grew up following the Great Depression.
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900th Gathering of Presbytery of Baltimore!
Save the Date: September 16th In-person at Mt. Paran Presbyterian Church, 10 am – 2 pm
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Contemporary Music Leader
Mount Hebron Presbyterian in Ellicott City is seeking a part-time Contemporary Music Leader that includes planning for and providing monthly music leadership for Sunday morning worship services. Music will be contemporary, with occasional additional services and other church programs as requested. Position Description. Please send resume to susanmergenthaler@mthebronpc.org.
Office Coordinator
Previously recent openings available include:
Director of Communications
Brown Memorial Park Avenue
Director of Music Ministries
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County
Music Director
Springfield Presbyterian Church
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