Peaceful Change? Let’s Have a Dialogue

Dialogue for Peaceful Change has changed my life. Now, I know that sounds a little extra. And while I wholeheartedly want every person on the planet to have access to this training, this isn’t a sales pitch. I’m not going to give you 10 reasons why you should take part, or the top three ways it has helped me in ministry.

Because unlike all of the other dozens of trainings I’ve taken part in that promise these kinds of outcomes, this is the only one that truly changed me. And sure, it has given be valuable tools, but it has done so much more. It has shifted the entire way that I understand conflict and change, not just in the church, but in every area of life. It has made me a more conscious parent, pastor, and spouse. It has invited me to look at the world around me with a deeper sense of faith, empathy, and understanding. And it has given me a language that I can now speak with colleagues who have also been through the training and are using it in their own lives and ministries.

So while I promised this is not a sales pitch, it is an invitation. I hope you might consider taking part in the training in the near future. The next one will be September 16-19 in McLean, VA, but if that doesn’t work in your schedule, know that there will be other opportunities in 2025. And I’d love to take you to coffee, chat on the phone, or sit in a zoom room with you to share more about how DPC has changed me. Feel free to reach out with questions and curiosities (melissa@firstpresbelair.org). I know 4 days can be a lot to ask of your time. But I guarantee you won’t walk away regretting the investment.

- Rev. Dr. Melissa Lopez

Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Bel Air, and DPC Associate Trainer

Correction to previous Tidings:

The author of the lead story "Mountain Maryland Ministry Group" was written by Walt Peters. We apologize for the incorrect attribution.

Scams are Back

Most of us have heard of these before, but for those who haven’t, they are worth sharing

Scammers don’t stop. It only makes sense that they’ll target the most generous people they can find - and that makes our congregations likely targets. Two of the most popular schemes are making a comeback, so please be aware.

The first involves a text or email request for donations in the form of gift cards. Scammers will often pretend to be your church’s pastor or leader. One should never click links or follow requests without first speaking to the actual person to verify. Presbytery Staff will never email or text you asking for money, gift cards or any financial help in an emergency. Such "urgent" requests are scams and should be deleted. We encourage you to alert your congregations similarly.

The other hustle specific to churches is the “We have an organ (or piano) to donate.” People have been known to reach out with a gift or inheritance that only requires you to pay for shipping the item. As you may have guessed by now, that “shipping company” they insist you pay in advance is bogus.

If you’ve experienced such attempts, or maybe something different, please let us know, so we can stay vigilant together.

Teen Nights at Susquehanna Parish

Sometimes photos are better than words - Courtesy of the Susquehanna Parish Ministry Group.

Save the Date: October 26 - Matthew 25 Mid Atlantic Summit

Join this fall's in-person conference organized by the Dismantling Racism Teams of the Presbytery of Baltimore and The National Capital Presbytery. This one day event at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County will feature workshops, networking, and worship, as well as Keynote Speaker Rev. Jermaine Ross-Allam, PC(USA) Director of the Center for Repair of Historic Harms. Stay tuned for more information right here and on our website.

Maryland Climate Corps Fellow

Interfaith Power & Light is seeking a recent high school graduate in Maryland, who will be 18-22 years old this fall to engage the region’s faith communities in climate action. The role is full-time on their team from September 2024-July 2025 as part of the Maryland Climate Corps/Service Year program, for which they would receive a $24,000 stipend (as well as $6,000 in a Maryland 529 plan or as a bonus upon completion). The Deadline for application is June 15. Info and application

Communications Manager

Brown Memorial Park Avenue is searching for a part-time (20 hours per week) Communications Manager to help share their mission and message with membership and the wider community with innovative, energetic communications. If you are looking to make a real difference in the work you do—and find our goals and yours a match—Brown Memorial may be the challenge you seek. Requirements include proven communication and marketing skills, proficiency in social media, and experience managing website content. This is a part-time position with benefits! For a full position description go to https://browndowntown.org/news/we-are-hiring/

Office Administrator

First Presbyterian Church of Howard County seeks an individual to oversee the day-to-day operations of the church, including use of the campus, supervising volunteer staff, managing church communications, and providing administrative support to the professional staff. Job Description

Visit the Presbytery's website for additional employment listings.