June 26, 2023
Earth Care on Local Television
Earlier this month, Fox 45 explored local church initiatives that address community issues, and we are proud that our Earth Care Congregations were featured in the second segment on the program.

Knox Presbyterian's Adrienne Knight and Susan Krehbiel, our Social Justice Coordinator did a fantastic job explaining how our churches undertaking green initiatives have fostered community involvement and a shared respect for God's creation. Thanks to Mike Gimbel and the Fox 45 team for spotlighting their success! Watch the video on YouTube.
"Love Your Enemies, Don't Shoot Them"
A Discussion on Gun Violence
Recently the Susquehanna Parish and several churches read and discussed the book “Love Your Enemies” by Arthur Brooks. One of the ideas that emerged was creating an opportunity for us to gather and talk civilly about difficult topics. The desire is to model for ourselves and others the practice of civil dialogue, especially a Christian based dialogue on these hard and divisive topics. We want to encourage faithful and heartfelt participation that seeks to listen rather than critique, to explore and provide perspectives that are different than our own, and to show respect rather than contempt amid our differences while paying attention to our similarities.
Tuesday June 6th was our first event. These events have a curated list of
questions, and each table (of 6 people) had a facilitator to guide us in our discussions. Our night began with food and drinks and getting to know one another around 6:30 pm. By 7:00 pm, each group began discussing the provided questions on that night’s topic. On June 6th we talked about gun violence in our country. We ended our night in the large group of everyone who attends to give feedback about their experiences in listening and dialoguing with each other.
 
Guidelines:
  • Listen to each other
  • All perspectives are welcome
  • Love and respect for perspectives and persons is a priority
  • We gather to seek understanding, not to debate

Credit to the Rev. Ray Meute, Rev. Jeff Young and the Susquehanna Ministry Group for their bold openness to a respectful exchange of ideas! We look forward to promoting future dialogues between our congregations.
A Memorable Juneteenth Concert
Babcock Presbyterian's Tower Series hosted a special Juneteenth Concert on June 18th. Students from historically Black colleges & universities, music conservatories and the Metropolitan Opera were brought together to perform, thanks to the Denyce Graves Foundation. The sanctuary was filled with music from a diverse lineup of talented artists. For those who missed it, feel free to share and enjoy their YouTube video here.
Pre-Order Your Planning Calendar
The Presbytery of Baltimore is accepting pre-orders for the 2023-2024 Presbyterian Planning Calendar. This is your opportunity to take advantage of the discounted rate of $11.50 each.

The 19-month calendar contains many planning aids for pastors and other church leaders. It includes lectionary for Sundays and special days, liturgical days, liturgical colors, resource information for PC(USA) programmatic emphases, updated synod, presbytery and Presbyterian Mission Agency staff directories, color foldout synod/presbytery, and world maps. Click here to order online.

Calendars are expected to arrive around mid-August, and arrangements for pick up or delivery can be made at that time. They will also be available for pick up at the September Presbytery Meeting at Mt Paran.
Upcoming Events
OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE!
Tuesday, June 27, from 6-8 pm Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church will be hosting an Active Shooter Training. This in-person only event is a service provided by the Baltimore City Police Department to help faith communities think through their own plans for responding to these kinds of tragic events. Congregations that are interested should reserve a spot by using this online form. Questions? Contact Elder Andy Ross - arossinbalt@gmail.com
Saturday, July 8 Honey Fest at Maryland Presbyterian. Join MPC and Divinity Lutheran for their annual honey harvest. Harvesters of all ages and skills are welcome to lend a hand. There will also be food, music, games, and a painting project.
July 21-23 - Presbyterian Men's Conference - at Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg Virginia. For questions & pricing contact Registrar:
Paul Willbanks at pmwillbanks@gmail.com or call 410-829-9161. Download flyer
"Instruments of Peace" Bible and Church Music Conference
July 23-29, 2023 at Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center
Speakman Chair of Preaching: Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka
Workshop and Forum Leader: David LaMotte
Registration closes July 7th. For more information, visit:
Employment Opportunities
Director of Communications
Brown Memorial Park Avenue is searching for a part time (25 hours per week) Director of Communications to help us share our mission and message with our 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. We are looking for someone to help us share our mission and message with our membership and the wider community with innovative, energetic communications. 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 full position description go to https://browndowntown.org/career-opportunities/

Director of Music Ministries
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County is searching for an experienced organist and choral conductor to support and grow the total music program of our church. Demonstrated experience as a choral conductor and director; accomplished organ skills to support robust congregational singing; ability to cultivate a vibrant culture of welcome, diversity and inclusion in all musical ensembles; demonstrated skills in planning and organization; passionate about church music! Average of 25-30 hours per week. This position may be split with the organist/accompanist duties as a separate position. First Presbyterian Church is a PC(USA) congregation. We are multicultural, with a progressive theology, and fairly traditional, Reformed worship. We say we are relaxed and reverent. Contact: musicsearch@firstpreshc.org
 
Music Director
Springfield Presbyterian Church of Sykesville, MD is seeking a part-time Music Director. Duties include rehearsing the adult choir and bell choir (3 hours/week) and directing the choirs at Sunday worship (1.5 hours/week). Successful candidate will also work with the pastor, worship committee and accompanist to select appropriate music for the Sunday service. Choirs practice and sing during the school year from September to June, summers are off. Salary is $8,000/year. For a full job description and to apply, please contact Bob Steppling at bobsteppling@gmail.com
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