June 8, 2023
Celebrate Freedom, Justice and Love Together
Kick-off Juneteenth week (the national holiday is celebrated on June 19) with a concert tribute to African American music and culture at Govans Presbyterian Church, on Monday, June 12th, at 7 pm.
 
This amazing celebration will feature Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians and conductor, Jonathan Rush, the Knox Presbyterian and Govans Choirs and musicians, vocalists and singer/poet Keith Snipes. They will perform Classical, Blues, Gospel, Folk and more. The concert has been planned for over a year by BSO bassist, arranger and composer, Jonathan Jensen (who recently created event supporters, the BSO Musicians Foundation) and Minister for Racial Justice and Internationally renowned singer/activist Lea Gilmore. 
 
Andy Wilson, musician and Director of Operations for Govans Presbyterian says, "So much of American music comes from African American musical traditions. African American music is the foundation of American music. It will be wonderful celebrating all the genres in one place." 
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
Pride Month Has Arrived
Pride Month is a time when people worldwide come together to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Our churches have increasingly recognized the importance of embracing and affirming the LGBTQ+ community, and by actively engaging in Pride Month, churches can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, love, and social justice.

Presbyterian churches celebrating Pride Month signify a significant step forward in the journey towards inclusivity and acceptance. By embracing the core principles of love, creating safe spaces, promoting education, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, these churches demonstrate their commitment to fostering a more compassionate and just society. Their involvement in Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder that faith and acceptance can go hand in hand, and that love knows no bounds.
Five Minute Histories: The Fight Against AIDS at First & Franklin Church - 40 years ago, First & Franklin Presbyterian Church hosted Baltimore’s first public forum on the AIDS epidemic.
 
Why We Do Drag Queen Story Hour, an FAQ by Clarence Baney and the Peacemaking and Social Justice Team
It's Thriving Grant Season
Many churches in our Presbytery are seeking to transform themselves through the development of viable and vibrant ministries. The Commission on Thriving Congregations is aware of the growing number of congregations where assessment, planning and grant assistance may sustain or enhance their continued ministry.

The following grants have been announced for 2023. Application instructions, including a webinar and additional information can be found on our website.
  • Board of Pensions Grant – Assistance for pension dues to supplement part-time pastoral leadership
  • Program Grant – Assistance for congregational transformation and intentional evangelism through programmatic initiatives
  • Capital Grant – Assistance for capital building costs/repairs related to a programmatic initiative. Capital Grants are only available for existing programs or projects.
  • SLD Coaching Grant – Assistance for clergy coaching for (1) any clergy entering our presbytery to take a new call or for (2) clergy who are pastoring churches that have completed an assessment process and are implementing a new vision for their congregation.
Stated Meeting Dates Announced
At last week’s meeting of the Presbytery’s Gathering Team, the schedule of
Stated Meetings was finalized. For your planning calendar, the dates are as
follows:

  • Saturday September 16, 2023 – 900th Meeting of Presbytery! – In-person at Mt. Paran Presbyterian, 10 am – 2 pm
  • Thursday, November 9, 2023 – 901st Stated Meeting, 10 am – Noon via Zoom
  • Thursday, March 14th, 2024 – 902nd Stated Meeting, 10 am – Noon via Zoom
  • Thursday, May 16th, 2024 – 903rd Stated Meeting, 10 am – Noon
  • Saturday, September 14th, 2024 – 904th Stated Meeting, 10 am – 2 pm In-Person
  • Thursday, November 14th, 2024 – 905th Stated Meeting, 10 am – Noon via Zoom

Save the dates! Information will continue to be updated on our website at https://baltimorepresbytery.org/stated-meetings/
Upcoming Events
First and Franklin Presbyterian Church presents:

  • AIDS Memorial Quilt Display - Saturdays and Sundays 12-2 pm, Wednesdays 5:30-7 pm, through June 28th.
  • The Bible and Sexuality, a Guided Discussion - Sundays, 9 am, June 11th, 18th and 25th.
Sunday, June 11 - Drag Queen Story Hour at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County https://firstpreshc.org/drag-queen-story-hour-faq/

Monday, June 12, - Juneteenth Jubilee at Govans Presbyterian Church - Celebrate freedom, justice and love together as we kick-off Juneteenth week with a concert celebrating African American music and culture! Email Lea Gilmore at lea@govanspres.org for more information.
Tuesday, June 13th - Roland Park Presbyterian hosts Rev. Freeman L. Palmer as the final speaker in their spring series. He'll deliver the talk "Pride and Justice" at 7 pm - discussing the intersection of needs for racial justice and justice for LGBTQ+ communities. This talk is free and open to all. Afterwards there will be a time for light refreshments and discussion with Rev. Palmer. More information
Learn more about our PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers and liaisons from Guatemala. Betsey is visiting the USA with her husband Eric Moe on a thank you tour. She is being hosted by two churches for a "Dessert Meet and Greet," followed by a presentation on her work with CEDEPCA:
  • Tuesday, June 13th at Govans Presbyterian Church; and
  • Wednesday, June 14th at Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church
Both events begin at 6 pm. For more info, contact Sher Atkinson at sheratkinson@earthlink.net, or (410) 647-4824.
Saturday, June 17 - Dickey Memorial is hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour at 1 pm (5112 Wetheredsville Road, Baltimore, MD 21207)
Sunday, June 18 - Babcock Presbyterian's Tower Series hosts a special Juneteenth Concert at 4 pm. The mission of the Denyce Grace Foundation is to bring together students from historically Black colleges & universities, music conservatories and the Metropolitan Opera for performance. Students will bring music into the sanctuary for a free concert.
Pride Sunday, June 25 - Join First Presbyterian Church of Howard County this season of LGBTQIA+ Pride, and together, our house can “proclaim from floor to rafter, all are welcome in this place!” Rev. Jennifer Barchi is preaching.  More information
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. The deadline for signups is June 21st. 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
Employment 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

Director of Music and Organist
Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church of Crofton, MD is seeking a Director of Music and Organist. Duties include rehearsing the chancel choir and bell choir (two hours/week), playing organ and directing these choirs at Sunday morning worship services (one hour/week). Salary range $24K-30K per year, depending on experience. For full position description go to http://www.popchurch.org.

Transitional Pastor
Ashland Presbyterian Church seeks a full-time, ordained, transitional pastor for a period of two years. The pastor’s contract with Session will be reviewed annually by COM, and can be renewed for 12 months, not to exceed 3 years in total. While not an installed position, the Transitional Pastor may become the installed pastor upon the recommendation by ¾ majority of COM and the Presbytery of Baltimore. Position description
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