March 3, 2022
Next Week's 894th Gathering

Just one week away, our next stated meeting is almost upon us as we finalize preparations for the 894th Gathering of the Presbytery.

We will devote time for worship as well as business and discernment. It will be a morning full of updates, as we hear reports from the General Presbyter and nearly every commission.
Please join us! Meeting documents and registration can be found on the Presbytery website.
A PDA Appeal for Ukraine
Social Justice Consultant Susan Krehbiel was quoted in this week’s article, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeking support for humanitarian response to Ukraine. With the escalation of conflict, there is deep concern over the potential humanitarian impact on both the people of Ukraine and those refugees and asylum seekers who have sought safety. Churches can assist in several ways:


Join Susan for an Open Space after our March 10th meeting as she answer questions on the Ukrainian crisis as well as Afghan refugee resettlement in Maryland.
Upcoming Baltimore Dakota Learning Camps
It is with great excitement that the Baltimore Dakota Learning Camps are planning on restarting this summer. We currently have two camps that are active this summer and are proposing to start a new camp in the summer of 2023. At the March 10th 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.

  • The Ihanktowan Learning Camp will be held July 9 – 17 on the Yankton Sioux Reservation.
  • The Pejuhutazizi Family Learning Camp will be held July 9 – August 6, on the Upper Sioux Reservation.
  • The new camp at the Lake Traverse Reservation is undergoing a discernment trip this spring by the First and Franklin Congregation with a proposed start in the summer of 2023.

Please visit the BDLC website to learn more, and plan on joining our Open Space next Thursday.

Wopila tanka,

- Bob Steppling, Chair, BDLC
In Memoriam
Former pastor Rev. Dr. Steven Carter passed away at the end of December. After his service at Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church from 2002-2008, he and his family moved back to California. His life was celebrated last month, but fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at his online obituary.
Minister ID Cards
Minister ID cards are in the process of being mailed to active ministers serving a congregation or in a validate ministry locally. We do not routinely send to retired and/or non-resident ministers. If you do not receive a card and would like one please contact Felicia Scott at the Presbytery office.
Upcoming Events
TONIGHT: Retaining and Appreciating Staff During Uncertain Times - Thursday, March 3 at 7pm - The Commission on Ministry and the Commission on Spiritual Leader Development are working together to provide a short webinar on tips for pastor and staff retention and building a positive work climate, facilitated by a panel of church leaders. More info / Register here.
Join Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake for the launch of Green Leaders Volunteer Mentorship Program on March 3 at 7pm. This new program will assist faithful green leaders to bring their action ideas to fruition! RSVP here.
Together We Welcome: A National Faith Gathering to Strengthen Support for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants -- From Friday, March 4 - Sunday, March 6. Susan Krehbiel is presenting in one of the conference workshops sponsored by PC(USA). Registration and full schedule here
Wednesday, March 9 at 1pm – SB783 Hearing
The Environmental Human Rights Amendment has been assigned a hearing date in the Judicial Proceedings Committee (JPR) on March 9 at 1pm. Please contact Nina Beth Cardin at nina@mdehr.org if you have a compelling story in support of the amendment.
The 894th Gathering of the Presbytery of Baltimore Our first stated meeting of the year takes place Thursday, March 10 at 10 am. Register today
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) Women Pastors Panel - Join the ITL B’More Human Series panel of pastors from different cultural traditions as they share the challenges and joys of being BIPOC women in the ministry on March 21st, at 6:30 pm. Featuring Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, Rev. Young Lee Herzig, and Rev. Fern Cloud. More info and registration
“Day of Learning” - Join the Presbyterian Foundation for a free, online Day of Learning with presentations and conversations about planned giving programs and best practices for your congregation. This learning opportunity will take place on March 29 and will feature the following presentations:
10:00 am - Good, Better, Best: Right-sized Planned Giving Program with Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley, Ministry Relations Officer of the Allegheny and Chesapeake Region, and Karl Mattison, Vice President for Planned Giving Resources
1:00 pm - Having the Talk and Making the Ask with Olanda Carr, Senior Ministry Relations Officer of the East Region, and Rev. Dr. Brandi Casto-Waters of Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia. Register here
March 30 - Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons, Good Stewards of God’s Grace 7:00 – 8:30 pm This webinar will help to equip ruling elders and deacons for particular roles and responsibilities as worship leaders in a variety of settings, including: the Service for the Lord’s Day; services of ordination, installation, and commissioning; the extended service of communion; and other ministries of compassion and care with those who are sick, homebound, or hospitalized. Register here by March 23rd
April 26-29 The Atlantic Regional Conference being held in Columbia, MD, is finalized and registration is now open! This event includes 14 classes with an opportunity for members to receive certification hours in each of the newly established core curriculum categories, in addition to elective classes. All classes are being offered in-person and virtually through Zoom. The Atlantic Board thanks the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County for their generous agreement to host the event. More information
Free Stuff
Warehouse Giveaway

There is an amazing assortment of animal themed items (mostly for children) that are being offered to communities instead of landfills. The items were abandoned by a previous owner of the building, and had been intended for sale in the National Zoo gift shops. There are piles and piles of boxes left in the warehouse, free for pickup (bring hand trucks, helpers and vehicles large enough).

Visit New West Learning Center/Baltimore Fencing (9180 Rumsey Rd, Suite D-5, Columbia, MD 21045) this Friday, March 4th, from 2 to 7 pm for a pickup day!

Areas are sectioned into departments as follows: Stuffed Animals. Backpacks, House shoes, Housewares, Stationary and desk accessories, Baby products, and Toys. All non-profits are asked to provide their tax ID for donation purposes. For more info, contact Mekia Parks at mparks@finmarc.com
Chairs, Chairs, Chairs

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church will soon be replacing 400 upholstered, stackable, interlocking oak chairs from its sanctuary. These chairs were manufactured by a leading church furniture supplier. And they will be given away free of charge!

The new owners must arrange for pick-up and transportation to their respective location. They would like to give the chairs away as one entire package. However, consideration will be given to requests for smaller lots.
Help Wanted
Preschool Director
Towson Presbyterian Preschool is seeking an individual with an engaging personality to provide a warm, caring, safe, and nurturing learning environment in which students, two- to four-years-old, can develop physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. The candidate must have the leadership skills to guide and inspire our Preschool Teachers and Staff in providing loving and caring interaction through play and exploration to help foster each student’s curiosity and growth to master the skills they need to succeed. Job description. Please send your cover letter and resume to: tppdirectorsearch@gmail.com

Piano/Organ Accompanist
Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church is seeking a piano/organ accompanist to assist at church choir rehearsals. Rehearsals are Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm throughout the year. Accompanist will also be asked to play at Sunday morning worship services (10:30-11:30 am) during absences of the music director–no more than four Sundays per year. Compensation is $40/hr. If interested, please contact the Prince of Peace office to submit resume and to schedule an interview/audition: church.office@popchurch.org, (410) 721-2313.

Church Administrator
Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church of Odenton, MD is seeking administrative support to the Pastor and Associate Pastor to organize and run the church office and facilitate church communications. There are a mix of core administrative and office management duties, community and church membership outreach, and website and social media maintenance responsibilities. Previous administrative experience, tech savvy in MS Office, Google Docs, Zoom, and social media applications is preferred. The position is part-time (30 hours per week), Monday-Friday from 9 am - 3 pm, but also requires quarterly attendance at Sunday service and periodic evening session meetings. Full Job Description here. Please email admin@arkanddove.org with resume and contact information.
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