See You in Two Days

We're almost ready for our next Stated Meeting of Presbytery, this Thursday, November 9th, at 10 am. It will be all online, via Zoom.

We'll have vital business to discuss, and the Docket and meeting papers have been posted for your preparation and convenience on our website.

Meanwhile, registration is still open, so please let us know if you can join us.

More from the Synod of the Mid Atlantic 252nd Assembly

In our last Tidings, we shared highlights from the 252nd Synod of the Mid Atlantic Assembly. Read the full summary here.

Fortunately, there's much more. The Synod's Facebook page has video recordings available. One of the stand-outs was during September 11th's session, when Rev. Carl Wilton shared his reflections on raising up new leaders for the church. (Skip to 2:15). Watch the video.

Navigating Conflict and Change

“I’m exhausted and overwhelmed,” my friend said. “Everyday I face some new

situation or decisions that I wasn’t trained for, and I don’t know what to do. It’s like everything is constantly changing.” The rest of us–all pastors–nodded. We’d come from different contexts, different communities, different states, yet we were having the same problem. And we weren’t alone.

I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard similar statements from Ruling Elders, Ministers, and other leaders alike. We share this sense that the Church is facing unprecedented times, and we’re called to lead major change processes–but we don’t know how to navigate them. On top of that, we’re facing more conflicts and tension, both inside and outside of our congregations, than we did pre-pandemic shutdown. Like my friend, we’re overwhelmed and exhausted.

Those of us in Presbytery leadership roles (staff and elected alike) recognized these issues of change and conflict as potential crises early in the pandemic. By Autumn of 2020, a group of us were meeting regularly to explore possibilities for equipping leaders to face these challenges. We researched the Center for Emotional Intelligence and Human Relation skills (EQ-HR, now part of the IMN), Restorative Response Baltimore, and Dialogue for Peaceful Change. We ran a pilot of each program and got feedback from participants. In the end, Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) stood out as a training that offered tools and models for leaders facing conflict and change. 

Learn more about Dialogue for Peaceful Change.

Helping Hospitals in Cameroon

Last month, the Mt. Paran congregation packed up a 20 foot shipping container (roughly 50,000 - 67,000 pounds) filled with medical supplies and equipment. The donation was headed for the original hospital in Bafut, as well as the entire network of Presbyterian hospitals and clinics in Cameroon.

At the 900th Gathering this September, we were able to augment this donation with a record offering. Mt. Paran was able to collect so much that the Cameroonian Health Secretary (equivalent to the United States Surgeon General) became involved and is now is planning a visit to praise and worship with them sometime in the months ahead!

Attend a Forum on Ukraine

Sunday, November 12 - The Christian Education Ministry Area of First Presbyterian Church of Howard County invites you to join a special after-church forum on Ukraine, at 11:45 am - 12:45 pm. Featured speakers will be Susan Krehbiel, PC(USA) Associate for Refugees and Asylum, and Ms. Anastasiia Tuz, a Ukrainian attorney living in capital city Kyiv who has worked for the federal anti-corruption agency (both will join live by Zoom). Ms. Krehbiel will talk about PC(USA)’s work in Ukraine, at the UN and in the region through its local partners.

Ms. Tuz is living in the midst of the war, with friends and family serving on the front lines. She will talk about Ukraine’s culture, history with Russia, and life now. Every week we pray for Ukraine - please join this unique opportunity to learn about this country’s rich traditions and hear about the war first-hand.

The Matthew 25 Summit

Atlanta, Georgia, January 16-18, 2024

The Dismantling Racism Team (DRT) is organizing a group from the Presbytery of Baltimore to attend the Presbytery Mission Agency’s first Matthew 25 Summit. Join with representatives from the presbytery’s Matthew 25 congregations (now 17!) and from around the country. It will be the perfect time to find out how to lean into your Matthew 25 commitment. Not a Matthew 25 congregation yet? Find out why it’s important to make the Matthew 25 pledge. The registration deadline is January 2, 2004. More information

One Book, One Presbytery

Church Educators, Teaching Elders and Education Committees: Explore The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, and make this 6-week opportunity part of your plans for Eastertide 2024. Save the dates!

• 6 weekly discussions – on Zoom
• Mondays, April 8 – May 6, 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
• Special guests provide insight to the major topics
• Facilitated small group discussion

Sponsored by the Presbytery of Baltimore Dismantling Racism Team and In the Loop Ministry Group. (Full participation in the program will meet the Dismantling Racism training requirement.)

Administrative Assistant

Harundale Presbyterian Church is seeking an Administrative Assistant to join its office. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for performing all functions connected with the administration of the office of Harundale Presbyterian Church, serves in a supportive and helpful role to the clergy and boards of the Church, advises the clergy on administrative details and maintains confidentiality in dealing with private church matters. Full job description

Pianist/Organist

First Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, MD (FPC) is seeking a part-time Pianist/Organist. The Pianist or Organist works in conjunction with the Pastor and Music Director by performing music from the piano or organ which contributes to the musical portion of worship services. This includes using the piano and/or organ to provide a prelude and postlude for Sunday and Special services, leading the congregation in hymns, and providing accompaniment for the choir, soloists, and musicians for the praise of God. Please submit resume, and references to office@firstpresbelair.org

Head of Staff

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is seeking a called Head of Staff to lead our 1200 member, Severna Park congregation. The PNC is accepting self-referrals at this time, including those from clergy couples, at the following address: PNC@woodschurch.org. For more information, visit the church’s website at www.woodschurch.org/interim-ministry.

Visit the Presbytery's website for additional employment listings.