We're almost ready, and hope you are too! This Saturday's meeting of Presbytery will begin at 10 am and presented entirely online via Zoom. There will be a time for worship, and updates from Presbytery commissions, as well as important deliberation on recommended changes to the Book of Order that were produced by this year's General Assembly. Register and learn more on our website.

Last month ended with some terrific news. Baltimore’s Susan Krehbiel was elected to the Board of Directors for Church World Service starting in January. The organization’s role is “Building a world where there is enough for all.” CWS is a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster.

Earlier this fall, we wrote about what would be First and Franklin's first gun buy-back event, dubbed "Guns to Gardens." The plan was to disassemble guns offered by the community and refashion the metal into garden tools.

It didn't exactly happen that way. The church had been speaking with Baltimore City Police for months in advance, and even staged a dry run a week beforehand. However, three days before the scheduled event, they learned that it would be illegal to receive the guns, use a chop saw on them, and melt down the pieces -- the way Guns to Gardens has been done all over the country. Instead, the police took custody of the firearms to dispose of them in PA, their standard procedure.

First and Franklin is hoping to solicit a re-ruling on how the guns are disposed of next time, but for a first try, the program was a success. Although the symbolism may have been lost by Baltimore's finest, the goal of removing guns from our streets was successful, and 19 firearms were collected that day. The BPD also sent 27 officers to the event. It was certainly a show of force: for peaceful streets. We applaud First and Franklin for their bold initiative and their commitment to stemming violence in our neighborhoods.

This year The Presbyterian Board of Lady Managers (BOLM) celebrates 145 years of service helping residents of Baltimore obtain proper medical care. The Board, continuously maintained by dedicated presbyterian women, supports the stellar efforts of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) to assist patients with eye, ear, and throat issues. “GBMC is fortunate to have had the partnership of the Board of Lady Managers since our hospital’s founding in 1965,” said Dr. John Chessare, President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare. “The Board’s generous and consistent support has helped many patients with eye, ear and throat issues get the care they need, especially in Richard E. Hoover Low Vision Services and the Cochlear Implant Program. Congratulations to the Board on 145 years of outstanding community service!” We couldn’t have said it better.

On December 12^th, the BOLM will celebrate its anniversary and welcome new members at GBMC. For more information please contact: Anne Zouck Perry - aperry1011@gmail.com

Former Moderator, George "Jim" Farmer suddenly passed away last Thursday. Born in Oklahoma, Jim was a veteran who became a lifelong member of Granite Presbyterian Church. His capacity for leadership took many roles, and he served as a Deacon, Treasurer, Elder, Historian and on countless committees and other church endeavors. Jim is fondly remembered by all who knew and worked with him.

Jim's service will be at the Granite Presbyterian Church on Thursday, November 10, at 11 am followed by internment in the Granite cemetery. His friend Pastor Ed Terry will be leading services with Rev. Steve Nofel. Visit obituary / tribute page.

Geneva Gown, hood, purple stole, clerical collars and 2 clerical shirts size

15.5" neck, 33-34" sleeve. Good condition. If you are interested, please call the Presbytery office at (410) 433.2012.

The Administrative Commission overseeing the closure of Covenant Church in Hagerstown has a few remaining items that might be of value to another congregation. These items are:

If you have interest in any or all of these items, please contact Walt Peters, Chair of the AC at wwprcp@aol.com

Rev. Fern Cloud, pastor of the Pejuhutazizi Presbyterian Church on the Upper Sioux Community in Granite Falls, Minnesota, is coming to Baltimore later this month. Fern is visiting our area to do some research at the Smithsonian Archives. While she is here, she will be participating in the Baltimore American Indian Center Pow Wow that will be held at the Timonium Fairgrounds on November 19th from 11am until 7pm. On Sunday November 20th, Rev Cloud will be delivering the sermon at Springfield Presbyterian Church in Sykesville. Service starts at 10:30 am followed by fellowship where you can meet with Fern. All are welcome. Any questions, please contact Bob Steppling at 862-266-2240 or the Springfield Church Office at 410-795-6152. Hope to see you there!

Second Presbyterian Church is seeking an individual to be is responsible for planning, executing and overseeing a vibrant program of spiritual formation and fellowship for children and youth and providing staff support for the Christian Education Committee. In addition, the IAP is responsible for pastoral care for homebound and hospitalized members and for providing staff support for the Board of Deacons. The IAP will participate in worship regularly, preach approximately 12 times per year and is generally responsible for preparation of a children’s sermon in Sunday worship that fits with theme of service/scripture used in worship. Job description

Mt Hebron Presyterian Church in Ellicott City is seeking an energetic, outgoing, part time Office Administrator. Job description. Please send resume to: susanmergenthaler@mthebronpc.org

Harundale Presbyterian Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is looking for an administrative assistant. Hours for this position are 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. Skills needed for position are a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel as well as a knowledge of or willingness to learn Google Drive, Google Docs, and Canva. This person would be responsible for creating weekly newsletter, Sunday bulletins, as well as other administrative and organizational tasks within the church office. For more information please call the church office at 410-766-4338 or email mjcabjax@gmail.com

An updated listing of employment opportunities can be found on the Presbytery's website.

Please contact us with any questions, concerns or news to share!