October 1, 2019
Earth Care
There’s been a great deal of discussion about our changing climate, and many people are coming to realize the severity of this pending crisis. Earth Day arrives every April, but we can celebrate our planet and the gifts it still provides every day . If you are interested in getting involved, changing some habits or promoting awareness, here are a few suggestions for your consideration:

Earth Care Congregations
Earth Care Congregations are congregations that have committed to the “Earth Care Pledge” and accomplished a specific number of actions toward caring for God’s earth in four categories: worship, education, facilities, and outreach. Nine churches in our Presbytery have already been certified!
If your church is active in earth care or interested in becoming more involved in being stewards of God’s earth, visit PC(USA)’s Earth Care Congregation webpage for more information.
Mi casa es su casa
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.   Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.   Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,   but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.   But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (Matt. 25, 1-5)

It’s all about context. Rev. Dr. Diane Moffitt, Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency shared this scripture on a visit to Colombia. For us, this is a story of being wise and foolish. To them however, this was a story of five selfish women. “Why didn’t the five share their oil with the others?” one woman exclaimed. “Then everyone would have what they need!”
Are we wise? Are we selfish? Are we sharing? Should we?

Jackie
Upcoming Events
Baltimore Movie Premier
Flint: The Poisoning of an American City
Representative Elijah E. Cummings will be the special guest at next Monday's Baltimore screening of this compelling documentary at the Charles Theater. He is featured speaking pointedly to the the injustice of deprioritizing the safety and health of families throughout the development of Flint's water crisis. Facebook event page
Spire Series Concert
First & Franklin Presbyterian Church invites you to their first concert of the 2019-2020 season in celebration of their 10 th Anniversary with the world-renown Chanticleer. The group is known as “an orchestra of voices” for its seamless blend of twelve male voices ranging from soprano to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz and popular genres, as well as contemporary composition. Tickets and more information
Churchville Presbyterian Church's Heritage/Family Festival
The public is invited from 12 noon - 4 pm to a free event to kick off a year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the historic Sanctuary. In addition to an assortment of free giveaways, the Festival will include activities for families such as a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, pinecone birdfeeders, storytelling, live music, a giant maze, a Harford Historical Society booth, costumed war re-enactors, and balloon animals for children. There will also be vendors and a blessing of the butterflies. For more information, visit the church on Facebook or contact the office at (410) 734-7344.
Dismantling Racism Training
A one-day training for Teaching Elders and other congregational leaders led by Baltimore Racial Justice Action (BRJA). It is intended to equip participants to lead and participate in constructive conversations within their congregations. More information
Fall Gathering of the Baltimore Presbyterian Women
You are invited on October 19th from 9 - 12:30 to the Howard County Historical Society Museum at 8328 Court Ave, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Although the event is free, early registration is requested for each church. Contact Paula Crews at (443) 388-4073 or paulacrews@gmail.com to confirm your attendance.
The 885th Gathering of our Presbytery
Mark your calendars! We will be convening on Saturday, November 16th at Annapolis Presbyterian Church for our next Gathering. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Jonathon Walton , Dean of the Divinity School, Wake Forest University. More information
In Search of
The Center is Seeking Summer Housing!
Need summer house-sitters? Each summer The Center hires interns to assist in running our summer programming. We are seeking furnished housing for 2-3 people inside the beltway from late May through mid-August. Do you know anyone who could help? Email othomas@baltimoreprebytery.org
Help Wanted
Pastor
Faith Presbyterian Church is searching for a dynamic Pastor to lead a healthy, committed, progressive, diverse, and welcoming congregation to a deeper understanding of what it means to live the Christian faith. We seek an individual committed to excellence in preaching and teaching and to the church’s role in advancing social and economic justice in the community. Our congregation walks the walk and is looking for someone to accompany and guide us on our ongoing journey to being Faith in the City: Seeking, Standing, Serving Additional Information
General Assembly Commissioners
Baltimore Presbytery will send two ruling elders, two teaching elders and one youth advisory delegate as our commissioners to the 224th General Assembly, June 20-27, 2020. We will also choose one ruling elder and one teaching elder as alternates to step up in the case of a commissioner being unable to serve. The Nominating Committee is open to suggestions - nominate yourself, nominate a fellow church member or a pastor you think would be a suitable commissioner. Please send your suggestions and a short statement about why you are suggesting this person to dmceachran@hrpc.comcastbiz.net or call Rev. Deborah McEachran at (410) 566-2926. The deadline for suggestions is October 16.
General Assembly Volunteers
The Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) is seeing creative and energetic individuals to lead a team or be part of a workgroup for June’s General Assembly in Baltimore. Available roles include: Fundraising Co-Chair, Media & Communications Chair, and Welcome Reception Volunteers. For additional information, contact Sonce.Reese@pcusa.org or (410) 433-2012.
Continue the Conversation