October 5, 2023

God Bless the Animals

Yesterday was World Animal Day. It's celebrated on the 4th of October each year since 1925, and coincides with the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. The increased awareness and education are intended to highlight animal protection, welfare and treatment for both wild and domesticated animals, as a priority issue of global importance.

It's no coincidence that churches around Maryland are welcoming our closest animal friends lately.


Last Sunday, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church greeted all pets as their wonderful pastors personally visited and blessed them each. A certificate of the blessing was given to show that the pet has been blessed. There was prayer, song, scripture, fellowship and treats for the pets, too! Check out their video here.

If your church is blessing pets this weekend, we'd love to see and share your photos. You can email media to fperrelli@baltimorepresbytery.org, or post them to our Facebook page.

The Clerk's Corner


This season's Record Review Sessions are wrapping up and there's one last chance to attend! We'll meet in-person at the Presbytery office on Thursday, October 26th, from 10am - noon. For more information and registration, visit our website.

Growing Season at Comunidad

It is said that gardening requires cooperation, not control. There is no better example than the wonderful work that has gone on through the growing season at ”la finca.” Folks here at Comunidad Presbiteriana la Trinidad (CPT) know that we are partners with God in the growing season. So many things are out of our control-the weather, the soil environment, critters-yet we trust that God will continue to bless us through this incredible farming project, in our community, and in our lives.

The work of tending to our parcels can be challenging and laborsome, yet we know that this work requires cooperation, not only with God, but with each other. The wonderful people who participate with us are always quick to help one another - whether it is lending a helping hand with another’s parcel or sharing some of that delicious produce! And we are so thankful!


The growing season is starting to wind down and soon we will have to start clearing our parcels for the winter. We are extremely thankful and excited to harvest all of these wonderful fruits and vegetables. The fruits of our labor are not just the incredible variety of products we have and will continue to cultivate, but also the wonderful relationships & sense of community we have with CPT.

- Rev. Jose López-Chapa, Pastor of Comunidad Presbiteriana la Trinidad

Dismantling Racism Training


There are a few slots still available for this Saturday's Dismantling Racism workshop. The October 7th event was added specifically to respond to requests from ruling elders and other congregational members who have conflicting weekday jobs. To learn more and register, visit our website.

Reserve Your Seat for Film, “At the River”

Where were you - or what did your parents or grandparents tell you - about the 1960's? That era was the time of hippies, the walk on the moon, the Beatles, bell-bottoms, miniskirts. But also, black people began protesting for equal rights, which led to different scenes: police using tear gas, batons and fire hoses on marchers in Selma, Alabama, the “I Have a Dream” speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a sea of supporters in Washington, D.C, four little black girls killed when someone set off a bomb in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.


In the midst of these turbulent times, several white Presbyterian ministers, many leading congregations in the rural South, stood up for justice and equality for all during our country’s Civil Rights era. Don’t miss the chance to see “At the River: Struggle and Grace in the Segregated South,” at 7 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis. Based on more than 100 hours of interviews, the film chronicles the actions and consequences of those white Presbyterian ministers.


Filmmaker and Alabama native Carolyn Crowder will host the screening of her film. The event is free, but space is limited, so reservations are being taken by emailing movie@annapolis-presbyterian.com. This program is sponsored by First Presbyterian’s Committee on Antiracism and Racial Equity (CARE).

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 21 - Soul Shop Training is a one-day workshop designed to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide. This includes the creation of worship resources, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and then how to extend the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. This workshop engages the question of how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within your congregation. Webpage for info & registration

October 10 - The Just Kitchen Book Launch Party at @ICJS from 1-3 pm. Derrick Weston and Anna Woofenden explore how the kitchen can be a place where the things we care about most in the world are reflected in the foods we prepare and the way we prepare them. This is an invitation to reprioritize the kitchen as a space for healing, community, activism, and celebration. The authors will be on hand for book signings, readings, and Q&A. Tickets online - Flyer

October 20-22 Jesus and Justice: Young Adult Advocacy Conference for College Students and Seminarians. For those who want to learn effective ways to stand up for causes they believe in, build networks and engage with advocacy topics in meaningful ways. Free to All! Taking place at the Presbyterian Center (100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY). More information https://presbyterianmission-22542400.hs-sites.com/advocacy-conference

Friday, November 3 - The Spire Series at First & Franklin will host early music ensemble S’amusant at 7:30pm. S’amusant is one of Baltimore’s newest musical ensembles, featuring extraordinary artists Wade Davis (cello), Patrick Merrill (harpsichord), and Melissa Wimbish (soprano). The group’s program, Dreams and Fantasies will cross boundaries from its early music roots to explore the music of Beethoven, Schumann, and Arvo Pärt. Tickets are on sale now at www.firstfranklin.org/spireseries.

Friday, November 3, 5-7 pm: Artful Harvest: Supporting Artists, Fighting Hunger - A Mini-Art Exhibition at Roland Park Presbyterian Church Opening Reception. Exhibition dates: November 3rd – December 1. A portion of all sales proceeds from this art exhibition will be dedicated to supporting the GEDCO CARES Client Choice Food Pantry. More information

Tuesday, November 7 - "Summoning of Black Joy" Racial Justice Ministry Speakers Series features Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Ed.D. Join Govans Presbyterian Church for a talk on homeschooling Black children, finding peace through writing, remote work, and her new book, The Summoning of Black Joy: a poetry collection. Live on Zoom at 7pm

Wednesday, November 8th - St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute presents the 2023 Dunning Lecture, "Preaching from the Cross: A Reflection on Paul’s Theology of Preaching," by Rev. Frank J. Matera, at 7:30 pm. This year’s Dunning Lecture also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the death of world-renowned Sulpician biblical scholar Raymond E. Brown, P.S.S., whose career began at St. Mary’s. The lecture is free to attend in person or online, but registration is requested.

Saturday, November 11 - Memorial Service for Ted Dürr, officiated by Rev. Ken Kovacs, 10 am at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church (Charlestown). 711 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, Maryland 21228

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.

Employment Opportunities

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.


Director of Music and Pianist/Keyboardist

Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church of Crofton, MD is seeking a Director of Music and Pianist/Keyboardist. Duties include rehearsing the chancel choir (one hour/week), playing organ or piano and directing the choir 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.


Visit the Presbytery's website for additional employment listings.

Stay Connected
Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  Youtube