September 23, 2021
Welcoming new and who's who
The 892nd Gathering two weeks ago was a great opportunity to introduce the Presbytery’s newest leadership. Most notably, we welcomed Cecil Phillips of Dickey Memorial as Vice-Moderator while Sue Lowcock Harris replaces Audrey Trapp as Moderator. We’d like to thank Audrey for her fearless tenure amid this pandemic, and are grateful that she is chairing the Presbytery’s Steering Cabinet.

For a full rundown on the various commissions, please review this presentation for the complete, updated membership of your representatives.
In The Loop Picnic: a big hit
Last Saturday’s event in the Woodlands at Catonsville Presbyterian Church was a well-attended celebration of summer’s end. Convener Kenneth Walker welcomed guests and opened with prayer while attendees enjoyed burgers and activities for getting to know each other.
Group Minutes Review for Clerks
The annual review of session minutes is a core practice of our connectional church and is required by the Book of Order. Currently about 40 clerks have paired up to review each other's minutes at their convenience before Oct. 15. It is working well and partners are enjoying getting to know each other better. If your church would like to try a paired review and have lost the list of potential partners please contact Mary Gaut at mgaut@baltimorepresbytery.org.

For those who have chosen not to participate in paired reviews, there will be a group review session on Saturday, September 25th, at 10 am at Faith Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Pre registration is not required but attendees should bring their records along with the completed checklist which can be found on the presbytery website. 
Recommended NEXT Church offerings
The Dismantling Racism Team of the Presbytery is encouraging pastors and congregational leaders to register for the following upcoming programs from NEXT Church. Participation is limited, so register soon to reserve your space.

Participants will learn alongside a cohort of peers, receive both group and individual coaching from a multi-racial bench of trained coaches. Whether your leadership has been centered in racial justice for decades or you are yearning to take steps to embody antiracist values in your ministry, this cohort will offer a space to learn, explore, and practice bringing racial justice to the core of your leadership. Registration closes October 1st.

People of Color navigate feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, anger, frustration, and weariness as leaders in the Church. This cohort will process the present, gain tools for readjustment, and strive for wholeness. Led for and by people of color, we will foster exploration and curiosity as we move toward resiliency together. Participants will learn alongside a cohort of peers, receive both group and individual coaching from trained coaches. The cohort is for People of Color only. Registration closes October 8th.
Tables anyone?
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County has received some really nice tables and chairs which are available for donation to any interested churches or organizations.

The items came from a university classroom setting and are high quality. They are using as many as they can in the church building, but have many more than are needed. The surface is a smooth, hard laminate, and the tables are extremely sturdy, but do not fold.
  • 10 tables are 2 ft x 6 ft x 29 inches high with four metal legs.
  • 8 tables are 20” x 54” with two metal legs, slightly off-center but balanced.

Anyone who wants one or more can arrange to pick them up, free of charge. They are available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, contact their Church Administrator.
From The Center Baltimore
Are you a Matthew 25 Church, or thinking about becoming one?
The Center can provide coaching, teaching, consulting and/or hands-on mission experiences that will help you deepen your Matthew 25 commitments. For more information, contact Kate Foster.
Looking for a safe, fun and meaningful group activity this fall?
The Center is still open for intergenerational, outdoor hands-on mission experiences. Contact McKenna Lewellen for more information.
Upcoming Events
Welcoming Afghan Refugees
Thursday, September 30th from 1-2:30 PM
Over 100,000 Afghans are expected to be evacuated to the U.S. over the next 6 months. Almost half of these refugees are already here. Offering a dignified welcome to all requires an interfaith and nationwide response. 

Church pastors, mission committee chairs, and other concerned Presbyterians have been calling the national office to find out how they can help. As a founding member communion and an active partner of Church World Service (CWS), we invite you to join an ecumenical gathering for clergy and judicatory leaders to hear how faith communities can partner with CWS to welcome our Afghan allies and friends. Register here

Mobile Screening Events - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in partnership with Morgan State's Community Mile, will offer free Covid vaccines, testing, blood pressure screenings, and a mobile bus for free mammograms at Faith Presbyterian Church’s north parking lot. This outdoor popup health event is from 8-5 on Saturday, September 25, 2021. View flyer
Theology on Tap - Rev. Ray Meute's regular discussions are now taking place monthly online. Join them next Monday for a conversation on prepared questions (posted in advance) of a spiritual, moral, ethical, theological, and philosophical nature. Visit the Facebook event for more information.

Webinar: Death & End of Life Issues - This 7:30 pm webinar will address this topic openly by bringing together five experts known for their pastoral and theological insights. They will cover such matters as responding to a loved one with dementia, conducting a funeral, the content of Scripture on death, pastoral care with those who are dying and their families, and how to deal with the decline of a beloved family member. There will be time for audience interchange with the panel. The event is free, but attendees must register. More info

Saturday, October 2 - Music on the Lawn – Hope Presbyterian Church invites you to join them for family games and activities including live music from local bands. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and/or picnic basket and join the fun on Saturday, October 2, from Noon – 6 pm.

Mid Atlantic Black Caucus Call 10 am – 12 Noon. You do not have to be a paid member to participate in the call. However, you must be a paid member to vote on items on the agenda. There will not be a cost to participate on the call. There will be a vote on a president and secretary. If you intend to offer a name from the floor for either position, please make sure you have their permission and they are current members. Please register by sending an email to: snuffy977@aol.com and if any questions call John Etheredge at (202) 977-6479.

Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network October 26-28: The total cost for three days of the National POAMN conference is only $75, and if your time is limited you will be able to use the pass code issued only to paid registrants to watch at your leisure after the conclusion of the conference. More information and registration

Whatever you're doing, prepare to mask, encourage neighbors and loved ones to get vaccinated, and stay safe!
Help Wanted
Interim Minister
The Presbytery of Baltimore is seeking a Minister of Word and Sacrament to serve on the presbytery staff as an Interim for our congregations. This individual will be available to serve one full time interim or two part time interims. Job description

Music Director and Organist
First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, Maryland, an historic church in downtown Annapolis, is currently seeking to fill two part-time positions for Music Director and Organist. We are looking for applicants who will enhance our progressive congregation’s vision and continue our vibrant music ministry. Consideration may be made for one person to fill both positions. For detailed information visit: www.annapolis-presbyterian.com (Select Worship and Music – Music Ministry). To apply send cover letter and professional resume to musicsearch@annapolis-presbyterian.com

P/T Music Director
Havenwood Presbyterian Church located off Ridgely Road in Lutherville is looking for a versatile part-time Music Director. Ideal candidates would enjoy playing traditional and contemporary Christian music on the piano and organ, as well as directing small congregation ensembles. Additional instrument proficiency a plus. Working with the Pastor to provide a coordinated worship experience, the Music Director will average about 15 hours per week. Interested applicants should send resumes to info@havenwood.org. A full position description is available upon request.

Camera/Video Operator
Govans Presbyterian Church is seeking a Camera/Video Operator for a four hour per week, contract position on Sunday mornings (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) to manage the camera(s) and Zoom call during worship at the Church in Baltimore, Maryland. The camera/video operator will support Govans’ weekly digital worship service by running the cameras during worship and providing support with the Zoom call and Facebook Live broadcast. Job Description
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