Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Welcomes Baltimore Leadership

Last month, the Assembly elected Ruling Elder Debbie Reese of Baltimore Presbytery as Moderator for 2027 and Rev. Dr. Ron A. Hankins, also of Baltimore Presbytery, as Vice Moderator!

Reese and Hankins were installed during closing worship. They affirmed their commitment to Christ and their call to serve with "energy, intelligence, imagination, and love."

Be a Part of Baltimore's Innovation Lab 2027

If your congregation is ready to explore new ideas, experiment faithfully, and imagine what’s next, we hope you’ll check out our partnership between the Presbytery of Baltimore and the PC(USA) Office of Innovation.

Clerk's Corner

Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance 
We have been actively researching what Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program means for employees and church leadership. Mandatory payroll contributions begin January 1, 2027, so please make sure your treasurer is aware. Information on requirements, contribution rates, key dates and registration can be found on our website.

Annual Clerks' Record Reviews

Be sure to register for one of three remaining opportunities near you to meet with the Stated Clerk for your church’s annual review. (Treasurers are invited to join the October 20th online meeting, which will be attended by our attorney to address your FAMLI program questions.)

Honoraria for Pulpit Supply

The Commission on Ministry approved a motion to increase the recommended honorarium to $250 for one service and $300 for two services. This recommendation went into effect on October 1, 2026.

Saturday, October 17 at 10 AM: Baltimore premiere of the film Samaritans at Govans Presbyterian Church. Watch a poignant narrative of hope and humanity on the US-Mexico border, shedding light on volunteers known as the Samaritans who challenge the harsh realities of migration with compassion and life-saving aid. FREE. Includes a Q&A with the director following the screening Facebook event info

Saturday, October 17: Karaoke Explosion 2026 at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, from 3-7 pm. Free Admission, Food for purchase. Bring your voice, bring your family, bring your joy! - Flyer

Monday, October 19: Dismantling Racism: A Continuous Journey at Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Registration and more information

Wednesday, October 21: The Value of Rural Congregations at 2 pm. Rural and small-town churches contribute more to their communities than many people realize. Understanding that community and economic impact matters. Join Emily Sajdak of Partners for Sacred Places for stories from rural congregations, insights into the value they bring to their communities, and time to ask your questions. Sponsored by the Office of Faithful Formation. Join the gathering on Zoom.

October 21–23: Earth & Soul Retreat at Montreat Conference Center. The first of a three-part series of annual retreats led by the Celtic teacher John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling in which they explore the search for expanded vision, the search for intimacy with Earth, and the search for spiritual presence. More information

Thursday, October 29: A Virtual Journey to Guatemala Join CEDEPCA to explore Día de Todos Los Santos in Guatemala. Celebrate hope and connection through story, food, and remembrance, and learn about Guatemala’s vibrant tradition of honoring the departed by flying giant barriletes (kites)! Register

Thursday, November 19: Our 913th Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland from 10 am - 1 pm. Save the date! Registration and a useful list of things to do nearby in Western Maryland are coming soon!