“
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
Join the movement of Presbyterians in Baltimore this summer for a Big Tent like no other. The theme of 2019 Big Tent,
Called to a Movement beyond Institution
, will emphasize our hope of the Gospel and its power to challenge institutional conventions. The goal is to come together and live in this moment, immersed in our current cultural context of racial division, gender inequality, and economic disparity to be renewed, refreshed and reformed, so that we may be sent out to affect change in our own communities.
Big Tent provides a place where our Presbyterian polity and identity is the foothold by which we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in action and answer the call to discern the will of God together. Through worship, Bible study, learning opportunities, and active engagement with one another and the community, attendees will encounter the Church participating in God’s mission for the transformation of creation and humanity.
Noted guest speakers include:
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Justice and worship
Dr. Tony McNeill
“To authentically worship is to actually be the embodiment of that worship in the world, away from the corporate setting,” says McNeill, who also hopes that worship will be the catalyst that compels Big Tent attendees to “seek justice in the world as a way of being and not just as a project that has a start date and an end date.”
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Leading of Big Tent Plenary
The Rev. Amantha Barbee
Grounded in Romans 12:2, "
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect
" will be the guiding scripture for this year's Big Tent. The Rev. Amantha Barbee will lead attendees in a challenging discussion of the word “transformation” from the multiple lenses of one’s self, one’s family, the world and even religious institution.
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The Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah
“Conversations are taking place about the changes that are occurring in our society, especially in terms of our demographics. Churches are experiencing change, including decline and diversity,” says Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah. “I will touch on those, but I really want to touch base on what the appropriate response to these changes should be.”
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To view the 2019 Big Tent Schedule and read about other presenters,
click here
. To attend the 2019 Big Tent in Baltimore this summer,
click here
.
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Meetings
All meetings are held at the Presbytery of Baltimore's office unless a different location is indicated.
- Steering Cabinet meets at 1pm on Wednesday May 22
- Commission on Reconciliation meets at 6:30pm on May 22
- Ministry Group Conveners meet 11:30am on Thursday, May 23
- The Center Steering Committee meets at 12:30pm at Dickey Memorial PC
- New Clergy Orientation will be held 10am Tuesday, May 28
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The Presbytery
is seeking up to three Teaching Elders to serve as readers or as alternates in a group readers who will be evaluating ordination exams the week of
May 4-8, 2020.
If you are interested and/or would like more information, please email
Rev. Heather Shortlidge
or call 410.267.8705.
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Each year we look forward to the annual meetings for Clerks of Session for training and to review Session Records. The following is a list of meetings for the Baltimore metropolitan area.
- Wednesday, May 29, 7pm, 1st PC of Howard County, Mary Gaut
- Saturday, June 8, 10am, Govans PC, Mary Gaut
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The
2019-2020 Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) Planning Calendars
are now available for purchase. The Presbytery of Baltimore will arrange a bulk order at a discounted price of $9 per planning calendar for member churches. The Presbytery's rate includes shipping and handling. The deadline to place an order is
Monday, June 28
. Orders are non-refundable.
To place your order as part of the Presbytery’s bulk order,
follow this link to the order
form
, print and complete the form, then return it by mail with the amount due to the Presbytery. Please make checks payable to the Presbytery
of Baltimore and mail it to the attention of: Planning Calendar Orders, 5400 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21239
. To pay by credit card, follow
this link to Planning Calendar
on
the Presbytery’s payment page under Miscellaneous. Churches will be contacted for pick up when the calendars arrive.
Churches may also visit
PCUSA’s online church store
to place their own order for planning calendars at a cost of $14.95 each or $8.50 each for 50 or more books. Shipping and taxes are included separately in PCUSA's online price.
Be advised that planning calendars will not be available for shipment until August 2019.
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Hunting Ridge Strawberry Festival
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Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church will host its annual Community Strawberry Festival from 5pm-8pm on Saturday, June 1.
Festivities include shortcake, games, entertainment, pony rides, face painting, pickle ball and a food trucks offering a variety of delicious meals for purchase.
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Vacancy: Part-time Director for Community Assistance Program
A Part time Director is wanted for the 40 West Assistance & Referral Center, a 501(c)3 ecumenical nonprofit charitable organization located at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 4711 Edmondson Ave., Balto. MD 21229. The program is supported by a number of area churches, including Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church. The Director is responsible for overall operation and management of the Center. The position currently requires an average of 20 hours per week. The Director must be able to provide a welcoming atmosphere for clients and possess the education, skills, knowledge, qualities and experience in business, nonprofit operational and financial management or related areas. For full job description and further information, please contact Mrs. Glorius M. Sullivan, Chairman of the Board at
chgl@verizon.net
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Jacqueline E. Taylor
General Presbyter
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John "Jack" Carlson
Stated Clerk
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Mary Gaut
Deputy Stated Clerk
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Debbie Ingram Schmidt
Associate, Spiritual Leader Development
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Susan Krehbiel
Director of Congregational Advocacy
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Chuck Brawner
Administrator of Finances
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Kate Foster Connors
Director, The Center
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McKenna Lewellen
Coordinator, The Center
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Presbytery of Baltimore | (t) 410.433.2012 | (f) 410.433.2066| office@baltimorepresbytery.org |
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