Join Us in Scenic Western Maryland for the 913th Stated Meeting
We are headed west next month, and hope you can join us at First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland for our next Stated Meeting of Presbytery. It will be a hybrid event, but we hope you'll make the excursion and enjoy the full spectacle of nature as the land rises and the leaves turn on November 19th.
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Six Things to Do in Cumberland
If you can make the trip, we hope you'll explore Cumberland’s rich history, art, and canal-side charm with this quick guide to six spots within walking distance of the church, from historic museums to the Great Allegheny Passage. A free group tour of the Underground Railroad tunnels has been organized, so plan to extend your visit beyond lunch!
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Movers and Shakers
We’d like to take a moment to welcome new colleagues, recognize important milestones in ministry, and wish Godspeed to those beginning new chapters elsewhere. Please join us in celebrating these transitions and keeping everyone in your thoughts and prayers.
NEW CALLS
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Ashley Brown - Received from Southern Louisiana. Associate Pastor at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Installation in 2027
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John Dunham - Received and Honorably Retired from de Christo 9/28/2026
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Andries Coetzee - Received from Southern New England. Pastor at Govans Presbyterian Church, Installation 11/8/26
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Heather Russell von Marko - Ordained 9/27/2026. Transitional Pastor at Springfield Presbyterian Church
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Kathy Smith - Installed, ordained 6/28/26. Transitional Pastor at Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church
DEPARTURES
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Ray Meute left Springfield Presbyterian Church for West Chester, Pennsylvania.
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Mark Phillips left First and Franklin Presbyterian Church for Tallahassee, Florida
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Jeff Young left Christ Our King Presbyterian Church for Pueblo, Colorado
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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.
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Join the Baltimore-Guatemala Spring Trip, March 9-15, 2027
Join us in partnership with CEDEPCA’s Intercultural Encounters program to explore gender, culture, and Guatemala’s sociopolitical context through study, dialogue, reflection, and partnership with local communities.
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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.
Increases for 2027
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As your church looks ahead to your 2027 budget planning, please be aware of the medical dues increases. You can find the full breakdown here.
- The cost of living increase for 2027 is 2.7%
Annual Clerks Record Reviews
The final opportunity to meet with the Stated Clerk for your church’s annual review is this Sunday, at Faith Presbyterian Church, at 1 pm. Register
| | | | Friday, October 23: First & Franklin Presbyterian Church's Spire Series presents Jessica Tong, violin, with Michael Sheppard, piano, for a free concert at 7:30 pm. Flyer | | | | Tuesday, October 27: Understanding FAMLI Registration Webinar at 11 am. Maryland's Department of Labor will provide a demonstration of the registration process, and talk about common missteps and what employers and third-party agents need to know to get started. RSVP | | | | Thursday, October 29: Faithful Engagement with AI - PCUSA Interactive Webinar, 2–3:30 pm. The Office of Innovation and Leadership Development of Presbyterian Life & Witness invites you to a 90-minute interactive session centered on The Algorithm and the Almighty, the social witness policy adopted by the 227th General Assembly. Join on Zoom | | | | Thursday, October 29: Central Maryland Ecumenical Council Peacekeeper Training for Clergy, 8:45 am - 4:30 pm. This one-day de-escalation and active-bystander training is being provided by DC Peace Teams Board Chairman Sal Corbin. The cost for the training, breakfast, and lunch is $60, and it will be held at the Peabody Room at the Episcopal Diocesan Center. (4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218). The CMEC is supported by our Commission on Reconciliation. Register | | | | 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 | | | | Saturday, October 31 - Fall Family Fun Festival at Lochearn Presbyterian Church, 4:30 – 7:30 pm. Enjoy an evening of music, food, games and family activities. Free pumpkins for the first 40 kids! Flyer | | | | Tuesday, November 3: AI and Faith Special Webinar Interview with Dr. Bob Johansen, 11 am – 12 pm. A conversation about his new book Disciplines of Hope: Generating Faith in the Future for an Anxious World. Register | | | | Sunday, November 8: Installation Service for Rev. Andries Coetzee at Govans Presbyterian Church at 3 pm. Join us as we come together as a grateful community of God to celebrate the new partnership with Dries. An offering will be collected for the Presbytery of Baltimore's Emergency Relief Fund for ministers and their families. There will be a reception immediately following the service to which everyone is invited! | |
Staff Interim Minister
The Presbytery of Baltimore is seeking a Teaching Elder to serve on Presbytery staff as “Staff Interim.” The Staff Interim will provide interim pastor services full time for one congregation or part-time for two congregations. Effective salary range: $70,034–$91,934. Position Description. Send PDP to Rev. Jackie Taylor, General Presbyter at jtaylor@baltimorepresbytery.org.
Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries
Towson Presbyterian Church (TPC) has engaging children and youth programs, a growing family ministry, committed volunteers, and strong congregational support. We are seeking a Director who can build on that foundation, bringing greater focus and intentionality to these ministries while strengthening and expanding the ways we form faith, build community, and engage families. Annual salary is $48,000–$52,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Position Description
A/V Booth Operator
Light Street Presbyterian Church is seeking an operator for their A/V booth on Sunday mornings. This is a Sunday-only position, although additional days during the month may also be requested on an as-needed basis for events held at the church during the week. Approximately 2 hours per week, $20–$25 per hour Position Description
Community Outreach Coordinator
The purpose of this position is to help Light Street Presbyterian Church increase outreach and liaison within the Baltimore Community, encourage new church membership, and increase rental income to improve financial security. 10 hours/week, $20–$25 per hour. Position Description.
A full list of employment opportunities can be found on our website.
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