April 14, 2020
The 887th Gathering will be via Zoom!
The Presbytery’s Steering Cabinet has decided to hold the May 14 Gathering of Presbytery electronically via the Zoom online meeting platform. Previously we had accepted an invitation to meet at Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church in Columbia, but the quarantine and social distancing policies now in place in Maryland make such a meeting impossible. We do thank the Session of Christ Memorial and Pastor Scott Hoffman for the efforts that they had already made, and we look forward to a meeting there sometime in the next year.
 
So, keep your calendars marked for Thursday, May 14 . Attendees must register in advance, and log in by the 10:00 am start time. The session will open at 9:15 am for all panelists and attendees, and there will be a brief technical orientation beginning around 9:45.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We look forward to your participation in this first of its kind event!
Extended Deadline approaching for Community Engagement Grants
The Commission on Reconciliation announces that the Community Engagement Grant deadline was extended to Friday, April 17 . It is our hope that this gives churches a chance to consider how they might adapt their community engagement ministries in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We recognize that congregations may need to incorporate new approaches, new relationships or activities that are emerging, or simply postpone some activities until the Fall. The Commission still plans to make grant decisions by the end of May in order to make funds available in early June. If you have any questions or concerns about the new deadline, please don’t hesitate to contact Susan Krehbiel , or Lisa Beacham , chair.
Upcoming Webinars
Discussion About HR Issues and Your Ministry During Covid-19
Tomorrow, April 15, at 2:00 pm

This discussion is presented by the Insurance Board and will address the primary HR matters facing your ministry during these challenging times. Join them for their third webcast on trending topics relating to Covid-19. This webcast is free, and open to all.

Community Engagement Conversations
April 23, April 30, and May 7, at 10:00 am

For the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic, The Center's staff will be putting additional resources toward congregational teaching in the Presbytery of Baltimore. More than ever in this time of uncertainty and change, we are committed to helping you discern how your church is called to connect with people and meet community needs as they emerge and evolve during the pandemic.
 
The Center invites all clergy and lay leaders to join us for a focused, facilitated, conversation about challenges and opportunities for community engagement in our local neighborhoods during the global pandemic. We will facilitate conversations about best practices, innovation, and troubleshooting with your food, education, or other ongoing missional engagement that has been disrupted or changed by Covid-19; as well as how to conduct volunteer training, fund mission initiatives, and more. You must register in advance for this meeting here , or contact Kate Foster Connors with questions.
Conversations on Ministry in the Time of Covid-19
The Commission on Spiritual Leader Development is offering a series of Zoom calls focused on the challenges of congregational ministry in the midst of the the Covid-19 pandemic. All calls are scheduled for 2:00 pm:

  • April 16 – Boundaries Working from Home with Kids – Group 1
  • April 16 – Boundaries Working from Home – Group 2
  • April 23 & May 6 – Congregational Leader Mastermind Group
  • April 29 – Pastoral Care and COVID-19

Reimagining Church: From Buildings to Community
Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 am

Utilizing our experience built by previous success, together we will provide a creative, conversational, and collaborative day together. We ask you to join with your own dreams, visions, or even frustrations and we will work through creating innovative solutions.

Information will also be shared, rich in industry expertise while theologically grounded and accessible for pastors, stewardship committees, and parishioners. Our tools can help you develop a process to align a congregation’s core values with a new vision for the property that is connected to the flourishing and the well being of your neighborhood – and to do so with excitement and conviction.


The Presbytery offices are closed for visits or appointments until further notice, but staff and commissions continue to meet regularly online.

We'll get through this together.

Stay Connected