November 12, 2019
The Inaugural Community Engagement Awards
In September the Commission on Reconciliation issued its first ever Community Engagement Awards to six different congregations in Baltimore Presbytery. The Commission received 9 applications, for more than double the $25,000 grant pool. Commission members were truly inspired by the varied and creative ways our congregations are engaging their communities and committed to deepening those relationships. Here are the 2019 grantees:

  • Dickey Memorial, $2.500 : Community engagement and discernment for the future with Dickey Hill Elementary and surrounding neighborhoods
  • Faith Presbyterian, $6,000 : Partnership with Walter P. Carter Elementary School, Family Engagement Nights
  • First Annapolis, $6,000 : Listening sessions and creation of pilot tutoring program
  • Knox Presbyterian, $6,400 : Starting “You Speak," a teen coping and anti-bullying program in partnership with Dawson Safe Haven Teen Center
  • Maryland Presbyterian, $1,600 : Community organizing training for outreach to children and families
  • St. John United, $6,000 : Expanding partnership with Bryant Woods Elementary School to start two new soccer teams, appreciation events and parenting workshops
Artist Spotlight: Patricia M. Jackson
Visitors to Towson Presbyterian Church have long enjoyed the liturgical artwork of former Deacon and Elder Patricia M. Jackson. Beginning this week, a collection of her work focusing on advent is on display at the Presbytery. Visitors to our offices will be treated to textile collages, banners, and cut-outs from seasons past, and invited to write their prayers on crafted paper triangles to be added to our Christmas tree.
 
The product of several generations of family talent, Patricia’s work is inspired by different cultures and faiths, art museums and traveling. Timeless scriptures are re-imagined, but rooted in the everyday, as various fabrics and materials are integrated into energetic, colorful tapestries and scenes.
 
Patricia’s art seeks to encounter the grace of God in the everyday and extraordinary of life. Our shared hope is that each liturgical art participant and worshipper will encounter the Spirit in word, image, song and prayer, and be transformed and renewed in faith. Presbytery offices are pleased to exhibit her handmade creations through the end of the year. Learn More
Dear members of the Presbytery,
 Thank you for the cards, well wishes and prayers I have received at the passing of my father. Your thoughtfulness, kindness and support means more than words can possibly express. I am so grateful to be part of such a caring community of faith. I continue to covet your prayers in the days ahead.

Blessings,

— Jackie
Congratulations
Brown Memorial’s Tim Hughes Williams and his husband Perry recently welcomed a new son to the family. Please join us in celebrating their wonderful addition!
In Memoriam
The Reverend Daniel Force , a long-time member of Baltimore Presbytery who served as a Navy Chaplain and on the staff of Church World Service, and who died December 13, 2018, will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, November 25, 2019, at 2:00 pm.
Upcoming Events
2019 Dunning Lecture by Dr. Marianne Meye Thompson
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute will host Dr. Marianne Meye Thompson for a lecture titled "Interpreting the Gospel of John: Writing a Commentary in Good Company." Dr. Thompson, is a George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament and former School of Theology dean. More Information
Nov. 15 - Countdown to Christmas Creating CARES Cards
Second Presbyterian Church in north Baltimore invites you to a night to make handcrafted Christmas cards for charity. They will supply all of the materials and bling to make beautiful holiday cards, that support the mission of GEDCO CARES, which serves local families and individuals in crisis by connecting its clients with resources towards self-sufficiency. For $25, you can get creative, partake in holiday festivities, and help a great cause.
The 885th Gathering of the Presbytery of Baltimore
This weekend! We will be convening this Saturday at Annapolis Presbyterian Church for the next Gathering. Attendees are encouraged to download and review relevant documents from our website beforehand . More information
Nov. 18 (and again, Jan 26) - Mini Grant Outreach Webinars & Workshop
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake are offering a free grant writing workshop or webinar, sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. It's a great opportunity to learn best practices to enhance applications, ask questions, and learn more about environmental stewardship, which includes educational and outreach campaigns in addition to "in-the-ground" projects.
Woods Church Annual Epic Bazaar
Woods Memorial (611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd) is hosting its 78th annual community marketplace offering all sorts of crafts, jewelry, books, clothing, furniture, toys and more. There will be a ton of bargains, and they'll be serving up lunch, drinks and even peppermint lemons and nuts! There's a rumor even Santa will be there, so bring the whole family.
Community Thanksgiving Service, Dinner and Christmas Tree Lighting
An ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service and dinner will be held at Fallston United Methodist Church (1509 Fallston Road). The potluck meal begins at 5:30 and the worship service at 6:45. And...there will be a community Christmas tree lighting immediately following the service! (Please bring a dish to share.) More Information
Harvest Sunday
Bring a favorite fruit, vegetable, seeds to swap, flower or foliage (maybe one from your garden even?) to Maryland Presbyterian Church to help create an overflowing table as they give thanks for God's provision through the wonders of creation. During the offering, take something from the table to enjoy.
Catonsville Concerts at 3
Presenting Elysian Camerata at 3:00 pm at Catonsville Presbyterian Church (1400 Frederick Road). An ensemble of five strings and piano, the Elysians will perform in various groupings in selections by Purcell, Williams, and Elgar. This free concert is open to the public, and plenty of free parking is available. For more information, call 410-747-6180.
In Search of
The Center is Seeking Summer Housing!
Need summer house-sitters? Each summer The Center hires interns to assist in running our summer programming. We are seeking furnished housing for 2-3 people inside the beltway from late May through mid-August. Do you know anyone who could help? Email othomas@baltimoreprebytery.org
Help Wanted
Organist/Pianist

Williamsport Church is seeking a person with experience and the ability to play a pipe organ who will fit into a team approach to ministry, and play for two traditional Sunday morning services, one mid week rehearsal and occasional special events. Send resume by November 18 to: Search Committee, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 10813 Donelson Drive, Williamsport, MD 21795
General Assembly Volunteers
The Committee on Local Arrangements (COLA) is seeing creative and energetic individuals to lead a team or be part of a workgroup for June’s General Assembly in Baltimore. Available roles include: Fundraising Co-Chair, Media & Communications Chair, and Welcome Reception Volunteers. For additional information, contact Sonce.Reese@pcusa.org or (410) 433-2012.
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