Overcoming Fear of the E-Word: A Day Discussing Evangelism

The Commission on Thriving Congregations invites you to join them on Saturday February 3rd, 2024 for the first in their series of Thriving Church Tools. The focus for this first workshop is Evangelism. CTC anticipates putting forward a new tool quarterly in 2024.

Evangelism: Many of us have negative views and ideas about what it is, and maybe even more negative feelings about trying to do it. Through our presentations we are going to offer ways to redefine, refocus, and recapture just what Evangelism is and how we can be more successful and joyful in sharing our faith and growing the Church.

Meanwhile, you are invited to share your thoughts in an

online forum we have dedicated to the topic. What has worked for each of us? What are some of our biggest fears about evangelism? How might we scale different approaches for our churches? The commission invites your feedback and would like to keep the conversation going.

A link to register can be found there too, so please let us know if you plan to attend in person or online.

Minister Transitions in 2023

WELCOMED

• Hal Bennett received from Western NC Presbytery – Pastor at Grove
• Kim Nofel received from N. Central Iowa Presbytery – Temporary Supply at Granite
• Susan Boucher received from Denver Presbytery – Transitional Pastor at Harundale
• Nicole Reibe ordained – Professor at Loyola
• Jennifer McCullough approved for ordination and installed at Ark & Dove as Associate Pastor
• Ken Page received from Grand Canyon Presbytery – Interim at First of Howard
• David Welton (HR) received from Tropical Florida Presbytery
• Rosemary Noga Welton (HR) received from Tropical Florida Presbytery

TRANSITIONED

• Jose Lopez-Chapa to PT Pastor at Fallston
• Michel Ward to Transitional Pastor Ashland
• Edwin Lacy to Mid-council staff
• Janna Vanderwoude to Member at large

FAREWELL

• Glen Misick transferred to New York City Presbyery
• Jacob Snowden transferred to Grace Presbytery
• Billy Kluttz transferred to National Capital Presbytery
• Chris Iosso transferred to NE New Jersey Presbytery
• Blake Collins transferred to National Capital Presbytery
• Essie Koenig-Reinke transferred to Santa Fe Presbytery
• Eric Koenig-Reinke transferred to Santa Fe Presbytery

RETIRED

• Morton Harris
• Sue Lowcock Harris

DECEASED

• Marvin Onaje Hopper 2/28/2023
• Joseph Condro 5/23/2023
• Terry Schoener 10/9/2023

The Clerk's Corner

Clerks of Session: The Annual Statistical Reports deadline is three weeks away!

(https://oga.pcusa.org/section/churchwide-ministries/stats/statistical-reporting-faq/)

If you need help contact Mary Gaut at mgaut@baltimorepresbytery.org. And remember to get session approval before you “submit” the report.

Congratulations and thank you to the 15 churches that have already submitted their statistical information into the reporting system. This represents almost 25% of our churches. The membership numbers are particularly important as you all know. As always, please reach out to me if you encounter any difficulties or issues.

A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program

Do you know a high school senior who is discerning a call to ministry? The A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program at Randolph-Macon College might be for them. 

This scholarship offers half-tuition during a student’s freshman and sophomore years at R-MC and full-tuition during the junior and senior years. The Bailey Program includes weekly meetings for vocational discernment, creating a strong, supportive peer group. During a student’s tenure in the program, there are many opportunities to visit with Theology School representatives, spend time with persons in a variety of professional ministry roles, and reflect on a personal sense of call. There are two internship opportunities, one for academic credit and one with a financial stipend.  

Online Bailey Scholar applications are being accepted now, with a deadline of February 5, 2024. The program is open to Christian students of any denomination or Christian tradition. Learn more at http://www.rmc.edu/academics/pre-ministerial or by contacting the Rev. Kendra Grimes, Director of the Bailey Scholars Program, at kendragrimes@rmc.edu or (804) 752-7374. 

Save the Date: Thursday, March 14th, 10-Noon

The 902nd Stated Meeting of Presbytery

Plans are underway to identify a church to host our next Stated Meeting, and we are striving to organize a hybrid event to accommodate in-person as well as online participation. Stay tuned for further information as it develops, but please save the date!

One Book, One Presbytery

Church Educators, Teaching Elders and Education Committees: Explore The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, and make this 6-week opportunity part of your plans for Eastertide 2024. Save the dates!

• 6 weekly discussions – on Zoom
• Mondays, April 8 – May 13, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
• Special guests to be announced soon provide insight to the major topics
• Facilitated small group discussion

Registration is Open! Sponsored by the Presbytery of Baltimore Dismantling Racism Team and In the Loop Ministry Group. (Full participation in the program will meet the Dismantling Racism training requirement.)

Part-Time Pastor / Bridge Pastor

Second Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time or a full-time bridge pastor in March 2024. This is a 20-40 hours per week flexible schedule based on the needs of the congregation and staff. The pastor would preach for two worship services on Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM during the church year (September through May) and at a single service at 10:00 AM during the summer (June through August). Full job description and information

Pianist/Organist

First Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, MD (FPC) is seeking a part-time Pianist/Organist. The Pianist or Organist works in conjunction with the Pastor and Music Director by performing music from the piano or organ which contributes to the musical portion of worship services. This includes using the piano and/or organ to provide a prelude and postlude for Sunday and Special services, leading the congregation in hymns, and providing accompaniment for the choir, soloists, and musicians for the praise of God. Please submit resume, and references to office@firstpresbelair.org

Head of Staff

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is seeking a called Head of Staff to lead our 1200 member, Severna Park congregation. The PNC is accepting self-referrals at this time, including those from clergy couples, at the following address: PNC@woodschurch.org. For more information, visit the church’s website at www.woodschurch.org/interim-ministry.

Visit the Presbytery's website for additional employment listings.