June 9, 2020
Heating up for General Assembly
We're only ten days away from General Assembly, and quite a bit has changed since the original planning. We're keeping track of highlights and events as they approach, so please check our website for additional information as it develops.

Of particular importance will be the Youth Rising Coalition's role in this year's GA. The coalition created a video to promote their enterprising spirits . Check it out, and learn more at YouthRisingCoalition.org

Hunger Grants 2020 now available
In recognition of the devastating economic impact of the pandemic and decisions to close all but “essential” workplaces, the Commission on Reconciliation has decided to offer a one-time grant program to local congregations in the Presbytery of Baltimore. The total amount of funds available is $3,500 and the maximum grant award per church will be $500. Priority will be given to ministries directly serving impacted communities that have expanded to meet the increased demand for food assistance. The Commission was able to establish this grant opportunity with a combination of designated Centsability and Shared Ministry contributions.

Hunger Grant Applications are due by June 30, 2020 and will be considered in the order received and while funds last. Download Hunger Grant Request Form (doc).

Presbyterian Peace Camp
This year the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly has been stripped down to include “critical business,” which leaves out the work of social justice, peacemaking, and broadening our moral imagination. Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Fossil Free PCUSA want to keep these issues at the forefront of people's minds and hearts. So, Peace Camp has been planned!

Presbyterian Peace Camp will be June 18-27 . All Presbyterians are invited to delve into some of the most pressing issues of our world. Participants will engage in teach-ins on issues that would’ve been discussed at General Assembly including fossil fuel divestment, gun violence prevention, and other peacemaking issues. We will hold a vigil to begin and end our time together, which will be a dedicated space for grief and prayer. And every morning participants will receive a devotional in their inbox. We want our time together to be lifegiving and joyous!

For the schedule, more information, and registration, visit  http://bit.ly/ppf-peacecamp
Guidelines for holding virtual meetings
The Presbytery has released guidelines to help congregations hold meetings that are not only productive but in conformity with applicable law, polity and parliamentary process. This guide offers basic information that applies to all on-line meetings where official business is conducted. For specific information related to your context please contact our office .

Singers still sought for virtual choir
Opening Worship at GA has become a virtual choir that will sing in the one-hour Communion service, which will be shared on June 26.

Our selection, the closing hymn, will be #766 in Glory to God – The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound (MC KEE).

Please share this invitation with choir members you may know. Everyone is welcomed to join in the singing. Here is the Dropbox link with more information. All necessary info is contained there, including recording instructions and an additional web link for participants to upload their recordings. Submissions/recordings are now due before midnight on June 16 .

Please consider adding your voice to the mix!

Professional Development
Wesley Theological Seminary is coming to Baltimore
The faculty and Board of Governors of Wesley Theological Seminary are excited to announce a collaboration to make theological education more accessible to people in and beyond Baltimore.

Beginning this fall, master’s courses will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church. Initial classes include Foundations of Preaching with Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn and Theologies of Resistance and Liberation: King and Gandhi with Rev. Dr. Sathi Clarke and Rev. Dr. Tony Hunt. These courses are designed in conjunction with courses held entirely online or as weekend hybrids so that students can take a full class load without driving to DC on a weekday. Students interested in trying a single course are also welcome. A limited number of scholarships are available for new Baltimore-area degree candidates, so apply soon! Students interested in transferring previous theological credits to a Wesley master’s program will also be considered for scholarship. Please visit the Wesley in Baltimore webpage for more information, and contact the admissions office with questions or to apply.
Help Wanted
Associate for Church and Leadership
The Presbytery of Baltimore is seeking an individual to take a leading role in implementing and breathing life in the Presbytery’s vision and ministry plan and encourage, challenge and equip existing and new congregations to thrive in their relationships and become faithful leaders. Full job description
The Presbytery offices are closed for visits or appointments until further notice, but staff and commissions continue to meet regularly online.


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