Assisting Ukrainians
Churches and faith-based organizations are at the forefront of the humanitarian response to Ukrainians forced to flee their homes in the midst of war. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is already sending much needed financial aid to our partners as they feed, house, and care for those who are displaced and crossing borders into neighboring countries.
We are fortunate to have one of the denomination's most knowledgeable proponents of refugee and disaster assistance right here in Baltimore. On Monday, Social Justice Consultant Susan Krehbiel was featured on an interview for One Great Hour of Sharing. You can watch it here.
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Susan recently hosted an Open Space after last week's Gathering to update us on the situation in Ukraine and the growing humanitarian crisis. If you missed it, on Wednesday, March 23rd, she and PC(USA) staff will share an overview from their experience as World Mission partners, from the United Nations, and in the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Tune in to hear the stories of our church partners and how you can support this life-saving work. The webinar will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. |
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Community Engagement Grants Available |
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The 2022 Community Engagement Grant season is here! If your church is looking for that extra support to make your outreach projects flourish, this grant program is for you. This year, the Commission on Reconciliation is awarding $25,000 among congregations who wish to enhance their faith-based organizing, or collaboration with the community.
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FBI Faith-Based Awareness Briefing |
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As a country, we’ve all too often witnessed attacks on houses of worship. The January 15, 2022, hostage incident at the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas not only serves as a stark reminder of that, but it also highlights the importance of working together to mitigate these attacks and being proactive in keeping our houses of worship safe. The FBI Baltimore Field Office wants to reiterate its commitment to working with you, or partners, to keep our communities safe.
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The FBI Baltimore Field Office would like to invite faith-based leaders in Delaware and Maryland to a virtual Faith-Based Awareness Briefing on Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. FBI Baltimore leadership will discuss international/domestic terrorism, hate crimes, victim services, and crisis response, highlighting resources and important considerations should an incident occur. The briefings will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
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BIPOC Women Pastors Panel |
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Next Monday, March 21st, you are invited to join the In The Loop Ministry group as they explore perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) from church leaders themselves. Our General Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Taylor will moderate a panel that will share the challenges and joys of being BIPOC women in the ministry, including:
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Rev. Young Lee Hertig, Co-Founder and Executive Director of ISAAC Innovative Space of Asian American Christianity
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Rev. Fern Cloud, Native American of the Dakota Sioux, Stated Clerk and champion for environmental justice and native causes.
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Rev. Carmen M. Rosario Riviere, Recently retired Presbyterian pastor and co-moderator of the Hispanic/Latinx National Caucus.
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Last Call for Environmental Human Rights |
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The Maryland Campaign for an Environmental Human Rights Amendment (MDEHR) is calling for more letters to Maryland State Senators to let them know that this is the year to pass a Constitutional Amendment for Environmental Human Rights (SB783). Next Monday, March 21st is Cross-Over Day for the Maryland General Assembly, a critical deadline to get the amendment passed in either chamber. This deadline allows enough time for a bill to be considered in both chambers before the session concludes. Please write your Senators this week.
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GA Commissioners Receive Committee Assignments |
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The Baltimore Presbytery Commissioners to the 225th General Assembly will be a busy group this summer when the hybrid assembly meets in Louisville and virtually over the course of three weeks. You may have heard that all committees will meet in staggered schedules from June 17-July 3. Those in the first group will also comprise the in-person plenary sessions during which some new standing rules will be adopted and the Moderator or co-moderators will be elected. The fourth group of committees will conclude its work on July 2 and the final plenary sessions will all be held virtually.
Our commissioners have all been assigned to committees (see below) RE Keith Reagan and Rev. Barbara Renton are in the first group and will take part in the in-person plenary sessions.
Name Committee Group
Keith Reagan Polity 1
Barbara Renton Mid-Councils 1
Audrey Trapp WayForward/Vision 2020 4
Gayelle Sama GA Mission Coordination 4
Billy Kluttz Environmental Justice 2
Please hold our commissioners in prayer as they prepare for the work ahead and for their travel to and from Louisville in June.
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BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) Women Pastors Panel - Join the ITL B’More Human Series panel of pastors from different cultural traditions as they share the challenges and joys of being BIPOC women in the ministry on March 21st, at 6:30 pm. Featuring Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, Rev. Young Lee Hertig, Rev. Fern Cloud, and Rev. Carmen M. Rosario Riviere. More info and registration
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Lifting Up Ukraine - on Wednesday, March 23 at 12 noon, PCUSA Staff will share an overview of the humanitarian crisis overseas. Hear the stories of our church partners and how you can support this life-saving work. The webinar will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. |
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“Day of Learning” - Join the Presbyterian Foundation on March 29th for a free, online Day of Learning with presentations and conversations about planned giving programs and best practices for your congregation. Register here
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Community Engagement Grants Informational Session - March 30 via Zoom at 7 pm. Visit the Presbytery website for more information.
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Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons, Good Stewards of God’s Grace - March 30 - 7:00 – 8:30 pm This webinar will help to equip ruling elders and deacons for particular roles and responsibilities as worship leaders in a variety of settings, including: the Service for the Lord’s Day; services of ordination, installation, and commissioning; the extended service of communion; and other ministries of compassion and care with those who are sick, homebound, or hospitalized. Register here by March 23rd
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Faith-Based Awareness Briefing - Thursday, March 31 - Discuss being proactive in keeping our houses of worship safe with our Baltimore FBI Field Officers. The briefings will be followed by a question-and-answer session. To register complete this online form.
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Personnel Committees: Why to Have One and Best Practices - Save the date: Thursday, April 7 at 7pm, for this informative workshop organized by our Commissions on Ministry and Spiritual Leader Development. Pastors, elders, and members of personnel committees invited. More information |
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April 26-29 The Atlantic Regional Conference being held in Columbia, MD, is finalized and registration is now open! This event includes 14 classes with an opportunity for members to receive certification hours in each of the newly established core curriculum categories, in addition to elective classes. All classes are being offered in-person and virtually through Zoom. The Atlantic Board thanks the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County for their generous agreement to host the event. More information
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Interim Pastor
Granite Presbyterian Church is seeking an Interim Minister who can unite their congregation in faith as the pandemic transitions to endemic status, can guide the church to develop a new vision for the mission of their church, and can prepare the congregation for new pastoral leadership. The Interim Pastor will be responsible for leading the church through a period of transitional ministry until a permanent Pastor is called and installed. Job description
Temporary Supply Pastor
Maryland Presbyterian is an open, affirming, progressive congregation. They are seeking a spiritual leader who will provide energetic, visionary guidance for our faith journey. Open to change and creativity, MPC is involved in environmental and social justice concerns. Their new pastor must be willing to maintain our dedicated ministry in those areas, while seeking to be creative and innovative. Job description
Director of Children’s Ministry
Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland is searching for a full time Director of Children’s Ministry. Fun families and an amazing volunteer ministry team willing to try new things. Competitive salary based on education/experience, 2 weeks continuing education, 4 weeks vacation, strong educator support team through Baltimore Presbytery. Located outside of historic and charming Annapolis, easy drive/train ride to Washington DC, and not far from Baltimore, MD. Pro sports, theater, the arts, boats, museums, we’ve got it all within a quick drive. For more information or to apply email DCM@woodschurch.org or telephone Gale Gillespie (410) 647-4881
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