June 6, 2005

WHAT A RIDE!

I joined the staff of Baltimore Presbytery in September of 1981. I am separating from the staff of Baltimore Presbytery in September of 2005. You do the math. 24 years is not a chapter. It’s a whole book! And I am compelled to record a little abstract of it… for you as well as for myself.

In 1981, I was clueless. Mission? Stewardship? Grace? Redemption, Resurrection, Justice? A complete glossary of church jargon constituted the language of my new job, and my comprehension of these terms was superficial at best. Only gradually did I realize that every such concept is a bottomless mine in which to dig out shiny nuggets of meaning. They illuminate the dark spaces of my unknowing, uncertainty, and disbelief. And they reflect back to me the authentic reasons and explanations of my life.

Remember the TV ads for Prego spaghetti sauce? “It’s in there.” I learned that the Bible is like Prego spaghetti sauce. It’s all in there. All problems, all situations and issues, all emotions and behaviors – they’re all contained there in the Bible. Timeless stories, as rich and compelling today as they were then and still offering grounds for yet another nuanced interpretation.

Let me not forget the hundreds of welcomed opportunities over the years to hone my writing skills…opportunities when my work was my play. Whether a letter, whether a report or an article, whether an ad or a proposal or an edit of another’s writing - they were occasions to search my mind for accuracy and my heart for truth; to capture the appropriate voice; to neutralize or employ emotion as needed; to achieve transparency and clarity; to engage, focus, and lead the reader; even to be funny! Several colleagues dubbed me “wordsmith,” a treasured compliment.

What an enlightening experience these 24 years have been for me! I am grateful beyond expression.

And now at the end, I know that there is no end. Oh yes, the end of a job. But the journey of growing in God is endless and sufficient for a lifetime.

To all whom I have had the pleasure of knowing during these 24 years: I take with me the finest moments of our professional collaboration, mutual respect, and warm affection. As always, to God be all the glory.

Julie

Inside this issue

Take Note/Act Now

§ New Staff Members

§ Associate Stated Clerk

§ Israel Divestment

§ “Does God Leave Fingerprints?”

§ Friends of Jordan

§ Job Opportunities Online

§ Local Church Announcements

Prayer Concerns

§ Granite PC

§ Grove PC

People

Marge Booth, a member of First, Bel Air PC and Coordinator of the West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps, died on Wed., August 10. A Memorial Service will be held at First, Bel Air on Sat., August 27 at 11 am.

Continued prayers for Aaron Lee’s wife Annie, their three children, and members of New Imani Community NCD.

Sue Lowcock Harris & Morton Harris begin their ministry as Co-Pastors today, August 15, at First of Howard Co. PC.

Terry Martin-Minnich will end her consultant services with the Presbytery of Baltimore this week.

Prayer Concerns

Granite PC asks for prayers for:

§ The new pastor, Elizabeth Rogers, as she learns names, how to get around, and all the concerns of new beginnings.

§ The congregation, which just celebrated 160 years of service, and is looking forward to the next 100 years, and how to make changes to make it a positive experience.

§ As we decide how to grow and make a conscious effort to attract new people.

§ Our strong and close knit community as we decide what we can do to help meet the needs of a lonely and hurting world.

Grove PC asks for prayers for:

§ The full recovery of Rev. Dave Wilson, and his official return to work on Aug. 28.

§ The search for a part-time coordinator for their community center.

§ God’s guidance and help for this fall’s youth ministry and Christian education programs.

Take Note/Act Now

The Presbytery of Baltimore is looking for five (5) new staff members: Associate for Mission and Justice, Coordinator of Resources, Coordinator of Communications, Director of Development, and Public Policy Advocate. Please encourage people you know to apply. More information can be found on the web at: www.baltimorepresbytery.org.

The Presbytery is searching for an Associate Stated Clerk who will serve when the Stated Clerk recuses himself or to answer questions of those who feel that their concerns may put the Stated Clerk in a position of having a conflict of opinion. Letters of interest should be addressed to Gretchen van Utt in care of the Presbytery Office by August 31.

Israel Divestment – Six companies have been identified as possible targets for divestment by the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee of the PCUSA. Read more at: Divestment Companies. Divestment Press Release.

“Does God Leave Fingerprints?” A one-day conference sponsored by the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology, and the Christian Faith (PASTCF) will be held on Sept. 24 from 8 am to 5 pm. at Chevy Chase PC outside Washington, DC. Lunch will be provided. Registration $25 before Sept. 16, $30 after Sept. 16. www.pastcf.org.

Friends of Jordan - A volunteer group composed of Presbyterian pastors of the National Capital Presbytery, has organized an eight-day Pastor Familiarization tour to Jordan scheduled for Oct. 1-8, 2005. The cost is $1,100 per pastor. This includes airfare to and from Amman from NY’s JFK airport via Royal Jordanian Airlines, all food, local transportation, tour guides, entrance fees, and lodging in 4-star hotels. The tours are underwritten in part by the non-governmental Jordan Tourism Board. A complete itinerary and video can be found at www.arthurmurphy.com.

Also on our website

The Presbytery of Baltimore posts job opportunities: http://www.baltimorepresbytery.org/opportunitycalls.html

Past Issues of Tidings are available at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery.org/midweekmail.html

Local Church Announcements / Presbytery Yearly Calendar

Contact Us

Presbytery of Baltimore

5400 Loch Raven Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21239

Office: 410-433-2012 or 800-511-0087 Fax: 410-433-2066

Online: www.baltimorepresbytery.org

Email: office@baltimorepresbytery.org

Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter