November 28, 2005

Lecciones desde Guatemala

“So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” James 2:17

Recently I spent a week with the dedicated members of the Guatemala partnership of the Baltimore and Kaqchikel Presbyteries. It would be impossible to impart to you the many graces that God offered to us during that week. However, let me share with you some small things that I learned.

Through the hard work of many committed people, we have formed a true partnership with the Kaqchikel Presbytery. The efforts that are being supported by many in Baltimore are not those of charity; rather, we walk hand-in-hand with our brothers and sisters to overcome the yoke of poor health care, lack of education and lack of economic opportunity. You really must witness this to understand.
Children laugh, play and learn in the same way the world over. A hug is still a hug; the sound of a child’s laughter is the same, no matter where you are! But children need education, basic nutrition and health care to thrive as God intended all of God’s children to thrive. In Guatemala, education is not really free. One must have the money for fees, books, supplies and uniforms before enrolling. For only $150 dollars, a Mayan child can attend school for an entire year.
For less than $100 the Presbyteries can have a stove installed in a Mayan kitchen that replaces the open fire-pits that are so common in impoverished households. Smoke-filled air, burning accidents and deforestation are severely reduced.

There is an opportunity here for you to participate in the true work of God’s Kingdom on earth. Please visit www.guatemalapartnership.org for more information. I guarantee that it will be an experience of grace.

Peace & Blessings-

Deb Milcarek

Inside this issue

Lecciones desde Guatemala

Take Note/Act Now

§ Interim Training

§ Adult Education Resource

§ Celebration of Women’s Ordination

§ Cuba Partnership Fiesta

§ Capital Punishment Discussion

§ The Engaging Church

§ Katrina Work Trips

Prayer Concerns

Ark & Dove PC

Towson PC

People

Pray for Harry Holfelder as he awaits surgery.

Prayer Concerns

Ark & Dove PC

asks for prayers:

· of support as they transition to new leadership and decision-making structures

· for endurance as they undertake an exciting effort to build an addition to their sanctuary and CE space

· of thanksgiving for a successful building stewardship campaign

· of thanksgiving and guidance for many officers and team leaders who are becoming equipped for changed leadership roles

Towson PC

asks for prayers:

· for the mission team that is in Honduras from February 23rd – March 5^th

· for their nominating committee, which is just beginning to discern who may be called to leadership as elders or deacons in 2006-2009

Take Note/Act Now

Interim Training is available July 16-21 at Zephyr Point on Lake Tahoe. Contact (775) 588-6759 for more information.

Check out www.TheThoughtfulChristian.com a new way to get adult education resources.

At the March 23^rd Presbytery meeting, the Worship Committee will lead in a celebration of the anniversary years of the ordination of women. Please send the names of the first women ordained as elders and deacons in your congregation to The Rev. Anita Hendrix huntingridge@verizon.net.

Ashland and Light Street Presbyterian Churches are hosting an event to speak about some of the recent insights they’ve had on visiting the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Cuba. Join us on Sunday, March 19, 2006 from 2 to 5 PM at Ashland PC (Read More).

There will be an interfaith panel discussion on Capital Punishment at The Church of the Holy Redeemer on North Charles Street on March 2, 2006 from 6:30 - 9:30p.m. The discussion is in response to the performances of the opera version of Dead Man Walking (More).

Charles Arn is presenting a seminar in DC on March 9^th entitled The Engaging Church that will present strategies for visitor attraction, retention, and integration. Call 800-844-9286 and ask for the $50 denominational discount. (More info.)

Hurricane Katrina work trips & training:

§ The Presbyteries of Baltimore, New Castle and National Capital are coming together to form a coalition to support and train groups who would like to travel to the Gulf Coast to help in the recovery from Katrina. Read more on our website.

Also on our website

Don’t miss all the new Local Church Announcements at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery.org/announcements.html.

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

Presbytery Yearly Calendar

Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter

pnord@baltimorepresbytery.org

Bill Millen, Associate Executive

bmillen@baltimorepresbytery.org

Deb Milcarek

Associate of Mission and Justice

dmilcarek@baltimorepresbytery.org

Charles Forbes, Stated Clerk