December 14, 2007

WELCOME TO THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Annapolis Presbytery Day to Focus on “Quality of Life” Bills

Scores of congregants from across the region will gather for Presbytery Day in Annapolis to advocate for “quality of life” legislation under consideration during the Maryland General Assembly’s 2008 Session. According to Julie Erickson, the Presbytery’s Director of Public Policy, in this period of economic slow-down, programs that the Presbytery has fervently supported -- such as, Energy Assistance and low-income housing funds -- are easy targets for budget cuts. “They’re targets because disadvantaged individuals who benefit most from them are least likely to advocate for themselves,” Mrs. Erickson said.

Advocates attending Presbytery Day will gather at 4pm in the parking lot of the U.S. Naval Academy Stadium and then board a bus to the Legislative Services Building at Lawyer’s Mall. There, they will join a number of groups rallying for economic and social reforms before touring the Senate and House of Delegates buildings using the underground tunnel system. During the evening, participants will be encouraged to visit their elected-officials; and, later, gather for dinner in Rm. 170 of the House of Delegates to hear speakers discuss advocacy, environmental issues and pending sweatshop legislation. Members are welcomed to attend the 8pm legislative sessions.

Advocates, including several youth, hope to persuade legislators to support bills aimed at preventing homelessness; expanding the Rental Allowance Program; and providing safe, affordable housing to low-income workers. Some of these bills authorize local governments to support affordable housing programs for individuals and families of low-to-moderate income by waiving or modifying certain construction costs. A separate proposal supports Housing Trust Funds, which ensure that civil workers like teachers and police officers can afford to live in the communities they serve.

Presbytery members also plan to ask legislators to support bills that reduce Global Warming and promote “greener” communities, in accordance with The Social Witness Policy of PC(USA). The national group and the Presbytery’s Care of Creation Task Force have long advocated for good stewardship of God’s Creation.

The Presbytery may well support other legislation proposed later in the session, however, Mrs. Erickson said that “these are the issues to which we will now dedicate most of our time, talent and resources. As faith-based advocates, we must keep our voices strong as the Maryland General Assembly considers the Governor’s 2008 State Budget.”

For information on specific bills supported by the Presbyter contact Julie Erickson at 410.370.8245 or jerickson@baltimorepresbytery.org or go to www.baltimorepresbytery.org.

PRESBYTERY of BALTIMORE ANNAPOLIS DAY!

YOU HAVE THE POWER

TO EFFECT CHANGE!

Inside this issue

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Take Note/Act Now

§ Grant Workshops

§ 2008 PCUSA Minister ID Cards

§ First of Howard PDA

§ Towson Presbytery Lent Events

§ Developmental Disabilities

§ 2008 Hau Kola Learning Camps

§ Clergy Get-Away

§ Gulf Coast Mission Trips for Youth

§ Seminary Events

§ Interfaith Pastoral Counseling

Praise & Prayer

Please pray for Roger Evans, the Presbytery’s Coordinator of Information, who is scheduled to undergo surgery today for a stomach ailment at Northwestern Hospital.

Contact Information

The Presbytery of Baltimore:

Phone: 410-433-2012

or 800-511-0087

Office E-mail: office@baltimorepresbytery.org

Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org

To Unsubscribe:

Call or email Roger Evans

Take Note/Act Now

Baltimore Presbytery Items

Save the Date! The Big Event will be held Saturday, Feb. 23^rd at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park. The Education and Nurture Committee will offer 10 (ten) scholarships to the Big Event. For more information, contact, jjohnson@baltimorepresbytery.org Please include this important event in your church bulletin this month.

In Brief Presbytery of Baltimore 827^th Stated Meeting. Click here.

2008 PCUSA Minister ID Cards are available at the Presbytery’s Resource Center now through on Tuesday, Feb. 5^th, Committee Night. Cards not obtained on that date will be mailed to ministers.

Church Notices

First Presbyterian Church of Howard County will be going to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Volunteer Village in Pearlington Miss. Mar.2^nd-8^th to help with post-Katrina rebuilding. Anyone interested in joining us should contact Dave Dittman @ 410-465-5610 or Kris Holmes at 410-730-3545 ex. 24.

Inspirational Programs for Lent at Towson Presbyterian Church. Join us for our Friday evening Human Rights Film Festival from 7pm-9pm on February 22^nd, 29^th and March 7^th, 14^th. And, all are welcomed 12:10pm-12:45pm on Wednesdays during Lent for Music and Meditation programs. Click here.

Synod and General Assembly Items

Join the Presbytery in supporting Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis on February 26^th. The agenda includes a legislative reception and briefing as well as several hours of constituent meetings with legislators. For more information, click: http://www.md-council.org/resources/PDF/DDDay_Flyer08.pdf

Pack your gear and join us this summer for the 2008 HAU KOLA Learning Camp Season. For more information, click Hau Kola.

Other Items and Events

Clergy Get-Away: Theological Reflection on the New Form of Government facilitated by Cynthia Bolbach of the GA Form of Government Task Force. May 7^th thru 8^th. For details, click, Get-Away.

The Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary offers two stellar events. Join the pilgrimage and study tour to France entitled, “Courage and Conviction in Christian France,” from July 18^th thru 28^th. Become spellbound by N.T. Wright, the Anglican Bishop of Durham, England’s lectures on the Bible and the Future at St. Mary’s Seminary & University on Feb. 25^th. For more information, click St. Mary’s.

Interfaith Pastoral Counseling in Catonsville seeks a MD licensed clinical psychologist/ social worker (LSWC) or counselor (LCPC) with 3-5 years experience for a part-time contractual position. Insurance panel experience preferred. Mail resume to Joyce McCauley P.O. Box 3274. Catonsville MD 21228