December 14, 2007

You don’t have to travel around the globe to see the devastation HIV/AIDS brings. That devastation is right here with us in our hometown of Baltimore and surrounding communities.

Amy Lang, Executive Director

HopeSprings

§ The urban rate of HIV/AIDS infection is comparable to many parts of Africa, as much as 14% in some zip codes.

§ About 50% of all new HIV/AIDS infections occur in youth ages 15-24.

§ HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for 35-44 year olds in Baltimore City.

§ Due to widely accessible medications, people with HIV/AIDS are living longer; although, the stigma and fear of the virus continues to destroy lives and relationships.

HopeSprings is an HIV/AIDS ministry founded last year by Central Presbyterian and Grace Fellowship churches to address the pandemic spread of HIV/AIDS in Baltimore and abroad in Malawi, Africa. When faced with the realities of HIV/AIDS – whether, locally or in the world beyond – members of these Towson area churches responded in ways that reached far beyond their suburban boundaries.

HopeSprings’ leadership believes it is called by God to raise awareness among the Body of Christ about HIV/AIDS; and, provide those who are called to this ministry with opportunities to serve others in need. As part of this effort, HopeSprings volunteers speak publicly about HIV/AIDS and host numerous opportunities for community and church groups to learn about the pandemic through events like the World Vision “Step into Africa” Experience. Joined in partnership with community health care providers, HopeSprings’ caring volunteers are trained and equipped to provide critical support for people coping at all stages of the syndrome. The fledgling program claims more than 90 volunteers here and abroad.

HopeSprings has faithfully sought God’s will overseas in Malawi as well. Its teams of mission volunteers are in the midst of developing new partnerships with global health care providers that will enable them to apprentice with HIV/AIDS clinics serving the Malawi people. Through its efforts, the program aims to help destroy the stigma of HIV/AIDS and awaken people to the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time by empowering them to join the fight against the pandemic, both here and abroad.

HopeSprings’ faithful efforts to walk with God are paying off, said Executive Director, Amy Lang. “Wherever we go we enter as learners, seeking to humbly serve alongside those who have come before us, both locally and internationally. We enter with only the love and compassion of Jesus. Our hope is that you will enter with us as we embark on this Journey. Join us,” the director beckoned, “as we walk with God to restore hope and healing to those impacted by HIV/AIDS in Baltimore and around the world.”

Inside this Issue

Take Note/Act Now

§ Educator’s Luncheon

§ Care of Creation Seminar

§ Charter Bus Service to 829^th Stated Meeting

§ Worship& Evangelism Leadership Training

§ Mileage Rate

§ Seminar at Towson

§ Hunting Ridge 100^th Strawberry Festival

§ Anne Weikart at Gallery at Woods

§ Youth Video Vote

§ Multicultural Church Institute

§ Music Director Wanted

§ Youth Coordinator Wanted

Presbytery Meetings

§ Council – June 10

§ Vision - June 2

§ Stated – June 19

People

Rev. William L. Pinches, formerly of the First Presbyterian Church of Frostburg, and his wife, Katherine, welcomed the arrival of their fourth son, Samuel Wise Pinches, on May 27^th. Mom and baby are both well and Rev. Pinches is settling into his new ministry as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Mason, Michigan.

Reprints of Tidings articles are permitted for church newsletters and bulletins. Please acknowledge Tidings as the source.

Praise & Prayer

Please pray for Rev. Tim Stern of Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church as mourns the death of his mother, Dorothy, who died Sunday in Washington, IA.

Contact Information

The Presbytery of Baltimore:

Phone: 410-433-2012

or 800-511-0087

Office E-mail: office@baltimorepresbytery.org

Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org

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Call or email Roger Evans

Also on the Presbytery of Baltimore website

Find past issues of Tidings at:

Tidings Archives

See new Church Announcements at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery. org/announcements.html

Take Note/Act Now

Baltimore Presbytery Items

An Educator’s Luncheon will be held on Monday, June 9th at Roland Park Presbyterian Church. Bring your lunch and ideas to share about summer activities and fall kick off. RSVP jjohnson@baltimorepresbytery.org.

The Presbytery of Baltimore’s Care of Creation Task Group presents a half day of earth-friendly discussion, learning, sharing and networking on Saturday, June 14^th from 8:30am-12:30pm at Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church in Ellicott City. For details, click Earth Friendly.

The Presbytery of Baltimore is sponsoring charter bus service to the 829^th Stated Meeting at First Presbyterian Church of Lonaconing on June 19^th. The cost is $10. Only Sixteen Seats Are Left. To register, call Wanda Morgan at 410.433.2012 or email wmorgan@baltimorepresbytery.org.

Worship & Evangelism Leadership Training featuring Min. Warren Cooper and Dr. Chuck Denison will be held from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday, July 19^that New Imani Community Church. $15pp and $50per church, for up to five members. For details, click Evangelism Worship.

The Federal Government has posted mileage reimbursement at 50.5¢ per mile. Click Mileage.

Church Notices

Towson Presbyterian Church invites you to a three week seminar, “Living the Questions.” Reverends Roger Rice and Barrett Rudd will lead small group discussions on topics of interest posed by theologians. The seminar will be held 7pm to 8:30pm Monday evenings on June 2^nd, 9^th and 16^thin the church library. For details, call 410.823.6500 or email rrice@towsonpres.org.

Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 100th Strawberry Festival from 5pm-8pm on Saturday, June 7^th. Come and enjoy food, music and entertainment with neighbors and friends. For details or to volunteer for the event, call Bill Webster at 410.746.0950 or email whwebster@verizon.net.

The Gallery at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park is featuring an exhibit of watercolors by Anne Weikart now through June 15. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Fridays 9am-5pm and weekends by appointment by calling the church office at 410.647.2550.

Synod and General Assembly Items

Cast your vote for Brown Memorial Park Avenue Youth or Ark and Dove Presbyterian Youth’s video. Visit www.ymiLIVE.org to view all the videos in this nationwide challenge.

Other Items and Events

Come together to worship and study at the 2008 Multicultural Church Institute at Stony Point Center, Wednesday, July 23 - Monday, July 28, 2008. Increase your knowledge and skills in how to be effective in a multicultural congregation. Earn academic credit through New York Theological Seminary. For details, click Multicultural Church.

http://baltimorepresbytery.org/E-Newsletter/Tidingsattachments2008/documents/MulticulturalBrochure_2008.pdf

Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church is seeking an interim Director of Contemporary music/guitarist. For details, click Ark & Dove Vacancy.

Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time Youth Ministries Coordinator. A complete job description can be viewed at www.mthebronpc.org or contact Rev. Venable at 410.465.3993. Application deadline is May 31^s^t.

Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter

pnord@baltimorepresbytery.org

Bill Millen, Associate Executive

bmillen@baltimorepresbytery.org

Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk

vbrown@baltimorepresbytery.org

Deb Milcarek

Associate of Mission and Justice

dmilcarek@baltimorepresbytery.org

Jane Johnson
Associate for Leadership Development, Education and Youth
jjohnson@baltimorepresbytery.org

Bob Turberville

Director of Development