November 28, 2005

Issues Divide… Mission Unites

I am often reminded of this maxim – that issues divide but mission unites. The Vision Committee and the Council are thinking about this as they consider how we “fill-up space” at Presbytery meetings. Mission is thinking about settling on some mission which would both unite and inspire us. Could this mission be homelessness, a targeted effort to construct a new reality for Baltimore city’s majority, or disaster assistance?

Last week Deb Milcarek helped organize the first of two workshops to help us respond to disasters along the Gulf Coast. Representatives from New Castle, National Capital and Baltimore Presbyteries were involved. The Red Cross, FEMA, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance made presentations. PDA made us proud with their ambitious plans for long-term efforts to rebuild homes and churches. One suggestion that captured the imagination of the participants was the possibility of our three presbyteries jointly creating and running a volunteer village for those coming into the region to be of help. The other two Presbyteries seemed ready to commit $30,000 each. Is Baltimore willing and able to join them?

Another obvious issue is who might champion such an effort? The other two Presbyteries have Disaster Response Coordinators, but we don’t. Is this something you (here I mean the “you” who is reading this) would like to do? Do you have someone in your church who could run with this? If so, PLEASE talk with Deb. Such an effort is one that could unite us.

Blessings,

Peter Nord

Inside this issue

Issues Divide… Mission Unites

Take Note/Act Now

§ Congo Choir

§ Educators Roundtable

§ Board of Pensions

§ Interim Training

§ Adult Education Resource

§ Celebration of Women’s Ordination

§ Cuba Partnership Fiesta

§ Katrina Work Trips

Prayer Concerns

Bay NCD

People

Pray for Harry Holfelder as he awaits surgery.

Give thanks for Havenwood PC’s 50 years of ministry.

Prayer Concerns

Bay NCD

asks for prayers:

· for our outreach into our community and for an increase in attendance at our monthly forum and our weekly worship

· for us that we may be creative and sensitive to the Spirit that moves hearts and minds in all that we do

· for us that we may connect with other churches in the Baltimore Presbytery

Take Note/Act Now

The Congo Choir will be touring Presbyteries throughout the US in 2006 to raise awareness and funds to try to meet many needs of the Congolese people. Would your church be interested in partnering with others in Baltimore to bring them here, likely in July? (More). Response deadline extended to: March 15^th.

Educators Roundtable at noon on Thursday, March 9^th at the Presbytery office. There will be a discussion about new and old Lenten resources. Bring ideas from past years and a lunch.

On February 25th the Board of Pensions granted a 3.6 percent experience apportionment increase in pension benefits effective July 1, 2006.

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.

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).

Hurricane Katrina work trips & training:

A workgroup for those who want to organize such workgroups will be held Saturday, March 25^th. Read more on our website.

Ministers at Havenwood PC’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration