December 14, 2007

When Disaster Strikes . . .

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Tornados in the United States, a cyclone in Myanmar, and earthquakes in China – all within the past few weeks and all with deadly and devastating outcomes. Thousands upon thousands of people have lost their lives. Literally millions have been affected directly and are at ongoing risk for diseases and other adversities in the aftermath.

To have one such disaster is overwhelming; to have so many in such a short period of time is beyond comprehension.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding to these disasters in several ways by working with our overseas church partners, as well as presbyteries and congregations here at home, to offer immediate, on-the-ground help and make preparations for long-term assistance. You can find out more at www.pcusa.org/pda.

Please join us in prayer for the countless people affected by these disasters: those killed or injured and their families, those who await word on the missing, those left homeless, on-site rescue workers, medical personnel, chaplains and pastors, congregations, relief agencies, government officials, and so many more.

Explanations are impossible and words themselves seem so difficult to come by when such heart-wrenching tragedies happen. Yet, it is through the words of the Psalmist that we are reminded of the constant and abiding presence of God:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult….

“Be still, and know that I am God….”

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Ps. 46, selected)

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which passes all understanding, be with you.

Cliff Kirkpatrick Linda Bryant Valentine

Stated Clerk of the General Assembly Executive Director, General Assembly Council

Inside this Issue

Take Note/Act Now

§ 2009 Mission Yearbook

§ Care of Creation Seminar

§ Charter Bus Service to 829^th Stated Meeting

§ Worship& Evangelism Leadership Training

§ Springfield Celtic Concert

§ Hunting Ridge 100^th Strawberry Festival

§ Anne Weikart at Gallery at Woods

§ Youth Video Vote

§ HIV/AIDS Seminar

§ Czech Partnership

§ Music Director Wanted

§ Youth Coordinator Wanted

Presbytery Meetings

§ Council – June 10

§ Vision - June 2

§ Stated – June 19

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Take Note/Act Now

Baltimore Presbytery Items

Once again, it’s time to order the 2009 Mission Yearbook for your church. Adult yearbooks are $5.25 each and children’s yearbooks are $5. The cost includes shipping. To download an order form, click Mission Yearbook.

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. 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.

Church Notices

Springfield Presbyterian Church will launch an annual concert series, featuring Celtic Harp and Vocal musicians Jared and Harper Denhard at 3pm on Sunday, June 1^st at the church. For details, click Springfield Concert Series.

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

STEP INTO AFRICA. Hopes Springs and World Vision invite all ministers to a Pastor’s Awareness

Seminar about HIV/AIDS in Africa at 4:30pm-9:30pm on Thursday, May 29th at Grace Fellowship

Church in Timonium. Please R.S.V.P by May 22. For details, click HIV/AIDS Seminar

Share in ministry and faith with a Czech Parish and attend the Czech Partnership Conference in

Prague & Janské Lázně, Czech Republic October 14th thru 24th. First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis will co-host the Czech partnership conference, which has garnered wide interest throughout PC(USA). For details about the conference click Czech Partnership or visit www.czechpartner.org

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

Interim Director of Development