May 15, 2006

The Amazing Power of Water and People

Anyone who has entered into a flooded area knows the amazing power of water. In spite of levies, earth moving equipment, and tens of thousands of sand bags – water seeps in and under and around, embracing everything within its reach. And in a matter of hours and sometimes minutes the work of a life-time is obliterated and everything once thought to be important is gone.

But once the waters recede, people return and their collective efforts seep in, under, and around embracing everything within their reach just as completely as the waters they have come to replace. The Interim EP in Southern Louisiana broke down in tears when he told the rest of his EP colleagues how he had seen thousands of volunteers coming into his region to help in the rebuilding effort. He remarked that ‘This witness of love is what the Church is truly all about – all the other things that consume the church pale in importance.’

As I have traveled about the Presbytery I am grateful for the large number of churches that have sent teams to the Gulf Region. Of course, the rebuilding will go on for years. That’s why the Presbytery is sponsoring a Disaster Relief Workshop on May 20^th, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM at First, Howard County Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Maryland. That’s also why we are working with New Castle and National Capital Presbyteries to create a united effort to support and enable churches that want to carry on these acts of love. If you have not yet signed up for the Workshop – there is still time. Please call the Presbytery office and let’s see how we can work together to extend the love of God.

Blessings,

Peter Nord

Inside this issue

Events of the Week

Katrina Workshop

May 20, 9:00 a.m. til 2:30 p.m.,

First, Howard County PC

Take Note/Act Now

§ Middle East Task Group Speaker

§ Rev. Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel

§ Al Staggs: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

§ Creating the Church of the Future

§ Hurricane Stan Relief Update

§ 60 Free Choir Robes

§ Presbyterian Youth Connection

§ Interim Pastors’ Seminar

§ Columbia Seminary Journal

§ Alban Institute newsletter

§ JHU Breakfast for Clergy

Prayer Concerns

Brown Memorial Woodbrook PC

Roland Park PC

People

Deb Milcarek is recovering from gall bladder surgery that was performed on Friday.

Congratulations to Judi Forrester on the arrival of her new granddaughter “Abigail Reece” who arrived on Sunday to the parents, Jim and Stacie Forrester.

Prayer Concerns

Brown Memorial Woodbrook PC

asks for prayers:

· for a clear vision of the ministries to which God is calling the church;

· for wisdom as the session seeks to revitalize the strategic plan;

· for courage and sensitivity as the Session and congregation consider various possible changes in schedule, staffing, and other areas;

· for trust and good planning in the face of financial challenges.

The Roland Park PC

is seeking to discern God’s will through:

· better understanding itself;

· better realizing its mission potential;

· working through issues of organization and re-organization;

· recognizing the nature of the community it is in and comparisons with past forms of service and approach;

· becoming able to profile itself in ways meaningful to prospective candidates;

· working through and improving its hosting weeks in the Baltimore Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Please remember us in prayers of both thanksgiving and faith when you contemplate us in the Spirit.

Take Note/Act Now

Baltimore Presbytery Items

The rescheduled presentation by Mark Croatti of UMBC sponsored by the Middle East Task Group entitled, "Jihad, Terrorism and the Global Islamic Movement: Why Fundamentalism is Increasingly Militant,” will be held on Thursday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. in the Woodmont Room at Presbytery Offices. All are welcome to attend.

Rev. Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel will be speaking at Woods PC on Saturday, May 20^th from 2-5pm. The topic is “Mission, Justice, and Peace is our Calling”. Register by May 14 to Pam Ward, 410.647.2550. Learn more and see the brochure through Local Church Announcements.

First PC of Annapolis is hosting Al Staggs, guest preacher, lecturer and performer on Sunday, May 21^st. He will speak and perform a play about Dietrich Bonhoeffer (More Info).

Save the Date! September 30^th the Presbytery will be offering a one-day seminar led by Michael Durall called “Creating the Church of the Future” focusing on Stewardship and Evangelism. Contact Rita Walters rwalters@baltimorepresbytery.org for more information.

Read an update from members of the Guatemala Kaqchikel Mission Partnership on the Hurricane Stan relief efforts in Guatemala and consider their appeal for continued support as the planting season begins. (Read Letter).

The Subcommittee on Preparation for Lay Pastoral Ministry has completed a Handbook for Preparation for Lay Pastoral Ministry (view handbook). For more information, contact the subcommittee members listed on the linked page or Millie Kreider at Ltljericho@aol.com.

1^st PC of Cumberland has approximately 60 ivory adult choir robes with gold stoles. They are free to a good home. Call the church office at 301-777-3700 or email first@pennswoods.net.

Synod and GA items

“Shine Like the Stars” is a Presbyterian Youth Connection Leadership Training Event for youth and adult leaders of youth entering 9^th grade through graduated seniors. It will be on June 12-15, 2006 in Birmingham, Alabama, preceding the General Assembly. (More Information) There are also brochures in the Presbytery office.

There will be an Interim Pastors’ Seminar offered by the Synods of the Pacific, Southern CA, and Hawaii at Zephyr Point on Lake Tahoe July 16-21, 2006. (Learn More).

Other Resources and Articles

The faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary is pleased to announce @ this point, an online journal for church members–those in the pews whose faith in Christ continually seeks understanding and social relevance. See www.atthispoint.net.

Alban Institute has a weekly email newsletter that highlights new books and also has useful articles for us who are in ministry. Subscription to this short newsletter is free and can be had by going to their homepage: http://www.alban.org/

Other Events

The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center welcomes Dr. Harold Koenig of Duke University to their campus to speak on Faith and Medical Science at a breakfast for clergy on Wednesday, May 17 at 8:15am. The breakfast is free. Call Ms. Marge Jeffries (410) 550-0626 to reserve a space. Park in the mid-campus lot; receive a pass for parking at the event.