October 12, 2005

Special Edition

Urgent Appeal for Assistance in Guatemala The Presbytery of Baltimore has a long history of involvement and partnership in Guatemala. Since 1988 we have maintained a presence with the Kaqchikel Presbytery located in Chimaltenango. Now that presence and relationship is being challenged in new ways as we respond to the effects of Hurricane Stan. At this time we have received information that at least four of the communities with which we are involved have been impacted and we are awaiting word on the rest of the communities. Many families have lost their homes along with all their possessions. We have a group departing for Guatemala on October 22nd and at this time have arranged for the maximum amount of supplies to be taken in with them. The appeal at this time is for financial contributions as we are reasonably sure that we will be able to secure the needed supplies in Guatemala. These contributions will be given directly to the Presbytery in Guatemala for direct relief of the affected communities. We also anticipate that some of the funds will be used to provide traditional clothing to the women to assist them and their communities in maintaining their Mayan identity, which is so crucial to the culture and society in which they live. Contributions should be sent to the Presbytery of Baltimore and marked for Guatemala Disaster Relief. Rest assured that 100% of the funds donated will reach the Kaqchikel Presbytery. Pastor Stephen J. Tisinger Church Our Anchor Presbyterian Church House destroyed in Chimaltenango. Photo from La Prensa Libre
Take Note/Act Now Relief Efforts Following Hurricane Katrina During the past months we have witnessed amazing devastation – with Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and most recently Stan (in Guatemala).  So many of you have expressed a desire “to do something.” Baltimore Presbytery wishes to build partnerships with churches wanting to be involved in relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.  Lee Van Koten, member of Catonsville, has agreed to lead this effort.  He will be in conversation with PDA, the affected Presbyteries, and churches in our Presbytery to facilitate these efforts.  If you have questions, feel free to call (410-788-8427) or email (leevankoten@yahoo.com) him. We ask you to share with him the following information: 1.         How much have you raised and given directly to affected areas (but not through the Presbytery of Baltimore)? 2.         Is there a person in your church who is working on this effort? If so, please let Lee know the person’s name, phone number, and email address. 3.         What has your church already planned to do in terms of sending needed supplies or creating work teams to help in the reconstruction efforts? 4.         Do you have a specific connection with a church or a pastor in the affected areas?   If so, who? 5. There is a real concern about pastors serving churches that are directly affected. Because of their scattered congregations and destroyed churches they may not be receiving a salary.  Would you be interested in having the Presbytery “adopt” a pastor or two and provide salary support?
	Office: 410-433-2012 or 800-511-0087 Fax: 410-433-2066 Online: www.baltimorepresbytery.org Email: office@baltimorepresbytery.org
Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord@baltimorepresbytery.org	Bill Millen, Associate Executive bmillen@baltimorepresbytery.org	Charles Forbes, Stated Clerk cforbes@baltimorepresbytery.org
Alice McGee Coordinator of Information Services amcgee@baltimorepresbytery.org	Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester@baltimorepresbytery.org	Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan@baltimorepresbytery.org
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