March 13, 2007

The Goodness of Creation

Again, the miracle is occurring all around us. As the days lengthen, the brown and grey tones of winter start to be relieved by the tender green of new growth. Flowers begin to peep out, birds appear in their spring plumage and overhead skeins of geese honk on their pilgrimage north. The prophet got it right: “ … surely these are signs for a people having understanding!” (Isaiah 55, 11). The beauty and mystery of the created cosmos reflect for us the beauty and mystery of the Creator.

The Presbytery’s Care of Creation Task Force urges all congregations to celebrate the miracle of spring and the glory of God’s creation and then to rededicate themselves to caring for the earth on Earth Day Sunday, April 22.

Churches mark this occasion in a number of ways, through Christian education events, in worship, in activity and action. The National Council of Churches theme for this year is The Food That Sustains Us. The food we eat not only has important benefits for us, but has spiritual meaning: we often give thanks before we eat, in recognition of God’s goodness. Bread and wine have a central sacramental role in our worship. Almost every community celebration includes eating and drinking in some form.

Yet it is also a sad fact that some of the ways we obtain our food are harmful to God’s Creation and squander the resources that should be available for all to share. Celebration yields to reflection and concern as we consider some of the environmental justice issues raised by our patterns of consumption.

There are resource materials available at http://www.nccecojustice.org/ under the title “Our Daily Bread: Harvesters of Hope and Gardeners of Eden.” This material explores the need to put the Spirit of God back into the life-giving acts of producing and consuming food. The resource acknowledges the brokenness of current policies, practices, and habits, and lifts up opportunities for the redemption of all of creation through more mindful choices. It includes background information, sermon starters, ideas for youth and adult study, suggestions for individual and congregational action, sample liturgies, and a bulletin insert, as well as an opportunity to engage your elected officials concerning the farm bill.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
   make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
   prepares rain for the earth,
   makes grass grow on the hills.        (Psalm 147: 7-8)

The Care of Creation Committee and Deb Milcarek

Inside this issue

Events of the Week:
Pahola Rimola from Kaqchikel Presbytery in Guatemala speaking on the impact of Gangs and Youth Violence on churches/communities

Mar. 14 2:00-3:30pm

Hunting Ridge PC, Baltimore

Mar. 15 7:30-9:00pm

Woods PC, Severna Park

High School Youth Retreat

Mar. 16-18

Camp Wo-me-to

Christian Peace Witness Vigil

Mar. 16 7:00pm

Washington, D.C.

What is Transformation? Workshop

Mar. 17 9:30am-12:30pm

Covenant PC, Hagerstown

Take Note/Act Now

§ Choir Robes

§ Wednesday Night Series

§ Peter Nord Testimony

§ Conversations in Parables

§ Music and Meditation Programs

§ Presbytery March 24^th

§ Musical: Moses & Murmurers

§ Multicultural Dinner

§ Term Review: Stated Clerk

§ Ches. Bay Volunteer-a-thon

§ The Church in the 21^st Century

§ Immigrant Ministry Dialogue

Prayer Concerns
Ashland PC

Towson PC

People and Office

Prayer Concerns

Ashland PC

asks for prayers:

· That God will bless and guide them as they continue to develop their ministries to and with the Youth of their church and in their surrounding communities

· For the continued growth and strengthening of Ministry Partnerships between their church and the presbytery and sister congregations, presbyteries and other mission partners in Cuba, Guatemala, Africa and Nicaragua

· Of thanksgiving for all those in their church family who give so generously of their time and talents, to the glory of God and in support of the mission of the church… Responding to God… Following Christ…Trusting the Holy Spirit.

Towson PC

asks for prayers:

· For their Associate Pastor Nominating Committee in their work

· For their Youth Ministries team and others preparing for service along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi this spring

· For their Nominating Committee as it seeks to discern those gifted for leading them through these exciting times

· For hearts that are open to the new things the Spirit is about in their midst

Take Note/Act Now

Baltimore Presbytery Items (non-dated items first; dated items in date order)

Hope Church has 28 blue Adult Choir Robes. Anyone interested in choir robes please call Hope Church (410-247-HOPE/4673).

Brown Memorial Woodbrook PC is offering a Wednesday Night Lenten Series led by Dr. Stephen Vicchio, titled “Genesis” (more).

Peter Nord testified before the legislature re: the Death Penalty and will testify on March 15^th regarding a constitutional amendment that defines marriage. Read Peter’s Testimony.

Conversations in Parables: A Lenten Series is a study of God’s word and a gathering of community hosted collaboratively by African, African American and multicultural churches primarily on Thursdays during Lent. The next gathering will be Thursday, March 15^th at Cherry Hill Community PC at 6:30pm (more).

Towson PC is offering Friday Music and Meditation Programs during Lent, times of music, silence, prayer and guided reflections. Fridays, 12:10pm – 12:45pm (more).

Reminder: the next Presbytery Meeting will be on Saturday, March 24^th starting at 10:00am at Second PC in Baltimore. This meeting is being held on a Saturday in response to requests on behalf of elders and others who wish to attend a meeting but are usually unable to do so due to work and other schedule conflicts during the week.

The Youth and Chancel Choir of Hunting Ridge PC present a musical dinner theatre presentation, “Moses & the Murmurers” on Saturday, March 24^th at 6:00pm (more).

Hunting Ridge PC invites all to attend their Multicultural Program and Dinner on Saturday, March 31^st, starting at 5:00pm (more).

A Term Review for the Stated Clerk is being conducted by the Personnel Committee. You are invited to send your comments to the chair of the Personnel Committee, Rev. Terrence Alspaugh at Christ our King Presbyterian Church (410.838.4698) by April 10, 2007.

Looking for an opportunity to get your congregation involved in the effort to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay? Join Towson PC on Sunday, April 29^th in the Maryland Public Television Live Volunteer-a-thon from 7:00-8:30pm (note time change!) (more).

Registration began week for a National Cathedral program on the Church in the 21st Century, May 10-12 with the following leaders: Phyllis Tickle, Marcus Borg, Diana Butler Bass, Tony Jones, Michael Battle and Barbara Brown Taylor. The cost will be $250. Register at www.nationalcathedral.org

Synod and General Assembly

There will be an I-95 Corridor Presbyterian Immigrant Ministry Dialogue on March 21^st -23^rd in Broomall, PA, north of the Philadelphia Airport (more).

Also on our website

Don’t miss all the new Local Church Announcements at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery.org/announcements.html Presbytery Yearly Calendar

Past Issues of Tidings are available at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery.org/midweekmail.html.

Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter

pnord@baltimorepresbytery.org

Bill Millen, Associate Executive

bmillen@baltimorepresbytery.org

Charles Forbes, Stated Clerk

cforbes@baltimorepresbytery.org

Deb Milcarek

Associate of Mission and Justice

dmilcarek@baltimorepresbytery.org