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May 29, 2007 |
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May 29, 2007 |
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Fostering Youth Faith Formation I
have three teenage sons. One of
my greatest challenges in life has been to communicate the life-transforming
message of the Scriptures in ways that are relevant and distinctive, standing
against the numerous societal voices vying for their attention and
influencing their worldview. This
challenge faces the church today.
How can we as God-bearing people carry on conversations by which
people, especially our children and youth, can understand that God does exist,
and how can we create an atmosphere for these conversations to effectively
take place? This question was one
of many wrestled with at the Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry earlier this
month. Vital
congregations are the birthplace of such conversations. Dr. Roland Martinson, in the seminar A Living, Present, Active, Mysterious God:
The Difference Theology Makes in Youth Ministry, stated several
characteristics of vital congregations that foster faith formation in
children and youth. The
characteristics are: ·
rich and varied worship and music that is practicing and participating
in God’s presence; ·
authoritative, realistic, and engaging Biblical teaching and
preaching; ·
age specific children’s ministry, youth ministry and
family ministry; ·
hospitality, openness and ongoing regard are practiced and
valued for all people, especially kids; ·
the laity is deeply engaged in ministry and mission --
the priesthood of all believers is affirmed. Are
these characteristic of your congregation? I
am inviting youth ministers, youth workers and lay leaders who love teenagers
and are concerned about their faith formation to join me for a series of
events for those who minister to youth; the first will be held in mid-August. If you would like to join in the
planning of these events, please email me, jjohnson@baltimorepresbytery.org. I welcome your input. Growing youth of
mature faith ensures the future of your church. We are called to be a relevant voice for transformation in a world searching for answers, proclaiming the gospel and engaging in ministry in a manner that is effective within the context of the community in which we are called to serve. Developing the faith of young people is central to this call. Jane
Johnson Associate
for Leadership Development, Education and Youth |
Inside this issue Event of the Week: Retreat for New Church Professionals May 31 – June 1 New Take Note/Act Now § Youth Ministries Coordinator § Seeking Organist § Youth Council Openings § Discussions with Authors § Praise Picnic § African American Ldshp Retreat § Ghosts of Abu Ghraib Film § Peacemaking International Conf. § Prayer
Concerns Northminster PC |
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People |
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Prayer Concerns New
Life PC asks for prayers: ·
For the moderate income
senior housing project on the church campus; prayers of thanksgiving for the
approval of the zoning change and prayers for the completion of the project Northminster
PC asks for prayers: ·
as they search for a new
Youth Director ·
for their revitalized
Strategic Planning Committee ·
for their Vacation Bible
Camp that they will co-host with another church ·
for their new ministry to
children of immigrants Contact Information For the Presbytery
Offices: Phone: 410-433-2012 or 800-511-0087 Office E-mail: office@baltimorepresbytery.org Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org To Unsubscribe: email Alice
McGee or call the office |
Take Note/Act Now Baltimore
Presbytery Items (non-dated items
first; dated items in date order) First PC of Cumberland is seeking a part-time Youth Ministries Coordinator (more). Franklinville PC is seeking an organist to play for worship every other Sunday (more). The Baltimore
Presbytery Youth Council is now accepting applications for new student
members. Please refer questions and send applications to Mark Sandell,
10813 Donelson Drive, Williamsport, MD 21795;
301.223.8887 (more).
Wednesday evenings in June Towson PC will be hosting
light suppers and discussions with
local authors from 5:30-7:30pm (more). Woods PC will host a praise picnic with live music on June 3rd at 12:00pm (more). The African
American Leadership Retreat will take place on June 15th and
16th at Brown Memorial Woodbrook PC. The
retreat leader will be the Rev. A. Vanessa Hawkins, Assoc. for Black
Congregational Enhancement for the PC(USA). For
additional information please contact Jane
Johnson at 410.433.2012 (more). Synod and General
Assembly The
National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) has arranged for DVD
copies of “Ghosts of Abu Ghraib”
to be available to 1,000 congregations, on a first come, first served basis
– 50 during the week of June 10-17 and 950 during the week of October
21-28. The group will also provide facilitator and discussion tools (more). July
3rd - 8th the PC(USA) will
present the 2007 Peacemaking
International Conference at Other items
and events In conjunction with the “Celebration 200:
National Black Presbyterian Caucus 39th Annual Convention” July
11–15, 2007, Princeton Theological
Seminary will hold an Alumni/ae Dinner Wednesday, July 11th at 5:30 p.m.
in 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. |
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Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter |
Bill Millen, Associate Executive |
Charles Forbes, Stated Clerk |
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Deb Milcarek Associate of |
Jane Johnson |
Rita Walters Director of Development rwalters@baltimorepresbytery.org |
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Director of Public Policy |
Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services |
Alice McGee Coordinator of Information Services |
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Coordinator of Resources |
Coordinator of Communications |
Questions? Comments? |
