August 20, 2007

New Church Development Update

The Presbytery of Baltimore continues to flourish with the development of a number of new churches and ministries. The Presbytery is planning a church site in New Market where a community is slated for development in five years; and, in January, it awarded a charter to St. Andrews in Mt. Airy just down the road.

Near Baltimore, New Imani Community Church and the Next Generation Project continue to evolve with the Council’s approval. The Presbytery Council met with both ministries last summer and renewed its commitment to their efforts to build relationships with families and faith-based groups in surrounding neighborhoods.

Celebrating its second year under the care of Rev. Ron Johnson, New Imani sold its church building and currently holds service at 1pm at Mt. Paran Presbyterian Church. The ministry continues to search for a permanent worship site as it sponsors events to cultivate new members throughout the Owings Mills area. Should you know a developer, please ask about locations in the Owings Mills area that may serve this ministry.

Meanwhile, Next Generation Project is also on the move – transitioning from its Harford County site to Baltimore City where it can serve the needs of a burgeoning, young adult population. Still in its infancy stage, this new ministry focuses on helping small groups of 20-to-30 year olds explore their faith through spirituality, relationships and hands-on efforts. Next Generation’s ministry leaders, Tim and Saranell Hartman, embody incredible passion for their calling and are desirous of a home for their ministry in Fells Point, Patterson Park or Canton area.

While funds from the New Churches for a New Day campaign will support the Presbytery’s efforts though next year, we continue to pray for gifts – totaling $120,000 – to maintain commitments to new church growth in 2009. In addition, the Presbytery would very much like to begin a Hispanic ministry at Lakeland Presbyterian Church in South Baltimore. We ask for your continued prayers as ministries develop and spread Christ’s word throughout the greater community.

Bill Millen

Inside this issue

Upcoming Events:

Marriage Encounter Weekend

Oct. 19^th-21^st

Youth Leader Training Event Oct. 29^th

Take Note/Act Now

§ Elder Training

§ Youth Leader Training

§ Marriage Encounter Weekend

§ Oni Buchanan Recital

§ Family Movie Night

§ Art Auction

§ Mission Fair

§ Young Presbyterian Scholarship Program

§ Environmental Fair

§ Position announcement

§ HIV/AIDS Awareness Sunday

Prayer Concerns

Havre De Grace Presbyterian Church

People

Missionary Doug Baker of Northern Ireland is visiting the Presbytery of Baltimore this week and will be available to share his ministry in peacemaking and reconciliation with interested groups. For more information, call Deb Milcarek of the Presbytery at 410-433-2012.

Prayer Concerns

Please pray for:

Havre De Grace Presbyterian Church as it congregation meets to elect a Pastoral Nominating Committee; and, praise God for the blessing of an abundance of children in the congregation, including the eagerly awaited births of three babies.

Contact Information

The Presbytery of Baltimore:

Phone: 410-433-2012

or 800-511-0087

Office E-mail: office@baltimorepresbytery.org

Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org

To Unsubscribe:

Call or email Alice McGee

Take Note/Act Now

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

Training for laypersons on Reclaiming the Role of the Elder will be held throughout the region this month. To register for a session, contact Jane Johnson at 410-433-2012 or jjohnson@baltimorepresbytery.org (more)

Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church – Tues., Oct 9^th, 6:30pm to 9pm
Fallston Presbyterian Church – Thurs., Oct. 11^th, 6:30pm to 9pm
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County – Thurs., Oct. 25^th, 7pm to 9pm
Covenant Presbyterian Church – Sat., Oct 27^th, 10am to 12pm

Presbyters involved in Youth Ministry are invited to attend a Youth Leader Training Event at 10am on Monday Oct. 29^th at First Presbyterian Church of Bel Air (more).

Church Notices

Acclaimed pianist Oni Buchanan will perform in a free recital at 8 pm on Oct. 21^st at Woods Memorial Church in Severna Park. (more).

Churchville Presbyterian Church will host Family Movie Night featuring “Veggie Tales: God Made You Special” at 6:30pm on Friday, Oct. 12^th.. Admission is free.

Govans Presbyterian Church will sponsor an Art Auction on Oct. 20^th to benefit TAMFS:B. Donations of artwork are still welcomed. For tickets info., call Donna Senft at 410-347-7336.

Christ Our King Presbyterian Church will sponsor a Mission Fair at 9:15am on Sun., Oct. 21^st featuring representatives from more than 20 missions supported by the church. For more info., call Mike Myers, Chair of Missions Ministry at 410-569-1332 or msmyers02@comcast.net.

Towson Presbyterian Church will sponsor an Environmental Fair at 11:30 am on Sunday, Oct. 21^st. The reservation fee is $7 per person or $15 per family (more).

Springfield Presbyterian Church in Sykesville has a secretarial vacancy. Applicants must be proficient with Microsoft Office and Quicken. For more contact Fran Pobletts, Chair of the Personnel Committee, at 410-456-0932 or email franpob@carr.org.

Other Items and Events

Westminster College invites nominations of outstanding high school seniors for its Young Presbyterian Scholars Program. This is a $60,000, four-year scholarship with a program for study, discussion, mentoring and fellowship. Application deadline Nov.15^th. (more)

Loving Couples are invited to attend the fall Marriage Encounter Weekend, Oct. 19^th – 21^st at the Crystal Inn, North East. Registration Deadline is Oct. 8^th. For info., email Barb_Skip@verizon.net or register on-line at Presbyterian Marriage Encounter.