From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Feb 2 13:35:21 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 13:35:21 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] TidingsFebruary 2, 2009.doc Mission and Ministry in Uncertain Times Message-ID: <002301c98565$01cf1730$056d4590$@org> ?? February 2?, 2009 Joy Skjegstad ?Mission and Ministry in Uncertain Times? It?s pretty easy to stay within the hallowed walls of the church and make assumptions about the lives of the people in the broader community. It?s more difficult to actually build relationships within the community and grow in your understanding of the needs and desires of those around you. It takes more time, too. There are tremendous advantages to building your congregation?s ministries on what the community says it wants. If you take the time to build these relationships, your congregation will focus its efforts on meeting unmet needs rather than duplicating what other groups are already doing. You will also have a strong foundation for sustaining your programs; strong relationships with your community make it easier to recruit participants and volunteers and raise money. Still ? one might ask: do the people in your community actually want the ministry you are proposing? Getting to know the community that your congregation will focus on is a critical step in defining your mission. Start by answering a key question: What are the primary issues in your community; and how do the people in the community want the church to respond to those issues? Here are some other strategies to help you connect with the people your congregation aims to serve. ? Connect with stakeholders in your community, i.e., political leaders, residents, law enforcement, civic program directors, public school and members of other denominations -- on a one-to-one basis and build relationships with them; ? Read the demographic data and relevant studies about your community; ? Connect with the community through your church members; ? Join community organizations or boards; ? Attend community meetings; and ? Walk around the community. Taking a big dream and molding it into a mission can be exhausting work. In my experience, the dream stage is more fun, because working on the mission brings home the stark reality of just how much work needs to be done. But try to think of it this way: developing the mission gives ?legs? to your dream and helps people outside of your congregation understand what it is you are trying to do. The more people understand your church?s mission dream and become committed to making it a reality; the greater its ministry will take flight and soar. ____________ Adapted from Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church, copyright ? 2002 by the Alban Institute. A former director of a church-based nonprofit organization, Joy Skjegstad offers practical experience and insider perspective in her book. Inside this Issue Take Note/Act Now ? Big Event ? New Mileage Rate ? Energy Efficient Churches ? Christ Our King Youth Adventure ? Trinity Black History Month ? Catonsville Concert ? Big Tent Event ? Spring Clergy Retreat ? Mission Massanetta ? Springfield Vacancy ? Kulp: Comedic Story Teller Presbytery Meetings Stated Meetings Thursday, Mar. 26 at 10am Council Meeting Mar. 10 at 7pm Vision Meeting Feb. 10 at 5pm Committee Meeting Feb. 3rd (1st Tues. of the month) Life In Today?s Churches . . . ?I?ve stopped expecting you to make leaps of faith, but it would be nice to see a hop now and then.? Praise & Prayer To our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Lexington, Ky. who continue to weather the impact of last week?s devastating ice-storm. Contact Information The Presbytery of Baltimore: Phone: 410-433-2012 or 800-511-0087 Office E-mail: office at baltimorepresbytery.org Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org To subscribe/unsubscribe: Call 410.433.2012 or email Roger Evans Also on the Presbytery of Baltimore website Find past issues of Tidings at: Tidings Archives See new Church Announcements at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery. org/announcements.html Take Note/Act Now Presbytery of Baltimore Don?t miss Diana Butler Bass, celebrated author on American Protestantism, and Graham Standish, of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, PA ? keynote speakers for the Presbytery of Baltimore?s BIG EVENT, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14th. Click BIG EVENT to view brochure. Notice: As of Jan. 1st, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 55 cents per mile for business miles driven; 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and, 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. Church Notices Join Towson-area Presbyterian churches and Greater the Washington Interfaith Power and Light Co. in a workshop to learn how we can make our churches more energy efficient and work together to bring hope for a healthy and sustainable planet. The workshop will be held 7pm Tuesday, Feb. 10th at Towson Presbyterian Church. For details, contact Charlie Conklin at 410.661.1233/cconklincomcast.net Christ Our King Presbyterian Church invites all Presbyterian youth for an over-night adventure on Friday Feb. 13th-14th at Red Zone, Baltimore County's newest family entertainment destination. Youth will enjoy the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, Laser Maze Challenge, Lightspace Dance and Play, arcade games and more. Fee is $25. Drop off 8pm Friday and pick up 7:30am Saturday. For details, contact Pastor Terrence Alspaugh or Cindy Antique: church number: 410.838.4698; e-mails: pastortatcok at verizon.net; cindyantique at verizon.net; www.redzoneadventures.com Trinity Presbyterian Church continues its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Black History Month program, ?The Quest For Black Citizenship In The Americas? at 4pm on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at the church. For Additional Information Call: 410.664.1825 or 410.323.8917. For details, click Trinity . Catonsville Presbyterian Church will feature duo-pianists Saar Ahuvia & Stephanie Ho in concert on Mar. 8th. For details, please call Gay Boles at 410.747.6180. Synod and General Assembly Items Mark your calendar for the Big Tent event, June 11th-13th in Atlanta, GA. Experience 10 different PC(USA) partner conferences occurring concurrently with common time set aside for participants to attend workshops, worship and enjoy meals together. For details, visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent Other Items and Events SPRING CLERGY RETREAT: SAVE THE DATE! May 6th-7th (Wed.-Thus.) at the Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown, Md. Get away for learning, spiritual refreshment and fellowship. Facilitator will be the Rev. Saleem Ghubril (PCUSA), community organizer and executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through holistic urban renewal. Cost is only $81. to register, email bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Mission at Massanetta hosts adult and youth groups (9th-12th grade) who desire to help others while growing in Christ at its 128-bed summer camp. For details, go to www.massanettasprings.org and click on "Mission at Massanetta." Springfield Presbyterian Church seeks a part-time accompanist who has both, piano and organ skills. Salary is negotiable based on ability and experience. For details, please call or e-mail Linda Caviglia, Music Director: 410.549.1582, cavig5 at comcast.net. Dan Kulp, a comedic story teller and singer is hitting the road for his "Stories" tour and is looking for venues to host this inspirational event! To host Dan at your next church event, click Christian Comedy. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord at baltimorepresbytery.org Bill Millen, Associate Executive bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk v brown at baltimorepresbytery.org Deb Milcarek Associate of Mission and Justice dmilcarek at baltimorepresbytery.org Jane Johnson Associate for Leadership Development, Education and Youth jjohnson at baltimorepresbytery.org Bob Turberville Director of Development rturberville at baltimorepresbytery.org Julie Erickson Director of Public Policy jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org Roger Evans Coordinator of Information Services revans at baltimorepresbytery.org Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan at baltimorepresbytery.org Deborah I. Greene Coordinator of Communications dgreene at baltimorepresbytery.org Questions? Comments? E-mail office at baltimorepresbytery.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 8988 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090202/b7bf16cf/attachment-0002.jpe From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Feb 2 15:45:44 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 15:45:44 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Messenger, Letter to the Congregation, and 2009 Budget Message-ID: <006b01c98577$38859210$a990b630$@org> Dear Friends: The February Messenger was delivered to the Post Office this afternoon. Many apologies for the delays. Also, please note, the promised letter to the congregation containing the approved 2009 budget was inserted in the Messenger and mailed to all of our active members. So when the Messenger arrives, look for the letter and the budget materials inside. Please take some time to read and reflect on these items before the Annual Congregational Meeting, this Sunday, February 8, 2009, right after worship in Fellowship Hall. We're hoping for a good turn-out for this meeting. Finally, thanks to everyone who supported our Souper Bowl Luncheon of Caring yesterday. Thanks to our youth, all the preparers, the cooks, and the servers. I think every seat in Fellowship Hall was taken. We had several families visiting for worship who welcomed the invitation to lunch. They had a great time. We collected more than $800 for hunger-related mission causes! Have a great week, Ken Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Kovacs, Ph.D. Catonsville Presbyterian Church 1400 Frederick Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410.747.6180, ext. 1005 www.catonsvillepresb.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090202/a86e7241/attachment.html From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Feb 5 19:43:22 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 19:43:22 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Enewsletter for Sunday, February 8, 2009 -- Annual Meeting Sunday Message-ID: <005401c987f3$ea336810$be9a3830$@org> cid:image001.jpg at 01C91A43.AE9A5250 For the week of February 8, 2009 Worship Preview Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Scout Sunday / Annual Congregational Meeting New Picture (8).bmp "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." Martin Luther (1483-1546) Text: Isaiah 40: 21-31 Sermon: When Our Confidence Fades I probably will always associate this text, especially the closing verse, with the movie Chariots of Fire. There's a scene when the Scottish missionary Eric Liddell reads these verses from the pulpit of the Scots Kirk in Paris; it's during worship on the Sunday morning he was scheduled to run, but didn't because he wouldn't compete on the Sabbath. There's something about the images and words of this majestic text, the imaginative vision of the author, together with his supreme trust and confidence in God's faithfulness that invite our souls to soar. This text speaks to all who might be tired and weary, worried and concerned, wavering in faith and commitment - which is all of us depending upon the day or week. The text invites us to turn our focus away from ourselves and our circumstances for a moment and set our sights on the One who has given us life and continues to bless us with life, renewed with power and strength, and confidence. See you in worship, Ken Kovacs ___________________________________________________ Life in Our Community for the Week of February 8-16, 2009 Congregational Meeting The annual meeting will convene in fellowship hall following some time to enjoy the refreshments provided by Boy Scout Troop 306. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget and to elect officers. Christian Education Youth Groups meet Sunday night! Crossroads (senior high) and Rising Stars (middle school) are invited to Mid-Winter Mania this Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 pm. There'll be active games (wear sneakers, clothes you can run around in) followed by small group time. It's a great night to bring a friend. Due next Sunday, February 15: U Middle School Youth: Baltimore Presbytery Retreat forms and $50 (payable to CPC). The retreat is Feb. 27-March 1 at Camp WoMeTo. U Snow Tubers: $22 (payable to CPC) and release form (found on the Ski Liberty website.) All ages are invited to this after-church event on Sunday, February 22. Second Sunday Children's Worship: Kindergarten-Second graders are invited to join Ellen Fromm and Andrew Glennan in the library this morning for a continuation of worship. The theme today is LOVE: Being a Good Neighbor. Children will leave the sanctuary after the children's message and return during the closing hymn. Child care for infants-five year olds is offered in the Cribbery and Panda Rooms. Labor of Love/Local Mission Opportunity: Crossroads volunteers at the Maryland Food Bank on Saturday, February 14. Please meet in the small parking lot at 8:00 (yawn) a.m. We should return around noon. (No youth group meeting on February 15.) Children's Choir sings on February 22: Mr. Bob invites children ages 3 -grade 5 to sing joyfully in worship on the last Sunday of this month. We're looking forward to hearing your voices leading us in the Gloria Patri and This Little Light of Mine. Adult Education: Sundays at 9 a.m. in the library. Child care is available. February 8: Why Pray? Why do Christians pray? If God knows what we need, why should we ask? How should we pray? What is the power of prayer? Are our concerns God's concerns? This one-session Bible study examines Christian prayer from a biblical perspective and from a historical Christian perspective. Led by Kathy Glennan. February 15: What Happens When We Pray? Do you ever wonder about the usefulness of prayer? What actually happens when we pray? What difference will prayer make? This study looks at different views Christians have about prayer, particularly whether prayer just changes the one who prays or whether God is actually affected and might be moved on the basis of our prayer requests. Led by Kathy Glennan. Stewardship Have you submitted your pledge for 2009? If so, thank you! Pledge Report 2009 2008 Thru 1/24/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 110 122 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $308,379 $ 311,030 Average Pledge $ 2,803 $ 2,653 Median Pledge $ 1,920 $ 1,560 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 2 $1,200-$1,499 8 $5,000-$10,000 14 $1,000-$1,199 14 $3,000-$4,999 22 $800-$999 7 $2,000-$2,999 14 $500-$799 12 $1,500-$1,999 14 Less than $500 3 $ 99 pledges have been renewed. $ 44 pledges received were increased over last year. $ 11 new pledges have been received. $ 23 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary Growing in God's Grace" Capital Campaign Number of Pledges Received to Date 155 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $ 968,216 Amount Received 2/01/09 $ 2,543 Amount Paid to Date $ 897,666 Giving Update Received Last Week - 02/01/09 $ 6,189 Received to Date 31,382 Until the 2009 budget is approved by Session and received by the congregation, our update will show only the offering received each week. We rely on everyone to support what God is doing through this congregation. The vitality of this ministry is secured by God's grace and funded by the faithfulness and commitment of God's people. We are counting on the ongoing generosity of our members and friends. Thank you, Bob Shumaker, Finance Committee Worship Worship Flowers: If you would like to provide the flowers for a Sunday morning worship service as a memorial, in recognition of someone, or in celebration of a special event, please call Betty Nagle at 410-465-2294. Please let her know how you would like the announcement to read. The two bouquets are $37.95. Valentine Cards During fellowship hour, the congregation is invited to sign the Valentine Card insert that is on a table in fellowship hall. This will be copied and included in mailings to our college students and to our homebound members. Calendar for February 8-15 2009 Sunday, 2/8 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 9:00 a.m. Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship: Boy Scout Sunday After Worship Annual Congregational Meeting, Fellowship Hall 3:00 p.m. Concert by Cellist David Hardy and Pianist Lambert Orkis, Sanctuary - Reception in Fellowship Hall following Concert 6:00-7:30 p.m. Crossroads and Rising Stars Youth Groups Monday, 2/9 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm Tuesday, 2/10 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Library Wednesday, 2/11 10:00-11:30 a.m. Concert Series Board, France Rm 10:30 a.m. Middle East Task Force, Library 7:00 p.m. Session, Library 7:30 p.m. Trustees, Conference Rm Thursday, 2/12 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir, Music Rm Friday, 2/13 Saturday, 2/14 8:00 a.m. Crossroads meet in small parking lot for trip to Maryland Food Bank; return around noon 8:30 a.m. BIG EVENT begins with Registration & Coffee, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Sunday, 2/15 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer in the Style of TaizJ, Sanctuary Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Kovacs, Ph.D. Catonsville Presbyterian Church 1400 Frederick Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410.747.6180, ext. 1005 www.catonsvillepresb.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090205/73864817/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 11345 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090205/73864817/attachment.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 14235 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090205/73864817/attachment-0001.obj From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Feb 9 16:04:44 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 16:04:44 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] TidingsFebruary 9, 2009.doc "Are You Okay" Message-ID: <001b01c98afa$08fb16e0$1af144a0$@org> ?? February 9?, 2009 ARE YOU OKAY? by Doug Bixby Author of The Honest to God Church: A Pathway to God?s Grace As Christians each of us receives God?s grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. But how do we change the way our churches function so that our congregations become more gracious? Some churches have sought to develop an ?I?m not okay, you?re not okay? approach to ministry. This approach embraces the commandment to ?love your neighbor as yourself.? It is an open approach that allows people to be honest about their sinfulness and brokenness; and, it is a means by which congregations can effectively become honest to God churches. Many congregations function in a more traditional way, approaching grace through the ideal of ?I?m okay, you?re not okay.? Christians using this approach assume an ethic of perfection rather than love and are, frequently, judgmental and rigid. It?s not wrong to strive toward perfection; however, a problem exists when people pretend to be perfect even though they are not. Still, other churches take the ?I?m okay, you?re okay? approach. In these churches, Christians do not expect much from anyone, even themselves. They replace judgmentalism with an ethic of tolerance. But tolerating someone is not the same thing as loving them. Tolerance demands only that we give people space; love demands that we enter into their space. Besides, if we are already okay, then why do we need God and one another? I recommend the ?I?m not okay, you?re not okay? approach ? that we all are saints and sinners simultaneously. Churches following this approach raise disciples who readily admit to the mess within their lives. They admit to their sin and brokenness and see God?s grace as the only means for straightening out their lives. With this approach, we do not have to pretend that we are okay when we are not; nor do we have to fool others into thinking that we are perfect. In these churches, we are asked to come as we are between the extremes. Embracing the ?I?m not okay, you?re not okay? approach takes honesty, courage, and vulnerability. It enables us to acknowledge that it is not us, but God, who is righteous. God is perfect, and through the process of redemption, he is perfecting us by his perfect love and grace. Grace is the gift of God?s forgiveness, acceptance, healing, and transformational power. Graciousness is the gift of respect, forgiveness, and acceptance that we offer each other. Adapted from an excerpt of Bixby?s book, The Honest to God Church: A Pathway to God?s Grace, copyright ? 2007 by the Alban Institute. Inside this Issue Take Note/Act Now ? Big Event ? Pakistani Interfaith Listening Teams ? Planned Giving Seminar ? Energy Efficient Churches ? Overnight Adventure for Kids ? Towson Non-violent Films ? Black History Month at Trinity ? Summer Gather of PW ? Big Tent ? Clergy Retreat ? Christian Comedy by Kulp Presbytery Meetings Stated Meetings [correction] Saturday, Mar. 28 at 10am Towson Presbyterian Church Council Meeting Mar. 10 at 7pm Vision Meeting Feb. 10 at 5pm Committee Meeting Feb. 3rd (1st Tues. of the month) Contact Information The Presbytery of Baltimore: Phone: 410-433-2012 or 800-511-0087 Office E-mail: office at baltimorepresbytery.org Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org To subscribe/unsubscribe: Call 410.433.2012 or email Roger Evans Also on the Presbytery of Baltimore website Find past issues of Tidings at: Tidings Archives See new Church Announcements at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery. org/announcements.html Take Note/Act Now Presbytery of Baltimore Don?t miss Diana Butler Bass, celebrated author on American Protestantism, and Graham Standish, of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, PA ? keynote speakers for the Presbytery of Baltimore?s BIG EVENT, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14th. Click BIG EVENT to view brochure. Join the Middle East Peace Committee in welcoming Pakistani members of an Interfaith Listening Team to Baltimore on Friday, Feb. 13th. Rev. Masqood Kamil and advocate Khurram Khan will bring their message of peace to various Presbytery events this weekend. For details click ILT . For ministers and congregation members ? the Presbytery will host a Planned Giving Seminar from 10am to noon on Saturday, Mar. 7th at its Baltimore office. Featured guest speaker, Karl Mattison of the Presbyterian Foundation will discuss the benefits of good Estate Planning. For details, contact Bob Turberville at 410.433.2012 (ext. 104) or rturberville at baltimorepresbytery.org. Church Notices Join Presbyterian churches and Greater the Washington Interfaith Power and Light Co. in a workshop to learn how we can make our churches more energy efficient and work together to bring hope for a healthy and sustainable planet. For details on upcoming workshops at Towson Presbyterian Church on Feb. 10th and First Presbyterian Church of Howard County on Feb. 15th click Energy Christ Our King Presbyterian Church invites all Presbyterian youth for an over-night adventure on Friday Feb. 13th-14th at Red Zone, Baltimore County's newest family entertainment destination. Fee is $25. Drop off 8pm Friday and pick up 7:30am Saturday. For details, call 410.838.4698 or e-mails pastortatcok at verizon.net; cindyantique at verizon.net; www.redzoneadventures.com Towson Presbyterian Church continues its commitment to human rights with a Friday film and discussion series from 7pm to 9pm on Feb. 20th & 27th. Click Towson for details on the event which features films and speakers on the impact of nonviolent action and culture shifts in Serbia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Trinity Presbyterian Church continues its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Black History Month program, ?The Quest For Black Citizenship In The Americas? at 4pm on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at the church. For Additional Information Call: 410.664.1825 or 410.323.8917. For details, click Trinity . Synod and General Assembly Items The Summer Gathering of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Presbyterian Women will be held June 11th through 14th. This year?s event is entitled ?Joshua: A Journey of Faith.? For details, click JERICHO. Mark your calendar for the Big Tent event, June 11th-13th in Atlanta, GA. Experience 10 different PC(USA) partner conferences occurring concurrently with common time set aside for participants to attend workshops, worship and enjoy meals together. For details, visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent Other Items and Events SPRING CLERGY RETREAT: SAVE THE DATE! May 6th-7th (Wed.-Thus.) at the Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown, Md. Get away for learning, spiritual refreshment and fellowship. Facilitator will be the Rev. Saleem Ghubril (PCUSA), community organizer and executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through holistic urban renewal. Cost is only $81. to register, email bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Dan Kulp, a comedic story teller and singer is hitting the road for his "Stories" tour and is looking for venues to host this inspirational event! To host Dan at your next church event, click Christian Comedy. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord at baltimorepresbytery.org Bill Millen, Associate Executive bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk v brown at baltimorepresbytery.org Deb Milcarek Associate of Mission and Justice dmilcarek at baltimorepresbytery.org Jane Johnson Associate for Leadership Development, Education and Youth jjohnson at baltimorepresbytery.org Bob Turberville Director of Development rturberville at baltimorepresbytery.org Julie Erickson Director of Public Policy jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org Roger Evans Coordinator of Information Services revans at baltimorepresbytery.org Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan at baltimorepresbytery.org Deborah I. Greene Coordinator of Communications dgreene at baltimorepresbytery.org Questions? Comments? E-mail office at baltimorepresbytery.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 13978 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090209/158bb351/attachment.gif From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Wed Feb 11 15:30:45 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:30:45 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] All Church SNOW TUBING trip Message-ID: <001801c98c87$9ea07800$0501a8c0@Dorothy> All are welcome on the February 22nd Catonsville Presbyterian Church SNOW TUBING trip to Ski Liberty. If you'd like to join us, please be sure to turn in your $22 (check made out to CPC) and release form (which is found on the Ski Liberty website) to Dorothy Boulton this coming Sunday, February 15th. We'll be purchasing tickets on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 21st) so if there's any problems with bad weather, we'll let you know ahead of time. This was loads of fun last year ---- come give it a try! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090211/ca9f3d71/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Feb 12 13:05:23 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:05:23 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Baltimore Presbytery's BIG EVENT Message-ID: <000a01c98d3c$7a6ce1c0$0501a8c0@asstpastor> Did you forget to register for this annual education/fellowship day? It's not too late! You may register in person at Baltimore Presbytery's BIG EVENT this Saturday, February 14th, at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Balto.-Annap. Blvd, Severna Park, 21228. 8:30 am is registration and coffee, the event begins at 9:00 am. This year's theme is Signposts of Church Renewal, featuring speaker Diana Butler Bass. The cost is $25, plus childrens programs are $15(preschool - middle school. Children in K - Middle may wish to bring a bathing suit and towl for afternoon swim. Lunch and snacks provided.) Max cost is $60 per family. Hope you can join us. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090212/45d42531/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Feb 12 14:01:39 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:01:39 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] enewsletter for February 15, 2009 Message-ID: <000201c98d44$62162200$0501a8c0@asstpastor> For the week of February 15, 2009 Worship Preview Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Charles Darwin English Naturalist February 12, 1809 - April 19, 1882 ___________________________________ Text: Genesis 1 Sermon: Darwin and the Deity "A Gallup poll released this week shows that 39 percent of Americans say they 'believe in the theory of evolution,' while a quarter say they do not believe in the theory, and another 36 percent don't have an opinion either way." Azadeh Ansari, CNN.com Charles Darwin was born 200 years ago. On The Origin of Species, the book that launched his concept of evolution, was published 150 years ago. Yet Darwin's ideas continue to challenge and stimulate both science and religion. For this "Evolution Sunday," let's take on the exciting and mysterious dynamic of science and faith! See you in worship! Dorothy Boulton __________________________________ Things you need to know. For the week of February 15, 2009 Christian Education Youth Groups: No evening meetings tonight. Crossroads Senior High volunteered at the Maryland Food Bank yesterday. Thanks for your Labor of Love! Money and Forms Due Today for: U Baltimore Presbytery Middle School retreat. $50 payable to CPC, covenant, and registration form. The retreat is February 28-March 1. U All-church SNOW TUBING adventure, next Sunday, February 22. $22 payable to CPC and release form. All-Church Snow Tubing Adventure: Please bring a bag lunch to church next Sunday. We'll eat in fellowship hall after worship, then head out to Ski Liberty for the 2 p.m.-4 p.m. tubing session. Dress for snow! Children's Choir sings on February 22: Mr. Bob invites children ages 3-grade 5 to sing joyfully in worship next Sunday. We're looking forward to hearing your voices leading us in the Gloria Patri and This Little Light of Mine. Moringa Tree Project: Next Sunday is the last date to bring in your dollars and leaves for the Moringa Tree mission. These will be collected by Barbara Rice during the church school hour. Extra leaves are available on the Christian Education table in the education wing hallway. Adult Education: Sundays at 9 a.m. in the library. Child care is available. February 22: Kickball. This week we take a look at another video from the Nooma series. This one is called Kickball - "We always think we know what's missing from our lives in order to really make us happy . . . Sometimes we ask God for things and if he doesn't deliver right away, we start questioning whether God really understands or even care . . . ." Please join us for this entertaining and thought-provoking video followed by a discussion of the ideas presented. Led by Jeff Bolognese. Discussion facilitated by Ken Kovacs. Join us for this new series on Sunday mornings in Lent: All Who Believed Were Together: Finding Christ in Community March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 a.m. in the library. (Child is care available.) Led by Ken Kovacs Luke tells us that after Pentecost, "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common" (Acts 2:44). Luke gives a picture of what happened when believers gathered. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). The journey of Christian discipleship is a communal experience. It's very difficult for us to be Christian alone, that is, apart from the community. The first believers knew that when fellow-believers gathered in Christ's name, they discovered Christ's presence in the community, in one another, and in one's self. Over these five weeks, we'll embark on a biblical and theological exploration of the meaning and purpose, obstacles to and joys of community in the Christian life. March 1: The Value of Community in First Century Judaism. The best way to see the importance of community in Jesus' ministry is to look at his healing miracles. We'll focus on Luke 8: 22-56. Read it ahead of time and bring your Bible. We'll compare the first century experience with our own. March 8: The Hospitality of God: Paul and the Inclusion of Gentiles. Using Paul as our guide in Romans 11-15, we'll look at the hospitality extended to the Gentiles seeking to follow Christ and how they were incorporated into the church. March 15: Koinonia: Fellowship at the Heart of the Christian Experience. We'll study and discuss the profound meaning of this word, so central to early Christians. March 22: The Baltimore Covenant and the Contemporary Challenge to Community. How do Christians talk together when there's disagreement? How can we cultivate the spiritual discipline of listening? What does collective discernment of the Spirit look like? March 29: The Community (Communities) of Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Elder Susan Krehbiel will facilitate this discussion as we reflect upon our own personal experiences of community at CPC. How can we deepen our sense of community? Taiz? Baltimore - Making Room for Wholeness Baltimore's first Pilgrimage of Trust St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church 5502 York Road, Baltimore Friday February 27 4:30-9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The ecumenical community of the greater Baltimore area is preparing to host the first Pilgrimage of Trust in Baltimore City. The theme of the weekend is Making Room for Wholeness. The meeting in Baltimore begins the spiritual work of coming together in prayer and seeking for the purpose of coming to know and understand who we are when we stand together before the Source of Compassion. Participants will gather from February 27-28 to share meals, reflect and pray together. St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church is the host. Over ten church communities representing six Christian denominations from the surrounding area as well as from Baltimore and Harford Counties and St. Mary's Seminary and Ecumenical Institute of Theology are working together to create this space of time and place for wholeness. Br. John of the Taiz? Community in France will accompany the ecumenical community of Baltimore on this journey of trust. The Brothers of Taiz? live their lives in community as a sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and between separated peoples. They accompany young people from around the world in a spirit of peace, reconciliation and openness to others. Each year, 100,000 young people from around the world spend a week at Taiz?. In addition, the Taiz? brothers organize meetings on every continent that are a part of a "Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth." They recently conducted pilgrimages of trust in Nairobi, Kenya, with 7,000 young people from fifteen African countries present, and in Brussels where 40,000 Europeans gathered between Christmas and New Year. Registration is available at www.taizebaltimore.org. The pilgrimage is open to all. Outreach Not sure what's going on at Catonsville Presbyterian? Check out our website at www.catonsvillepresb.org. Be sure to join our email list if you would like to find out about special events, upcoming worship, educational opportunities, and announcements regarding members and friends of the church. To become part of this service, go to the home page of our website and click on About Us, then Contact Us. Stewardship Have you submitted your pledge for 2009? Pledge Report 2009 2008 Thru 2/07/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 112 122 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $310,669 $ 311,030 Average Pledge $ 2,773 $ 2,653 Median Pledge $ 1,800 $ 1,560 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 2 $1,200-$1,499 7 $5,000-$10,000 14 $1,000-$1,199 14 $3,000-$4,999 22 $800-$999 7 $2,000-$2,999 15 $500-$799 13 $1,500-$1,999 14 Less than $500 4 $ 100 pledges have been renewed. $ 45 pledges received were increased over last year. $ 12 new pledges have been received. $ 19 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary Giving Update Offering Needed Each Week $ 6,801 Received Last Week - 02/08/09 $ 7,368 2009 Needed to Date $ 40,806 Received to Date $ 38,750 We rely on everyone to support what God is doing through this congregation. The vitality of this ministry is secured by God's grace and funded by the faithfulness and commitment of God's people. We are counting on the ongoing generosity of our members and friends. Thank you, Bob Shumaker, Finance Committee Growing in God's Grace" Capital Campaign Number of Pledges Received to Date 155 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $ 968,216 Amount Received 2/08/09 $ 795 Amount Paid to Date $ 898,461 Worship Ash Wednesday, February 25: A worship service of combined churches will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, 4640-44 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore 21229. Worship Flowers: If you would like to provide the flowers for a Sunday morning worship service as a memorial, in recognition of someone, or in celebration of a special event, please call Betty Nagle at 410-465-2294. Please let her know how you would like the announcement to read. The two bouquets are $37.95. March Messenger Items are due by Monday, February 16. Please send them to Vickie Lord at editor at catonsvillepresb.org. Directory Notice We are wrapping up work to print our church directory, which should be available in May. One feature that will be new in this directory is that it will be accessible via a password-protected website. This website will include the entire directory contents, photos as well as contact information. We acknowledge that, even with the password protection, some of you may not feel comfortable having your pictures and/or contact information available on line. Be assured that we, not Olan Mills, are able to determine the content of our directory website and can update it by adding or deleting photos and information. We have been very pleased by the participation of so many of our church family in preparing this directory. If you would like to have your information available in the hardcopy directory, which will be available to all who sat for photos by Olan Mills but would not want your information on our directory website, please notify Stuart Shippey at shshippey at yahoo.com or at 443-889-7646. Amnesty for Tablecloths Please check your laundry room, laundry basket, or laundry pile for CPC tablecloths. They come in large red checks, small pink checks, or small yellow checks, and many are missing from the church kitchen. Please place any or all in the kitchen---no questions asked! World Day of Prayer 2009 St. Mark Catholic Church will host World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 6. This interdenominational worship service will begin at 11:00 in the main church. (Enter the parking lot off Winters Lane.) At 12:00, we are invited to lunch served by the women of St. Mark parish. The women of Papua New Guinea planned the service, and we will learn much about this country. An offering of non-perishable foods will be collected for the food pantry at Grace AME Church. Suggestions for this offering are canned goods, boxed cereals, mixes, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruit, and paper goods. There will also be a free will offering collected that will benefit the churches of Papua New Guinea. For more information or a ride, please call Connie Renner 410-997-4168 or cell 410-206-3199. A Glimpse Into Our Past Question: What is Margaret Ellers' "Recipe for Happy Living," quoted in the Catonsville Presbyterian Church Centennial Cookbook? Answer: Take 2 heaping cups of patience, 1 heart full of love, and 2 hands full of generosity. Add a dash of laughter, a cup full of understanding, and 2 cups of kindness. Spread this irresistible delicacy over a lifetime and serve everyone you meet." Community Events Alzheimer's Support Group: Adult children and spouses of those suffering from memory impairment ailments are invited to a meeting at Paradise Assisted Living on Thursday, February 26, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn more about memory impairment and what to expect, and to share strategies for working with those who suffer from Alzheimer's or other memory impairment illnesses such as stroke or vascular dementia. Paradise Assisted Living is located at 6348 Frederick Road in Catonsville. Please RSVP to 410-744-8433. The 49th Interfaith Institute will be held at the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation on Park Heights Avenue on Monday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The theme is "What Does the Lord Require of You?" and focuses on the religious response to community challenges. The $10 registration, due by March 9, includes a box lunch. In these times of economic stress, what subject could be more appropriate? Details about speakers and schedules including the registration form may be found on the table in fellowship hall. Calendar for February 15-22, 2009 Sunday, 2/15 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 9:00 a.m. Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer in the Style of TaizJ, Sanctuary Monday, 2/16 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm Tuesday, 2/17 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Library 7:30 p.m. Peace & Justice Committee, Library Wednesday, 2/18 7:00 p.m. Child Care Council, Conference Rm Thursday, 2/19 6:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir, Music Rm Friday, 2/20 4:00 p.m. Cold Weather Shelter Meal Preparation, Kitchen Saturday, 2/21 6:30 p.m. Potluck Dinner to Support Congregations Concerned for the Homeless Sunday, 2/22 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship: Ordination/Installation of Church Officers 11:30 a.m. Lunch before leaving for Snow Tubing at Ski Liberty Noon Mission Committee, Library "Most people think you can't believe in evolution and have faith. Faith does not mean that you have to give up common sense. Faith is deeper than that." Michael Zimmerman, Founder of the Clergy Letter Project, which seeks to find common ground between scientists and the clergy. "Neither Scripture, our Confession of Faith, nor our Catechisms, teach the Creation of man by the direct and immediate acts of God so as to exclude the possibility of evolution as a scientific theory." Evolution Statement, 1969 GA Presbyterian Church U.S. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090212/6c63997f/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 11345 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090212/6c63997f/attachment.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 30175 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090212/6c63997f/attachment-0001.jpe From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Feb 16 10:39:08 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:39:08 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Last call for CPC Snow Tubing trip! Message-ID: <000a01c9904c$b59ded30$0201a8c0@asstpastor> Dear Outdoor Winter Activity-loving Friends: If you missed getting your forms and money into church yesterday for the February 22nd SNOW TUBING trip, please email me asap to let me know your plans. We'd love to have you join us. Details: Bring a lunch to church with you on Sunday. We'll eat in fellowship hall after worship and travel up to Ski Liberty for the 2:00 - 4:00 tubing session. Dress for snow! (Release form is found on the Ski Liberty website.) Thanks, Dorothy -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090216/554c2ea8/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Feb 16 11:03:59 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:03:59 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Potluck Supper at CPC Message-ID: <002401c99050$2e1b8a30$0201a8c0@asstpastor> POTLUCK SUPPER at CPC This coming Saturday, February 21st, the Mission Committee is hosting a potluck supper at 6:30pm in the library for Congregations Concerned for the Homeless. We have been working with them through the Capital Campaign Mission funds, and they are looking for both monetary and volunteer support. We will have Jane O'Leary with us to talk about the current challenges the organization is facing, such as having lost all their files and office equipment in a fire at the end of 2008. Please come on out and support the Congregations Concerned for the Homeless this weekend. Please send your name(s) and an idea of what you can bring to Vickie Lord at VickieWrites at aol.com or call her at 410-877-4685. CCH's needs for February include the following (and we can accept donations of smaller items on Saturday evening): Beds (varying sizes with no stains or rips) - box springs, bed frames, mattresses Living room furniture Book shelves Bedside/end tables Lamps Desks and chairs Dressers Pots & pans Dining room tables Flatware -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090216/0a21e90f/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Feb 19 17:53:54 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:53:54 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] CPC Potluck Cancelled Message-ID: <001b01c992e4$f10dc4e0$0201a8c0@asstpastor> We have regretfully cancelled the Congregations Concerned for the Homeless potluck supper, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, February 21st. We will be sure to let you know when we reschedule this event. Yours, Vickie Lord & the Mission Committee -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090219/b65b411f/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Fri Feb 20 11:39:22 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:39:22 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] enewsletter for February 22 Message-ID: <000401c99379$d6227c80$0201a8c0@asstpastor> For the week of February 22, 2009 Worship Preview Transfiguration of the Lord Ludovico Carracci 1555-1619 ___________________________________ Text: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Mark 9:2-9 Sermon: Less Mastery, More Mystery On Thursday evening, I was in the National Gallery in Edinburgh, and came across a new acquisition by the Italian artist, Ludovico Carracci (1555-1619). It was his depiction of Jesus' transfiguration. Jesus' robes are dazzling white, blowing in the wind. Moses and Elijah are looking on. Peter, James, and John fall back upon the ground, overwhelmed by the sight before them. Carracci is trying to "capture" this mystical moment, yet, to me, it seemed static and stuck. The problem is not with Carracci as artist, but with the nature of the subject matter. For how do we "capture" mystery? Sometimes we Presbyterians have difficulty dealing with the mystical dimensions of the faith. We want everything explained, defined, clearly understood. But when we read a text like this (along with the ascension of Elijah, also the reading for this Sunday), we have entered a different dimension altogether. Perhaps the appropriate response is not to understand it, but to stand under it, or fall back and down in awe, to kneel before the mystery. See you in worship! Ken Kovacs __________________________________ Things you need to know. For the week of February 22, 2009 Christian Education Snow Tubing: We'll gather after worship in fellowship hall to eat lunch and then head out to the 2-4 p.m. tubing session at Ski Liberty. Should be a fun afternoon! Youth Groups: Crossroads (senior high) meets at the church next Sunday, March 1, at 6 p.m. We'll return by 7:30 p.m. This month's theme is Movement, Motion, and Mystery. Rising Stars (middle school) goes on retreat at Camp Wo-Me-To with Baltimore Presbytery next weekend, February 27-March 1. Meet at the church at 6 p.m. on Friday; eat dinner beforehand or bring it with you; return on Sunday around 2 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service: All children, youth, and families are especially invited to the combined churches Ash Wednesday worship at Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m., February 25. Help make your Lent a holy one by beginning it in prayer. Talking With Your Child About Lent/Easter: Sunday, March 1, 9:00 a.m. in the France Room. This session will provide vocabulary, concepts, and resources to help parents share the meaning of this season with your young child, elementary-age child, and youth. Adult Education: Please refer to the full-page announcement in this section for the series in March. Job & the Cross: A Midweek Series for Lent - Wednesdays at 7-9 p.m. in the library. Child care will be provided. March 11, 18, & 25: The Thursday Morning Bible study group has been wrestling with the book of Job. It's surely one of the most demanding texts in the Bible. We've had lively discussions as we seek to unpack this challenging book and see how it speaks to our lives today. Many assume the text is a statement about human suffering or why the innocent unjustly suffer. But other scholars see this ancient story as a window into an era in human development when we became more self conscious of our identities in a complex universe. Others see it as paving the way for Jesus and the way he addressed the problem of human suffering in and through a cross. For three weeks we'll summarize our study of Job and see how it shapes the way we approach the cross. Please bring your Bible. There will be two texts for sale to help you through the study. Ken Kovacs Join us for this new series on Sunday mornings in Lent: All Who Believed Were Together: Finding Christ in Community March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 a.m. in the library. (Child care is available.) Led by Ken Kovacs Luke tells us that after Pentecost, "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common" (Acts 2:44). Luke gives a picture of what happened when believers gathered. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). The journey of Christian discipleship is a communal experience. It's very difficult for us to be Christian alone, that is, apart from the community. The first believers knew that when fellow-believers gathered in Christ's name, they discovered Christ's presence in the community, in one another, and in one's self. Over these five weeks, we'll embark on a biblical and theological exploration of the meaning and purpose, obstacles to and joys of community in the Christian life. March 1: The Value of Community in First Century Judaism. The best way to see the importance of community in Jesus' ministry is to look at his healing miracles. We'll focus on Luke 8: 22-56. Read it ahead of time and bring your Bible. We'll compare the first century experience with our own. March 8: The Hospitality of God: Paul and the Inclusion of Gentiles. Using Paul as our guide in Romans 11-15, we'll look at the hospitality extended to the Gentiles seeking to follow Christ and how they were incorporated into the church. March 15: Koinonia: Fellowship at the Heart of the Christian Experience. We'll study and discuss the profound meaning of this word, so central to early Christians. March 22: The Baltimore Covenant and the Contemporary Challenge to Community. How do Christians talk together when there's disagreement? How can we cultivate the spiritual discipline of listening? What does collective discernment of the Spirit look like? March 29: The Community (Communities) of Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Elder Susan Krehbiel will facilitate this discussion as we reflect upon our own personal experiences of community at CPC. How can we deepen our sense of community? Mission The Cold Weather Shelter Needs a Few More Casseroles: Sign up in fellowship hall for the last few casseroles needed to feed the men at the Southwest Cold Weather Shelter. Pick a date in March or April and pick up a pan. You may use one of our recipes or one of your own. Each casserole should fill a half-steam pan, serve 10-12 hungry men, and bake in 45 minutes at 350?F. All casseroles are now baked by the men at the shelter. Outreach The Thursday Morning Bible Study sponsors today's Fellowship Hour. Enjoy delicious food and ask us about our study of Job led by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Kovacs. We read Job in the NRSV, Mitchell, and Peterson translations along with a commentary by David C. Hester. It was an amazing study, which deepened our faith and knowledge of God. Not sure what's going on at Catonsville Presbyterian? Check out our website at www.catonsvillepresb.org. Be sure to join our email list if you would like to find out about special events, upcoming worship, educational opportunities, and announcements regarding members and friends of the church. To become part of this service, go to the home page of our website and click on About Us, then Contact Us. Stewardship Have you submitted your pledge for 2009? Pledge Report 2009 2008 Thru 2/14/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 112 122 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $311,669 $ 311,030 Average Pledge $ 2,782 $ 2,653 Median Pledge $ 1,800 $ 1,560 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 3 $1,200-$1,499 7 $5,000-$10,000 13 $1,000-$1,199 14 $3,000-$4,999 22 $800-$999 7 $2,000-$2,999 15 $500-$799 13 $1,500-$1,999 14 Less than $500 4 $ 100 pledges have been renewed. $ 45 pledges received were increased over last year. $ 12 new pledges have been received. $ 19 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary Growing in God's Grace" Capital Campaign Number of Pledges Received to Date 155 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $ 968,216 Amount Received 2/15/09 $ 165 Amount Paid to Date $ 898,626 The 2009 Per Capita is $30.41 for each member. To date, we have received $746. Per Capita is an assessment paid to the Presbyterian Church (USA) based on church membership. Per Capita is used for administrative expenses of the Presbytery of Baltimore, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and the General Assembly. Giving Update Offering Needed Each Week $ 6,801 Received Last Week - 02/15/09 $ 7,620 2009 Needed to Date $ 47,607 Received to Date $ 46,370 We rely on everyone to support what God is doing through this congregation. The vitality of this ministry is secured by God's grace and funded by the faithfulness and commitment of God's people. We are counting on the ongoing generosity of our members and friends. Worship Ash Wednesday, February 25: You are invited to a worship service of combined Presbyterian churches (Hope, Hunting Ridge, and Catonsville) at 7:30 p.m. at Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, 4640-44 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore 21229. New Pew Envelopes: You may have noticed the blue offering envelopes in the pew racks. These are for donations to the Capital Improvement Fund, Deacons' Assistance Fund, Growing in God's Grace Capital Campaign, and Grace Mission Fund. When donating to more than one fund, we ask that you use a separate envelope for each. Also, it is important to indicate your choice by checking one of the boxes. Thank you for your donations; they are very much appreciated. Worship Flowers: If you would like to provide the flowers for a Sunday morning worship service as a memorial, in recognition of someone, or in celebration of a special event, please call Betty Nagle at 410-465-2294. Please let her know how you would like the announcement to read. The two bouquets are $37.95. February Deacons Meeting The Board of Deacons meeting will be Tuesday, February 24, instead of Ash Wednesday. Are You Knowledgeable about Plants? Do you have experience in designing gardens? Do you simply enjoy planting a garden? We are looking for individuals who are interested in forming a committee to develop a long-term, low- maintenance landscape plan for our grounds. If that sounds like you, email Bruce Lutz at brucelutz5 at verizon.net, or contact the church office. Directory Notice We are wrapping up work to print our church directory, which should be available in May. One feature that will be new in this directory is that it will be accessible via a password-protected website. This website will include the entire directory contents, photos, as well as contact information. We acknowledge that, even with the password protection, some of you may not feel comfortable having your pictures and/or contact information available online. Be assured that we, not Olan Mills, are able to determine the content of our directory website and can update it by adding or deleting photos and information. We have been very pleased by the participation of so many of our church family in preparing this directory. If you would like to have your information available in the hardcopy directory, which will be available to all who sat for photos by Olan Mills but would not want your information on our directory website, please notify Stuart Shippey at shshippey at yahoo.com or at 443-889-7646. Amnesty for Tablecloths Please check your laundry room, laundry basket, or laundry pile for CPC tablecloths. They come in large red checks, small pink checks, or small yellow checks, and many are missing from the church kitchen. Please place any or all in the kitchen-no questions asked! World Day of Prayer 2009 St. Mark Catholic Church will host World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 6. This interdenominational worship service will begin at 11:00 in the main church. (Enter the parking lot off Winters Lane.) At 12:00, we are invited to lunch served by the women of St. Mark parish. The women of Papua New Guinea planned the service, and we will learn much about this country. An offering of non-perishable foods will be collected for the food pantry at Grace AME Church. Suggestions for this offering are canned goods, boxed cereals, mixes, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruit, and paper goods. There will also be a free will offering collected that will benefit the churches of Papua New Guinea. For more information or a ride, please call Connie Renner 410-997-4168 or cell 410-206-3199. A Glimpse Into Our Past Question: What was the first organization established in our church? Answer: Without a doubt, our Sunday School. In the original church building (corner of Frederick Road and St. Timothy's Lane), the Sunday School was started just one week after the first church service! Community Events Taiz? Baltimore - Making Room for Wholeness - Baltimore's first Pilgrimage of Trust will take place at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 5502 York Road, Baltimore, on Friday February 27, from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The ecumenical community of the greater Baltimore area is preparing to host the first Pilgrimage of Trust in Baltimore City. This meeting begins the spiritual work of coming together in prayer and seeking for the purpose of coming to know and understand who we are when we stand together before the Source of Compassion. Participants will share meals, reflect, and pray together. Over ten church communities representing six Christian denominations from the surrounding area as well as from Baltimore and Harford Counties and St. Mary's Seminary and Ecumenical Institute of Theology are working together to create this space of time and place for wholeness. There are flyers on the education wing bulletin board with the schedule and a registration form or you may go to www.taizebaltimore.org for more information and registration. The pilgrimage is open to all. The 49th Interfaith Institute will be held at the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation on Park Heights Avenue on Monday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The theme is "What Does the Lord Require of You?" and focuses on the religious response to community challenges. The $10 registration, due by March 9, includes a box lunch. In these times of economic stress, what subject could be more appropriate? Details about speakers and schedules including the registration form may be found on the table in fellowship hall. Alzheimer's Support Group: Adult children and spouses of those suffering from memory impairment ailments are invited to a meeting at Paradise Assisted Living on Thursday, February 26, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn more about memory impairment and what to expect, and to share strategies for working with those who suffer from Alzheimer's or other memory impairment illnesses such as stroke or vascular dementia. Paradise Assisted Living is located at 6348 Frederick Road in Catonsville. Please RSVP to 410-744-8433. Calendar for February 22-March 1, 2009 Sunday, 2/22 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 9:00 a.m. Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship: Ordination/Installation of Church Officers 11:30 a.m. Lunch before leaving for Snow Tubing at Ski Liberty Noon Mission Committee, Library Monday, 2/23 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm Tuesday, 2/24 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Conference Rm 10:00 a.m. Presbytery Peace & Justice/Mission Committees, Library 7:00 p.m. Deacons, Library Wednesday, 2/25 ASH WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. Worship Service of Combined Presbyterian Churches (Hunting Ridge, Hope, and Catonsville), Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church Thursday, 2/26 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 6:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir, Music Rm Friday, 2/27 Presbytery Middle School Retreat at Camp Wo-Me-To through March 1 Saturday, 2/28 Sunday, 3/1 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 9:00 a.m. "Talking with Your Children About Lent/Easter, France Rm 10:30 a.m. Worship 6-7:30 p.m. Crossroads Senior High Youth O wondrous sight, O vision fair Of glory that the church shall share, Which Christ upon the mountain shows, Where brighter than the sun He glows. And faithful hearts are raised on high By this great vision's mystery, For which in joyful strains we raise The voice of prayer, The hymn of praise. O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair Presbyterian Hymnal -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090220/9ad153c7/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 11345 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090220/9ad153c7/attachment.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 29895 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090220/9ad153c7/attachment-0001.jpe From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Feb 23 11:14:22 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:14:22 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] FW: TidingsFebruary17, 2009.doc Letter from Cuba Message-ID: <009a01c995d1$c9f09320$5dd1b960$@org> ?? February 17?, 2009 Sisters and Brothers, Last week, I traveled along with members of the Presbytery of Baltimore to Cuba where our local churches have long nurtured a partnership with El Centro Presbytery, IRPC (Iglesia Reformada Presbiteriana en Cuba). About twelve of us from Baltimore and another twenty from Cuba gathered to celebrate the conclusion of our first five year partnership. During the week-long trip, members of our group spent five days at a ?rustic? camp in Santa Clara and then fanned out among ten community churches for the remainder of our stay. We engaged in daily Bible studies, which led to theological discussions on what it means to live in the midst of ?Empire.? Our constant discourse was supplemented by worship and presentations about our presbyteries and churches. Of course, the shared meal times and cultural nights (an excuse for some rather energetic dancing and singing) left us with many fond memories. Finally, in a moment that surely felt as if the Spirit was at hand ? we signed a new partnership agreement and exchanged gifts that, as it turned out, where both communion plates and goblets made by members of our respective churches (thanks to Court Robinson on our side). When I visit with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in other countries, I am always amazed at the similar way in which we approach ministry despite our varied understanding of its context. In some ways this is a gift, for it puts the uniqueness of the Presbyterian Church in much sharper relief for me. In conversations about the future, I saw several ways we could learn from our Cuban brothers and sisters. Here are folks who have lived in a society that is clearly post-Constantinian. In Caibarien, the local Presbyterian church has fallen from 250 members with a highly regarded school of 300 students in 1955 to a congregation of three in 1985. Now, on the rebound, the church boasts sixty members at its Sunday worship. There is much that makes the Cuban partnership difficult (everything is difficult in Cuba), but for this week many bridges were constructed and we saw more that binds us together than separates us. For the gift of this week I thank God and those within the Presbyteries of Baltimore and El Centro who make this partnership possible. Blessings. Inside this Issue Take Note/Act Now ? Maryland Death Penalty ? Planned Giving Seminar ? Towson Non-violent Films ? Brown Downtown Concert ? Black History Month at Trinity ? Woods Concert: Chant ? Summer Gather of PW ? Big Tent ? Clergy Retreat ? Kerygma Resource Presbytery Meetings Stated Meetings [correction] Saturday, Mar. 28 at 10am Towson Presbyterian Church Council Meeting Mar. 10 at 7pm Vision Meeting Mar. 10 at 5pm Committee Meeting Mar. 3rd (1st Tues. of the month) Life In Today?s Churches . . . ?We could fix the leak in the church basement or we could just designate it as the new baptismal.? Contact Information The Presbytery of Baltimore: Phone: 410-433-2012 or 800-511-0087 Office E-mail: office at baltimorepresbytery.org Website: www.baltimorepresbytery.org To subscribe/unsubscribe: Call 410.433.2012 or email Roger Evans Also on the Presbytery of Baltimore website Find past issues of Tidings at: Tidings Archives See new Church Announcements at: http://www.baltimorepresbytery. org/announcements.html Take Note/Act Now Presbytery of Baltimore URGENT! A legislative hearing to repeal Maryland?s death penalty (SB279) will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18th in Annapolis. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter, is expected to testify on behalf of the Death Penalty Repeal. If the bill gets out of committee, as expected, it will go to the entire senate for debate. Many congregations have put together letter writing and publicity campaigns. It has all had an impact but what is needed more than ever is for everyone who wishes to see the death penalty repealed to contact their senator. For details, contact jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org or contact your senator by visiting http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/senal.html. For ministers and congregation members ? the Presbytery will host a Planned Giving Seminar from 10am to noon on Saturday, Mar. 7th at its Baltimore office. Featured guest speaker, Karl Mattison of the Presbyterian Foundation will discuss the benefits of good Estate Planning. For details, contact Bob Turberville at 410.433.2012 (ext. 104) or rturberville at baltimorepresbytery.org. Church Notices Towson Presbyterian Church continues its commitment to human rights with a Friday film and discussion series from 7pm to 9pm on Feb. 20th & 27th. Click Towson for details on the event which features films and speakers on the impact of nonviolent action and culture shifts in Serbia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church?s presents as part of its Tiffany Series, "IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT WAR," a concert showcasing BSO musician Brian Prechtl; Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa, and Maryland songstress Wendy Lanxner. The event also features a lecture by longtime antiwar activist Elizabeth McAlister. For details, click brown downtown . Trinity Presbyterian Church continues its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Black History Month program, ?The Quest For Black Citizenship In The Americas? at 4pm on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at the church. For Additional Information Call: 410.664.1825 or 410.323.8917. For details, click Trinity . Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church hosts Chant through the Centuries at 7pm on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at the church. The concert 7 p.m., the hour-long concert features a cappella vocal trio Trinitas in the beautiful tradition of chant sung through the ages, as performed recently at the Washington National Cathedral. For more information visit www.trinitasvoce.com or call 410.544.1704. Synod and General Assembly Items The Summer Gathering of the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Presbyterian Women will be held June 11th through 14th. This year?s event is entitled ?Joshua: A Journey of Faith.? For details, click JERICHO. Mark your calendar for the Big Tent event, June 11th-13th in Atlanta, GA. Experience 10 different PC(USA) partner conferences occurring concurrently with common time set aside for participants to attend workshops, worship and enjoy meals together. For details, visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent Other Items and Events SPRING CLERGY RETREAT: SAVE THE DATE! May 6th-7th (Wed.-Thus.) at the Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown, Md. Get away for learning, spiritual refreshment and fellowship. Facilitator will be the Rev. Saleem Ghubril (PCUSA), community organizer and executive director of The Pittsburgh Promise, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through holistic urban renewal. Cost is only $81. to register, email bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Want to start a Kerygma Bible Study in your congregation? Here?s an opportunity for new Kerygma resources. For details, Call 1-800-KERYGMA (537-9462) Email: explore at kerygma.com or visit http://www.kerygma.com/Workshops/Registeronline.htm Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord at baltimorepresbytery.org Bill Millen, Associate Executive bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk v brown at baltimorepresbytery.org Deb Milcarek Associate of Mission and Justice dmilcarek at baltimorepresbytery.org Jane Johnson Associate for Leadership Development, Education and Youth jjohnson at baltimorepresbytery.org Bob Turberville Director of Development rturberville at baltimorepresbytery.org Julie Erickson Director of Public Policy jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org Roger Evans Coordinator of Information Services revans at baltimorepresbytery.org Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan at baltimorepresbytery.org Deborah I. Greene Coordinator of Communications dgreene at baltimorepresbytery.org Questions? Comments? E-mail office at baltimorepresbytery.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 15160 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090223/7e15d6b3/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 9611 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090223/7e15d6b3/attachment-0002.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 73502 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090223/7e15d6b3/attachment.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 5470 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090223/7e15d6b3/attachment-0001.obj From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Tue Feb 24 13:02:12 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:02:12 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] The Lenten Journey Message-ID: <003601c996aa$04e038e0$0ea0aaa0$@org> Ways for you and your family to experience Lent this year. Ash Wednesday ( February 25) Catonsville Presbyterian Church, Hope Presbyterian Church, & Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church Host a joint service at 7:30 p.m., at Hunting Ridge 4640-44 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore (410-566-2926) Joint Choirs Imposition of Ashes and Sacrament of Holy Communion _________________________________________ Talking With Your Child About Lent & Easter Sunday, March 1, 9:00 a.m. in the France Room. This Session will provide vocabulary, concepts, and resources to help parents share the meaning of the season with you're your child, elementary-age child, and youth. _______________________________________ On Sunday mornings in Lent: All Who Believed Were Together: Finding Christ in Community March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 a.m. in the library. (Child care is available.) Led by Ken Kovacs Luke tells us that after Pentecost, "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common" (Acts 2:44). Luke gives a picture of what happened when believers gathered. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). The journey of Christian discipleship is a communal experience. It's very difficult for us to be Christian alone, that is, apart from the community. The first believers knew that when fellow-believers gathered in Christ's name, they discovered Christ's presence in the community, in one another, and in one's self. Over these five weeks, we'll embark on a biblical and theological exploration of the meaning and purpose, obstacles to and joys of community in the Christian life. March 1: The Value of Community in First Century Judaism. The best way to see the importance of community in Jesus' ministry is to look at his healing miracles. We'll focus on Luke 8: 22-56. Read it ahead of time and bring your Bible. We'll compare the first century experience with our own. March 8: The Hospitality of God: Paul and the Inclusion of Gentiles. Using Paul as our guide in Romans 11-15, we'll look at the hospitality extended to the Gentiles seeking to follow Christ and how they were incorporated into the church. March 15: Koinonia: Fellowship at the Heart of the Christian Experience. We'll study and discuss the profound meaning of this word, so central to early Christians. March 22: The Baltimore Covenant and the Contemporary Challenge to Community. How do Christians talk together when there's disagreement? How can we cultivate the spiritual discipline of listening? What does collective discernment of the Spirit look like? March 29: The Community (Communities) of Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Elder Susan Krehbiel will facilitate this discussion as we reflect upon our own personal experiences of community at CPC. How can we deepen our sense of community? ________________________________________ Job & the Cross: A Midweek Series for Lent March 11, 18, & 25 (Child care will be provided, but please call ahead.) Wednesdays at 7-9 p.m. in the library The Thursday Morning Bible study group has been wrestling with the book of Job. It's surely one of the most demanding texts in the Bible. We've had lively discussions as we seek to unpack this challenging book and see how it speaks to our lives today. Many assume the text is a statement about human suffering or why the innocent unjustly suffer. But other scholars see this ancient story as a window into an era in human development when we became more self conscious of our identities in a complex universe. Others see it as paving the way for Jesus and the way he addressed the problem of human suffering in and through a cross. For three weeks we'll summarize our study of Job and see how it shapes the way we approach the cross. Please bring your Bible. There will be one text for sale to help you through the study. Led by Ken Kovacs ___________________________________________ Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Kovacs, Ph.D. Catonsville Presbyterian Church 1400 Frederick Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410.747.6180, ext. 1005 www.catonsvillepresb.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090224/8627b317/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Feb 26 11:40:55 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:40:55 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Lent/Easter - Parent Workshop at CPC Message-ID: <000201c99831$0c82fbe0$0201a8c0@asstpastor> Talking With Your Children About LENT/EASTER Sunday, March 1st 9:00 am in the France Room A Workshop for Parents providing vocabulary, concepts and resources for young children, elementary-age, and youth. Presented by the Christian Education Committee and staff of CPC -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090226/ce10006a/attachment.html From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Feb 26 13:15:07 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:15:07 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Taize Baltimore this weekend, February 27-28, 2009 Message-ID: <000c01c9983e$2dc688f0$89539ad0$@org> Below is information about this weekend?s Taiz? Baltimore event, February 27-28, 2009. It?s open to everyone and free, but registration is required (scroll down for the link). We?re both planning to be in attendance on Friday afternoon/evening. If you have any interest in going, let us know. Thanks, Ken & Dorothy Taiz? Baltimore Making Room for Wholeness Welcome to Taiz? Baltimore! Posted by admin on December 10, 2008 taizefinalf1 For more information or to register: click HERE. Para m?s informaci?n o registrarse: oprima AQU?. Para conocer m?s de la comunidad de Taiz? visita: http://www.taize.fr/ 10 Pilgrims gathering at the Source of Compassion becoming companions on a common journey Baltimore?s first Pilgrimage of Trust. February 27-28, 2009 St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church 5502 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 An interdenominational, omni-generational and multicultural gathering for the purpose of breaking down barriers through prayer and common sharing. ?By opening the gates of our own heart to God, we prepare the way for God to come for many others, too.? Br. Alois Letter from Kenya We look forward to meeting you! Click here to Register All are welcome Come journey with us! Play music from Taiz? Letter from Brother John Dear Friends, For over thirty years now, the Taiz? Community, an ecumenical Christian monastic community located in Burgundy, France, has been animating a ?pilgrimage of trust on earth.? This pilgrimage brings together people, mostly young adults, from different countries, backgrounds and denominations to reflect together on the roots of our faith and commitment, and to look for ways of taking on responsibilities to make our world a better place for all. Many of the gatherings are held in our community in France, but others bring together people in other parts of the world. In 2008 meetings were held in Nairobi and Brussels, and in 2009 meetings are planned among other places in Lithuania, Spain, Germany and Poland. I am happy to join you in February 2009 in Baltimore for a stop on this pilgrimage, sponsored by some of the churches of the city. I hope it will help us all to draw more energy from our faith and feel more connected to others who are walking along the same path in a great diversity of commitments. Brother John, Taiz? Blessing of Most Reverend Edwin F. O?Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore on the participants of the Pilgrimage of Trust My personal welcome to all present here at St. Mary of the Assumption parish, Govans, as you join with Brother John of the Taiz? Community on this Pilgrimage of Trust. May the good Lord be with you during your time of prayer, meditation and song and may his blessings be upon you now and always. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +Edwin F. O?Brien Archbishop of Baltimore Anticipated Week-end Schedule: Friday Evening: 4:30 Registration, arrival, soup & get acquainted 7:00 Introduction with Br. John of Taiz?, What is Taiz?? 7:30 Evening Prayer & Prayer around the Cross (Priests and ministers will be available for private prayer during prayer around the cross) Saturday Morning: 8:30 Gathering, coffee & bagels 9:30 Morning Prayer 10:30 Bible Introduction with Br. John The source from which we draw life 11:30 Group Discussions Saturday Afternoon 12:30 Midday Meal 1:30 Prayer (Bishop Madden of the Archdiocese of Baltimore will be joining us) 2:30 Bible Introduction with Br. John What little we can do, we must do 3:30 Group Discussion (Brother John will lead a round table discussion with young adult and campus ministers) 4:30 Community Break/Refreshments 5:30 Evening Prayer *Note: Formal schedule ends at approximately 8:30 PM on Friday and 6:30 PM on Saturday Prayer ??????????????? Christ Jesus, within us there is a silent longing. And when our inner being becomes dispersed, our thirsty heart dares to say: enable me to live from you, O Christ; gather up my desire and my thirst. ?The exchange with God becomes real for us in prayer: by his Holy Spirit, God comes to dwell within us. By his word and by the sacraments, Christ gives himself to us. In return, we can surrender everything to him.? Brother Alois, Letter from Cochabamba * 1 Comment - Feed * ? Pages * About Brother John of Taiz? * About Taiz? * Directions and Contacts * Location * Para registrarse y/o inscribirse para poder ser voluntario durante el evento, favor de llenar el siguiente formulario * Press Release * Registration * Schedule * Supporters ? Categories * Home ? Archives * December 2008 ? Blogroll ? Syndicate * Articles Feed * Comments Feed ? Meta * Log in Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Kovacs, Ph.D. Catonsville Presbyterian Church 1400 Frederick Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410.747.6180, ext. 1005 www.catonsvillepresb.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090226/1f1da8e6/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 70556 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090226/1f1da8e6/attachment.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 19983 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090226/1f1da8e6/attachment-0001.obj From KKovacs498 at aol.com Fri Feb 27 21:16:51 2009 From: KKovacs498 at aol.com (KKovacs498 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:16:51 EST Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Enewsletter for March 1, 2009 Message-ID: Worship Preview for the First Sunday in Lent/ March 1, 2009 Sacrament of Holy Communion Ordination and Installation of Church Officers Mt. Ararat, Turkey "Repentance is not placed first, as some ignorantly suppose, as if it were the ground of the forgiveness of sins, o r as if it induced God to begin to be gracious to us; but [we] are commanded to repent, that [we] may receive the reconciliation which is offered to [us]. John Calvin (1509-1564), Institutes of the Christian Religion (1559) Scripture: Genesis 9: 8-17 & Mark 1: 9-15 Sermon: A Change of Mind You were probably taught in Sunday School, like me, that God placed the rainbow in the sky to remind Noah that God would never again destroy the world with a flood. I grew up believing that?s why we have rainbows, that they weren't part of the creation before then. We see rainbows as a reminder of the covenant God made with Noah. When we become adults we try (or should) to put away childish ways. As an adult, it came as a shock to see what the text really says. What matters most is the covenant, of course, as we?ll see in this text. But there?s something else here that we might find disturbing. It's an image of God we might find surprising, but one we need to keep in mind as we move through Lent to the cross. See you in worship! Ken Kovacs _______________________________________________________________ Life in Our Community: Things you need to know for the week of March 1-7, 2009 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME begins next week, Sunday March 8. Set clocks one hour ahead on Saturday night. Christian Education Talking with your Children about Lent/Easter: This Sunday in the France Room at 9 a.m. Youth Groups: Crossroads (senior high) will not have its meeting Sunday night due to schedule conflicts, health issues, etc. Our month of MOVEMENT, MOTION and MYSTERY will begin instead next week, Sunday, March 8. We will prepare for a ?holy Lent? through motion, mystery, and munchies (dinner will be served) at the Fromms from 5:30?7:30 p.m. Rising Stars (middle school) meets for MidMarch Mayhem at the church, 6?7:30 p.m., on Sunday, March 8. Members of Rising Stars, adult leaders, and two members of the Presbytery Youth Council are on retreat this weekend at the Baltimore Presbytery Middle School event at Camp Wo-Me-To. Please keep them in your prayers. Adult Education: Join us for this new series on Sunday mornings in Lent All Who Believed Were Together: Finding Christ in Community March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 a.m. in the library. (Child care is available.) Led by Ken Kovacs Luke tells us that after Pentecost, ?Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common? (Acts 2:44). Luke gives a picture of what happened when believers gathered. ?They devoted themselves to the apostles? teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers? (Acts 2:42). The journey of Christian discipleship is a communal experience. It?s very difficult for us to be Christian alone, that is, apart from the community. The first believers knew that when fellow-believers gathered in Christ?s name, they discovered Christ?s presence in the community, in one another, and in one? s self. Over these five weeks, we?ll embark on a biblical and theological exploration of the meaning and purpose, obstacles to and joys of community in the Christian life. March 1: The Value of Community in First Century Judaism. The best way to see the importance of community in Jesus? ministry is to look at his healing miracles. We?ll focus on Luke 8: 22-56. Read it ahead of time and bring your Bible. We?ll compare the first century experience with our own. Job & the Cross: A Midweek Series for Lent ? Wednesdays at 7-9 p.m. in the library. Child care will be provided. March 11, 18, & 25: The Thursday Morning Bible study group has been wrestling with the book of Job. It's surely one of the most demanding texts in the Bible. We've had lively discussions as we seek to unpack this challenging book and see how it speaks to our lives today. Many assume the text is a statement about human suffering or why the innocent unjustly suffer. But other scholars see this ancient story as a window into an era in human development when we became more self conscious of our identities in a complex universe. Others see it as paving the way for Jesus and the way he addressed the problem of human suffering in and through a cross. For three weeks we'll summarize our study of Job and see how it shapes the way we approach the cross. Please bring your Bible. There will be one text for sale to help you through the study. Ken Kovacs Mission The Cold Weather Shelter Needs a Few More Casseroles: Sign up in fellowship hall for the last few casseroles needed to feed the men at the Southwest Cold Weather Shelter. Pick a date in March or April and pick up a pan. You may use one of our recipes or one of your own. Each casserole should fill a half-steam pan, serve 10-12 hungry men, and bake in 45 minutes at 350?F. All casseroles are now baked by the men at the shelter. Outreach Peace and Justice A Lenten Choice: Looking for something to TAKE UP for this Lenten season? Why not join our ?5 CENTS A MEAL? HUNGER PROGRAM? By setting aside a NICKEL each time you sit down to a meal, and contributing that to our Hunger Program, you can help churches in our Presbytery feed the hungry. Look for the RED and WHITE CONTAINERS in fellowship hall to contribute your pennies, nickels, etc. Your spare change can help to fight hunger in our local communities. Stewardship Giving Update Offering Needed Each Week $ 6,801 Received Last Week ? 02/22/09 $ 7,620 2009 Needed to Date $ 54,408 Received to Date $ 54,156 We rely on everyone to support what God is doing through this congregation. The vitality of this ministry is secured by God?s grace and funded by the faithfulness and commitment of God?s people. We are counting on the ongoing generosity of our members and friends. Pledge Report 2009 2008 Thru 2/21/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 114 122 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $314,769 $ 311,030 Average Pledge $ 2,761 $ 2,653 Median Pledge $ 1,800 $ 1,560 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 4 $1,200-$1,499 8 $5,000-$10,000 12 $1,000-$1,199 14 $3,000-$4,999 22 $800-$999 8 $2,000-$2,999 15 $500-$799 13 $1,500-$1,999 14 Less than $500 4 $ 100 pledges have been renewed. $ 45 pledges received were increased over last year. $ 14 new pledges have been received. $ 19 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary Growing in God?s Grace? Capital Campaign Number of Pledges Received to Date 155 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $ 968,216 Amount Received 2/22/09 $ 1,952 Amount Paid to Date $ 900,578 Calendar for March 1?8, 2009 Sunday, 3/1 LENT I 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. ?Talking with Your Children About Lent/Easter, France Rm 10:30 a.m. Worship: Communion and Ordination/Installation of Church Officers Monday, 3/2 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm 7:30 p.m. Stewardship Committee, Conference Rm PW Circles: Monday Morning, Afternoon, Charlestown, Bridges Tuesday, 3/3 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Library 7:30 p.m. Adult Education Committee, Conference Rm PW Passages Circle Wednesday, 3/4 10:00-11:30 a.m. Concert Series Board, Library 7:00 p.m. Session, Library Thursday, 3/5 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 6:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir, Music Rm Friday, 3/6 11:00 a.m. World Day of Prayer Worship Service, St. Mark Catholic Church, Catonsville 4:00 p.m. Cold Weather Shelter Meal Preparation, Kitchen Saturday, 3/7 Sunday, 3/8 LENT II 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:00 p.m. Concert by DUO: Stephanie Ho and Saar Ahuvia, Sanctuary 5:30-7:30 p.m. Crossroads at the Fromms 6:00-7:30 p.m. Rising Stars DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME begins on March 8; move your clocks one hour ahead on Saturday night. Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Kovacs, Ph.D. Catonsville Presbyterian Church 1400 Frederick Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410-747-6180, ext. 1005 www.catonsvillepresb.org **************Get a jump start on your taxes. Find a tax professional in your neighborhood today. (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=Tax+Return+Preparation+%26+Filing&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000004) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20090227/e2d93b33/attachment.html