From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Tue Nov 3 17:19:04 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:19:04 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Share & Grow Neighborhood Walk Message-ID: <00df01ca5cd3$a7236510$f56a2f30$@org> Share and Grow Neighborhood Walk Volunteers are needed to help increase our church's visibility in the neighborhood. On Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. is hosting a Neighborhood Walk. We will meet in fellowship hall for a brief 30-minute orientation and go out into the neighborhoods around CPC and place door hangers inviting our neighbors to visit us and become part of our faith community. Our goal is to share information about CPC, not to evangelize or convert. We will also help the Vision Task Force by observing the neighborhoods we visit and sharing our impressions upon return after the walk. If you want to volunteer, please see Cindy Bolognese during fellowship hour or call or email her at 410-247-4434 ( cbolognese at k9trailblazers.org). Did you know that in studies of why people visit and eventually join a church, there's one factor that always emerges as primary, above all others? People join a church not because of its choirs, organist, music director, or music program; not because of the beautiful sanctuary and modern facility; not because of the preaching in the pulpit or the pastoral care; not because of the Christian Education program or ministry with youth; not because of its mission work or its presence in the community; not because of its adult education offerings; and not because the church is friendly. The number one reason a person attends and eventually joins a church is because someone invited them to come be part of the church family. So that's what we're going to do. Our goal is to have between 20 and 30 walkers. Right now we have 13 who have said, "Sign me up!" Join us! Help spread the word about CPC. Rev. 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/20091103/882355e4/attachment.html From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Nov 5 16:14:03 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:14:03 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] enewsletter for Nov. 8 Message-ID: <002501ca5e5c$e79b7e90$6401a8c0@asstpastor> Mission Celebration/ November 8, 2009 Mission Fair immediately following worship. "Mission has its origin in the heart of God. God is a fountain of sending love. This is the deepest source of mission. It is impossible to penetrate deeper still; there is mission because God loves people." David J. Bosch, Transforming Mission (Orbis, 2005) Scripture: Isaiah 61 & Luke 4: 16-22 Sermon: The Heart of God Come and join in the fun as we celebrate turning outward to a world in need, with justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). The sermon will be based on Isaiah 61, a text that was at the heart of Jesus' mission to the world. Immediately following worship, we'll have our Mission Fair in fellowship hall where you'll get to meet many of our mission partners. Did you know CPC supports more than 20 organizations with our mission dollars? Come learn about how our gifts are making a difference in the world. Here's a sampling of who will be at the fair, with representatives from: Baltimore International Seafarers Center, Congregations Concerned for the Homeless, CPC Family Child Care Center, Hou Kola Learning Camps (Baltimore Presbytery), IMA World Health, Lazarus Caucus, Medical Benevolence Foundation, One Great Hour of Sharing (including Presbyterian Disaster Relief), Presbyterian Women. During the adult education hour we will welcome Jayna Powell and a homeowner from Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity and Chris Heun, founder of the Santi School, Nepal. See you in worship! Ken Kovacs ___________________________________________________ Life in Our Community for the Week of November 8-15, 2009 Visioning Activities through Holy Conversations The Vision Task Force invites all church members and friends to attend one of a series of "Holy Conversations" meetings, which Sunday. ? Sunday, November 8*, 6 - 8 p.m. (child care & light dinner provided) ? Sunday November 15, 9 - 10:15 a.m. (Adult Education hour) *November 8 will also have a special youth session for middle & high school youth. The asset-mapping exercise conducted at those meetings will be interesting, informative, and exciting, and will allow each of us to be an integral part of developing the vision for Catonsville Presbyterian in the years to come. It is vital that these meetings represent a cross-section of our membership in order to provide valid feedback for the visioning process, so we are encouraging everyone to participate! There are sign-up sheets in fellowship hall in order to help us plan for food and child care. If you miss a chance to sign up, be sure to come anyway; we need everyone's point of view to be represented. Thanksfor your assistance in this important effort for the future of our church! Vision Task Force: Hollie Einolf, Eric Gunderson, Bill Henderson, David Hutton, Glenda Johnson, Torbjorn Nilsen, Josephine Titanji, and Susan Krehbiel, Chair. Christian Education Children's Music: Church school children in K - 5 will be singing in worship today. Youth Groups - November 8: Middle school & high school youth - and their parents, in a separate session - are invited to the Visioning Dinner this evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Come and give your input into the future of Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Youth News for Sunday, November 15: Middle school - please turn in your forms and $ for NIGHTWATCH/NYC ($46 made out to CPC, note NIGHTWATCH on it). Extra forms are upstairs in the youth rooms. God's Gift of Sexuality Workshop for senior highs is from 3:00-7:30 p.m. Parents are invited to a dinner & workshop, "Talking With Your Teens About Sex" from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Second Sunday meets today. Children in K-2nd grade will gather for worship after the Children's Message and return during the closing hymn. Child care for infants-age 5 is provided in the Cribbery & Panda Rooms. Church School Mission: Got a can of soup? Or a box of stuffing mix? Please help us to share a delicious meal with those in need over the holidays. Collection bins for Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries (CEFM) are in fellowship hall. Growing in God's Grace: Join us on Sunday mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the library. Child care is always provided. November 15: Holy Conversations. This is an opportunity for you to participate in an asset mapping exercise, hosted by the Vision Study Task Force. Come and be part of the visioning process. Come and be part of the conversation. November 22: Bread for the World. As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of pressing hunger-related issues facing our communities and the wider world. Rev. Gary Cook, director of church relations at Bread for the World, based in Washington, DC, will join us. Learn what you can do to help alleviate world hunger. Looking ahead: Please put the BIG Advent Feast (All-church event!) on your calendars for the evening of December 6. Food, fellowship, and holiday crafts will be featured in our annual celebration. Mission Mission Fair 2009 today in fellowship hall following worship. Come join in the fun as we celebrate turning outward into our world as we seek to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). There is information about local, national, and worldwide mission opportunities for you to learn about, pray for, and sign up to participate in. Meet several of our mission partners: Baltimore International Seafarers Center, Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, Congregations Concerned for the Homeless, CPC Family Child Care Center, Hau Kola Learning Camps, IMA World Health, Lazarus Caucus, Medical Benevolence Foundation, One Great Hour of Sharing (including Presbyterian Disaster Relief), Guatemala Partnership, Presbyterian Women, and Santi School. Did you know we support over 20 organizations with our mission dollars? It will be an exciting way to meet new friends and get involved with local, national, and worldwide missions at CPC! About Our Coffee: For many years the church has served fairly traded coffee from an organization that buys from small farmers, Equal Exchange. Even though we no longer sell those coffees and other products to members we continue to act responsibly by buying from Equal Exchange. Check out their web site www.equalexchange.coop/pcusa. CROP Walk Update: $881 was contributed by CPC members and friends in this year's annual walk. Combined totals from the participating churches will be announced soon. Donations go to our neighborhood food ministries and to development and assistance projects through Church World Service. Thank you for your generosity! Share and Grow Neighborhood Walk. Volunteers are needed to help increase our church's visibility in the neighborhood. On Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. we will meet in fellowship hall for a brief 30-minute orientation and go out into the neighborhoods around CPC and place door hangers inviting our neighbors to visit us and be a part of our faith community. Our goal is to share information about CPC, not to evangelize or convert. We will also help the Vision Task Force by observing the neighborhoods we visit and sharing our impressions upon return after the walk. If you want to volunteer, please see Cindy Bolognese during fellowship hour or call or email her at 410-247-4434 (cbolognese at k9trailblazers.org). Outreach Facebook: Many CPC members and friends have a Facebook profile page. If you are already a member of Facebook, then you might wish to join the Catonsville Presbyterian Church Facebook group. Just type "Catonsville Presbyterian" in the Facebook search engine and then request to join. For more information, see www.facebook.com. 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 Our Financial Resources Doing God's Work As of November 7, 2009 Actual Income to Date $380,432 Pro-rated Expenses to Date $ 399,635 Shortfall to Date $ (19,203) It takes $1,285 to fund the daily operations of the church in 2009. 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. Bob Shumaker, Finance Committee The 2009 Per Capita is $30.41 for each member. To date, we have received $3,813.10. Per Capita is an assessment paid to the Presbyterian Church (USA) based on church membership. The CPC assessment is $14,931.31. Per Capita is for administrative expenses of the Presbytery of Baltimore, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and the General Assembly. Have you submitted your pledge for 2010? If so, thank you! Pledge Report - Closing the Gap 2010 2009 Thru 10/24/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 47 117 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $162,929 $ 338,572 Average Pledge $ 3,466 $ 2,724 Median Pledge $ 2,860 $ 1,800 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 3 $1,200-$1,499 2 $5,000-$10,000 7 $1,000-$1,199 6 $3,000-$4,999 12 $800-$999 0 $2,000-$2,999 6 $500-$799 6 $1,500-$1,999 5 Less than $500 0 ? 45 pledges have been renewed. ? 28 pledges received were increased over last year. ? 2 new pledges have been received. ? 72 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary 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. Food Drive The Board of Deacons holiday food drive for Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries begins today. There are bins in fellowship hall for donations. Canned: cranberry sauce milk (evaporated) sauerkraut fruit pork and beans soup (or dry) gravy (or packs) pumpkin sweet potatoes green beans salmon tomatoes Biscuit mix Boxed stuffing (Stove Top) Boxes of Jell-O or pudding Instant mashed potatoes, 1 lb. box Large heavy duty aluminum foil Spaghetti sauce Spaghetti noodles or other pasta Syrup Sugar Mac & cheese Peanut butter & jelly Rice Tea bags $15 grocery store gift certificates or cash donations Annual Fall Grounds Cleanup - November 28 The Trustees and Boy Scout Troop 306 invite the members of the congregation to join in helping with the annual Fall Grounds Cleanup, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, from 9 to Noon. By then, the leaves will be off the trees, and we will need as much help as possible to get the grounds ready for winter. Mark your calendar and come help for part of the morning, even if you can't stay the whole time. Bring your gloves, work shoes/boots, and rakes. It is always helpful to have a few large tarps and some blowers, if you prefer not to rake. Refreshments will be served to all the workers at about 11:45 a.m. Your help is greatly appreciated. Bruce Lutz, Trustees; Ted & Glenda Johnson, CORs, Troop 306 Gallimaufry Potluck & Planning Meeting You are invited! It's that time of year again. Gallimaufry will hold its annual potluck and planning meeting on Saturday, November 21, at 7 p.m. in the library. This is when we plan fun and educational activities for the coming year. We want your input. All are welcome. Participants are asked to bring a food item to share. Sign up in fellowship hall after worship or call Sidney Turner at 410-788-8427; email vankoten at verizon.net. PW is Collecting Baby Items Have you seen the cute doll crib in fellowship hall (on loan from Susan Hutton)? Please help us fill the crib by selecting from the following list: ? Diapers (any size,) formula (any type,) baby wipes, lotion, shampoo, ointments, etc. ? Gently used or new books for toddlers and preschoolers. ? Gently used baby clothes, crib sheets, blankets, etc. ? Gift cards in any amount to stores where baby items can be purchased. (Please don't leave these in the crib! They may be given to Sharon Oaks.) PW is sponsoring this project for the Healthy Families Organization, which assists local first-time moms living in crisis situations. Annual Congregation Art Show "More Than One" is the theme for our congregation art exhibit starting December 6 and running through January 16, 2010. Members of all ages may submit all types of visual art. Hanging art must be ready to hang with a wire on the back. Pick up an entry form in the library or in the church office, and pay attention to dates and times. Entries must be submitted to the church office by Wednesday, December 2. Because of limited space, the Art Committee reserves the right to decide which art will be displayed. Please direct questions to Connie Renner, 410-997-4168. A Glimpse Into Our Past Question: On November 9, 1944, the Men's Club of CPC was having a speaker, Mr. Howard M. Norton, correspondent for the Baltimore Sun, talk about his recent experiences. Where were these experiences? Answer: Mr. Norton had just returned from the South Pacific, and his subject was "Experiences in the Landings on Saipan." Women of the church were invited to hear Mr. Norton. Glimpse update: Recently, a 1924 menu that was suggested for the purpose of saving money to feed Armenian children included "Pilaf Armenian." A recipe found on the internet listed these ingredients: 1 cup long grain rice, ? cup angel hair pasta, 2 cups chicken broth or water, 2 tbsp. butter, ? tsp. salt, and ? tsp. black pepper. Community Events Here and There Fashion Show to Benefit Orphans Overseas: "KidStuff," a local, kids-only philanthropy organization, will host a Fashion Show Extravaganza at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, at Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Join the fun and support a worthy cause as local children make their modeling debuts featuring one-of-a-kind, hand-knitted children's fashions, which will be available for purchase. Other activities will include a silent auction and personalizing "friendship cards" for delivery to children awaiting adoption. Tickets may be purchased by check or cash only: $5.00 in advance or $7.00 at the door. Make checks payable to KidStuff and mail to KidStuff, 64 Dungarrie Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228. All proceeds go to orphanages and charities benefitting children. Glen Mar United Methodist Church, 4701 New Cut Road in Ellicott City, is having a Celebration of Creation Concert today at 7:00 p.m. Free admission. This evening of singing, dancing, and world percussion pieces is for the whole family. Special guests: Sticky Mulligan and members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. For more information, call 301-395-7018 Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour I've put together a Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour scheduled for April 7-16, 2010. If you're interested in coming along, there's plenty of space! I'm working with Illume, a travel agency that specializes in tours to religious sites. Illume has set up a Travel Resource Center for this tour: www.travelillume.com/trc/kkv. Here you will find a detailed itinerary and price list - everything you need to know about the tour. Application deadline is November 30. The Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour is not a CPC-sponsored event but something I am organizing on my own and inviting folks to experience. (It will be considered vacation time.) With Session's support, I am extending an invitation first to the CPC community and will then be opening it up to friends beyond the church. Interested? Pray about it. Have any questions? Give me a call or send me an email. Ken Kovacs Outreach Thinking about joining Catonsville Presbyterian Church? Need more information about this faith community, the Presbyterians, our mission and ministry? Please join us for a two-part membership exploration: ? Part I: Select either Thursday, November 5, or November 12. We will meet from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the France Room. A light supper will be served at 6:30 p.m. ? Part II: Sunday, November 15, at 8:45 a.m. in the France Room. Child care will be provided for both classes. For more information or to r.s.v.p., please contact the church office, 410-747-6180, or email Dr. Kovacs, kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org. Calendar for November 8-15, 2009 Sunday, 1/8 MISSION SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Mission Fair, FH 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Art Show: "Watercolor Exhibition" and Book Signing, Library 6:00-8:00 p.m. Holy Conversations, FH/Youth Rms Monday, 1/9 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee, Conference Rm Tuesday, 1/10 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Conference Rm 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Pastor Theologian Meeting, Library 7:30 p.m. Adult Education Committee, Conference Rm Wednesday, 1/11 6:30 p.m. Presbyterian Women's Connections Circle 7:30 p.m. Trustees, Conference Rm Thursday, 1/12 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 6:30-8:30 p.m. New Members Class, France Rm 6:30-7:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00-9:00 p.m. Boy Scout Eagle Board of Review, Library 7:30-9:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm Friday, 1/13 Saturday, 1/14 9:00 a.m.-Noon Playground Cleanup 9:30 a.m.-Noon Neighborhood Walk, Members of the Vision Task Force, Outreach Committee, and the Congregation Sunday, 11/15 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education: Holy Conversations, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:00 p.m. Concert by Young-Ah Tak - Piano, Sanctuary and reception in fellowship hall after concert 3:00-7:30 p.m. God's Gift of Sexuality Workshop, Youth Rooms and Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer in the Style of Taiz?, Sanctuary Rev. 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/20091105/0d9d6fe5/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/20091105/0d9d6fe5/attachment.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 179636 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091105/0d9d6fe5/attachment.jpe From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Nov 9 16:11:22 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 16:11:22 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] TidingsNovember 9, 2009.doc Words of Hope: May this Church. . . A Poem by Rev. T. Blair Message-ID: <000601ca6181$308d1bf0$91a753d0$@org> ?? November 9, 2009 MAY THIS CHURCH May this church shelter and nurture life; When you arrive, may all the weight of the world fall from your shoulders. May this church be a safe place, full of understanding and acceptance; where we can be as we are made to be; where we can see others through God?s eyes, and God will show us ourselves with love; where we can learn to practice what we preach without any mask or pretense. May we continue to have eyes to see that no visitor arrives without a welcome and no guest leaves without a blessing. May there be continued delight in this fellowship, as we serve as a house of welcome for the broken and diminished. May this church be a place of courage; where healing and growth are loved, where dignity and forgiveness prevail, where the patience of the Spirit is prized and the sight of our destination is never lost. May this church be a home where the possibilities that sleep in the depth of our souls emerge to refine our vision for all that is yet to come. Amen. Thomas Blair Second Presbyterian Church Inside this Issue Take Note/Act Now ? Presbyterian Youth Triennium ? Mission & Ministry Fair ? Fair Trade Festival ? Earth Forum ? Alternative Christmas Market ? Square Dance for Mission ? DivorceCare ? Board of Pension ? Nat?l Black Presbyterian Caucus ? Insurance Board ? Order of the Day ? Mid-East Travel; ? Free Church Supplies Presbytery Meetings Stated Meetings Nov. 19th at1pm Council Meeting Nov. 10th at 7pm Vision Meeting Nov. 10th at 4pm Committee Meeting Dec. 1st Praise & Prayer Please pray for the Rev. Linda Post of Bethel Presbyterian Church and the Clerk Young-Shi Ou of the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church as their congregations continue to share the love of God in Christ through worship, transformative discipleship and compassionate service. ******** Please Pray for Deborah Milcarek, the Presbytery?s Associate for Mission Justice & Peace, as she continues to progress in her recovery from a serious illness at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. ******** Renewing the Vision: Please pray that all of our various visioning discussions may be infused with God?s Spirit. To be placed on the prayer list, email: revans at baltimorepresbytery.org 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 website. Take Note/Act Now Presbytery of Baltimore Sign up now for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. For details, click PYT . Final call for Church Mission and Ministry Fair entries for the Nov. 19th Presbytery Meeting. The reservation deadline for this event is now Thursday, Nov. 12th to accommodate churches still planning their presentations. For details, click Fair . Church Notices Ark & Dove Presbyterian Church will sponsor a FAIR TRADE FESTIVAL from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, Nov. 14th. The festival will feature SERRV products from craftsmen worldwide as well as a bake sale to benefit the church?s Habitat house in West Anne Arundel Co. In addition, a Deacons? Diner will provide light breakfast and lunch options. How does climate threaten your health and the health of the earth? Dr. Cindy L Parker, MD, MPH, will explain how you can stay healthy during a presentation at Earth Forum to be held at 3pm on Sunday, Nov. 15th at First Presbyterian of Howard County. First & Franklin Presbyterian Street will hold its annual Alternative Christmas Market from noon to 1:30pm on Sunday, Nov. 15th. In addition to crafts and gifts, patrons can purchase $5 gift cards in support of any of the church?s 15 mission projects. Want to have fun and kick up your heals? Brown Memorial Park Ave. Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a Square Dance from 7pm to10pm on Friday, Nov. 20th at Govan?s Presbyterian Church to support its mission program. For details, click Brown Downtown. Central Presbyterian Church is offering DivorceCare (www.DivorceCare.com ) at 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesdays until Dec. 23rd, 2009. The goal is to promote healing and a restoration of balance in the lives of those moving through separation or divorce. Synod and General Assembly Items Board of Pension (updated 11/09) report, click here . The Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus will hold its Annual Meeting November 13-14, 2009 in Virginia Beach, VA. For details, click Caucus . Have faith ? but, insure your ministry, too. The Insurance Board of the United Church of Christ offers options for your ministry. For details, click Insurance Board. Other Items and Events Order of the Day: 4pm, Tuesday, Nov. 10th at 13.5% wine bar in Hampden, 117 W. 36th St. Balto. Md 21211. A purely social event for pastors. Wanna see the pyramids of Giza close up? Visit Jordan-Egypt with Rev. Ken Kovacs. For details, click Mid-East Travel. Free Pads and Pad Holders! Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian has 49 Friendship pad holders, some with pads and 12 unused Friendship pads. In interested, please contact Sharon Holley at 410.523.1542. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord at baltimorepresbytery.org Bill Millen, Assoc. Executive bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk vbrown at baltimorepresbytery.org Deb Milcarek Associate of Mission and Justice dmilcarek at baltimorepresbytery.org Jane Johnson Assoc. for Leadership Development, Education and Youth jjohnson at baltimorepresbytery.org Roger Evans Coordinator of Information Services revans at baltimorepresbytery.org Julie Erickson Director of Public Policy jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org Judy Binkley Hunger Action Enabler jbinkley at baltimorepresbytery.org Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan at baltimorepresbytery.org Deborah I. Greene Coordinator of Communications dgreene at baltimorepresbytery.org Questions office at baltimorepresbytery.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091109/f9ef2b56/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 16889 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091109/f9ef2b56/attachment.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/png Size: 387569 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091109/f9ef2b56/attachment.png From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Fri Nov 13 14:14:24 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:14:24 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Share & Grow Neighborhood Walk, Saturday, November 14 Message-ID: <005b01ca6495$8334a2d0$899de870$@org> Hello All, The weather isn't looking very promising for Saturday morning for our Neighborhood Walk. We will still have the training/orientation on this Saturday (November 14) at 9:30 am in fellowship hall. We will decide on Saturday morning if we will walk. But, it's still not too late to join us! Come prepared to walk in wet, windy weather, because if it's not raining, we are walking. Ken will give a brief talk and I will have maps, door hangers, and partner assignments for you. Thanks for volunteering. See you tomorrow! Cindy Bolongese Chair, Outreach Committee Rev. 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/20091113/f4577582/attachment.html From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Fri Nov 13 14:52:07 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:52:07 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Enewsletter for Sunday, November 15, 2009 Message-ID: <006e01ca649a$c883ea30$598bbe90$@org> cid:image001.jpg at 01C91A43.AE9A5250 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time/15th November 2009 New Picture (27).bmp Construction of the Berlin Wall, 1961. ?We are cursed with the blessing of consciousness and choice, a two-edged sword that both divides us and can help us become whole. But choosing wholeness, which sounds like a good thing, turns out to be risky business, making us vulnerable in ways we would prefer to avoid.? Parker J. Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life (2004). Scripture: Joshua 24: 14-18 & Matthew 6: 19-21; 24-34 Sermon: An Undivided Life This past week we marked the twentieth anniversary of the toppling of the Berlin Wall, eventually leading to the reunification of a divided Germany. We have heard the stories of what it was like to live in a divided city, a divided country. Scripture has much to say about the human cost of living a divided life. The Joshua text invites us to ?choose this day? whom we will serve. It?s in this context that Jesus warns us that we can?t serve both God and wealth (mammon). Jesus invites us to choose for God, to put God first, which for him is putting first the Kingdom of God. Striving first after the Kingdom is liberating because it puts all our other strivings into perspective and it has the capacity to make us whole people. See you in worship! Ken Kovacs ___________________________________________________ Life in Our Community for the Week of November 15-22, 2009. Come for part, or come for all! The congregation is invited to THE BIG ADVENT FEAST Sunday, December 6 5:15?6:00 p.m: Holiday crafts 6:00?7:15 p.m: Dinner & fellowship Visioning Activities through Holy Conversations The Vision Task Force invites all church members and friends to attend one of a series of "Holy Conversations" meetings, which Sunday. ? Sunday November 15, 9 - 10:15 a.m. (Adult Education hour) The asset-mapping exercise conducted at those meetings will be interesting, informative, and exciting, and will allow each of us to be an integral part of developing the vision for Catonsville Presbyterian in the years to come. It is vital that these meetings represent a cross-section of our membership in order to provide valid feedback for the visioning process, so we are encouraging everyone to participate! There are sign-up sheets in fellowship hall in order to help us plan for food and child care. If you miss a chance to sign up, be sure to come anyway; we need everyone's point of view to be represented. Thanksfor your assistance in this important effort for the future of our church! Vision Task Force: Hollie Einolf, Eric Gunderson, Bill Henderson, David Hutton, Glenda Johnson, Torbjorn Nilsen, Josephine Titanji, and Susan Krehbiel, Chair. Christian Education Youth Groups: Senior high youth are participating in this afternoon/ evening?s God?s Gift of Sexuality Workshop from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. The parent dinner & discussion begins at 6:00 p.m. If you haven?t signed up, but still wish to attend, please contact Dorothy Boulton. Sunday, November 22: Senior high youth kick back and relax next Sunday at the church from 6:00 to 7:30 for Continuing Adventures With Sam & Rai. Let's Go to the Movies!!! Middle school youth (and families) are invited to an IMAX 3D presentation of A Christmas Carol at the Columbia Mall next Sunday, November 22. I will be purchasing tickets in advance, so please turn in $10 per ticket to Dorothy Boulton today. We can gather for a 4:45 p.m. meal in the food court before the 6:00 p.m. movie. No meetings on Sunday, November 29 ? Thanksgiving holiday. NIGHTWATCH money ($46 made out to CPC) and forms are due today for the middle school trip to New York City, January 9-10, 2010. These can be turned in to Dorothy Boulton or to the church office. Church School Mission: Got a can of soup? Or a box of stuffing mix? Please help us to share a delicious meal with those in need over the holidays. Collection bins for Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries (CEFM) are in fellowship hall. Church School News: Next Sunday, November 22, we?ll gather all the children and youth to take a group photo for our Christmas Card, which the deacons will be sending to our homebound members. No need to wear holiday outfits, just bring your best smile J. Adult Education Growing in God?s Grace: Join us on Sunday mornings, 9:00?10:00 a.m. in the library. Child care is always provided. November 22: Bread for the World. As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of pressing hunger-related issues facing our communities and the wider world. Rev. Gary Cook, director of church relations at Bread for the World, based in Washington, DC, will join us. Learn what you can do to help alleviate world hunger. November 29: Images of the Nativity. For the four Sundays of Advent we will enter into the story of Jesus? birth through the power of images. The joy, the wonder, the beauty, the glory of the Nativity has been a welcomed subject for artists since the time of the early church. Each week we?ll look at several of these works as a way to visually enter into the birth narratives. A speaker from the Walters Art Gallery will be here on Sunday, December 6 or 13. Led by Ken Kovacs & Nina Lagervall. Mission Mission Fair 2009 was a success! Thank you to our mission partners and representatives that were with us last week: Lee van Koten, Baltimore International Seafarers? Center; John Monck, Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries; Jayna Powell, Chesapeake Habibat for Humanity; Jane O?Leary, Congregations Concerned for the Homeless; Sally Sherrill and Betsy Jenkins, Guatemala Partnership, Global Mission Committee, Presbytery of Baltimore; Mark Clayton, Hau Kola Learning Camps; Lynne Hammar, IMA World Health; Luke Browning and John Roth, Lazarus Caucus; Dwight Warren, McKim Center; and Chris Heun, Santi School. Thanks also go to Molly Wyenberg, Medical Benevolence Foundation; and Linda Hernandez and Sharon Oaks, Presbyterian Women for providing displays. Habitat House to be Dedicated: United Churches began work on 1160 Ward Street in Washington Village/Pigtown in April 2009, their 16th Habitat home. On November 21 at 3:00 p.m., Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake will proudly hand over the key to Andrea Brinkley and her children. The participants of United Churches, a Christian coalition that raises funds to build homes and provides volunteers, have built for seven months to complete the home with the help of Andrea as she worked to complete her ?sweat equity? hours on site as well as in the Habitat office. A special Thank You is expressed to members and friends of CPC who helped with this project. Your support through hands-on labor, monetary donations, and contributing/ delivering snacks was greatly appreciated. Please join us on Saturday, November 21, at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate with Andrea and her family, friends, and supporters. Barbara Rice Partners Needed for Advent Spiritual Practice Our denominational magazine, Presbyterians Today, offers a unique Advent opportunity ? journaling each day in Advent following a short reflection and prayer. Fortunately, no skills as a writer or artist are needed: it?s simply an invitation to enter the reflection through writing, drawing, painting, collage, photography, computer-accessed images whatever! I?ll provide the booklet, all you need is a blank book or an empty binder. I?ll have materials available for 10 people. Come see me ? let?s spend time this Advent on a journaling adventure. ?Dorothy Boulton Annual Congregation Art Show ?More Than One? is the theme for our congregation art exhibit starting December 6 and running through January 16, 2010. Members of all ages may submit all types of visual art. Hanging art must be ready to hang with a wire on the back. Pick up an entry form in the library or in the church office, and pay attention to dates and times. Entries must be submitted to the church office by Wednesday, December 2. Because of limited space, the Art Committee reserves the right to decide which art will be displayed. Please direct questions to Connie Renner, 410-997-4168 Stewardship Have you submitted your pledge for 2010? If so, thank you! Pledge Report ? Closing the Gap 2010 2009 Thru 11/07/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 70 121 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $230,889 $ 338,572 Average Pledge $ 3,298 $ 2,798 Median Pledge $ 2,600 $ 1,800 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 4 $1,200-$1,499 6 $5,000-$10,000 7 $1,000-$1,199 8 $3,000-$4,999 20 $800-$999 1 $2,000-$2,999 8 $500-$799 9 $1,500-$1,999 6 Less than $500 1 ? 66 pledges have been renewed. ? 39 pledges received were increased over last year. ? 4 new pledges have been received. ? 51 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary Stewardship Our Financial Resources Doing God?s Work As of November 14, 2009 Actual Income to Date $385,647 Pro-rated Expenses to Date $ 409,674 Shortfall to Date $ (24,027) It takes $1,285 to fund the daily operations of the church in 2009. 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. Bob Shumaker, Finance Committee The 2009 Per Capita is $30.41 for each member. To date, we have received $3,813.10. Per Capita is an assessment paid to the Presbyterian Church (USA) based on church membership. The CPC assessment is $14,931.31. Per Capita is for administrative expenses of the Presbytery of Baltimore, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and the General Assembly. Growing in God?s Grace? Capital Campaign Number of Pledges Received to Date 155 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $ 968,216 Amount Received 11/08/09 $ 6,930 Amount Paid to Date $1,006,289 Potluck & Planning Meeting You are invited! It?s that time of year again. Gallimaufry will hold its annual potluck and planning meeting on Saturday, November 21, at 7 p.m. in the library. This is when we plan fun and educational activities for the coming year. We want your input. All are welcome. Participants are asked to bring a food item to share. Sign up in fellowship hall after worship or call Sidney Turner at 410-788-8427; email vankoten at verizon.net. Food Drive The Board of Deacons holiday food drive for Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries is underway. There are bins in fellowship hall for donations. Canned: cranberry sauce milk (evaporated) sauerkraut fruit pork and beans soup (or dry) gravy (or packs) pumpkin sweet potatoes green beans salmon tomatoes Biscuit mix Boxed stuffing (Stove Top) Boxes of Jell-O or pudding Instant mashed potatoes, 1 lb. box Large heavy duty aluminum foil Spaghetti sauce Spaghetti noodles or other pasta Syrup Sugar Mac & cheese Peanut butter & jelly Rice Tea bags $15 grocery store gift certificates or cash donations PW is Collecting Baby Items Have you seen the cute doll crib in fellowship hall (on loan from Susan Hutton)? Please help us fill the crib by selecting from these items: Diapers (any size,) formula (any type,) baby wipes, lotion, shampoo, and ointments. Gently used or new books for toddlers and preschoolers. Gently used baby clothes, crib sheets, blankets, etc. Gift cards in any amount to stores where baby items can be purchased. (Please don?t leave these in the crib! They may be given to Sharon Oaks.) PW is sponsoring this project for the Healthy Families Organization, which assists local first-time moms living in crisis situations. Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour I?ve put together a Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour scheduled for April 7-16, 2010. If you?re interested in coming along, there?s plenty of space! I?m working with Illume, a travel agency that specializes in tours to religious sites. Illume has set up a Travel Resource Center for this tour: www.travelillume.com/trc/kkv. Here you will find a detailed itinerary and price list ? everything you need to know about the tour. Application deadline is November 30. The Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour is not a CPC-sponsored event but something I am organizing on my own and inviting folks to experience. (It will be considered vacation time.) With Session?s support, I am extending an invitation first to the CPC community and will then be opening it up to friends beyond the church. Interested? Pray about it. Have any questions? Give me a call or send me an email. Ken Kovacs 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. Calendar for November 15?22, 2009 Pastor?s Schedule Dr. Kovacs will be out of the office November 16-19 for a Committee on Theological Education meeting at the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California. Sunday, 11/15 8:45 a.m. New Members Class: Part II, France Rm 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education: Holy Conversations, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Art Show: ?Watercolor Exhibition,? Library 3:00 p.m. Concert by Young-Ah Tak ? Piano, Sanctuary and reception in fellowship hall after concert 3:00-7:30 p.m. God?s Gift of Sexuality Workshop, Youth Rooms and Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer in the Style of Taiz?, Sanctuary Monday, 11/16 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm Tuesday, 11/17 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Conference Rm Wednesday, 11/18 7:00 p.m. Child Care Council, Conference Rm Thursday, 11/19 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 1:00 p.m. Presbytery Meeting, Knox Presbyterian Church 6:30-7:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30-9:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm Friday, 11/20 Saturday, 11/21 2:00 p.m. Kid Stuff Fashion Show, FH 7:00 p.m. Gallimaufry Potluck and Planning Meeting, Library Sunday, 11/22 REIGN OF CHRIST SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship 6:00-7:30 p.m. Crossroads 4:45 p.m. Middle school youth and families meet at Columbia Mall food court prior to movie at 6:00 p.m.: IMAX 3D presentation of A Christmas Carol. Rev. 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/20091113/33eb4c7b/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/20091113/33eb4c7b/attachment.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 88262 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091113/33eb4c7b/attachment-0001.obj From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Fri Nov 13 18:28:35 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:28:35 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour, deadline November 30, 2009 Message-ID: <00fb01ca64b9$05d14a90$1173dfb0$@org> Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour New Picture (23).bmp The Treasury, Petra, Jordan Dear Friends: Just one last reminder.. Petra - Byzantine churches of Jordan - Roman ruins of Jerash - the pyramids at Giza - follow the footsteps of the first monks in the Egyptian desert - tour Alexandria. I've put together a Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour that will include some of these sites - and much more - scheduled for next year, April 7-16, 2010. There will also be an extension option to visit St. Catherine's Monastery & Mt. Sinai (April 17-18, 2010). If you're interested in coming along, there's plenty of space for you! For this trip I'm working with Illume, a travel agency that specializes in tours to religious sites. I've enjoyed working with them thus far and have colleagues who have been very pleased with Illume's services. Illume has set up a Travel Resource Center for the tour: www.travelillume.com/trc/kkv. Here you will find a detail itinerary and price list - everything you need to know about the tour. Application deadline is November 30, 2009. Interested? Pray about it. Have any questions? Give me a call or send me an email. Peace, Ken Rev. 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/20091113/9a8f7df1/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 31109 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091113/9a8f7df1/attachment.obj From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Fri Nov 20 11:59:08 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:59:08 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] FW: TidingsNovember 16, 2009.doc In Pursuit of Affordable Health Care Message-ID: <006a01ca6a02$c6a6f5f0$53f4e1d0$@org> ?? November 16, 2009 Square USA Flag IN PURSUIT OF AFFORDABLE, QUALITY HEALTH CARE As a body of faith, the Presbyterian Church (USA) supports a single payer universal health care system as ?the best response to the moral imperative of the gospel? to serve the least of these. We have come to realize that a single payer system for health care will not be politically possible. So, instead, members of the Presbytery of Baltimore are urging Congress to approve legislation that offers a viable public option. The Health Care bill approved a week ago by the House of Representatives offers a public option that would make health care available to those who are: currently uninsured by an employer; self-employed and cannot afford it; denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions; and, reluctant to seek medical care. However, the bill contains some language that PCUSA find unpalatable. The bill offers the option of government subsidized health insurance; however, it also includes less appealing language about certain medical services for women and health care for undocumented immigrants. Although the proposed health care bill isn?t perfect, it does offer some competition to large for-profit insurance companies that will, hopefully, result in affordable health coverage for a greater number of Americans. Compromise is sometimes hard to live with, but when we have a chance to improve the health care of millions more than are currently covered we must act now to do so. As Presbyterians, we continue to embrace a faith-inspired vision of health care that is inclusive, affordable, accessible and accountable. Here is a way to improve the common good in the public square. Please contact your Representative and Senator and ask them to support a bill that provides a viable public option for health care. Maryland?s senators are Barbara Mikulski at Mikulski at senate.gov and Ben Cardin at Cardin at senate.gov. If you are unsure how to contact your representative, please email jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org and I will help you. Julie Erickson, Director of Public Policy Inside this Issue Take Note/Act Now ? Prayer Vigil in Annapolis ? Presbyterian Youth Triennium ? Square Dance for Mission ? DivorceCare ? Board of Pension ? Insurance Board ? Mid-East Travel ? Free Church Furniture ? Organist wanted Presbytery Meetings Stated Meetings Nov. 19th at1pm Council Meeting Nov. 10th at 7pm Vision Meeting Nov. 10th at 4pm Committee Meeting Dec. 1st Note: Meeting Papers for Thursday?s 837th Gathering of the Presbytery were unavailable at the publishing of Tidings. The meeting papers will be placed on the Presbytery?s website once they are made available by the Stated Clerk. Praise & Prayer Please pray for the Rev. Sidney Venable of Mount Hebron Presbyterian Church and Roger Powers of Light Street Presbyterian Church as their congregations continue to share the love of God in Christ through worship, transformative discipleship and compassionate service. ******** Renewing the Vision: Please pray that all of our various visioning discussions may be infused with God?s Spirit. To be placed on the prayer list, email: revans at baltimorepresbytery.org 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 website. Take Note/Act Now Presbytery of Baltimore On Tuesday, December 15th, the Presbytery will participate in a Prayer Vigil at11:30am on Lawyer?s Mall in Annapolis to thank Gov. Martin O?Malley for protecting funds for the state?s temporary disability assistance program. Email jerickson at baltmorepresbytery.org. Sign up now for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. For details, click PYT . Church Notices Want to have fun and kick up your heals? Brown Memorial Park Ave. Presbyterian Church is sponsoring a Square Dance from 7pm to10pm on Friday, Nov. 20th at Govan?s Presbyterian Church to support its mission program. For details, click Brown Downtown. Central Presbyterian Church is offering DivorceCare (www.DivorceCare.com ) at 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesdays until Dec. 23rd, 2009. The goal is to promote healing and a restoration of balance in the lives of those moving through separation or divorce. Synod and General Assembly Items Board of Pension (updated 11/09) report, click here . Have faith ? but, insure your ministry, too. The Insurance Board of the United Church of Christ offers options for your ministry. For details, click Insurance Board. Other Items and Events Wanna see the pyramids of Giza close up? Visit Jordan-Egypt with Rev. Ken Kovacs. For details, click Mid-East Travel. In the Spring 2010, Second Presbyterian Church will replace the seating in its chapel and is offering 30 solid oak pews (seat 11 to 12 people) to any interested church. For details, email tblair at secondpresby.org Organist Position ? Woods Memorial in Severna Park, MD, has an opening for an Organist. To apply, please send an e-mail with resume to Dong-Hyuk Lee, Music Director at dong-hyuklee at woodschurch.org. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord at baltimorepresbytery.org Bill Millen, Assoc. Executive bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk vbrown at baltimorepresbytery.org Deb Milcarek Associate of Mission and Justice dmilcarek at baltimorepresbytery.org Jane Johnson Assoc. for Leadership Development, Education and Youth jjohnson at baltimorepresbytery.org Roger Evans Coordinator of Information Services revans at baltimorepresbytery.org Julie Erickson Director of Public Policy jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org Judy Binkley Hunger Action Enabler jbinkley at baltimorepresbytery.org Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan at baltimorepresbytery.org Deborah I. Greene Coordinator of Communications dgreene at baltimorepresbytery.org Questions office at baltimorepresbytery.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 5194 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091120/6d5f20ad/attachment-0001.jpe From dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org Fri Nov 20 15:46:05 2009 From: dboulton at catonsvillepresb.org (Dorothy Boulton) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:46:05 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] enewsletter for Nov 22 Message-ID: <000001ca6a22$812469c0$6a01a8c0@asstpastor> Worship Preview Reign of Christ Sunday _______________________ I will have nothing to do with a God who cares only occasionally. I need a God who is with us always, everywhere, in the deepest depths as well as the highest heights. It is when things go wrong, when the good things do not happen, when our prayers seem to have been lost, that God is most present. We do not need the sheltering wings when things go smoothly. We are closest to God in the darkness, stumbling along blindly. We need to say "thank you" whenever possible, even if we are not able to reconcile the human creature's will with the Maker's working out of the pattern. Thanks and praise are, I believe, some of the threads with which the pattern is woven. Madeleine L'Engle Sermon: Pass the Stuffing Text: Deuteronomy 8:7-18; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 I thank God for his blessings, And the mercies he's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed. Jimmie Dean On this Sunday before our national holiday of Thanksgiving, as the old hymn goes, "We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing." In doing so, we remember who we are by giving thanks to God for all that God has done for us. Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin; God, our Maker, does provide for our wants to be supplied; Come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home. See you in worship! Dorothy __________________________________ Things you need to know. For the week of November 22, 2009 Child Caregivers for this Sunday are Nilsen and Wilson. Christian Education Youth Groups Tonight: Crossroads senior highs are invited to an evening of Continuing Adventures With Sam & Rai at the church, 6-7:30 p.m. - a great way to start the Thanksgiving holiday. Rising Stars (middle school youth) are gathering at Columbia Mall at 4:45 p.m. for dinner, then heading over to see the 6:10 p.m. A Christmas Carol in IMAX - 3D. Tickets have been pre-purchased, so check the AMC moviewatcher website to see if any additional are available. November 29 - no youth group meetings. Enjoy the holiday weekend. Church School Mission: We begin our McKim Center Christmas party toy collection next week. Bring in an unwrapped toy for a girl or boy, elementary through middle school, and place it under our Jesse tree in the sanctuary. These gifts are shared at the community center's holiday party. Let's help make the season bright for our Baltimore City mission partners. Sunday, November 29, is the first Sunday of Advent. The word advent means "coming." This season of the church year is a time of preparation and reflection: we are getting ready for the gift of God's love in the birth of Jesus. Please join us in getting ready by participating in some of CPC's many ministries: Church school, Children's music, The Big Advent Feast, McKim gift collection, Cookie Walk to benefit Heifer International, Christmas Eve worship, Adult Education, Advent Journaling, and more. As you and your family prepare for Christmas, we pray that your lives are blessed with hope, peace, love, and joy. Advent Resources from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Click on to "Resources for Advent" at www.pcusa.org for resources such as Ideas for Reclaiming Advent and Christmas. Plus, there's a daily devotion for youth, Following the Star, at www.d365.org. Growing in God's Grace: Join us on Sunday mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the library. Child care is always provided. November 29-December 20: Images of the Nativity. For the four Sundays of Advent we will enter into the story of Jesus' birth through the power of images. The joy, the wonder, the beauty, the glory of the Nativity has been a welcomed subject for artists since the time of the early church. Each week we'll look at several of these works as a way to visually enter into the birth narratives. A speaker from the Walters Art Gallery will be here on Sunday, December 6. Led by Ken Kovacs & Nina Lagervall. Mission About Our Coffee: For many years, the church has served fairly traded coffee from an organization that buys from small farmers, Equal Exchange. Even though we no longer sell those coffees and other products to members, we continue to act responsibly by buying from Equal Exchange. Check out their website www.equalexchange.coop/pcusa. 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. Facebook: Many CPC members and friends have a Facebook profile page. If you are already a member of Facebook, then you might wish to join the Catonsville Presbyterian Church Facebook group. Just type "Catonsville Presbyterian" in the Facebook search engine and then request to join. For more information, see www.facebook.com. Stewardship Growing in God's Grace" Capital Campaign Number of Pledges Received to Date 155 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $ 968,216 Amount Received 11/15/09 $ 920 Amount Paid to Date $1,007,209 The 2009 Per Capita is $30.41 for each member. To date, we have received $3,813.10. Per Capita is an assessment paid to the Presbyterian Church (USA) based on church membership. The CPC assessment is $14,931.31. Per Capita is for administrative expenses of the Presbytery of Baltimore, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and the General Assembly. Our Financial Resources Doing God's Work As of November 21, 2009 Actual Income to Date $395,784 Pro-rated Expenses to Date $ 419,713 Shortfall to Date $ (23,929) It takes $1,285 to fund the daily operations of the church in 2009. 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. Bob Shumaker, Finance Committee Have you submitted your pledge for 2010? If so, thank you! Pledge Report - Closing the Gap 2010 2009 Thru 11/14/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 78 121 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $244,349 $ 338,572 Average Pledge $ 3,132 $ 2,798 Median Pledge $ 2,400 $ 1,800 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 4 $1,200-$1,499 7 $5,000-$10,000 7 $1,000-$1,199 9 $3,000-$4,999 20 $800-$999 1 $2,000-$2,999 11 $500-$799 11 $1,500-$1,999 7 Less than $500 1 ? 73 pledges have been renewed. ? 42 pledges received were increased over last year. ? 5 new pledges have been received. ? 48 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary 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. Annual Fall Grounds Cleanup The Trustees and Boy Scout Troop 306 invite the members of the congregation to join in helping with the annual Fall Grounds Cleanup, on Saturday, November 28, from 9 to Noon. By then, the leaves will be off the trees, and we will need as much help as possible to get the grounds ready for winter. Mark your calendar and come help for part of the morning, even if you can't stay the whole time. Bring your gloves, work shoes/boots, and rakes. It is always helpful to have a few large tarps and some blowers, if you prefer not to rake. Refreshments will be served to all the workers at about 11:45 a.m. Your help is greatly appreciated. Bruce Lutz, Trustees; Ted & Glenda Johnson, CORs, Troop 306 Deck the Hall Unlike local merchants, we wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas! Join us and get in the Christmas spirit on Saturday, December 5, at 9 a.m. to decorate fellowship hall. We will have cider and donuts and (hopefully) Christmas music. All are welcome. Sponsored by Gallimaufry. For more information, contact Sidney Turner at 410-788-8427 or vankoten at verizon.net. Also, mark your calendars for Saturday, January 9, at 9 a.m., when the decorations will be taken down. Partners Needed for Advent Spiritual Practice Our denominational magazine, Presbyterians Today, offers a unique Advent opportunity - journaling each day in Advent following a short reflection and prayer. Fortunately, no skills as a writer or artist are needed: it's simply an invitation to enter the reflection through writing, drawing, painting, collage, photography, computer-accessed images . whatever! I'll provide the booklet; all you need is a blank book or an empty binder. I'll have materials available for 10 people. Come see me - let's spend time this Advent on a journaling adventure. -Dorothy Boulton Annual Congregation Art Show "More Than One" is the theme for our congregation art exhibit starting December 6 and running through January 16, 2010. Members of all ages may submit all types of visual art. Hanging art must be ready to hang with a wire on the back. Pick up an entry form in the library or in the church office, and pay attention to dates and times. Entries must be submitted to the church office by Wednesday, December 2. Because of limited space, the Art Committee reserves the right to decide which art will be displayed. Please direct questions to Connie Renner, 410-997-4168. Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour I've put together a Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour scheduled for April 7-16, 2010, that will include Petra - Byzantine churches of Jordan - Roman ruins of Jerash - the pyramids at Giza - following the footsteps of the first monks in the Egyptian desert - touring Alexandria - and much more. An extension option to visit St. Catherine's Monastery & Mt. Sinai (April 17-18) will also be available. Illume travel agency has set up a Travel Resource Center for this tour: www.travelillume.com/trc/kkv. Here you will find a detailed itinerary and price list - everything you need to know about the tour. Application deadline is November 30. Interested? Pray about it. Have any questions? Give me a call or send me an email. Ken Kovacs A Glimpse Into Our Past Question: In a 1927 church bulletin, our second pastor, Rev. John Nesbitt, made this plea: "I still need $150.00. Any contributions, however small, will help." What did he need the money for? Answer: Rev. Nesbitt explained: "B.N. is a boy without a home whom your minister placed in a boarding school last fall several weeks after school began. He has just finished the year and received first prize for scholarship in the lower school and the first prize in an essay contest. I still need $150.00 to cover his expenses for the year just closing. Any contributions, however small, will help to give this deserving boy an opportunity to win his way." The BIG ADVENT F*E*A*S*T Sunday, December 6 Come for part, or come for all 5:15 - 6:00 pm: Holiday Crafts 6:00 - 7:15 pm: Food & Fellowship Main dish and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Filling out the form below and placing it in the offering plate will help us get ready for our celebration. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ____ Yes! I'd like to attend the potluck. Please reserve spaces for ______ people. Name________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091120/ab0f8021/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 776 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091120/ab0f8021/attachment-0002.jpe From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Nov 23 12:29:48 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:29:48 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] TidingsNovember 23, 2009.doc Giving Christmas Joy Message-ID: <004d01ca6c62$8e96c200$abc44600$@org> ?? November 23, 2009 GIVING CHRISTMAS JOY! Star art Yes, I know that Thanksgiving is this week ? so why am I writing about the Christmas Joy Offering now? I do so because I am so thankful for what the Board of Pensions does with its half of the offering. The array of offerings is so significant, that I wonder why we who serve churches do not do more to encourage giving. And now is the time when you need to be planning for presenting this giving opportunity to your congregations. Last year the Board of Pensions gave more than 1900 people almost 6.5 million dollars of aid. In our Presbytery at least one person applied for Adoption Assistance, several applied for Transition to College Assistance, another has received income assistance allowing him and his family to remain in their home. Others have benefited from the CREDO program. Some have received funding for a clergy colleague group. Significant support is provided to ministers in smaller congregations who need help paying their seminary debt while others can receive a stipend for a sabbatical . I have known many ? and not just ministers ? who have received assistance through the shared grant program. And I just learned that a few weeks ago the Board of Pension awarded the presbyteries of Baltimore, National Capital, and New Castle a $15,000 grant to provide Leadership Education through Heartwood and Ann Philbrick. Over time, most all of us who serve the church will benefit directly from the Board?s program and so will the churches we serve. I challenge you to check out the Board?s Assistance Programs and then, out of gratitude, challenge your congregations to be even more generous in their support of the Christmas Joy Offering. Especially in these days when the Board?s investment income has been reduced, support through the Christmas Joy Offering is essential in providing these amazing opportunities. I hope you will be generous and that you can encourage others to join you in that generosity. Blessings, Peter Nord Inside this Issue Take Note/Act Now ? Presbytery Holiday Closing ? Deadline: 2009 Remittance ? Prayer Vigil in Annapolis ? Presbyterian Youth Triennium ? Divorce Care ? Gallery at Woods ? Board of Pension ? Insurance Board ? FTE Fellowships ? Mid-East Travel ? Free Church Furniture ? Organist wanted Presbytery Meetings Stated Meetings Jan. 28th at1pm Council Meeting Jan 12th at 7pm Vision Meeting Dec. 8th at 3pm Committee Meeting Jan. 5th Praise & Prayer Please pray for the Rev. Leonard C. Hornick of Hughes Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Rev. David C. Harris of Fallston Presbyterian Church as their congregations continue to share the Good News of God?s Grace and love. ******** Please Pray for Samantha Tisinger, daughter of Rev. Steve Tisinger of Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church, who is recuperating from orthopedic surgery; Deb Milcarek, Associate for Mission, Peace & Justice and the Rev. Jane Johnson, Associate for Leadership Development, Education and Youth who are both recovering from illnesses. ******** Renewing the Vision: As we work through this discernment process, may we find our way to God?s will and not just our own agendas. To be placed on the prayer list, email: revans at baltimorepresbytery.org 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 Take Note/Act Now Presbytery of Baltimore The Presbytery of Baltimore will be closed Thursday Nov 26th and Friday Nov. 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Friday, January 8th 2010 at noon is the deadline for churches to submit Remittances for FY2009. For details, email jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org. On Tuesday, Dec. 15th, the Presbytery will participate in a Prayer Vigil at11:30am on Lawyer?s Mall in Annapolis to thank Gov. Martin O?Malley for protecting funds for the state?s temporary disability assistance program. Email jerickson at baltmorepresbytery.org. Sign up now for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. For details, click PYT . Church Notices Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church presents Gian Carlo Menotti? classic one act opera, "Amahl and the Night Visitors," at 7:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 5th and at 3pm on Sunday, Dec. 6th. Admission is $10. For details call 410.592.9121. Central Presbyterian Church is offering DivorceCare (www.DivorceCare.com ) at 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesdays until Dec. 23rd, 2009. The goal is to promote healing and a restoration of balance in the lives of those moving through separation or divorce. The Gallery at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is exhibiting paintings by local artists in various subject matter and media. The exhibit is open 9am-9pm Monday through Thursday (weekends by appointment) until Dec. 27th. For details call Nancy Saarlas at 410.647.0135 Synod and General Assembly Items Board of Pension (updated 11/09) report, click here . Have faith ? but, insure your ministry, too. The Insurance Board of the United Church of Christ offers options for your ministry. For details, click Insurance Board. FTE offers fellowships for 2010-2011 academic year ? $1.5 million to be granted to theological students in the U.S. For details, click FTE Fellowships. Other Items and Events Wanna see the pyramids of Giza close up? Visit Jordan-Egypt with Rev. Ken Kovacs. For details, click Mid-East Travel. In the Spring 2010, Second Presbyterian Church will replace the seating in its chapel and is offering 30 solid oak pews (seat 11 to 12 people) to any interested church. For details, email tblair at secondpresby.org Organist Position ? Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD, has an opening for an organist. To apply, please send an e-mail with resume to Dong-Hyuk Lee, Music Director at dong-hyuklee at woodschurch.org. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter pnord at baltimorepresbytery.org Bill Millen, Assoc. Executive bmillen at baltimorepresbytery.org Vaughn L. Brown Jr., Stated Clerk vbrown at baltimorepresbytery.org Deb Milcarek Associate of Mission and Justice dmilcarek at baltimorepresbytery.org Jane Johnson Assoc. for Leadership Development, Education and Youth jjohnson at baltimorepresbytery.org Roger Evans Coordinator of Information Services revans at baltimorepresbytery.org Julie Erickson Director of Public Policy jerickson at baltimorepresbytery.org Judi Forrester Coordinator of Financial Services jforrester at baltimorepresbytery.org Judy Binkley Hunger Action Enabler jbinkley at baltimorepresbytery.org Wanda Morgan Coordinator of Resources wmorgan at baltimorepresbytery.org Deborah I. Greene Coordinator of Communications dgreene at baltimorepresbytery.org Questions office at baltimorepresbytery.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 3702 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091123/4f8cedf5/attachment-0001.jpe From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Mon Nov 23 13:50:39 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:50:39 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Images of the Nativity -- Advent series begins November 29, 2009 Message-ID: <007f01ca6c6d$da5af6b0$8f10e410$@org> nativityposter_b.jpg For the four Sundays of Advent we will enter into the story of Jesus' birth through the power of images. The joy, the wonder, the beauty, the glory of the nativity has been a welcomed subject for artists since the time of the early church. Each week we'll look at several paintings as a way to visually enter into the birth narratives. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091123/e2c68f10/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 97526 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091123/e2c68f10/attachment.obj From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Thu Nov 26 00:00:45 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:45 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Enewsletter for the First Sunday of ADVENT - November 29, 2009 Message-ID: <000001ca6e55$69e7e0c0$3db7a240$@org> cid:image001.jpg at 01C91A43.AE9A5250 First Sunday of ADVENT/ November 29, 2009 Advent Candlelighting: Lydia Reid New Picture (35).bmp "Advent is like sitting in a prison cell. One cannot do anything except hope, pray, and wait; deliverance must come from the outside." Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1909-1945), Letters and Papers from Prison, dated 21st November 1943, Tegel Prison, Berlin, Germany Scripture: Jeremiah 33: 14-16 & Luke 21: 25-36 Sermon: Can't Wait The Luke text is challenging. It refers to the coming of Christ in glory at the culmination of time. It has little to do with the coming birth of Christ. So then why is this the lectionary text for the first Sunday of Advent? Because Advent is more than remembering the "first coming" at Christmas, it's more than remembering Jesus' birth way back when. And Advent is more than getting ready because Christmas is coming again (when it seems like we just did this only yesterday). This is not the focus of our hope during Advent. But, rather, the purpose of this season is to intensify our expectation for God's final fulfillment. Advent turns our attention forward, to a point in the future when all the things God promised in and through the birth of Jesus Christ will be fully realized, embodied and enfleshed in the world. That's the source of our hope. See you in worship! Ken Kovacs Rev. 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/20091126/75cbf056/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/20091126/75cbf056/attachment.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/octet-stream Size: 7511 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://lists.catonsvillepresb.org/pipermail/members-and-friends/attachments/20091126/75cbf056/attachment-0001.obj From kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org Sat Nov 28 14:30:35 2009 From: kkovacs at catonsvillepresb.org (Kenneth Kovacs) Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:30:35 -0500 Subject: [Members-and-Friends] Life in Community for Sunday, November 29 Message-ID: <002401ca7061$42321ec0$c6965c40$@org> cid:image001.jpg at 01C91A43.AE9A5250 First Sunday of ADVENT/ November 29, 2009 butler.jpg Tanya Butler, Nativity with Candles Life in Community: For the Week November 29-December 6 Christian Education Youth Groups: Our next event is the all-church potluck ? The BIG Advent Feast ? on December 6. Youth are helping with crafts, set-up and clean-up. We?re Christmas Caroling on Saturday, December 13, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (senior highs will continue the festivities at the Fromm?s till 7:00 p.m.), and Sunday, December 20, will have holiday fun for senior highs at the church/middle school at the Shumakers from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Church School Mission: The McKim Center Christmas party toy collection continues through December 13. Unwrapped toys for boys/girls elementary through middle school can be placed under the Jesse Tree in the sanctuary. These will be shared at the community center?s holiday party. Let?s help make the season bright for our Baltimore City mission partners. Baltimore Presbytery Senior High Retreat: Please turn in forms and money for the January 22-24 retreat by Sunday, December 13. Extra forms are on the bulletin board in the Crossroads room. Senior High Youth Mission Opportunity: We?ll be serving lunch at Our Daily Bread on Thursday, December 31. Please meet at the church at 8:30 a.m.; we?ll return by 1:30 p.m. Parents are also invited to participate. RSVP to Vince Fromm by December 13, please. Sunday, November 29, is the first Sunday of Advent. The word advent means ?coming.? This season of the church year is a time of preparation and reflection: we are getting ready for the gift of God?s love in the birth of Jesus. Please join us in getting ready by participating in some of CPC?s many ministries: Church school, Children?s music, The Big Advent Feast, McKim gift collection, Cookie Walk to benefit Heifer International, Christmas Eve worship, Adult Education, Advent Journaling, and more. As you and your family prepare for Christmas, we pray that your lives are blessed with hope, peace, love, and joy. Advent Resources from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Click on to ?Resources for Advent? at www.pcusa.org for resources such as Ideas for Reclaiming Advent and Christmas. Plus, there?s a daily devotion for youth, Following the Star, at www.d365.org. Growing in God?s Grace: Join us on Sunday mornings, 9:00?10:00 a.m. in the library. Child care is always provided. November 29; December 6, 13, 20: Images of the Nativity. For the four Sundays of Advent we will enter into the story of Jesus? birth through the power of images. The joy, the wonder, the beauty, the glory of the nativity has been a welcomed subject for artists since the time of the early church. Each week, we?ll look at several paintings as a way to visually enter into the birth narratives. Advent I (Nov. 29): We?ll look at the symbols of the nativity. Advent II (Dec. 6): We?ll welcome Molly Edgars from the Walters Art Gallery, who will lead us through the birth story, starting with the Annunciation, using artwork from the Early-Christian to the contemporary periods. Most of the images will be from the Walters collection. Advent III (Dec. 13): We?ll look at modern and contemporary renderings, often provocative and abstract. Advent IV (Dec. 20): We will explore nativity art from across different cultures. Led by Ken Kovacs & Nina Lagervall. Habitat for Humanity Chesapeake Region and United Churches recently awarded Catonsville Presbyterian Church a framed certificate for their financial support of, and physical participation in, local housing projects. Please stop by the Mission bulletin board opposite the kitchen to view photos of our youth working on one of the homes, a letter of thanks from a new homeowner, and other information highlighting our involvement with these local housing projects. Many thanks to all who participated, with special thanks to Barbara Rice for her tireless coordination of our hands-on participation, snack dates, ?Buy a Brick? fundraiser, and for attending the special interfaith building events held in October. Stewardship Have you submitted your pledge for 2010? If so, thank you! Pledge Report ? Closing the Gap 2010 2009 Thru 11/21/09 Number of Pledges Received to Date 82 121 Total Dollar Amount Pledged $257,609 $ 338,572 Average Pledge $ 3,140 $ 2,798 Median Pledge $ 2,400 $ 1,800 The pledges received so far breakdown as follows: $10,000 or more 4 $1,200-$1,499 7 $5,000-$10,000 8 $1,000-$1,199 9 $3,000-$4,999 21 $800-$999 2 $2,000-$2,999 12 $500-$799 11 $1,500-$1,999 7 Less than $500 1 ? 77 pledges have been renewed. ? 46 pledges received were increased over last year. ? 5 new pledges have been received. ? 44 pledged last year but have not yet pledged this year. Respectfully submitted, David Carr, Pledge Secretary The 2009 Per Capita is $30.41 for each member. To date, we have received $3,844.10. Per Capita is an assessment paid to the Presbyterian Church (USA) based on church membership. The CPC assessment is $14,931.31. Per Capita is for administrative expenses of the Presbytery of Baltimore, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and the General Assembly. Our Financial Resources Doing God?s Work As of November 28, 2009 Actual Income to Date $ 406,455 Pro-rated Expenses to Date $ 429,752 Shortfall to Date $ (23,297) It takes $1,285 to fund the daily operations of the church in 2009. 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. Bob Shumaker, Finance Committee Deacons Holiday Food Drive Thanks to your generosity, we were able to deliver 614 pounds of food to CEFM (Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries) for the Thanksgiving food drive. $330 was contributed to purchase supermarket gift cards, with an additional $200 donated by the Strawberry Festival committee. Thanks, too, to our Child Care Center families for participating in this ministry. Blessings, everyone! Deck the Hall Unlike local merchants, we wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas! Join us and get in the Christmas spirit on Saturday, December 5, at 9 a.m. to decorate fellowship hall. We will have cider and donuts and (hopefully) Christmas music. All are welcome. Sponsored by Gallimaufry. For more information, contact Sidney Turner at 410-788-8427 or vankoten at verizon.net. Also, mark your calendars for Saturday, January 9, at 9 a.m., when the decorations will be taken down. Partners Needed for Advent Spiritual Practice Our denominational magazine, Presbyterians Today, offers a unique Advent opportunity ? journaling each day in Advent following a short reflection and prayer. Fortunately, no skills as a writer or artist are needed: it?s simply an invitation to enter the reflection through writing, drawing, painting, collage, photography, computer-accessed images whatever! I?ll provide the booklet, all you need is a blank book or an empty binder. I?ll have materials available for 10 people. Come see me ? let?s spend time this Advent on a journaling adventure. ?Dorothy Boulton Annual Congregation Art Show ?More Than One? is the theme for our congregation art exhibit starting December 6 and running through January 16, 2010. Members of all ages may submit all types of visual art. Hanging art must be ready to hang with a wire on the back. Pick up an entry form in the library or in the church office, and pay attention to dates and times. Entries must be submitted to the church office by Wednesday, December 2. Because of limited space, the Art Committee reserves the right to decide which art will be displayed. Please direct questions to Connie Renner, 410-997-4168. Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour I?ve put together a Jordan-Egypt Pilgrimage Tour scheduled for April 7-16, 2010, that will include Petra ? Byzantine churches of Jordan ? Roman ruins of Jerash ? the pyramids at Giza ? following the footsteps of the first monks in the Egyptian desert ? touring Alexandria ? and much more. An extension option to visit St. Catherine?s Monastery & Mt. Sinai (April 17-18) will also be available. Illume travel agency has set up a Travel Resource Center for this tour: www.travelillume.com/trc/kkv. Here you will find a detailed itinerary and price list ? everything you need to know about the tour. Application deadline is November 30. Interested? Pray about it. Have any questions? Give me a call or send me an email. Ken Kovacs Calendar for November 29?December 6, 2009 Sunday, 11/29 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship Monday, 11/30 9:00 a.m. Counters, Conference Rm Tuesday, 12/1 9:30 a.m. Quilting Group, Conference Rm Wednesday, 12/2 10-11:30 a.m. Concert Series Board, Library 5:30-7:00 p.m. Finance Committee, Conference Rm 7:00 p.m. Session, Library Thursday, 12/3 10:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 6:30-7:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:30-9:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm Friday, 12/4 Saturday, 12/5 9:00 a.m. Gallimaufry and Friends Decorate Fellowship Hall Sunday, 12/6 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 9:00 a.m. Church School 9:00 a.m. Adult Education, Library 10:30 a.m. Worship: Sacrament of the Lord?s Supper 11:30 a.m. Congregation Art Show, Library BIG ADVENT FEAST: 5:15-6:00 p.m. Holiday Crafts 6:00-7:15 p.m. Food & Fellowship (Main meal and drinks provided; please bring side dish or dessert.) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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