THE CHURCH TOWER
The Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore
Connecting Christ & Community
Newsletter of the Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore · Volume 57 · Number 9 · October 2011
How to Dress to Look Your Best
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with
love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12,14
W
e put forth a great amount of effort to
look our best. As individuals and as a
Christian congregation, we strive hard not
only to make a good first impression but to
live up to the best expectations we have of
ourselves. As they say, beauty is more than
skin deep.
When we dress to look our very best it is
crucial to remember that of all the things
we wear, it is what lies underneath that is
most important.
There is a field of study called ‘body
language’ in which people develop the skill
of reading what other people are saying by
gestures, expressions, and general body
movement. People who sit on the edge of
their chair while talking to you are expressing in body
language the desire to leave, no matter what they say
verbally.
The whole idea of this study is that body language
reveals the truth. Body language is unconscious,
reflecting uncensored feelings. People may try to deceive
you with words, but it is almost impossible to deceive
with body language. It is a type of communication that
flows unedited from the core of the human heart and
mind.
Think of the faces you saw yesterday; wordless
messages being broadcast. Some were angry, some were
anxious. Some were filled with unmistakable hurt even
though they uttered not a single word about it. In some
eyes you could see the chains on a human soul. Some
faces mirror a calm and peaceful look in
which the wearer of that face has all the
diverse elements of life in manageable
units.
What about your face? Whether or not
you have a ‘beautiful face’ is of far less
consequence than you think. We have all
seen mean-spirited people with ‘beautiful
faces.’ It’s been said that nothing is more
unpleasant than a virtuous (good looking)
person with a mean mind. We have all
seen common faces made beautiful by an
expression of gentleness and love that
flowed from the heart. Beauty is not only
in the eye of the beholder, it is more likely
in the eye of the one beheld.
The most effective way to demonstrate
beauty in life is to share from the heart what God has
given you. This applies to individuals just the same as
groups of people. It is particularly true of people gathered
as the body of Christ in the church.
As we gather throughout this month to celebrate the
beauty of our newly renovated spaces, my prayer is that
we may all reflect the splendor of our creator in our lives
and with our deeds, expressing the overflowing gratitude
that comes with a deep recognition of God’s everlasting
goodness and mercy to us.
Remember, Rejoice, Renew!
Stewardship Campaign 2012
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Session Highlights—June 21, 2011
The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair
Pastor
The Rev. Jenn DiFrancesco
Associate Pastor
Joyce Zimmerman
Pastoral Assistant
Cecilia Amaral, MS
Pastoral Counselor
Philip Olsen
Music Director
Liz Sesler-Beckman
Associate Director of Music
Sarah Thober
Handbell Choir Director
JoAnn Minarchick
Office Administrator
Moderator Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Blair opened the Stated Session meeting.
Elders Eloise Bensberg and Nancy Getter led the opening worship, which focused
on breathing, the breath of God and the Holy Spirit. Although the Session often
engages in spirited, sometimes difficult, discussions, we come together at the end
with prayer and a sense of peace. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, helping the
Session do its work through individual participation creating a unified whole. The
Elders sang four verses of “Breathe on Me, Breath of God.”
The Session continued its discussion concerning how Second Presbyterian
Church can be a resource to the community in light of the imminent re-opening
of the renovated facilities. Dr. Blair noted that the celebration of the new facilities
should not be just about Second, but should also be about the community: “For
God so loved the world . . .” The Elders explored a number of ideas for involving
our neighbors in Guilford and the greater Baltimore community in the life of the
church.
As usual, the Session received and reviewed reports from the Pastors, from the
Trustees, and from Councils and Committees at its Stated Meeting. In particular,
Dr. Blair spoke about the new Presbyterian Form of Government. He distributed a
study guide and a comparison with the current Book of Order to the Elders.
In addition, the Session:
• Approved holding a single worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 3,
2011.
• Approved the baptism of Andrew Stirling Johnston, son of Kristin and
Jamie Johnston, on July 10, 2011.
• Approved Dr. Blair’s request to conduct the marriage of Laura Tschop
and Neil Hobbins on August 13, 2011.
• Reviewed news about those on the Pastoral Prayer and Concerns list –
health problems, bereavements, difficult situations, but also joys. Prayers
were offered for those in need of support and care, and for their families.
Dr. Blair and the Elders closed with individual prayers of thanks and
intercession by those present and with the Lord’s Prayer.
‡Leslie Owsley for the Session
Chris Allison
Electronic Media Coordinator
Julie Evans
Print Publications Coordinator
Christian Education Assistant
Mary Jo Gibson
Bookkeeper
Vernon Wise
Sexton
Second Presbyterian Church
4200 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 410.467.4210 Fax:
410.467.4287
E-mail: [email protected]
Sermons: October 2011
October 2—One 10 a.m. service
Matthew 21:33-46
“Reaching Out—Drawing Near,
in Christ’s Name”
The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair
October 9
Matthew 22:1-14
“A Marriage Made in Heaven”
The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair
October 16
Matthew 22:15-22
“A Light That Shines As Far
as We Can Step”
The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair
2
October 23
Matthew 22:34-46
“Returning to Love”
The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair
October 30
Matthew 23:1-12
“Practicing and Repenting”
The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair
Image courtesy of halloweenclipart.com
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Reflections on September Mission Trip to First Fruits Farm
We prayed, then followed Richard Bernstein the owner
of First Fruits to the potato field. As we collected our
buckets we sat on the ground and played in the dirt,
pulling out rocks, rotten potatoes, small gourmet potatoes
and large potatoes from the earth. The soil sifting through
our hands was rusty orange and smooth in texture, leaving
a light silt on our clothing. Initially we would fill a bucket
and carry it to the truck. While I was waiting in line to
empty my bucket, Cori would wander over to another set
of workers and start chatting them up and filling their
buckets. I’d bring an empty bucket and I would join in on
her conversation.
Cori and I found ourselves at the end of the field at one
point, finding empty buckets and filling them, then
moving onto the next spot. At one point all of our buckets
were full, and we made piles of potatoes ready to be
Seated/Kneeling in front (from left) James Woods, Ellie Paulk,
Maggie Paulk, Jenn DiFrancesco, Cori Strain, Grace Serafini
Standing: JT Paulk, Andrew Birmingham, Sharon Pippert, Nick
(Hopkins friend), Zhen Lu, Emily Mayer-Bacon
I
had the date set on my calendar for two weeks. It was
an intriguing idea to go pick fruit and veggies at a farm
– it had been ages since I had done that. As the day
approached my usual family obligations fell away.
Absolved of shopping for the parents, husband working,
Kate heading to a concert, just Cori and I. It was a mad
rush leaving the house, we had to turn back and get gloves
after we neared the JFX. I was stressed and worried we’d
be very late. Little did I know that Calvin Brown would
die on the JFX within 10minutes of us passing the same
location?
When we arrived at First Fruits the early arrivers had
already packed 2 truckloads of green beans into large
produce bags ready to be shipped off to local food
pantries.
Cori Strain and Sharon Pippert gather potatoes
placed in buckets. There’s a relaxing rhythm to picking
potatoes. At one point a series of men came near us to
empty our buckets and bring us more. Together with
United Way, Second Presbyterian picked over nine tons of
potatoes off of the ground, placed them into buckets and
loaded them into trucks – ready for the next group of
volunteers to pack those potatoes. These potatoes would
be donated to food pantries throughout Maryland and
Pennsylvania.
After our adventure, I realized we had no potatoes in
our home, so in our soiled clothing Cori and I went to
Wegman’s for lunch and bought a five-pound bag of
potatoes. Some how it didn’t matter what we looked like
– we had done good!
‡ Grace Serafini
Ellie and Maggie Paulk help with the green beans
3
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Mission Connections: Presbyterian World Mission
A letter from Tim and
Gloria Wheeler in
Honduras
B
efore sharing about our mission
activities we would like to share
more about us. Gloria and I have been
serving in Gloria’s country of
Honduras since 1990. Before that I
worked with Heifer International,
building up the program in Honduras,
and Gloria was a public employee in
the Ministry of Economics. Our
daughters were all born in Honduras
and went to a bilingual school through
high school. Today all three are
pursuing careers in the United States,
combining study with work as they
continue in their chosen fields of
study.
Gloria and I will be celebrating 33
years of marriage this coming week.
The sensation of time passing
encourages us to concentrate on the
present, on where we are and what we
are doing as a unique opportunity that
we have been given. We also have a
feeling that things always are changing
in one sense, but in another sense many
things remain the same and it is our
perception of them that changes. In any
event, we have high motivation to
respond to community needs around us
in a responsible way, using the
appreciative inquiry approach of seeing
what is going well and what can be
improved upon. In the process we are
always trying to build people up with
skills, self-esteem, and spiritual
wholeness. We are doing this by
hosting mission teams that serve in
communities along with educating
study tours of visitors and serving in
the role of advisor to programs and
people in Heifer programs in the
region.
We have written about the
community of Cerro Azul previously.
Now I would like to relate a personal
story of a member of a church in
Tegucigalpa. Many days can be a
mixture of emotions and feelings about
what we are involved in, our highs and
our lows. I was reminded of this
mixture of emotions just the other day
when a youth mission team was visiting
and working in a pretty rough
neighborhood helping to build the
house of Armando, who is a member of
the local congregation.
We visited his present dwelling
where he lives with his mother, sister
and niece; a one-room structure made
of material scraps in a public area. The
group members peered in and saw only
one bed and asked where everyone
sleeps. Unfortunately, this is the reality
for some people around Tegucigalpa;
the poorest 20 percent of the poor
people live in this way. Luckily,
Armando belongs to the church and a
mission committee has been formed
and is trying to assist those who most
need it. The sharp contrast between that
dwelling and the new house that he is
Armando with his mother
building with the assistance of mission
team support is vivid as is part of the
story that we would like to
communicate. One day as he gazed
over the foundation and the beginning
of the walls going up he exclaimed to
Gloria: “This is a lot of house for me—
all of our belongings will fit in one of
these rooms. I never imagined that one
day I would have my own house and
that it would be so nice.” Surely
Armando is feeling the hand of God
over him, guiding him and protecting
him, and the warmth of the Spirit as he
brings about the transformation of a
new reality for himself and his family.
As the mission team youth hauled
materials to the site, sliding in mud and
with sweat running down their faces,
they were met with the hollow stares of
neighborhood youth, young people
with no jobs or high school education,
4
Gloria and Tim Wheeler
no real hope or plan for the future.
Some are members of gangs who
consider the neighborhood to be their
territory. This is the reality of the world
where we are located; sharp contrasts,
big challenges, and few answers
coming from the public sector. That is
why it is very important that the human
solidarity and effort to change the
reality of one person at a time as part of
God’s plan is so important. I was
reminded that this mixture of
contrasting feelings is the way that
many days are and the reality that many
of us are in; but then again it is a sharp
reminder that this is why we are here,
to be in a place where it isn’t that easy
to be, where there is suffering and
hardship around us, to bring some hope
in some way in a wanting and broken
world. “…let us not love with words
or tongue, but with actions and in
truth” (1 John: 3:18).
At the end of the day, the mission
leader commented to me that she
thought the youth had learned a lot that
day; they had learned about the
contrasts that we have in the real world
and that everything is not perfect. They
had seen wonderful hope in the eyes of
Armando and the emptiness of the
looks from some Honduran youth. This
is the real world and this is why we are
here.
Thank you for your prayers and
support for us and for others around the
world.
Faithfully,
Tim and Gloria Wheeler
Apartado 15027
Colonia Kennedy
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Good News!
Taking a cue from the NBC Nightly News segment
“Making a Difference,” the Caring and Fellowship
Council endeavors to highlight the “Good News” within
our congregation.
•
• Tracy Russell (left, with Frauke
Davidsen), co-owner of the Black
Sheep Yarn Shop in Cockeysville,
won a blue ribbon at the Maryland
State Fair for her hand-knitted alpaca
cardigan. She also won a blue ribbon
and the President’s award for her
knitted golf club covers pictured above. The President
of the State Fair gives out two awards for knitted or
crocheted items of his/her choice. Their clever design
includes a symbol on each cover, which put together
becomes the “bleeped” version of a frustrated golfer’s
utterance after a missed putt or drive that went awry.
Nancy and Bob Flower are happy to announce the
marriage of their daughter, Abigail to James Wallace.
The wedding was held on August 13th at All Saints
By-the-Sea Church on Southport Island, Maine. The
reception was at the Coastal Maine Botanical
Gardens. Does the minister look familiar? The day
was made even more special because the Reverend
Michelle Hwang officiated at the ceremony - her first
wedding. Abby and James live in New York where
Abby is a physicist with the Phillips Corporation and
James is a computer tech teacher at The Chapin
School in Manhattan.
“Church: You are not too bad to come in. You are not
too good to stay out.”
If something has put a smile on your face, please call
the church office at 410.467.4210 so that we can share
your “Good News” with our Second Family.
Making a Difference
The REACH Program
Members of the congregation who happen to be in the
area on Saturday mornings may notice some children
entering the building. No, these are not children in the
Sunday School who have their days mixed up. These are
students coming for tutoring with the Remedial Education
And Counseling Help (REACH) Program.
REACH has actually been offering tutoring at Second
Presbyterian since 1982. It is a nonprofit program that
provides tutoring to children from a variety of settings.
Some of the students are from public schools in Baltimore
City, Baltimore County, and even Howard County. Others
have attended private or parochial schools. Some students
have been in special education programs for students with
learning disabilities, while others have been in regular
classes but needed educational support. Other students
have come to prepare for high school entrance tests or for
the SATs.
5
Working in small groups of 3-5 children or
individually with a private tutor, the students have
developed skills in reading, math, written language and
study skills. The tutors are certified in reading or math
and do periodic assessments to monitor the students’
progress. Some students come for a few weeks, while
others stay for years. One student started with the
program in first grade and continued to receive tutoring
until she graduated high school!
The staff of the REACH Program is grateful to Second
Presbyterian for accommodating the program for almost
thirty years now. They are thrilled with the renovations
that include space designated for their classes. The
REACH Program is looking forward to continuing to
serve students in need of educational support. Their goals
for the future are to provide tutoring to additional students
and to obtain funding to update testing materials.
If you would like additional information on the
program, call 410-467-9247.
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Second Family News
October Birthdays
2nd
Rebecca Hesselbacher
Paul Snyder
4th
George Duncan
Susan Laubach
6th
Bruce Elliott
Franklin Stout
Cole Vincent
7th
Abigail Chadeayne
Karen Meyers
8th
Jim Porterfield
9th
Sara Getter
Kathryn Kleiser
Kali Ruppert
10th
Gabrielle Strauss
Maxwell Wodka
12th
Sarah Slingluff
14th
Sarah Elliott
Suzannah Figler
Lynn Flowers
Joshua Siems
15th
Ted Wilson
16th
David Dardis
Jim Smith
Emily Sunderland
18th
Francis Hogle III
Bob Siems
19th
Sophie Elisseeff
Thom Kuhl
Elaine Logan
Anne Slingluff
20th
Leslie Alspaugh
Ann Rosenberg
21st
Jack Romkema
23rd
Ed Gilliss
William Hahn
25th
Jonathan Brant
26th
Ursula McLean
27th
Elisabeth Hardin
Sharon Pippert
29th
Sara Levering
30th
Harry Silverwood
31st
Jan Shipley
Eric Silverwood
We celebrated the birth of:
Oliver James Long on August 28, 2011. Oliver is the son of Rachel
and Seth Long.
We celebrated the wedding of:
Elizabeth Griffin and Nicholas Petrelli on September 17, 2011.
Second Church Fellowship
Tuesdays at Ten
Would you like to explore the Desert of Paran and the Judah
Mountains where the Israelites spent 40 years before entering the
Promise Land? In early October we will visit there as we continue our
video Bible study, “With All Your Heart.” Later in October, we
expect to begin a new program, “Revolutionary: Epic Version,”
based on a fast-paced film that shows Jesus’ life and teaching
depicted as never before in high definition technology. You are
invited to come with us, participate in the dialogues based on video
content and personal home study and enjoy our Christian fellowship
time. We meet on Tuesdays, at 10 a.m. for about one and one-half
hours at the church in the new Meeting Room E (Please use the glass
door entrance by the Chapel on Stratford Rd.) For more information,
please contact Gene Haupt at 410-366-7599 or [email protected].
Helping Hands, Thursday, October 6, 9 a.m.
Many hands make light work and more fun! Our Daily Bread needs
the casseroles of hunter’s stew for 200 that we make in the church
kitchen each month. Please join us about 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. on the
first Thursday (October 6) as we chop, sauté, and mix while getting
to know each other a little better. Come occasionally or regularly,
and/or contact Betsy Bond at 410-296-5554 or
[email protected].
Churchkeepers, Saturday, October 8, 9 a.m.
How wonderful it is to see the new worship spaces! I hope you
have gotten to experience the chapel and sanctuary along with the
renovated areas in the administration wing and lower classrooms. A
lot of hard work and prayer went into these wonderful spaces for all
of us to use.
Now that the work is completed on the new areas, it is time to
think about keeping the spaces clean and orderly. I am overseeing this
ongoing project called “The Churchkeepers”! This will be a group of
volunteers who will offer their help, for a work day every other
month. I will keep a running list of tasks/projects that will be our
work list. The volunteers may change from one work day to another.
This is not intended to be a set group of people.
Our first work day is Saturday, October 8, from 9-11 a.m. We will
be doing some initial reorganizing, polishing silver, rearranging of
hymnals and bibles, plus several other tasks.
I would greatly appreciate your help on the 8th and welcome any
other ideas for projects for this group. Please RSVP to the church if
you can help from 9-11 on October 8th. ‡Holly Pool
(Continued on page 8)
6
9
2
8 p.m. AA
8 p.m. AA
Monday
7
Thursday
Friday
19
30
9 a.m. Worship
8 p.m. AA
10 a.m. Christian Educ.
11 a.m. Worship
31
28
9:30 a.m. Wednesday
Fellowship
7:30 p.m. Prayer
Shawl Ministry
14
7
23
24
25
26
27
9 a.m. Worship
7 p.m. Candlelighters
9 a.m. Larks
9 a.m. Staff Meeting
7 p.m. Handbell Rhsl. 9:30 a.m. Yoga
10 a.m. Christian Educ. 7 p.m. Stephen Minis.
10 a.m. Tuesdays
7 p.m. Personnel
8 p.m. Choir Rhsl.
11 a.m. Worship
8 p.m. AA
at Ten Bible Study Committee
7 p.m. Transformers
7:00 p.m. Deacons
7:30 p.m. Community
Concert
18
9 a.m. Larks
10 a.m. Tuesdays
at Ten Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Session
11
12
13
9 a.m. Larks
9 a.m. Staff Meeting
7 p.m. Handbell Rhsl. 9:30 a.m. Yoga
10 a.m. Tuesdays
7 p.m. Advisory Council 8 p.m. Choir Rhsl.
at Ten Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Trustees
5
6
4
7 p.m. Council Night
9 a.m. Helping Hands 9:30 a.m. Yoga
9 a.m. Larks
7 p.m. Handbell Rhsl.
10 a.m. Tuesdays
at Ten Bible Study
8 p.m. Choir Rhsl.
Wednesday
21
17
10
3
Tuesday
20
7 p.m. Handbell Rhsl. 9:30 a.m. Yoga
7:15 p.m. Inst. for
Christian-Jewish Stud.
8 p.m. Choir Rhsl.
16
8 p.m. AA
9 a.m. Worship
10 a.m. Christian Educ.
11 a.m. Worship
3:30 p.m. Community
Concert at Second
9 a.m. Worship
10 a.m. Christian Educ.
11 a.m. Worship
7 p.m. Transformers
One service only
10 a.m. Worship
Church Reopening
Celebration Picnic
Sunday
October 2011
15
8
1
9 a.m. REACH
29
22
8:30 a.m. Our Daily Bread
Mission Project
9:30 a.m. REACH
9:30 a.m. Community
Concerts Board Mtg.
9 a.m. REACH
9 a.m. REACH
9 a.m. REACH
Saturday
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Wednesday Fellowship Field Trip
Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 9:30 a.m.—2 p.m.
Please join us on our fall trip. This year we will visit
Lovely Lane Methodist Church, historically restored a
few years ago by the same team from Lewis Contractors
that completed Second Church's renovation of our
sanctuary, chapel, and other spaces. We will tour their
sanctuary and learn their story as the “mother church of
American Methodism” under the guidance of their church
historian. Following our tour, we will proceed to
George's Restaurant at the Peabody Court Hotel in Mt.
Vernon for a gracious luncheon.
We will travel by the Action in Maturity bus. We plan
to leave Second Church at 9:30 a.m. and return here by 2
p.m. Total cost of the trip is $30. Please contact Joyce
Zimmerman at the church (410-467-4210) for
reservations.
TAPAS, TALK and THEOLOGY
New Friday Evening Bible Study Group
The year: 1947. A Bedouin shepherd tracks one of his
stray goats into a cave mouth above the shore of the Dead
Sea at a desolate place named Qumran. Inside, he
discovers a pair of tall, thin clay pots. And what he finds
when he opens those pots will be nothing less than the
greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century: the
Dead Sea Scrolls. At times the story of this discovery
reads like a spy thriller novel.
A new Bible Study has just begun – Tapas, Talk and
Theology – and will center on the Dead Sea Scrolls. We
anticipate meeting every other Friday evening in
participants’ homes with light refreshments available; the
format will be a video followed by discussion. The Bible
Study is open to everyone, and is a great opportunity for
fellowship and study.
Please contact Deborah or Dev Slingluff for additional
information at 410-821-7829.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Wednesday, October 19th, 7:30 p.m.
Calling knitters and crocheters (or those
who ever wanted to learn) to join Second
Presbyterian’s prayer shawl ministry
group. The patterns are simple.
Completed shawls are blessed at a church service and
given to fellow members in need of care or comfort. The
October meeting will be held in the home of Nancy
Flower, 11 Dellwood Street, Hunt Valley, MD 21030.
Please contact Nancy at 410-252-8491 or
nanbflower@yahoo if you plan to attend.
Handbell Choir: Ringers Needed
The handbell choir is in need of additional
ringers. We would like to welcome anyone
who with a desire to worship by playing bells.
If you can read music we would love to have
you join us. Our choir consists of musicians with a wide
range of experience. Please prayerfully consider
participating in our choir. Contact Sarah Thober at 410309-7966 or the church office with your questions.
SAVE THE DATES
Candlelighters, Monday, October 24, 7 p.m.
Up for Debate: A Series of conversations about topics
that spark lively conversation
Candlelighters is a women’s group that meets monthly for
fellowship and to deepen our spiritual lives together. This
Fall, the Candlelighters group will be taking a look
through the lens of faith at topics that often spark debate.
Our first topic will be sexuality and faith, with a particular
focus on the bible and recent changes in our
denomination’s Book of Order. All women are welcome!
Candlelighters will meet in the manse.
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Sunday, November 13, 2011
On Sunday, November 13, there will be a congregational
luncheon in Smith Hall following the 11:00 a.m. worship
service. This THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON will be
catered by Harmon Bobbitt who has provided many of
our congregational luncheons in the past. Mark the date
now to join your Second Family as we celebrate the
many blessings that have been bestowed on Second
Presbyterian Church. Details will follow.
Transformers
Sundays, October 9 & 23rd, 7:00 p.m.
Second’s young adult fellowship and Bible study group,
will gather in the manse for dinner and to continue
watching and talking about Diarmaid MacCulloch’s
History of Christianity, the First Three Thousand Years.
Come join us! Rev. Blair helps lead the group to challenge
our studies and discussions. Contact James Woods at 443799-4589 or Rev. Blair at the church at 410-467-4210 for
additional dates and information.
Christmas Party
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Usher in the Christmas season with our annual
CHRISTMAS PARTY at the home of Polly and Bruce
Behrens on Saturday evening, December 3. More details
will be available soon.
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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
It’s Church Officer Nomination Time
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same
Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do
different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we
do.
The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can
speak with wisdom, while other can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come
from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to
heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and
some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different
kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is
the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.”
1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
The Nominating Committee invites you to consider your spiritual gifts and talents
and how they might enrich the life of our congregation through service as a
Deacon, Trustee or Elder. If you feel called to become more engaged, or if you
would like to nominate someone you feel exhibits qualities of church leadership,
please let us know. Complete this nomination form or contact Deborah Slingluff
on the Nominating Committee at [email protected] for more information or
a complete list of officer duties. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
2011 Nominating Committee
Mark Felder
Nancy Furtaw
Keith Getter
Fay Miller
Doris Silverwood
Deborah Slingluff
Dan Tuttle
Nominations for the Office
of
Elder, Deacon, and Trustee
I recommend:
_____________________________
to be considered for election as an
____ Elder
____ Deacon
____ Trustee
for Second Presbyterian Church.
What qualities make this person a
good candidate for church officer?
(Optional)
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Deacons
"It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to
the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. They shall assume
such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the Session."
~The Book of Order
The Board of Deacons of the Second Presbyterian Church strives to support
the mission of the church and to follow the examples of Christ in ministering to
our church community. Deacons are committed to establishing caring
relationships, identifying specific needs, channeling assistance, and offering
support, comfort, encouragement, and faithful attention to others.
Did you know that the Church community is divided into 20 parishes, each
of which is assigned to a deacon? The Deacon role is to reach out to members and
offer their faithful attention and support in times of need and in times of
celebration. Deacons are another pair of ears to listen, a vessel to connect
members to the greater network of the church community, and another welcoming
smile to greet members and their family. Deacons also drive members who need
a ride to and from worship, deliver flowers, serve communion, and serve on a
deacon subcommittee for meals, baby bags or the funeral reception team.
Deacons meet once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
The meetings usually last 1.5 hours.
What our current Deacons say about being a Deacon:
“I get to know people I never knew before.” “I feel like I am part of the
community.” “I’ve learned how the church works.” “I have a greater respect for
(Continued on page 10)
9
_____________________________
_____________________________
Your Name:
_____________________________
Please return this form to the church
office or submit your nomination by
e-mail to [email protected].
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
The Peacemaking Offering
(Nomination of Officers—Continued from page 9)
“A harvest of justice is sown
in peace”
~James 3:18
all of the church officers.” “I’ve learned compassion.” “We are
the hands and feet of the church.”
Trustees
The duties of the Board of Trustees shall be those delegated
by the laws of the state of Maryland, the Constitution of the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Session of the church.
Trustees manage the property, deeds, titles, and funds for the
furtherance of the purpose of the church, subject to the
authority of the Session, and upon the approval of the
congregation.
While there is no prototypical member of the Board of
Trustees, the board regularly discusses the church’s legal,
accounting, and financial issues, as well as the management of
buildings and grounds. Therefore, in addition to spiritual gifts
and leadership characteristics, expertise in one or more of
these functional areas may be an important consideration for
board membership.
Board meetings are generally held once per month, on the
second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.. It is also expected
that there is a representative of the Trustees on each of the
church’s councils and committees.
Elders (G-2.0301 Ruling Elder Defined)
As there were in Old Testament times elders for the
government of the people, so the New Testament church
provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment
of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly,
congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of
faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being
compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not
because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but
because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and
measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and
nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching
elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment,
and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a
congregation as well as the whole church, including
ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation,
they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When
elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders
participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders,
and they are eligible for any office.
The nomination and election of ruling elders and deacons
shall express the rich diversity of the congregation’s
membership and shall guarantee participation and
inclusiveness (F-1.0403).
The Session is responsible for the mission and governance
of this church and retains the final authority on all matters
except those which are lodged with the congregation and/or
Presbytery. Major responsibilities include mission, worship,
church school supervision, stewardship, ministries, annual
budget, installation of officers, personnel, church management,
and membership. The Session meets once monthly on the third
Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
10
O
ctober 2nd is World Communion Sunday, the day that
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations celebrate the
sacrament with Christians around the world. Throughout the
month of October, we also celebrate the Peacemaking Offering,
where we can join with other congregations in supporting peacemaking mission efforts around the world.
God’s love for the entire world (the Greek word for world is
cosmos, which means “all of creation”), sent to us in Jesus Christ,
embodies the peace we seek for all nations and people on earth.
Through the Peacemaking Offering, we can reach out in effort to
share that peace with so many others.
Second continues to sow peace through its support of The
Malalai School for girls in Logar, Afghanistan. Because of our
dedicated financial support, the school now has a 10 kilowatt
solar panel system to generate electricity.
Sowers are needed elsewhere around the world, especially in
places like in Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia as the worst
drought in 60 years affects more than 12 million people.
There is yet need of more seeds of peace to be planted in
Afghanistan and in countries dealing with mass famine. We hope
to plant seeds of hope and peace to these places through our
Peacemaking Offering that begins on October 2nd and continues
through the month.
A generous contribution is one way you can sow a seed of
peace.
There are three easy ways to give:
1) Use gold “World Wide Communion” envelope.
2) Bring or mail a check to the church with “World
Communion” noted in the memo line.
3) Visit www.secondpresby.org, click “Donate” and pay by
credit card or your Paypal account. Be sure to click on “Add
special instructions” on the “Review your Donation” page
and write “World Communion”.
Merci, Merci Beaucoup!!
That is what the folks who depend on the CARES
Food Pantry at Stadium Place will say when you add
a little flair and bring them interesting food items with
a "French" twist. Enough with the beans, tomatoes,
and rice ... this month try to find canned milk, canned
pears, boxed cheeses or crackers, canned beef or pork,
potatoes, or even some lovely jellies, jams, or other
treats. Use your imagination when shopping this
month and try to offer these folks a glimpse of haute
cuisine to wish them bon appetite! What fun it
will for you ... and for them. Merci!
THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Mission Council Activities
Toiletry Drive to Benefit GEDCO’s
Epiphany House, October 2-21
Second Presbyterian Church is teaming up with First
English Lutheran to collect toiletries for the “Toiletries
and Toppings” event being held at the Epiphany House on
Saturday, October 22.
Both congregations will be collecting toiletries and
small household items beginning on October 2 through
October 21. Suggested items (though you are welcome to
bring others) are: toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream,
razors, mouthwash, washcloths, hand towels, dish towels,
shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, cologne, perfume,
Vaseline, lip balm, dental floss, hand lotion, nail clippers,
emery boards, and body soap.
Many of the GEDCO Epiphany House residents are
low-income. This event will help subsidize their income
needs while providing a fun intergenerational activity for
both the residents and volunteers.
Halloween Candy Collection, November 6 &13
Want to get that Halloween candy out of your house
before you eat more than you should? We will be
collecting candy (in baskets in the Rotunda) to give the
Baltimore City Health Department’s Needle Exchange
Program. The program aims to reduce the incidences of
disease from the circulation of unclean needles, and links
users to drug treatment services. In addition, the program
provides testing for Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis C.
Serving a Hot Meal at Our Daily Bread,
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Our Daily Bread (ODB) is committed to serving the
needs of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers. It is
through the generous giving of volunteers that hospitality,
friendship and two meals a day are provided, nourishing
both body and spirit.
ODB is more than just a free hot lunch program. The
Our Daily Bread Employment Center, a three-story,
52,000-square-foot building that spans a city block,
houses the hot meal program as well as two other existing
Catholic Charities programs. Christopher Place
Employment Academy is an 18-month residential
employment program for formerly homeless men.
Maryland Re-entry Partnership is a program that helps exoffenders successfully reintegrate into the community.
Case management and other services from Catholic
Charities are also available.
Our Daily Bread is the only seven-days-a-week free
hot meal program in Maryland that serves and waits on
their guests. ODB serves an average of 770 guests. Guests
include men, women, and children of all ages. Each day,
ODB employs 30-35 volunteers to serve the lunch meal.
Volunteers range in age from 14 to 95, and represent all
religions and races.
The Mission Council of Second Church arranged and
committed to bringing at least 10 people on October 22,
2011. We meet at the church office door at 8:30 a.m.
(though some will meet us at ODB) and carpool down to
the center. We will return after lunch at the center,
usually a little before 1 p.m. Please wear closed-toed
shoes (i.e. no flip flops) and bring a hat to cover your hair.
Walt Disney World
January 13-16, 2012
Middle & High School Students
Cost: $450 per person (includes
conference fees, hotel, airfare, 3
meals, and 3-day Park Hopper Pass
Faith in 3D exists to invite young people of different faith groups to explore our common faith in Jesus Christ
through worship, education, and community building. On January 13-16, 2012 youth from a wide variety of
communions, including The Presbyterian Church (USA), Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Cumberland
Presbyterian Church will meet at Walt Disney World® in Orlando, FL for Faith in 3D.
Each day, youth will gather together as a large community and worship with a contemporary and blended feel,
sometimes with traditions from one of the denominations. The experience of worshipping through different
traditions will bring us closer together as we all seek to uncover the fresh word of God. Participants will spend some
of their time in smaller groups, meeting in the midst of the whole group, where they will laugh, play intentionally
and debrief their worship and study experiences. The Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts are great
places to just “hang out” after a day at the parks or before the day begins. There will be many opportunities for teens
to interact with each other including a rendezvous at the pool on Sunday evening!
Join us! Bring a friend. Please sign up with Rev. Jenn DiFrancesco at [email protected] by
November 1.
11
THE CHURCH TOWER • A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE
Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore
4200 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
return service requested
PERMIT NO. 2571
BALTIMORE, MD
PAID
COMMUNITY CONCERTS at SECOND
October 16—3:30 p.m.
Chinese-born Di Wu, winner of the 13th Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition, will play works by
Debussy, Ravel, and Liszt.
October 23—7:30 p.m.
Robert Kahn’s Serenade in F Minor, Op. 73, Karol
Szymanowski’s String Quartet in C Major, Bela Bartok’s
Contrasts, and Beethoven’s String Quartet No.11 in F Minor
Welcome Back Sunday School!
After receiving a thorough cleaning, fresh paint, and new carpets or flooring, our Sunday School
classrooms and the nursery are back in action.