towson presbyterian churchwe celebrate the joyful news of christ's coming through a special...

December 2019

400 W. Chesapeake Ave. Towson, Maryland 21204

410-823-6500

www.towsonpres.org

The TPC Staff

Rev. Rob Carter Pastor, Senior

Rev. Joel Strom Pastor, Associate

Stephen Harouff

Director of Music/Organist

Jenness Hall Director of Children and

Family Ministry

Tara Flynn Runge Administrative & Communications

Coordinator

Kathryn Bojanowski Business Administrator

Walter Austin

Sexton

Leslie Foretich Director,

Towson Presbyterian Preschool

Dear Friends,

Happy Advent! It’s not a phrase you hear very often. After all, Advent is a weird, paradoxical season in the church—the time for looking back at God’s first coming in the Christ child, while looking ahead to the time when Christ will come again. How do you look back while also looking ahead? Let’s give it a shot.

As I look back, I see so much just amid the past three months alone:

We started a new church wide book-study: We Make the Road By Walking We met the author, Brian McLaren, via video conference

A big new slate of Fall Small Groups is off and running Parents shared a special “Parent’s Night Out” at the Mehta’s home The music ministry is rocking!

We’ve been blessed to welcome new children and adults to Cherub, Children, Bell, and Chancel Choirs

The Chancel Choir and Stephen have been rocking it! Youth Group is off to a wonderful start as they join in the churchwide book-study Church School has tremendous teams of teachers

On Communion Sundays, third and fourth Graders have begun experiencing a new Children’s Church program, while fifth graders are experiencing worship in its entirety.

TPC continues to explore what evangelism means for our church Two new Welcome Centers greet both visitors and members: Thompson Hall and

outside the rear of the sanctuary (Narthex) A team of “Outreach Ministers” staffs the Welcome Centers and greets guests

interested in connecting more with our church community The church continues to grow its communication outreach

The website continues to evolve Podcasts are now offered weekly on our churchwide book-study. Check ‘em out! Pews are lined with a new brochures and information cards New banners declaring TPC core values adorn the entrance into the Sanctuary

(Narthex) TPC is engaging in Instagram and Facebook more intentionally (are you following?)

Giving has been faithful and generous. Thank you! And so much more: Sunday Community Lunch week in and week out, the close of a great

year in the Intergenerational Garden; continued Creation Care conversations; updates to our financial funds and policies; a great Steel Drum Concert (thank you, Deacons); a Blessing of the Animals service, and the list goes on…

Looking ahead into the immediate future:

We will be richly blessed to welcome 15 new members on Dec. 1 (please see the included welcome pamphlet)

First Fridays (fellowship events for 4-5 grade students and their families) returns – Dec. 6 Advent Festival for children, adults and families – Dec. 8 Alternative Christmas Market – Dec. 8 & 15 Advent Cantata – Dec. 15 Christmas Caroling and Chili dinner – Dec. 15 Christmas Eve worship services – 4, 8, 10 p.m. Adaptation of a Moravian Lovefeast – Dec. 29 Further communication evolution and a new, indoor and outdoor church signage project An exploration of evangelism and communication with the community-at-large. New missional conversations around themes of hunger, environment, and peacemaking

Continued on page 6

Towson Presbyterian Church Inclusive ~ Curious ~ Compassionate ~ Courageous

Towson Presbyterian Church is an inclusive community of faith growing as disciples of Christ.

DECEMBER 2019 2 GOODNEWSAT TPC

Worship at Towson Presbyterian Church

Advent—Christmas—Epiphany—Lent (December, January, February)

Dec. 8 || "Advent Repentance"

Second Sunday of Advent - Love In Isaiah 11 and Matthew 3, we hear Advent's prophets calling people to "repent." While many view repentance as a call to stop doing something bad or wrong, Advent's call to repent has little to do with stopping bad behaviors, and everything to do with starting good ones!

Dec. 15 || Special Service: Advent Cantata

Third Sunday of Advent - Joy One worship service at 10:00 a.m. in Sanctuary The Chancel Choir and musical ensemble bless worshippers this morning with a special Advent Cantata.

Dec. 22 || The Difference of One

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Peace In Matthew 1, Gospel readers see the radical way God entered into our world, and the difference even one person can have in ushering in the kingdom of God.

Dec. 24 || Christmas Eve Worship Services

4:00 p.m. || Family Service Children and adults tell the story of Christ's coming through Gospel lessons sung and acted out. This is a fun, festive service filled with the excited wiggles and giggles of children and the sounds of Christmas glory!

8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. || Services of Lessons & Carols These beautiful, candlelit services are filled with Scripture lessons, choir anthems, and rich Christmas carols that all combine to retell the majestic story of the Christ child’s birth.

Dec. 29 || Adaptation of Moravian Lovefeast

One service at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall We celebrate the joyful news of Christ's coming through a special service in which worshippers sing Christmas Carols and join in prayers while sipping warm drinks (cocoa, coffee, tea) and munching on sweets and pastries. All are encouraged to dress casually (and children are welcome to wear pajamas if desired).

Advent arrives again (as it does every year at this time), reminding us that while the world is not yet what it should be, we are called to look with a long view towards the community God continues to create.

Jan. 5 || Epiphany & Star Words On Epiphany Sunday (a special celebration within the Christmas season), TPC has a tradition of exploring "star words." We review our words from the past, and receive new words for the year to come. Want to learn more? Come Sunday, Jan. 5 to get your star word! The Lord's Supper (Communion) will be shared this morning.

Jan. 12 || Baptism of the Lord Sunday || "Christian Storytelling Part 1: The Beginning"

Whether you remember your baptism or not (as many Christians were too young to remember being baptized) each year we take time to "remember" all the truths our baptism proclaims. Chief among them--we are loved and claimed by God. As such, our stories belong within God's greater story for Creation. We are not our own; we belong to God.


Worship at TPC

Jan 19 || Christian Storytelling Part 2: Evangelism —>The Sharing of the Story To know you are loved and claimed by God is a transformational truth--it changes the way you might see yourself, along with the others. The story of this love, however, isn't ours individually, but ours communally. It's not enough to rest in the story of God's love for us (individually). We are called to share this story of God's love for all... with all.

Jan. 26 || We Make the Road By Walking

As TPC continues exploring We Make the Road by Walking together, this week our worship once again revolves around the themes of one of its chapters.

Feb. 2 || Paul's Stump Speech

Politics is powerful (and divisive) today, just as it was two millennia ago. We dive into 1 Corinthians, chapter 1 and uncover what is, essentially, a stump speech from the Apostle Paul to the entire church community in Corinth. A skilled communicator and respected leader, Paul cuts through the political milieu and offers a word few politicians would ever have the courage to say: "You've ALL got it wrong." The Lord's Supper (Communion) will be shared this morning

Feb. 9 || The Prophets' Stump Speech

The people of Israel were often confronted by the politics of their monarchies, evolving economies, and potential invading armies. It was the prophets of Israel, however, who spoke truth--both to the people and to the people in power. The prophets' proclamations were more than enough to make politicians (and people) on every side of every issue cringe: redistribute everything.

Feb. 16 || We Make the Road By Walking

As TPC continues exploring We Make the Road by Walking together, this week our worship once again revolves around the themes of one of its chapters.

Feb. 23 || Youth Sunday

TPC's Middle & Senior High Youth Groups proclaim their faith and offer a message to us all, as they lead this morning's services which they have prepared.

Season of Lent Throughout the season of Lent, TPC will dive deeply into the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7 as we also journey through portions of Brian McLaren's book, We Make the Road by Walking

Feb. 26 || Ash Wednesday We enter the season of Lent--a time of exploring the distance between the lives God calls us to live and the lives we're actually living--as we gather at 7 p.m. for a service of Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.


Session Highlights

September 25, 2019 (Stated Meeting)

Presbytery Report The Center, an organization of the presbytery, brings people in from across the nation to do mission work in inner city Baltimore. The question posed to the

Presbytery at their recent meeting was how much, if any, of the Presbytery’s endowment should be utilized to help The Center continue its mission, understanding that any draw of the endowment’s principal will affect the Presbytery’s operating budget. A vote will be held at an upcoming presbytery meeting. Joel Strom shared that an informational mission night will be held on October 6th. TPC will highlight our Honduras mission. Representatives from mission trips to Cuba and Guatemala will also be present.

Financial Reports

Treasurer's Report YTD revenue ($496,000) exceeds 2018 YTD by $49,000. Revenue continues to exceed expenses. Per Session's request, an article was included in the Sept. newsletter detailing proposed changes to TPC's restricted accounts. Per Session's request to update the Endowment Fund Agreement (EFA), the Endowment Committee members, along with Finance Chairperson Craig Miller and Stewardship Chairperson Cornelia McKenna, and Rev. Carter will be meeting Sept. 30 to review and bring recommended amendments or changes to TPC's current EFA.

Membership Session learned there was a 30% increase in attendance on this year’s Homecoming Sunday and that attendance has been consistently up this fall. There is need and desire for a New Member Class this fall

Summer Worship Schedule

Session discussed that summer attendance was lower than expected this summer, wondering if moving the start time from 10 to 9:30 is an impediment to attendance. Session agreed to dialogue with WMA regarding the desire to keep the sanctuary service at 10:00 all year for 2020 .

Youth Group The groups will be participating in the church-wide study of We Make the Road by Walking. Summer trips have been planned: Middle School will go to Massanetta; High School will do a mission trip through Next Step Ministries.

Property Peabody Children’s Chorus is a new tenant, using our building on Tuesday afternoons and evenings. Blue Jean Sunday: The Property Committee discussed the low participation in recent Blue Jean Sundays. While it very worthwhile, it needs to be a “champion” and, perhaps, a refreshed vision. The Property committee does not want to take this on. Session agreed to continue discussion at the October meeting.

New Initiatives CORE/Evangelism

The new welcome centers are up and running and staffed on Sundays. The team is working to be more intentional about follow-up with visitors. The team continues to explore ways to move beyond our walls and out into the neighborhood.

DECEMBER 2019 5 GOOD NEWSAT TPC

Session—continued

Communication The team is exploring the possibility of upgrading the online system (ACS) to REALM, which is more user friendly. The team is also working on improving the signage in the church. They have contacted the company who did

the signage for Central PC. The team has agreed to pay for a consult with the company for a design plan. Adult Spiritual Formation

Small group sign up is continuing. The committee is looking to make enrollment as accessible as possible. Over 100 books have been sold for the church-wide study.

Children and Family Ministries Three parent meetings were held this summer and fall, focusing on the important role parents play in their

child’s faith formation. There were 36 children in Church School on Homecoming Sunday.

Financial Reports

Treasurer's Report:

*** October 23, 2019 (Stated Meeting)

Total revenue is $39,000 higher than at this time in 2018. The projected deficit is $40,000.

Session agreed to express gratitude to the Stewardship Committee, especially Cornelia McKenna, for its diligent work this year.

Budget 2020 Proposed budgets are due to Kathryn Bojanowski and Tom Peer no later than November 18th. The Stewardship Committee believes that a target budget of $700,000 is realistic for 2020.

Endowment Fund Agreement The congregational forum to discuss the changes in the endowment policy is scheduled for November 10,

2019. Equity Fund Agreement

The church entered into an equity agreement with Rev. Carter four years ago, investing in his house. He and his family are considering moving to a new house in the same geographical area. The question was posed how Session would like to approach both the existing Equity Agreement and, potentially, forming a new one.

Motion: It was moved and approved to roll the equity agreement into the purchase of a new home if and when that purchase takes place.

Preschool (TPP) Session agreed to formalize the church’s relationship with the preschool to define boundaries, space usage,

maintenance. Rev. Carter will assemble a team to begin to work on a written agreement.

New Initiatives CORE/Evangelism:

Welcome centers are going well The team will begin exploring ways to reach outside of our walls.

Continued on page 6


In Memorial – Necrology

Creta Smouse 02-12-2019 Betsy Anne Griffin 03-05-2019

Sarah Larrabee 04-14-2019 Robert (Bob) Williams 05-03-2019

Barbara Scott 05-27-2019 George Good 07-09-2019

Owen Miller 07-17-2019 Joanne Linder 08-09-2019

David McCombe 08-26-2019 CeCe Bashore 08-26-2019

William (Bill) Hyde 08-31-2019 Tom Searles 10-11-2019

Carol Morton 11-23-2019

Continued from page 5 (Session)

Communication: New pew cards (General TPC Brochure; Welcoming Children in Worship; Give Electronically) will be in place in

a few weeks Pastors’ New podcasts are up on towspres.org Signage and budget

Estimate of $5,250 for site map and the graphic design. Interior site map would be $2250.

Total projection for inside and outside would be $15,000 in the 2020 budget year.

Motion: It was moved and approved to provide a budgetary allowance for Communication to spend up to $3,000 in excess of their 2019 budget to cover the cost of the site map and graphic design.

Adult Spiritual Formation: Skype with Brian McLaren after church on Sunday, October 27th. Immigration study scheduled for November

Children and Family Ministries: First Friday Fellowship has returned

Continued from front page

Each and all of these ministries are wonderful, and I give great thanks to the many hearts and hands that have made them all possible.

I believe what’s most important, however, is not the list of things we do, but why we’re doing them in the first place. As Advent reminds us, we are called to spread the hope, love, joy, and peace of Jesus Christ. Nothing less!

I am so grateful for you, Towson Presbyterian Church. Happy Advent!

In Peace, Rob


A Member’s Testimony

To start, thank you to Rob and Joel for inviting me to share my testimony with TPC today. The process was thought- provoking and forced me to think of several times where I thought God was at work in my life.

Two Memories testimony by Tim Burkett Sunday, October 20, 2019

I want to start by sharing two memories of my father from when I was a little toe- haired blond boy of three. Yes, I had hair and, no, it wouldn’t be regularly combed for another eight years.

My first memory was of a Saturday morning, waking up and running down the long hall in our West Virginia house. The hall lead into the kitchen and into my father’s waiting arms. In a single bound, I was in his hands and being thrown over his head. The smell of pancakes, maple syrup, bacon and sausage still remind me of this pure joy. The second memory was standing beside my father with my elbows propped on the bed and carrying on a one-way conversation. My father, Max, had come home early from Saturday golf and was taking a rest. I liked to talk then and still like to talk to this day. I recall it as a one-way conversation, because unknown to me at the time, he was resting on the bed awaiting the ambulance that would take he and my mother to the hospital. Those are the only two memories I have of our life together and that was the last time I would see him, but not the last time we would carry-on a conversation…

Fast forward 40+ years to a picnic table alongside State Route 119 in Glennville, WV; the second day of my second TPC Youth Group Mission Trip. Further, the second day of Joel’s call with TPC. We were sitting around a picnic table under the glow of a street lamp surrounded by the teens all eating ice cream cones. Joel posed the question, how and when do we pray to God? Clockwise around the group, thoughtful responses came from our youth. I was in my head thinking about my young life in the Church. Prayer for me came in the traditional venues: in my church pew, at the Altar, or on my knees before bed.

When my turn in the circle came, all I could think was that I routinely have conversations with my father and he has been dead for over 40 years. We talk about being a good father, a good husband, a good friend, and challenges of every variety - why couldn’t I have those same conversations with God and for that matter Jesus. I can’t see them, I can’t necessarily feel them, but nonetheless I sense their presence. In that moment and since that time, I feel free to pray whenever and wherever I find that I need guidance and support. I don’t have to put it off until I am in a special hal- lowed place.

Yes, I still talk with my father, but now I also routinely speak with God the Father. And no, we haven’t had any three- way conference calls yet, but I am open to the possibility.

I thank TPC for providing these moments of reflection and growth. I look forward to participating in activities in the Church that will stretch my Curiosity and provide me with the Courage to continue to Care for others…blessed be TPC! Thank you and Amen.


Welcome New Members

Lisa Gentile is no stranger to TPC, having been participating in the life of our community for years. Lisa is also a former staff member at Grace Fellowship Church, where she served as “God’s Housekeeper.” Before that, Lisa ran her own company, “Lisa’s Hair On Wheels,” which operated in five area hospitals offering a grooming ministry to patients. Lisa resides in Towson, MD, and serves in Dining Room Hospitality at Chick-Fil-A. She is very grateful and excited to be joining TPC, and believes “the best is yet to come.”

Sarah and Tom Crawley are looking forward to becoming part of the TPC family. Their two daughters, Anna (10) and Evelyn (8) are in the Fifth and Second Grades, respectively, and both love playing soccer.

Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Towson, and Tom is a Civil Engineer employed by a local consulting firm.

They enjoy reading, cooking, and time spent with the family. The family resides in Sparks with their Golden Retriever, Alice.

Chipper and Peggy Hoff, married 52 years., are blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They lived in Frederick, MD for the last 40 years, while spending part of their time in Beaufort, SC, where they were “associate members” of Sea Island Presbyterian Church. They recently moved back to Baltimore to be at Blakehurst retirement community near their children.

Chipper and Peggy are both retired. Chipper worked in banking for 53 years, while Peggy’s career was in social services as an adoption and foster care worker. A big Orioles and Ravens fan, Chipper has also been an active volunteer with a wide variety of organizations. Peggy has also enjoyed volunteer opportunities from "board work to grunt work" for YMCA, Big Brothers and other organizations in Frederick and Beaufort. She enjoys tennis and golf in her spare time.

TPC excitedly welcomes Emily B. Hurd back to our community of faith, as she first joined TPC back in 1963.

Retired from the Howard County Public School System, she spent 43 years in the field of education as a general and special educator, diagnostic and prescriptive teacher, educational consultant, and resource teacher. Emily most recently was an Instructional Facilitator with the Office of Psychological Services and Alternative Education.

Her proudest accomplishments are being married to her husband, Edwin M. Hurd for 47 years and the mother to beautiful grown children, Meridith and Tyler. Did she mention her absolutely darling grandson, Lewis (3 years old)?

Emily and her family have a deep fondness for animals and have had pets ranging from a skunk to ferrets, Irish Setters, cats & horses! She enjoys music (singing), entertaining, cooking and working in

the yard/garden.

Dave, Karen, and Austin Morris are longtime residents of Baltimore. Having been attending TPC for just a few months, they’ve already dove right in, as Dave is a member of the Chancel Choir and Austin enjoys Sr. High Youth Group.

Karen and Dave are both life long educators. They love to travel and spend time with family. Austin, a junior at Dulaney High School, is an aspiring writer. They are currently all enjoying the college search. They are looking forward to growing in the TPC community.


TPC is blessed to welcome Jeannie Pohlhaus-Miser back into membership. Blessed with a large family, Jeanie has two sons, four stepchildren; 14 grandchildren and six great grandchildren,

Jeannie has served as a realtor for over 40 years, specializing as a relocation specialist. With a passion for rebuilding the great City of Baltimore, Jeannie has used to her skills volunteering as a member of the Board of the Low Incomed Housing Coalition. and for both the Greater Baltimore Chapter and Maryland State Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Additionally, she’s served on the boards of Paul’s Place Outreach Center and the Open Gates Medical Clinic.

Paul Schwab and his wife, Sally, live in Lutherville. They are blessed with two grown children. Paul works as an attorney in Towson. When not working, Paul enjoys visiting his children and their spouses, reading, biking, golfing, and being active with the Baltimore County Public Library Board of Trustees and the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Amanda and Daniel, and Emily (4) and Elizabeth (6) South are excited to join TPC! They chose TPC for the welcoming congregation and the church’s focus on inclusiveness and the environment. The girls are already enjoying the church school and cherub choir.

Amanda has a dental practice with her sister in Pasadena, and Daniel works as an in-house attorney in Cockeysville.

The Souths live in Loch Raven Village and enjoy camping, gardening, biking and reading. They look forward to becoming involved in the TPC community.

Steve Swift lives in Parkton, MD with his wife, Christine. They have an adult daughter, Madelyn, and recently adopted a seven year old dog, Addy.

Steve has been involved in the Presbyterian Church for most of his life. Previously a member of Ashland Presbyterian Church in Hunt Valley, Steve is an ordained deacon and has served on the Pastoral Search Committee.

A retired businessman, Steve’s career included time in banking as well as the healthcare industry. He is happy to have found a new church home at TPC, and looks forward to getting to know others!.

Paul Trexler resides in Towson, MD. Paul grew up in the northern suburbs of Wilmington, DE, but spent 36 years teaching elementary grades in Howard County, Maryland. Paul now works part-time giving tours primarily to school groups in Baltimore, Annapolis, and Philadelphia.

In 2011, he remarried, retired, and moved to Towson. Between Paul and his wife Polly, they have 5 adult children and 10 grandchildren. All children and grandchildren live within 45 minutes of Towson.

He has previously been a member of both Catonsville Presbyterian Church and Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church. He is excited to become a member Towson Presbyterian Church.


Church School

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL

This year, our 3rd and 4th graders are attending Children’s Chapel on the first Sunday of the month. The goal is to get the children acclimated to the Worship Service we offer at Towson Presbyterian. For the past three months, we have met in the Chapel and gone through the service as occurs in the 8:30 and 10:00 am services. We select the same songs and hymns each month – This Little Light of Mine, Kum ba Ya, and Jesus Loves Me - and the children have learned to find the hymns in the hymnal and know the songs. The children alternate being the leader which gives them a sense of ownership. The heart of the service is a Scripture reading and story discussion. It’s been an exciting time in Children’s Chapel because they are learning the service order and the songs.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

The most recent Parents’ Night Out (PNO) was Saturday, November 23rd at Katie McDougal and Viraj Mehta’s home. Good times were had by all and the children were dropped off at TPC; and they enjoyed pizza, running around in the Gym, and watching a movie. Stay tuned for the Winter/Spring 2020 PNO!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING & CHILI SUPPER

Come one, come all! Our Christmas caroling party and chili supper will be Sunday, December 15th from 4 pm – 7 pm. We had more than 75 people – young and old – last year and we hope it will be a large number again this year! We meet at Thompson Hall at 4 pm, get on the bus, carol at 3-4 locations, then back to TPC for the chili supper. We will have chili and cornbread for supper. We can’t wait to see you!

ANGEL TREE

Once again TPC has an Angel Tree with 60+ tags on the tree. This is a 30+ year tradition at TPC where individuals and families take a tag for a child and get a present for them. The children’s ages range from 4 until 15. Please be generous and grab one or two tags. The gifts go to the children at the McKim Center in downtown Baltimore. Your gifts are due back by Sunday, December 15th.

CAMP BEETREE

Mark your calendars! Camp BeeTree will be July 13th – July 17th.


Youth Happenings

“Storytelling” at Youth Group

Everyone has a story, right? We all have a story to tell about our lives, which might include where we grew up, what our life was like as a child, and who we hoped to be when we grew up. We all have joy-filled moments that make up our lives, as well as difficult and challenging moments, and they all converge in helping shape us into who we are today. We all have a story to tell…as does our journey of faith. From moments of faith and clarity to sea- sons of doubt and questions, our journeys of faith are stories waiting to be told.

On Sunday, November 24, Bill and Beverly Hunter joined us at Sunday night Youth Group to share their “story” with us. After attending TPC for years, the Hunters joined in the spring of 2019, and theirs is a story that has taken them from Indiana, Pennsylvania to Lutherville, Maryland. They shared with our teens and youth advisors Bill’s journey through the minor leagues to his career playing for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees (two of the many MLB teams he has played for), as well as Bev’s faith-forming experiences in Bible study and helping serve Home Communion.

In an ongoing effort to connect Sunday night Youth Group back to Sunday morning worship, “Storytelling” at Youth Group is an opportunity for our teens to build relationships with the wider TPC community.

Thank you to Bill and Bev for sharing your story with us!

More Youth Happenings may be found on page 18


Lately Around TPC...

“Monday Night Football” Small Group

In 2018 a group of TPC men came together 4 Mondays for football, fun, and fellowship. The Monday Night Football group was born and was witness to some really bad football games. Having learned lessons from the past, Kevin McKenna and Scott Krugman chose better games this year and focused on meeting in the vibrant Wiltondale community so the TPC members who don't like to drive north of the beltway can attend.

On average, 8-10 men (with an occasional appearance by a spouse) join together at 8PM and usually start with a prayer. Each member brings an appetizer or dessert and there is no lack of beer to drink, so no one leaves hungry or thirsty. The group has been so successful that we threw in an extra Raven's special Thanksgiving week which featured not just the middle-aged men, but included 3 college students too.

The final game of the year will be December 16th at the Krugman house. If anyone is interested in getting on the invite list just reach out to Scott at [email protected]

“We Make the Road By Walking”

Podcasts

There’s still time to jump in and join us in our year-long study of Brian McLaren’s fantastic book! Contact the Church Office or Pastor Joel to purchase a book at the discounted price of $5.00 or pick it up wherever books are sold.

And check out Joel and Rob’s weekly podcast where they explore a chapter of We Make the Road By Walking.

Listen along at towsonpres.org/media/podcasts or on iTunes and Google Play.


Lately Around TPC...

The temperature outside was 46 degrees, on Friday evening, November 8, 2019, but INSIDE THOMPSON HALL, it was HOT HOT HOT! A gathering of 130+ adults and children were transported to the ISLANDS by the Catonsville High School Steel Drum Band, under the direction of Jim Warton. At one point a ‘Conga Line’ snaked its’ way around the room, up on the stage and back down again. As the first half was ending, Jim invited the audience to try their ‘hand’ at playing a drum. All age groups were well represented. During the intermission, we were treated to Pumpkin pie, Cider donuts and Apple Cider from Webers Farm. The price of admission: 1 canned good per person – donations filled one of the round tables in addition to $200 in cash – all to benefit ACTC. Thanks to the Board of Deacons for sponsoring this event.


2019 Fall Small Groups & Adult Spiritual Formation

“Mary, Martha and Me”

The idea for “Mary, Martha and Me” came to be one evening when four of us who found ourselves single again were lamenting about eating dinner alone and how we disliked it. What if, we thought, we invited like-minded women to meet in Thompson Hall once a month for an activity like games or crafts followed by dinner and conversation? And so “Mary Martha and Me” took off. We meet on the first Monday of the month at 4:30 and after a brief gathering time, play games like Left Right Center and Rummikub (no skill required). In December we will be making candy cane reindeer to be handed out with the Food for Thought backpacks and collecting warm new socks to be donated to ACTC. Dinner is served at 6:00 along with good conversation and a lot of laughs. We have received enthusiastic support with 15-18 women attending our first two gatherings. The most common comment we hear is “Why haven’t we done this sooner?”

By Karen Williams

Epiphany Stars

Do you remember those stars we passed out last January on Epiphany Sunday? Do you still have it? What word was on your star?

Epiphany Stars are paper stars made out of construction paper with a word written on it. We believe each word is a gift of the Holy Spirit to you and in some way the Spirit has something to say to you through that word.

If you haven’t looked at it in a while, now’s the time! Find it and start asking yourself: how has this word spoken to me this year? How has my understanding of the word changed throughout the year? And how has it impacted my journey and relationship with God?

On Epiphany Sunday, January 5, 2020, we’ll receive new words for 2020 and hear three TPC’ers offer reflections of how their word spoke to them in 2019.


Winter at TPP

Winter at TPP…

Everyone has been busy at TPP for the holidays! We had a fundraiser at the Greene Turtle, the fours had a feast and we helped collect Thanksgiving bags for the ACTC. All together the church, scouts and TPC collected 141 bags, over their goal of 100 bags this year! Santa came to TPP and we also collected a van stuffed full of donated toys for the Sykes Toy Project. We will be accepting registrations for the 2020-2021 school year and if you are a church member you have priority. Registration for the public will begin January 13th.

You can get application forms, brochures and so much more from our website at: www.towsonprespreschool.org.

Thanks and enjoy these photos!

Leslie Foretich, Director

4s feast Green Turtle Friends ACTC donation

Visit with Santa Santa and sisters


A Moment for Mission on November 24, 2019

Genesis2:15states:"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to

work it and take care of it."

Not having a clue as to what was involved, I figured I could hold a hose and walk among the plants, providing the water that would bring to life the seeds and promote the growth of the food. After all, what is there to unraveling a hose, turning on a faucet, and walking up and down the garden aisles.

Twice a week, from April through September, for about an hour and a half, I had the privilege of nurturing these plants and learning from them as well. I even took the opportunity to bring Sawyer, my 13 year old grandson, to the garden several times so that he could see the progression of the lives of these plants.

There were other benefits I was blessed with while tending to the garden. The surrounding garden of flowers added such beauty that passers-by, mainly dog walkers, would stop and make comments or ask questions. My Epiphany Star is the word TELL. I seized the opportunity to do some evangelism, telling them about the purpose of the garden and the other wonderful opportunities for ministry and spiritual growth offered by Towson Presbyterian Church and ACTC. I made sure to include the magnificence of the music program and the thought- provoking and relevant sermons unaware that the garden was a church ministry nor were they aware of the Assistance Center of Towson Churches-ACTC and its mission. Next year be sure to include that we are inclusive, curious, compassionate and courageous.

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gardeners, especially John Sheehan, chief harvester;Madeleine Mysko, chief vegetable


Others of God's creatures were among the visitors as well. I was greeted regularly during my afternoon sessions by mosquitoes seeing me as their source of sustenance only to be discouraged by my insect repellent. Occasionally there was a rabbit who would sit and watch, hoping I might leave the garden gate open. In late summer, the butterflies would perch on the flowers and suck the nectar resulting in some great photo ops. Tiny red insects clustered and nibbled on the flower seedpods. Helped by the wind, a final good-by ballet was performed by the milkweed seeds as their white fluffy strands floated a seed to a new destination, a rebirth for another generation.

So hope you can see how important and fulfilling a simple task of watering the garden can be. How God's presence can be felt through the nurturing of all aspects of his creation.

InProverbs22: 19states: Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the

Welcome to the Chancel Choir

Welcome Lindsay Nuesca, our recently contracted alto section leader! Lindsay recently relocated from Tampa Bay, and has been heard in Baltimore singing as a guest with Goucher College, with Bach in Baltimore, and is now here with us at Towson Presbyterian Church.

In Tampa Bay she enjoyed working with several area companies. She was seen in outreach performances for Saint Petersburg Opera and was a finalist with their Opera Idol competition. She has been seen in the role of Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas, both Second Lady and Third Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute, the title role of Gustav Holst’s Savitri, the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors and as alto soloist for the Gainesville Civic Chorus’s Messiah. Other roles include Queen Jezebel in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, alto soloist for Clausen’s A New Creation, La Maestra delle Novizie in Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini, and Dinah in Trouble in Tahiti by Leonard Bernstein.

Lindsay has a Master of Music degree in vocal performance and music history and literature from the University of Florida. Her focus topic was the romansi, or art songs, of the major Russian composers of the late nineteenth-century. Lindsay and her husband, Jonathan, live in Baltimore with their three little boys, Isaac,

Jonah, and Asher.

Lindsay’s isn’t the only new voice we’ve been blessed by in the chancel choir. Here is a brief story from Dave, not only a recent member of our choir, but of our church!

My name is Dave Morris. My wife, Karen, our 17-year old son, Austin, and I began attending TPC in

August. On our first Sunday at TPC, we were impressed by the myriad opportunities described in the bulletin for service, fellowship, and learning. We have enjoyed following a few of those suggestions. Austin participated with the youth in the November 10th service. Karen joined Circle 13 and recently attended the 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge small group. I sing in the chancel choir. All three of us help serve a Sunday meal to the food insecure every two months.

A few more words about my experience in the chancel choir. I have been taken by the group’s warmth toward the newest batch of members, myself most definitely included. I am impressed by the quality of the music we sing, by the way music supports many elements of worship, and especially by the can-do attitude of the group when we rehearse a more difficult piece. The choir easily trusts Stephen to lead us to our best possible performances. A member with professional choral experience remarked recently that Stephen’s rehearsals are the best she has experienced anywhere. TPC is truly fortunate to have the choir it has, and I am blessed to be a part of it.


Youth Happenings

What could possibly be more fun on a Friday night in October than navigating a corn maze by flashlight?

That’s exactly what the MS & HS youth group did on Oct 18th when we took a caravan of 12 teens and 6 adults to Maize Quest.

We broke up into several smaller groups to wander through the meandering pathways within the intricately designed corn maze. Each group was given an emergency flag to raise if they got lost (ha! who would need such a thing?) and offered a map of the maze (nah! Who needs a map?)

Our group of teens included our 2 daughters who politely asked that we NOT walk with their group through the maze. So my husband and I wandered through the maze on our own with just a flashlight to guide our way. It was fun to wander aimlessly among the never-ending stalks of corn (well, for the first hour anyway) but after passing the same bridge 3 times, we finally raised our flag to be rescued and guided out of the corn maze.

Each group enjoyed the corn maze in their own way—some took a “shortcut” out of the maze quickly to go to the snack bar, some strategically followed the map to find the most direct route out of the maze, and some just wandering around aimlessly hoping to find a way out with a little guidance near the end.

I’m not sure if the teens had more fun getting lost in the corn maze, jumping on the trampoline, or burying themselves in the corn pit, or trying to scare each other wandering through the bamboo maze in total darkness, but fun was had by all—teens and adults too!

- - - Amy Hemingway


Tending the Flock

Do you have one of these in a drawer? We are looking for the SPARE key fobs! Please return any extra fobs to the church Office or Tara’s mailbox in the Narthex.

We will be de-activating fobs in order to clean up the database. If you use a fob to access the building; please contact Tara and let her know—so your fob will continue to work!! [email protected] or give the church office a call 410.823-

6500.

Security is important to all of us and we want to ensure that all our members and guests have the appropriate access to TPC.

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In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, we held a Blessing of the Animals Service on Sunday, October 13th. Rev. Joel Strom led the service, with quotes from St. Francis of Assisi, along with prayers for all homeless pets to be blessed. Afterward, Joel came around to each of the many pets, and their people, offering a special blessing for them. In my opinion, this is an excellent example of our caring, and compassionate commitment. Susan Shockley

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TPC and ACTC

It has been an incredibly busy few months at ACTC. This season we are thankful for our TPC community members who have been extremely generous with donations of both monetary gifts and food!

In September we collected enough spaghetti and sauce to provide more than 150 families with a

homecooked pasta meal. In October we provided boxes of cereal for breakfast for more than 75 families.

We finished off the year with our most successful Thanksgiving basket drive to date! With help from Scout Troops 1729 and 729, Towson Presbyterian Preschool and the Peabody Conservatory we put a Thanksgiving meal on more than 150 tables and ACTC provided more than 2000 families with Thanksgiving dinner! In addition, our generous community donated more than $1500 to the drive which will be used to supplement when supplies are low.

Thank you for making this year our most successful to date and for your continued support!

TPC’s Annual Alternative Gift Market

WHAT? Twelve charitable organizations will accept donations for items that support their mission. The Shopping List with all the items will be distributed for you to ponder your choices.

We have great gift ideas for teachers and family!

WHERE? Fellowship Hall

WHEN? Sunday, December 8th & 15th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHO? You, your family & friends can SHOP at the Market!

Organizations accepting donations for their items at the AGM include:

• ACTC (The Assistance Center of Towson Churches) • Boys and Girls Clubs of America • Casita Copan (Before and After School Program in Honduras) • Earth Corps/International Garden • Fair Trade Coffees and Teas • Honduras Mission Trip • Medical Benevolence • Partners for Just Trade • TPC High School Mission Trip to West Virginia

Items range in price from $2 to more than $100. Your donations provide needed items for people throughout the world, and you get a beautiful Christmas card which details the item, organization and its mission.

Let us all join in and be Christ's hands in the world! See you at the Market!

towson presbyterian churchwe celebrate the joyful news of christ's coming through a special...

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