govans presbyterian church tel: 410-435-9188 fax: 410 … · govans presbyterian church 5828 york...

GOVANS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5828 YORK ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21212

Tel: 410-435-9188 FAX: 410-323-4409

WWW. GOVANSPRES.ORG

The Bellringer

Questions and Answers Tom at 10 Weeks

-interview by Jon Morgan- Now that you've begun to settle in, what are your im-pressions of Baltimore? It’s great city with lots of diversity and spirit. It is good to be back in a big city with all different kinds of people and lots of them. I find it easy to relate to people here. How is your family adapting to the new home? We love our home and neighborhood. We have met many neighbors and begun to make friends. I enjoy liv-ing close to the church and have been walking to the of-fice many days (unless the world is covered with a sheet of ice). Would you call yourself a Ravens fan? Yes. They are a great baseball team. Have you eaten a blue crab yet? Not in Baltimore. Actually, I’m not a big fan of that particular crustacean. I did eat one while camping. We caught it, brought it back to the campsite, boiled it and ate it. That was very good. Of course there was only one, so we each only got a tiny morsel. What has surprised you the most about Govans Presby-terian? The number of people who communicate through e-mail. What worries you the most as you look down the road for our church? “Can you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” Matthew 6:27. It is true for a church just as much for an individual.

We recently passed a budget for the new year that avoids dipping deeply into our endowment. Are we out of the woods financially? That depends on which woods. I think we are out of the “the church is going to go bankrupt in 10 years” woods. But, we are still not out of “the church has the potential to do much more for the community and its members if we only had more money” woods. Of course, we may never be out of those woods. Then there is the “can a group of people with so much mate-rial wealth give more generously?” woods. We could really use a better map to find our way out of those woods. We've been through a transition and lost both members and contributions in recent years. Do you think the worst is behind us and can we anticipate growth on the horizon? I’ve always been really bad at predicting the future, but I hope so. What needs to happen for us to resume growing? Members of the congregation need to invite friends and family to church. The church needs to welcome visitors into our community of faith and help them get involved. I need to not scare them away from the pulpit. What are the church's greatest strengths? The greatest strength is the number of thoughtful, intelligent, gifted leaders coupled with a broad consen-sus toward progressive theology and social justice. How can we capitalize on those strengths? We need to help all these gifted and intelligent lead-ers find the ways they are being called to contribute to the life of the church. We also need to continually push the envelope from progressive to prophetic. The pro-gressive church must not simply become the spiritual wing of the Democratic Party. (continued on page 2)

March 2007

Lectionary & Worship Leaders ..pg. 6, From the Pastors Study ..page 2, Birthdays & Preschool ..page 4, Calendar ..insert,

Easter Flower Order Form ..pg. 5, Upcoming Events ..insert

The Bellringer . Govans Presbyterian Church Newsletter

From the Pastor’s Study

Dear Friends, We are springing forward a little early this year. Actually, it will be March 11th. I believe the bi-annual time change is a special act of God offered to church going people for their edification. Many years ago, God worked through the U.S. Con-gress to create a system that would challenge the ability of good Christian people to get to church on time in the fall. If you don’t set your clocks back in the fall you will be late for church on Sunday. You then spend the rest of the day and week trying to catch up and repenting for your disregard for social convention…or maybe not. However, inspired by God’s infinite wisdom, Congress also made us set our clocks ahead in the spring. That way if good church going people fail to make the change they are given an extra hour on Sunday morning with nothing to do. That’s what happened to Sasha and me one Sunday morning in San Anselmo, California. I was in seminary at the time and we both got up one spring morning to go to church only to find the church doors closed and locked. When we figured out what had happened, we decided to go sit down and have a nice, quiet cup of coffee (obviously this was before we had kids). It was as if an hour of time had been carved out for us to just be in each other’s presence and in the presence of God. Time was stretched out that day and the effect lasted into the next week. (continued on page 3)

TALES FROM THE CRYPTS -V The Govanstown Cemetery of the

Govans Presbyterian Church My grandmother, Mary Eliza Fra-ser, had an older sister, Beatrice, who married Archibald Brackenridge and came to America. They had 3 children, 2 older sisters and a son, Willy, who was born in 1884. Willy was sickly, and to make matters worse, Archibald, his father, died at age 34 years, when Willy was just 2 years old. So my grand-mother, Mary Fraser, was sent from Scotland to help her sister in her time of trouble. Unfortunately, Willy got the measles at age 4 and died, probably from pneumonia, a common complication of measles. The Brackenridges and my grandmother lived on Bellona Avenue and attended Govans Presbyterian Church, where my grandmother met a certain Andrew Andersen, married him at Govans and the rest, as they say, is history. But what does this have to do with the cemetery? Archibald Brackenridge has a large, upright stone just to the west of the central lane. “To My Beloved Husband . . . He giveth His beloved sleep,” it says. Next to him is a small, white stone just about a foot high, which says, “Willy B. 1884 – 1888.” Sometimes in my mind’s eye, I think I see four ghostly fe-male figures, 2 girls and 2 adults, in ankle-length dresses, gathered around those stones with their heads bowed, weeping bitterly. But, in my 2006 eyes, there are just 2 stiff, stark stones in a graveyard, all there is left to remember a family long gone – except in my memory. William A. Andersen (Feb. ‘07)

(continued from page 1) We should be always discerning the injustice and corrup-tion in the system and speaking out and acting out against it. We must find those in society who are outcast and vul-nerable and lift them up in love. Its biggest problems? The old building (which is also a great strength if we can maintain it). Are there any new programs you'd like to add in the com-ing year? I’m happy with the way members are stepping up to make different programs a reality. The Wednesday Night Food and Fellowship and the Peace Study Center are two great examples. There is some talk about a mid-week Bi-ble Study, but again if it is going to happen, members will make it happen. Any programs or traditions you think we should do with-out? It’s important to remember that both programs and tra-ditions should serve a purpose and fill a need. Programs and traditions should not be maintained simply because we have always done it. They should have a natural life cycle. How can the members help you and the church more? Participate. Give money. Pray. Follow your heart. Have you seen John Kinnier in a kilt? Do you think it scares the children? Wait until you see me in one.

Scrapbooking! 3rd Sat, every month

Learn about scrapbooking on the 3rd Saturday of every month. The group meets in the Mul-tipurpose room from 11 a.m.—5 p.m. Besides getting those photos out of a box, and display-ing them so those memories can be shared, the meeting also offers a great opportunity to make new friends and get together with old. Contact Amber at [email protected].

Congregational Care We are saddened to learn of the loss of two long-term members of Govans Presbyterian Church: Harvey Jackson and Agnes Bauer. Our thoughts and prayers go to Jean Jackson and her family, and Agnes’ family in Christ. Also, so glad that Donna North, our committee member, is back on her feet and hopping around almost 100% following her surgery. We are also keeping her in our prayers, and ask you to pray for Edith and Ron Brown’s daughter Rossalyn Purnell who is facing treatment for cancer. As we continue to experience the winter weather, please keep in mind our shut-in friends, who have added difficulties and challenges in getting out for doctor ap-pointments and other essential errands, etc. If you can of-fer a helping hand during this time, they would be so ap-preciative. Also, this is a difficult time of the year for folks struggling with seasonal depression. With blessings, Mary Faith Ferretto


(continued from page 2) If only Congress could figure out a way to give us an extra hour every week instead of just twice a year (if only Congress could figure out how to do anything). So, as we approach our annual celebration of daylight savings time with all the frivolity and raucous parties that come with it, I encourage you to forget to spring forward on March 11th. Just don’t do it. Go ahead and get up like the clocks have not changed. Then, let God fill in the extra hour with the divine presence and fill your week with a slower pace of life. Peace, Tom

Letters - Thanks:

Giving and Receiving Dear Friends at Govans,

I wish to thank you all first for the Xmas cookies (I have a sweet tooth) and then for the lovely flowers as well for the Xmas poin-settia which is still brightly blooming in the family room where I spend most of my time. Also, for the prayers and concerns about my health. I do wish that I could attend church ser-

vice but find that this is impossible. I have appreciated the visits of members as well as Rev. Tom Harris. Fondly, Harvey Jackson (letter from January)

********************

Thank you so very much for your kindness in preparing the food for the reception after Harvey’s funeral. Can al-ways depend on the “Ladies at Govans.” Fondly, Jean Jackson

******************** Dear Friends, Thanks ever so much for the phone calls, emails, cards, flowers, and meals. They certainly brightened my day while I was recovering from foot surgery. God bless you, Donna North

Dear Lord, Thank you for teaching us to love better.

Preschool Press Pam Ferguson - Director

Everyone is waiting for spring! Teachers are busy planning their spring units. The bulbs that the children planted had started to come up in unseasonably warm January and then were covered with ice and snow. We will be awaiting the arrival of the first spring flowers and the return of the robins to the playground. The children will be plant-ing flowers and vegetables in their garden and will be learning about plants and nutrition. The Zoo Mobile will be returning on Wednesday, March 28th, to perform "The Great Puppet Pageant". Through story, song and pup-pets the children will be learning about different animals. Several live animals will also visit. In the past, the children have greatly enjoyed these visits. We are still accepting registration forms for our 2007-2008 school year. Openings are very limited. We do have openings in our Busy Bees program for parents who need full-time care for their twos and young threes. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please have them call the preschool office to receive an information packet and schedule a visit. Before we know it the school year will be over and summer camp will begin. This year’s camp sessions are: June 18 - June 29 Camp Session I July 2 - July 13 Camp Session II July 16 - July 27 Camp Session III July 30 - Aug.10 Camp Session IV We will be open for Extended Care August 13 -31 for parents who need child care at the end of the summer.

From the Church Office

Wendy’s new hours are: Tues. 1-5 p.m., Wed. & Thurs. 8-12 noon & 1-4 p.m., & Fri. 8-12 noon


Looking for the Pastor? Tom is usually in his office Sunday through Thursday from 8:30–3:30 p.m. He can be reached at home at 410-377-2337 or on his cell phone at 443-257-6108

Welcome to Govans Presbyterian Church’s

Children and Family Service at 9:15 a.m. This service is intended to be family friendly.

Squirming, wandering, and vocal children and adults are expected and loved. Welcome to our family!

1st Janet Cowern 2nd Ted Rankin 3rd Ruth Baker DeAnne Byerly 4th Burnie Pettit Dan Pontious 6th Jill Whippo Diana Sugiuchi Chloe Meck 9th Becky Vickers Grace Sutherland 10th Charles Elliott Jeff Walstrum 12th Dotty Sharp 13th Jill Marquiss

14th Mary Frantz 15th Mary Jane Hardin 16th Albert Isteero Kim Wilson 17th Nancy Songster 20th Mary Beth White Nick Reed 25th Emily Curran Cory Joiner Catherine Helmers 26th Jon Morgan 29th Elizabeth McGiffert Karen Kaufman 30th John Songster Shaevonne McLaughlin

March Birthdays


Easter Flowers Would you be interested in purchasing one or more of the plants to be used for our Easter Service for April 8, 2007? Please make your check payable to Govans Presbyterian Church and send along with this form with your informa-tion to the Church. Please circle the ones you want to take home otherwise they will be donated for homebound folks. In memory of _____________________________ All orders must be in by March 23rd.

Enclosed please find a check in the amount of $_________. (Please mark check “For Easter Flowers”) Easter Flowers Govans Presbyterian Church 5828 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212

Qty. Plant Price Ea.

Total $

_____ Easter Mums

Yellow, white, pink/purple

$8.50 ________

_____ Lilies 4-6

4-6 blooms $8.50 ________

_____ Hya-cinths

1 bloom $4.00 ________

_____ Hya-cinths

3 blooms $8.50 ________

_____ Tulips Yellow, white, pink

$8.50 ________

________ Grand Total:

Why does our prayer end with “Amen”? “Amen” means “so be it” or “let it be so.” It expresses our complete confidence in God, who makes no promise that will not be kept and whose love endures forever. The word Amen is a declaration of affirmation found in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and in the Qur'an. It has always been in use within Judaism and Islam. It has been generally adopted in Christian worship as a conclud-ing formula for prayers and hymns. In Islam, it is the stan-dard ending to Dua (Supplication). Common English translations of the word amen include: "Verily", "Truly",

"So be it", and "Let it be". Colloquially, it can also mean "I agree," or "Well said." Muslims use the word "Āmeen" not only after reciting the first surah (Al Fatiha) of the Qur'an, but also when concluding a prayer or duaa, with the same meaning as in Christianity. In Judaism, it is taught that the word Amen is an acro-nym for לא (’El) ךלמ (melek) ןמאנ (ne’eman), meaning "God, King [who is] Trustworthy." —–taken from en.wikipedia.org

The Fundraising Committee kicked off its 2007 activities with a musical spaghetti dinner February 10th, that included performances by many of the church’s youth. Organized by Abbie Vick-ers and featuring the well-known guitar work and vo-cals of Praise Band stalwart David Kirkpatrick, the eve-ning included a few well-chosen Beatles tunes, in rec-ognition of the 43rd anniversary of the group’s first ap-pearance on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9, 1964. A team of well-seasoned cooks, servers and cleaners served up more than 130 plates of spaghetti featuring Govans’ own three secret sauces – vegetarian red, hearty meat and savory turkey. Afterwards there was ice cream with toppings for all. The event raised more than $700 for church causes and expenditures in a year that the fundraising commit-tee hopes to raise $10,000 through events ranging from similar dinners and scrapbooking Saturdays, the spring flea market and special concerts to the return of our successful Christmas concert and cake auction. All events are planned to be both fund raisers and fun rais-ers, with activities meant to please all generations of Govans families. Next up is the April 28 Spring Concert, featuring special guests the New Wave Singers. Since 1985, New Wave has performed an eclectic repertoire of choral music from madrigal to pop, classical to jazz, and in many different languages. New Wave’s repertoire also features music that promotes justice and peace and cele-brates life in all its diversity, and the choir has commis-sioned a number of new arrangements of songs in this spirit. Over 40 voices strong and under the direction of Artistic Director Robert Gee, New Wave is Maryland’s only sexually diverse mixed chorus, and for many years has held Tuesday evening rehearsals at Govans Presby-terian Church at 7 p.m. (Continued on page 8)


March 4 - What is it? Purim is a Jewish celebration of the triumph of Jewish Princess Esther over the Persian chief minister, Haman. Haman hated the Jews and got the Persian king to order the execution of all Jews in Persia on the 14th day of the

month of Adar. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, heard of the Haman’s plot and asked Esther to plead with her husband the Persian King. Esther risked death for breaking the law that no one could speak to the King unless asked to do so. The King listened to Esther, re-

scinded the order, saving the Jews in Persia. The Book of Esther in the Old Testament is unusual because there is no mention of God directly or indirectly. Today, when Esther is read in the synagogue on Purim, everyone makes noise or hisses when the Haman’s name is read.

DID YOU KNOW?

Agnes Bauer, a seamstress and a long-term member of Govans, who died on February 20, was one of the women of Govans who made the quilt hanging in the Gallery. She and several other women, many of whom have since died, created this masterpiece that hangs on the wall over the sofa. Watch next month’s Bellringer for the background story on the quilt which will be followed each month with

March

Worship Leaders

Lectionary

4th Edith Brown Gen. 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps. 27; Phil. 3:17—4:1; Luke 13:31-35

11th Betsy Toland Isa. 55:1-9; Ps. 63:1-8; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9

18th John Kinnier Josh. 5:9-12; Ps. 32; 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

25th Barbara Kemp Isa. 43:16-21; Ps. 126; Phil. 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8

Sanctuary Flowers The following dates are available: March 25 April 22 and 29 May 6, 13, and 20 June 10, 17, and 24 August 12 and 19 September 2, 9, and 16 October 21 November 4, 18, and 25 December 2 and 16 Call the church office at 410-435-9188 to sign up.

Sympathy

Heartfelt sympathy from the members of Govans is extended to:

the family and friends of Harvey Jackson who died on February 13, 2007

the family and friends of Agnes Bauer who died

on February 20, 2007

Organist & Choir Director

Search Update! Subject to Session approval when they meet Feb. 27th, a candidate has been offered the job of organist/choir direc-tor and has accepted the position.

Sitter ?

Pastor Tom and his family are seeking a home for their dog when

they are traveling out of town. Veda is a 60 lb, 10-year-old Lab/Dalmatian mix. Friendly. Well trained. Sleeps a lot. Please call Tom or Sasha if you can help at 410-377-2337.


Mark Your Calendars!

Does this interest anyone? I have heard great things about the produce and the quantity. One suggestion is to split a share with someone else - it can be a lot of food. I believe requirements would be for everyone to take a turn to be on site to receive the delivery and stay until everyone has picked up. Obviously the more people involved, the less frequently you would have to do this. Sounds as if there is enough interest, we could have someone come to talk about it. Feel free to pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. If there is enough interest, we would have to work out delivery to Govans and where to stage the pick up. If interested, contact the church office and leave your name and phone number. Thanks, Bonnie Thomson Senior Network of North Baltimore: The Senior Network of North Baltimore is lo-cated in a building attached to Govans Presbyterian Church. To enter our parking lot, use the York Belvedere Medical Center driveway at 5820 York Rd. Information on SNNB is available in their newsletter, “The Silver Scoop.” You may pick it up in the gallery, or have it delivered to your home. Contact the SNNB office at 410-323-7131. SNNB offers classes, clubs, lunches, trips, health, wellness activities, and more!

One Straw Farm

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a mutually beneficial relationship between farm-ers and the community. Participants provide funding for the farmer in advance of the growing season in exchange for produce when it’s ready. Here’s how One Straw Farm’s CSA works: participants sign up and pay in the spring and then receive eight items a week - June 4 through November 17, 2007. Those items vary ac-cording to the season. They could be beets, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries, a watermelon -- whatever is ripe for picking -- enough to feed a family of four its vegetables for a week. We've tested this with our family and you'll have plenty of vegetables all week and maybe some left-over to freeze for the winter. If your church, neighborhood, or office is interested and would like a One Straw Farm CSA drop site, a minimum of 10 shares is needed to start a new site. It is now time to start signing up for the 2007 CSA growing season. This year will cost $475 if paid by April 1, 2007. See web site for more information—[email protected] or [email protected]

(Continued from page 5) Mark your calendars for April 28 – this special evening promises to be a musical treat, and more details will be featured in the next issue of The Bellringer. There will be a Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, April 5th. It will be in Sharp Hall with music on the piano and an anthem from the Sanctuary Choir. There will be a Good Friday Service on April 6th in the evening. More information will be announced as it is

DATED MATERIAL Please Deliver Between

2/28-3/6

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 4714

GOVANS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 5828 YORK ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21212

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

9:15 A.M.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICE

With Contemporary Music Coordinator: Mike Kirkpatrick

10 A.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ADULT OPTIONS

11 A.M.

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

With Organ and Chancel Choir

BARRIER-FREE

CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED FOR BOTH SERVICES ALL ARE WELCOME

The Ellen Morriss Memorial Labyrinth is open from dawn to dusk daily

GOVANS SUNDAY SCHEDULE

W E’ R E ON THE W E B W W W. G O VAN S P R E S. ORG

Editor: Joyce Kruse Editorial board: Jon Morgan Mike Field Betsy Toland Ted Kruse

govans presbyterian church tel: 410-435-9188 fax: 410 … · govans presbyterian church 5828 york...

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