MPC NEWS MAGAZINE May 2017

What’s Happening in May

El Salvador’s Prize May’s Mission Focus What a strong bond has been built between the

Salvadoran parish of Maria Madre de los Pobres and our own faith community on Providence Road. Three decades of solidarity, of visits and commitment have left an imprint on both our congregations. Linda Koch, Branch Warfield and Ann Mathews visited our sister parish at the beginning of this amazing relationship, when the shanty town neighborhood of La Chacra was being built on an enor-mous pile of garbage near a

railroad track. And today we still connect with this struggling parish through the Programa Apadrinamiento (Godparent Program) and the Escuela Abierto (Open School). The civil war that took so many lives in El Salva-dor in those early years of our relationship ended, and has over the years been replaced with a new war led by the maras, or gangs, and corrupt politi-cians. The essence of peace that Mons. Oscar Romero represented to the Salvadoran people lives on as they continue to fight for justice, for safety, for their God-given human rights to clean air and wa-ter, for, as our hymn says, "a place at the table." My own recent visit to our sister parish was a privilege. To enter humble homes and sit with families, to walk their streets and alleyways and hear the stories of life in the neighborhood, to share meals with these lovely people, is an experi-ence not to be taken lightly. So many simple mo-ments and conversations to be powerful. A talk with a street vendor selling packets of nuts, a ride in early morning on a ramshackle bus full of peo-ple going to their work, the sweet parade of little children walking by our door on the way to their schools in the morning....all these and so many more were gifts I received. I am thankful that I was able to make the journey

Sunday Brew Theology and Coffee May 7, 21 @ 9:30

Sojourner Sunday

April 14 @9:30

Led by Jocelyn McKeon and Darrell Wheeler

and to bring back to you the good news that God is in the tiniest, darkest little home, and in the hearts of so, so many good people in this little Central Ameri-can country. Members of our congregation sponsor 21 children in La Chacra now. Thanks to each padrino and madrina, and to all who support this important sister parish mission. If you would like to help this community, there are envelopes in the pews. Mary Murray

A New Sanctuary Movement From roughly 1980 to 1990 there was a sanctuary

movement that was formed in response to the many

refugees who were fleeing wars in Central Amer-

ica. Inspired by the ancient Hebrew tradition (see

Numbers 35) of providing a place of refuge for peo-

ple who may have wrongly been convicted of a

crime, this was a movement where a network of

faith communities provided shelter to those seeking

asylum.

In light of recent increased rhetorical attacks

against immigrants, many are now living in fear of

having their families torn apart. In response, a new

sanctuary movement has spring up across the

United States. Closer to home there is the Sanctu-

ary Coalition of Central Maryland (SCCM) that

recognizes the urgent imperative Continued on

Page 2 Providence Press

Those Were the Days January 2003.

President George W. Bush was threatening an inva-

sion of Iraq on the grounds that Sadam Hussein was

ready to use weapons of mass destruction. It was a

questionable rationale. A group of about 20 from

MPC drove to the Metro in Silver Spring and then

rode that to the Mall to join many others in an anti-

war march. My memory being what it is, I'd like to

say there were almost a million people there.

One thing is for certain...the thermometer hovered

around zero on a bright sunny winter's day. I do re-

member it being warmer as long as you stood in the

middle of the throng where the bodies radiated their

warmth. The minute they spread out, and you were

left standing in some semblance of openness, your

core temperature lowered very quickly. Carrying,

signs, listening to speakers, the time still passed

quickly. Take a look at the picture and see who you

recognize from MPC.

A fat lot of good it did. As history shows, Iraq was

invaded, the rationale proved false, lives were lost,

the country was in quite a disarray for many years,

and the resulting vacuum left by poor political and

military policy gave rise to future MidEast upheaval

in which we still find ourselves involved 14 years

later. Nevertheless, the little group, along with the

hundreds of thousands more, acted on our beliefs that

echoed the old 1969 Edwin Starr lyrics, "War, what is

it good for...absolutely nothing.” Rick Dezes

page 2

A New Sanctuary Movement Cont’d from

P. 1 of providing refuge and

safety to those at risk of

persecution and deporta-

tion.

The Session of MPC sees

this as consistent with our

long-standing commitment

to justice ministries in gen-

eral, and our involvement

with Central America spe-

cifically. You are all in-

vited to a Q & A session

on this initiative after our

worship service on May 7 to discuss what our in-

volvement in this might look like. On May 9th the

Session will vote on whether or not to formally de-

clare ourselves as aligned with the Sanctuary Coali-

tion of Central Maryland. Please join us for this im-

Call for Habitat for Humanity Volunteers June 3, 2017 work at our current HfH mission project at McCabe Avenue on that day. Family mem-

bers and friends are most welcome to participate. Since we are partnering with two other

churches we are limited to 4 volunteers. Advanced registration is required and is now

done online. For further information or to register as a volunteer, please contact me

Mary Jo Zimbro

Providence Press Published for

the members and friends of Maryland Presbyterian Church,

1105 Providence Road, Towson, Maryland 21286.

(410) 825-0719 Editors: Jo Sack, Rick Dezes

Production and distribution Dale Salah, Alma Smith, Other Contributors to this Issue: Leslie Ericson, Carol Mason, J. Wright Witcher, Mary Jo Zimbro

Page 3 Providence Press

Laugh of the Month Paraprosdokians*

I'm great at multi-tasking: I can waste time, be unpro-ductive, and procrastinate all at once. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame. Take my advice-- I'm not using it. He who laughs last thinks slowest. I was going to wear my camouflage shirt today, but I couldn't find it. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you. If tomatoes are technically a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie? Ever stop to think... and forget to start again?

*sentence with a surprise ending

From Humor Project Inc.

Editorial Comment

Teasing

Today, we will Touch our Tongues To our Teeth. ‘Tis Time To pay Tribute To the letter T. Say Tuesday or Thursday, Two days of the week. Or numbers, That’s Twenty, also Ten and Three. At Table, have Total, Tangerine, and Toast. At noon, Tuna with Tartar sauce and Tea. Supper, Turtle soup, T-bone steak, and Turnips, Tossed Tomato salad, Turkish coffee, agree? Text is second Thessalonians, Two: Twelve. Preacher Teaches about Transgression and Truth. Tenors sings O, That I had a Thousand Tongues. Prayers of Thanksgiving by The Teen-aged youth. Trudy has a Threatening Tumor on her Thyroid. Dr. Thompson Treats it most Thoroughly. Tess has a Tingling in her Throat, Thus “Having a Tonsillectomy,” she says Tearfully. Tiny Tots play with Toes and suck Their Thumbs. Toddlers play with Tinker Toys, hug Teddy bear. Twelve-year-olds play Tic-Tac-Toe & watch TV. Teens play Tennis, learn To Type, Tint Their hair. Tiptoe Through The Tulips and The Trillium. Avoid the Thistles and Tramp on The Tumbleweed. Don’t Tamper with Tigers, Tortoises or Tarantulas. Listen to a Tanager and a Titmouse in The Tree. Take a Train To Toledo, Tampa or Toronto. Travel on a plane To Thailand, Turkey or Taiwan. Tour The Taj Mahal or Trek a mountain in Tibet. Take a short Trip To Towson or Timonium. Tina went shopping at Target to buy a new T-shirt. Also Tights, some Terry-cloth Trousers, and a Tie. Then bought Toilet Tissue, Tampons, and a rat Trap, Thick Towels and a Tablecloth, a Tremendous buy. I Think you are Tempted to Toss This in the Trash. Tsk-Tsk! Jo Sack

You ought to be in PICTURES

For the 2017- 2018 church di-

rectory! Get your picture taken by Rick Dezes before

or after the worship service on Sundays in May. OR

You can send a digital pic to the church

or bring in a picture to the office, and I will scan it (the

picture will be returned).

Dale Salah

Providence Press Page 4

Mission Update In response to our Offering of Letters Sunday we sent 85 letters to Washington. Hunger month’s collection of cereal, P&J, and baked beans resulted in 18 boxes and 6 bags taken to ACTC.

Thank you for your generosity

A Letter about our Christmas Gift Hi everyone, We have successfully completed our Spring Break Drive to help homeless students and their families with food during the long Spring Break. Thanks to your gen-erosity and that of St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, we were able to give each family $125 in grocery gift cards. The Spring Break is often a tough time because these students cannot get meals in school. Room of Support: After over a year of work, Chris

Diehl, the Vice Presi-dent of the Loch Raven Network, has come up with a comprehensive list of items, many re-quested by students, which we stock in the Room of Support. Stu-dents in need come

with a staff member to the room and choose what they need. We hope you'll look over this list and consider donating some items, or if you don't have time to shop, we can shop for you. Many of these items are not that expensive, but for a student who can't afford them, it can make the difference between coming to school or not,or coming to school after having slept better with a pillow. If you have questions about the list and/or would like to donate something, please send Chris an e-mail, chris-diehl@comcast.net, or check out the list on Sign Up Genius. Thank you as always for your generosity to Loch Raven students! Laurie Taylor-Mitchell

Dutch Ruppersberger Says:* Like you, I have concerns about the Presi-dent’s proposed budget blueprint for fiscal year 2018. Instead of putting America first, this budget puts politics first. It hurts my constitu-ents, all Marylanders and all Americans. Repub-licans and Democrats must come together to pass budget bills that prioritize services and pro-grams that Americans rely on most. While I agree with the President that we must

support our Armed Forces and veterans – many

of whom live in and work at the two Army bases

and Air National Guard base in my district – we

must not forget the ways in which non-defense,

domestic and foreign assistance spending can

serve to protect our national interests. Military

spending alone won’t secure all Americans.

*Part of a letter sent in response to our Offering of

letters.

Volunteers Needed for the

Woodbourne-McCabe Summer Camp The Woodbourne-McCabe Neighborhood Association is planning its second annual Youth Em-powerment Summer Camp. Building on the success of last year’s one-week camp, this year the camp will be expanded to three weeks, June 26 – July 14. The Associa-tion applied for and received a $3,000 grant from the Baltimore Presbytery to help fund the camp, which will be held at Alhambra Park lo-cated right in The Neighborhood. The camp will host 50 children per week, ages 5-13 years old. Although the curriculum is still being devel-oped, broad topics include Healthful Living, Personal and Community Advocacy and Envi-ronmental Awareness. What can we do to make this camp successful? The Association would like each church that participates in the Upper Metro Ministry Group

to commit volunteers for one week of the camp. The volunteers will man one of five activity stations being planned for the children. They will also be responsible for providing lunch/snacks for two days of that week. Finally, they would like a $200 donation to fund an end-of-week celebration, including food and special activi-ties. The camp will run Monday – Friday from 11:30AM to 4PM. What better way to get to know our neighbors in the

Woodbourne-McCabe area of Baltimore City? If you

are interested in this exciting opportunity, please let me

know so that you will be included in the planning meet-

ing to be held in May. Mary Jo Zimbro

Page 5 Providence Press

Book Review ‘Til the Well Runs Dry

By Lauren Francis-Sharma

This debut novel by Lauren Francis-Sharma takes

place in Trinidad,...land of

the hummingbird. Although

I have never had any desire

to go to Trinidad, after read-

ing this book I have added it

to my bucket list.

The saga follows the life of

Marcia Garcia beginning

when she is 16 and ending

22 years later when she is 38

(1943 to 1965). Marcia is an

expert seamstress who ap-

pears to live alone in a small

town in northern Trinidad

called Blanchisseuse. While visiting one of her cus-

tomers, she meets a young policeman of Indian de-

scent, Farouk Karam, who becomes entranced with

her. Farouk has never encountered a woman as self-

possessed as Marcia. He secretly follows her home

and decides to take a vacation from work, bunking

with a friend near her home, to increase his chances

of meeting her again. He is successful, but she is not

interested in courting him. We soon discover that

Marcia does not live alone after all, but is raising two

young boys on her own. Although surprised, Farouk

is not deterred and with time, persistence and gifts,

he eventually wins Marcia over and the two fall in

love.

So do Marcia and Farouk “live happily ever af-

ter?” Not by a long shot. Marcia returns home one

day only to find that the boys have disappeared. The

neighbor who was watching them said they were

playing outside one minute and gone the next.

Marcia, Farouk, neighbors and police frantically

search for weeks, but there is no trace of them. After

months of depression, Marcia begins to move for-

ward with her life and she and Farouk finally marry.

But their happiness is short-lived. Marcia insists on

meeting Farouk’s parents and when the day finally

arrives, Farouk introduces Marcia as his friend and

seamstress, not his wife. As Indo-Trinidadians, Fa-

rouk’s parents look down on Afro-Trinidadians and

their plans for him did not include marrying one.

When they learn that it is a done deal, they try to per-

suade Farouk to annul the marriage and poison him

with rumors about who fathered the two boys who

disappeared. When confronted by Farouk, Marcia

remains tight-lipped and does not defend herself.

Between Marcia’s secrets and Farouk’s insecuri-

ties, the marriage breaks down. Although they go

their separate ways, they remain married and have

four children. Both are devoted parents in their own

way. Fast forward 12 years and Marcia is presented

with an opportunity to move to the United States.

The plan is to work as a seamstress and once estab-

lished, have the children join her. Marcia struggles

with the decision and comments “You never miss

the water ‘til the well runs dry. Plenty people t’ink

they’ll be fine until the person they need does be

gone.”

This short summary barely scratches the surface

of this engaging and colorful novel. There is no

shortage of intrigue as told through the eyes of

Marcia, Farouk and their second daughter, Jacque-

line. And the author vividly describes island life in

all its dimensions geography, vegetation, food, cus-

toms, smells, politics and most importantly, lan-

guage. I had the pleasure of meeting the author who

attended my book club’s meeting to discuss her

book. She is a descendant of Trinidadian immi-

grants and was motivated to learn more about her

family’s history when her grandmother suffered a

stroke. After reading the book and meeting the au-

thor, I am sure I will feel right at home when I do

visit Trinidad.

Earth Weekend at MPC April 19-25

During the environmental focus weekend, MPC folks watched this movie on Friday. If you missed it, you might like to watch it at home. Based on a book by Naomi Klein and filmed in nine countries and five continents over four years, This Changes Every-thing is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change. “After focusing on North Americans for the first half, including both Native/First Nations peoples and Anglos, the film moves out to Greece, India, China and Germany, before drawing the connec-tions together to bring the movie to a very satisfy-ing conclusion. It also points out that we are able and do domi-nate nature, take what we want, and never pay the consequences. But we can tell a different and better story, one in which we acknowledge that we are part of nature.

Based on a review on Ama-

ECO-Info

Page 6 Providence Press

Highlights from Session Meeting - March 2017 OPENED with a discussion of Chapter 1 of Changing The Conversation by Anthony Robinson discussed. Talked about significant cultural changes, and the end of “Christendom” as we have known it. GUEST Bill Breakey shared his concerns about maintaining the environmental focus of MPC. We have a strong legacy, but due to attrition, the ESAG committee is greatly diminished and there is con- cern about how to continue its efforts. CONGREGATIONAL CARE: needs of Pat Cornman and Ethel Riggin’s were noted in particular. CLERK’S REPORT: Rocky Price’s death was recorded on February 21st. We plan to honor Erin van Hine’s graduation from medical school, and honor the time she has had with us, probably after the service April 23. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mission Committee - Uptown Ministry group dinner meeting attended by four members of the Session and a Mission Committee member was inspiring and enlightening. We intend to support the McCabe Community summer camp during its second week of operation in July. We will need 7 volunteers to work at camp from 11:30-4 pm, July 3, 5, 6, and 7. PASTORAL CONSIDERATIONS: We are considering registering official support of The Sanctuary Coalition of Central Maryland, which allows individuals and churches to commit to providing sanctuary or assist those who are providing sanctuary to immigrants. (Support does NOT require each church to provide housing on their site.) The Session supports this effort, but would like to have a discussion with the entire congregation in May, before signing the pledge. The Rocky Price Memorial Service will be April 7, 11 am, at MPC. Renewal of the Interim Pastor Agreement for an additional three months was approved. NEW BUSINESS: On April 23 our service will have an environmental theme to it, and show support of the Presbytery’s Earth Action Weekend. On April 30th we celebrate MPC’s 60th Anniversary! The emphasis will a) be future oriented, and b) highlight our commitment to being an Earth Care Congregation. Donna Mistr inquired as to whether we would be open to using church space for a meeting of “We Will Harford County.” The Session was supportive, and awaits a request for a specific date. Carol Mason

With permission

Providence Press Page 7

MPC Finance and Administration Summary

March 2017 Income during March was $12,113, and expenses were $19,689, resulting in deficit for the month of ($7,576). This brought Operating Funds Available down to ($7,716) through three months. As of March 31, Cash/Check offerings were 63% of budget, or $14,504 under Budget. The shortfall was partially made up by un-budgeted stock offerings and higher than expected Apportionment payments ($35 per member for 2017!). Total income was $57,775 for the first quarter. However, this did include transfers in from Endowment funds to zero out the 2016 yearend deficit. Expenses during the quarter were mostly on or under Budget. Exceptions included Utilities for the Annex ($1,228 over budget), and unexpected repairs to aging, out of code and damaged electrical circuits in the basement and office. MPC sent a check for $3,660 along with Mary Murray to our El Salvador sister parish, Maria Madre de los Pobres, in support of their Godparenting program. Many thanks to all those who have chosen to support this ministry and these children!

YTD 3/31/2017 Income and Expense, Balance Sheet and Fund Highlight

(Statements Available on Request)

Operating Income: $ 57,775

(includes $15,143 Endowment funds)

Operating Expenses: $ 50,348

Operating Funds Available: $ (7,716)

Reconciled PNC Balance: $ 52,818

* Operating Funds Available (OFA) is our reconciled bank balance, minus payroll liabilities and the sum of

restricted fund balances. OFA reflects only current year operations. Any prior year losses are recovered

through New Covenant transfers, thus zeroing out the losses and reducing the total value of New Covenant

holdings of the church.

**This balance reflects an end-of-year update to actual market value on December 31, 2016, and will be re-

duced by the amount of Endowment transfers in 2017. J. Wright Witcher

Restricted Fund Balances:

Mission: $ 3,379

General: $ 11,892

Memorials: $ 44,887

Total Endowment: $ 358,932**

I Didn’t Practice

Tillie

Thursday Choir rehearsal 7:30 PM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM Communion First Sunday of each month

May 2017

Sun 7 ; Worship 11:00 AM

Faith Journey 4:00

Mon 8 Finance 6:30 PM

Tue 9 Session 6:30 PM

Sun 14 Sojourner Sunday 9:30;

Mother’s Day Worship 11:00 AM

Sun 21 Theology and Coffee 9:30 AM; Worship 11:00 AM

Mon 22 Mission Action Group 7:00

Sun 28 Worship 11:00 AM

Mon 29 Memorial Day

Visit our website at www.mpchurch.org Facebook and Twitter

Mission: To be a welcoming, progressive faith community,

nurturing inquisitive Christians for life and service in the twenty-first century.

Church Staff Rev. Bill Sitterley, Interim Minister Greg Metzler, Director of Music Anne E. Culbertson, Choir Section Leader John Wright, Choir Section, Leader Dale Salah, Administrative Director Kathy Ramirez, Custodian

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