MPC NEWS MAGAZINE October 2017 What s Happening in October

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1 MPC NEWS MAGAZINE October 2017 What s Happening in October Mommy! Child Health Foundation October Focus I was working the night shift in the pediatric ward. All my little charges were asleep. In one of the rooms was a 3-year old who had suffered a brain concussion. The surgeons had opened the cranium to release the pressure that had built up. But alas, she didn t wake up after surgery. It was now over two weeks that she had been in a coma. Everyone was very worried. I was making my rounds and when I opened the door to her room, I found her standing up in bed, hanging onto the railings. I quickly unfastened all her lines and picked her up. She struggled to get down and when I set her on the floor, she ran out into the hall, calling for her mommy. Imagine, if you can, the reaction of that mommy when she got the message! Most of the mommies that Child Health Foundation supports live in poor communities and many are not taught to read or write. Our projects are designed to teach them how to feed their children to prevent malnutrition, how to prevent various diseases and to practice such things as breastfeeding and drinking clean water. And they are delighted to learn when they see that these practices are saving their children s lives. It is not CHF s practice to just feed and treat, we work at sustainable models. Here is an example: An organization in Kenya established a community -based mothers and infants center which focused on providing nutritional education and counseling for mothers by setting up Nutritional Kitchen Gardens in sacks for women and their children (see at the right), and producing educational and communication materials; these include T-shirts, brochures, banners and printed baby shawls and blankets with nutrition and health information on them. The sack gardening method was thought to be wise since it takes up little space and less water than a regular garden. One hundred mommies have been trained. This is an on-going project and the results are not available to publish ye Envelopes are in the pews for your donations. Thank you. Jo Sack Rev. David Norse served as minister of MPC: his first Sunday on September 24th. Pastor Nominating Committee pictured with Rev. Norse (for names see p. 6) A cake after the service The Sack Garden The area around the can is filled with soil and stones to the height of the can, then the can is filled with rocks Water is poured through the rocks (there are holes in the can). Seedlings are planted in holes made in the sides and top of the sack. The participants were shown how to water, care for, and harvest, as necessary. Sunday Brew Theology and Coffee October 9:30 Mark 1-2 Sojourner Sunday October 9:30 TBA n gai Be g Theology and Coffee October 15, 9:30 Mark 3-6 Led by Jocelyn McKeon and Darrell Wheeler a ins

2 Page 2 Rick s Adorable Granddaugter, Kristen It was with mixed emotions that MPC bid farewell to our interim minister, Bill Sitterley, on Sunday, September 10th. All were sad, but all were grateful that Bill was with us for as long as he was. Bill s last service was a poignant one as he said his goodbyes in his sermon titled Sacred Partings, and he told everyone that he was continuing as an interim in Shepherdstown, WV in the coming months. After the service, people got a chance to speak of their admiration and thankfulness and for Bill s ministry at MPC and the caring that he showed when it was needed. And his sense of humor all will remember that. Bill s wife, Noi, said her goodbyes in a traditional Thai way. A poem by Dale Salah, entitled The Whistler, was read and a PowerPoint secretly created by Jo Sack touched everyone. She recounted his journey, together with his loves, and especially his gifts to MPC during his interim. Carol Mason then presented Bill with a donation to Habitat for Humanity, in his name, and a memento of MPC. Afterwards, all gathered for fellowship and a truly unique and beautiful cake (see below), and each shared their personal and private thoughts with Bill and Noi. We will miss them both but wish them well in their next assignment and in their coming retirement in Venice, Florida. Rick Dezes Those Were the Days In 2004 members of MPC attended a series of workshops about labyrinths at Govans Presbyterian Church led by Rev Jack Sharp. They were learning how the ancient practice of walking the labyrinth could lead to physical, emotional and spiritual health. Having such a labyrinth at MPC would offer to the community and members of the church a sacred space for sharing their faith in different ways. Inspired by this, Angela Breakey, Carol Dezes, Karen Wright, Connie Newton, Charlene Reinke and Mary Ellen Zimbro began to plan a Labyrinth on MPC grounds. That year's Oktoberfest funds of $1000 were devoted to developing the labyrinth. Funding was also sought from a foundation that funds the development of Sacred Spaces. Carol and Angela devoted much time to preparing a proposal and obtaining letters from community organizations as support. Disappointingly, the grant was not awarded, but writing the proposal clarified the ideas and in 2006 the plan was implemented with a gift from Alma Smith, in honor of her husband, Bob. The design was laid out by Carol and Angela with white spray paint and the work was done by Bill Wilkinson and team. An Earth circle was removed, stones laid in formation, and paths laid with sod. It was dedicated on July 16, 2006 with the congregation walking it together. A workshop was held in September 2006 led by Susan Moseley, a certified leader of labyrinth workshops. She shared the history, symbolism and mysteries of the labyrinth. Thirty people attended and several went on to design and construct their own labyrinths. It is used by church members, passing community visitors, children from the Montessori school, and other building users. Walkers are invited to record their thoughts in a book placed in a green stand constructed by the late Harold Dunlap. Our labyrinth is listed in the Labyrinth Locator - a worldwide list of labyrinths maintained by Veritas. Last summer, the stones were raised to their former heights as they had sunk over the decade. Angela Breakey and Rick Dezes

3 Page 3 Published for the members and friends of Maryland Presbyterian Church, 1105 Providence Road, Towson, Maryland (410) Editors: Jo Sack, Rick Dezes Production and distribution Dale Salah, Alma Smith, Other Contributors to this Issue: Sibylle Ehrlich, Pat Cornman, Carol Mason, Rosemary Plummer, Angela Breakey Editorial Comment I m taking the month off!! This was written very beautifully by a guest reporter: The Very Vibrant Viola Vera, vacationing in Vermont, vacuumed vigorously. A venerated visitor, the Venezuelan viceroy was expected. It was vital that the venue, her Venetian-style villa, in Vermont's verdant valley, impress her visitor. The vinecovered veranda was vibrant, the vaulted ceilings voluminous, and the vestibule was covered with velvet. Vera had prepared a dish with veal, venison and various vegetables smothered in Velveeta; this was no meal for a vegan. She valued vitamins and used vinaigrette on her salads. V-8 and vermouth were served with the Vichyssoise, and dessert was a Viennese vanilla velvet cake. The viceroy, wearing a vintage vicuna vest, was verily a vampire. He had smelled the vapors of the venison and vaulted through the vast open window and tried to violently violate the voluptuous, vivacious but virtuous victim. Vera valued her virginity and vowed to defend it. The vicious villain was vile and vulgar. Q and A with Eric Thomas Please go to the May, 2017 issue of Baltimore Magazine to read the article titled, Q and A With Eric Thomas. Eric is our the husband of our new pastor, David Norse. You can also read it on MPC's website (MPC in the News) or at this link, Here is an excerpt: What was growing up in Baltimore like for you? I grew up in the Upton area of downtown Baltimore. My father is the executive director of the Baltimore Public Market Corporation and before that he was the assistant general manager of Lexington Market. What I love about Baltimore is how each neighborhood is like a different cultural experience. All Saint s Book of Remembrance is located outside of the Sanctuary. Please list any loved one you want to be remembered on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 1st. Laugh of the Month Clever Kids Teacher: Why are you late? Student: Class started before I got here. Teacher: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? John: You told me to do it without using tables. Teacher: Glen, how do you spell 'crocodile?' Glenn: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L Teacher: No, that's wrong Glen: Okay, but you asked me how I spell it. Vera was vexed, but recalled that her valuable viola worked like Valium. Verily, Vera's vibrato veiled the viceroy's vicious advances as she played him into a vortex of verve with variations of The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations." The vain viceroy veered for the viaduct and was enveloped in a violent vat of volatile, volcanic vinegar. Teacher: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water? Donald: H I J K L M N O. Teacher: What are you talking about? Donald: Yesterday you said it's H to O. The value of the story is Vera's viola vindicated her. Sibylle Ehrlich Teacher: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago. Winnie: Me

4 Page 4 Mission Update A total of $2491 ($1285 from the operating budget, $1206 from your donations) was sent through the Presbytery to McCabe Summer Camp ($250), to the community organizer position at Strong City Baltimore ($1341) and to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake ($900). Thank you for your generosity School Kits for CWS Rosemary Plummer and Dot Attwell took 60 school kits to New Windsor on Thursday September 14th. They were accompanied by Anne E. Culbertson. A sum of $ was handed over for shipment and handling. This was considerably fewer kits than last year (155), but instead of using the $803, donated by the congregation, for more kits, it was decided to send it to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma. Thanks to Dot and Rosemary for organizing a very effective collection of the kits and we thank all those who generously gave supplies and funds, and also helped with assembling. Another McCabe/ Habitat for Humanity Work Day Here Purity Njagi and Jocelyn, a prospective home-owner, work on a deck on September 23rd. October s workday is the 28th. Please let Mary Jo know if you are interested in helping. ECO-Info The Wisdom of Nature One of the most notable indicators that autumn is imminent is the color change that we begin to see in the leaves of trees and other woody plants. Even before this, in late summer, there are more subtle signs of the coming fall season with the gradual disappearance of migratory birds, and the relative calm in the year-round resident bird populations, as they fledge their last sets of hatchlings. There are also hundreds of signs in the behaviors of mammals that prepare winter shelters, or insects e.g., crickets and grasshoppers that fill the days and nights with their songs to attract mates. Females lay their offspring eggs in the soil or on plant stems to overwinter as eggs before the adults perish. But, even if we don t pay attention to the animal activity, autumn leaves announce the seasonal shift in a show of beauty that is difficult to ignore. The length of the day s dark period starts the process. As nights become longer, leaves begin to produce thickened cells between the leaf bases and leaf stems. As these cells block the passage of water through the leaves, the green pigment, chlorophyll, begins to degrade. As the pigment disintegrates, orange and yellow pigments (carotenoids) that have been in the leaf all spring and summer become obvious. But daytime air temperature and soil moisture also determine the brightness and longevity of the turning leaf colors. Scientists have discovered that in very bright light conditions, darker red pigments (anthocyanins) are synthesized in the deteriorating leaves. Why should a tree or other woody plant use energy to produce pigments in leaves that are programmed to fall off shortly? Typically, nature is much more energy efficient, so what is going on? It seems that the anthocyanins may be produced to assist in moving unspent sugar (that was produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to the woody tissues of the plants to conserve the energy in the sugar until new leaves develop in the spring. Anthocyanins may also play a role in recycling nitrogen compounds which are found mostly in the leaves of woody plants. Nature gives up its secrets reluctantly, retaining elements of mystery, complexity and immense beauty that make the efforts to explain nature s ways almost spiritual. Pat Cornman Pat has written a sample letter on page 7 for all of us to use to help our environment. Please read and then write the Governor.

5 Page 5 Excerpts from a Slide Show This presented at Bill s last Sunday Worship Service That angel dust somehow captured his soul, too, and living to be like Jesus, he somehow began to look like him. A Carpenter: Aha! Adept, adjustable agreeing to God s call, Bill spent several years in Papua New Guinea and other Asian countries with Habitat for Humanity. He came, he saw, but no Caesar he. Bill did not conquer here, tis true, He built a spiritual reservoir for us, To enter and be filled anew. Soul-searching, scriptural, scholarly sermons delivered with humor, wisdom and vision, Not just from his lips but from his heart too. What you have done for these others, You have done it unto me Bill endeavors to follow this great gospel teaching, Joining with many of us, yes, he cares For those who are hungry, ill, cold, and homeless. For Jesus is one of those, all, everywhere. To be closer to God, be closer to people Bill keeps an open door and closet for all kinds from all nations. Our church is noted for accepting everyone, All colors, faiths, sex variations. Angels brought news of peace and good will To shepherds in Bethlehem that night. Perhaps one born in Bethlehem, PA, could Catch some of this angel dust and light, Yes? Just look at that angelic peaceful smile! More angel dust! On the way to India from New Zealand one day, he stopped in Thailand, met Noi, at the Christian Guest House and it was love at first sight. But alas, long distance communication got very messy. Finally over a year later they had their first date and a couple months later were married. Bill once had horses on a farm in California. But... Adoring animals, active in agriculture, not now allowed, so adjustable, he has only one Roxy, the dog. So what are the other things Bill likes to do besides taking a dog for a walk? He likes to eat! Almost everything, but especially Chocolate. First Birthday Cake Bill gets a thrill out of long hikes especially where there is water. And of course, he has to take a selfie. But now he plans to hike away from us along a long, winding path. Goodbye, Bill. We love you. Jo Sack

6 Page 6 Minutes of the Congregational Meeting July 16, 2017 The meeting was called to order after the church service. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the recommendation of the Pastor Nominating Committee to elect Reverend David Norse as the new Maryland Presbyterian pastor and to approve his terms of call. Verification of proper notice for the meeting and a quorum were declared and the meeting was opened in prayer by Rev. Sitterley. Rev. Sitterley called on Danell Gill, chairman of the Pastor Nominating Committee, to report on their work. She gave an introductory statement about the meeting s process and the PNC s work. Bill Breakey then discussed the year-long effort by the PNC; first developing a church mission statement for the Presbytery matching website, then evaluating over fifty personal information forms from candidates. Carol Mason and Linda Koch shared comments made by David s references. Joe Wright discussed how he was impressed by David s worship service and interviews. Rick Dezes shared how David s own leadership competency matched MPC s needs 100%. The only pastoral candidate who did that. Kim Ward concluded the comments with details about his leadership and financial skills. Rev. Norse then took questions from the floor. He responded to issues about growing the church and his experiences in Iona, Scotland and at the Broad Street Church in Philadelphia. At that time attendee, Jo Sack, escorted David and his husband, Eric, from the sanctuary. The terms of call were presented, which included that Rev. Norse would begin on September 18th and his first Sunday would be September 24th. Danell made the motion that we approve the selection of Reverend David Norse as the new pastor of Maryland Presbyterian Church and his terms of call. Branch Warfield seconded the motion. Ballots was distributed to members only and counted. The selection was overwhelmingly approved. David and Eric were invited back in where they were given the good news, and David was given the opportunity to share a few words. It was recommended that the PNC be thanked for their service, but not officially disbanded until the date of David s installation. The Congregation concurred. The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Sitterley. Respectfully submitted, Moderator: Rev. William Sitterley Carol Mason With permission

7 Page 7 Though the administration has withdrawn from the Paris agreement, others have taken up the task of keeping us connected. Please write our Governor and get Maryland on the list of those who believe. Here is a sample letter: pose of this alliance is to show American solidarity with other countries in recognizing the truth of climate change and to cooperate with them in developing innovative ways to lower and stabilize greenhouse gas pollution by researching the potential for renewable fuels. China and all of Europe are doing this. Why aren t we! Governor Larry Hogan This alliance counts among its 100 State Circle This alliance counts among its members nine U.S. states, signatoannapolis, Maryland members nine U.S. states, sig- ries from 125 cities, 902 businesses natories from 125 cities, 902 and investors, and 183 colleges and businesses and investors, and universities. It represents 120 mil183 colleges and universities. Dear Governor Hogan, lion Americans and accounts for an The announcement this spring by investment of $6.2 trillion to the President Donald Trump that the United States was U.S. economy ( withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement sent Won t you join California, Connecticut, Hawaii, shock waves throughout not only the U.S. but also New York, N. Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, the the world. Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington State For decades, atmospheric scientists have warned us in adding Maryland to the list? that human-induced and human-assisted climate We all have a moral imperative to be good caretakchange due mainly to the increasing burning of fossil ers of the planet that sustains us. fuels since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution Sincerely, is real, and the time to make effective changes to avoid worldwide catastrophic outcomes is getting short. This summer, a group of 1,219 committed elected Hurricane Relief officials, tribal leaders, college and university leadpresbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) seeks ers, businesses, and investors have come together to your help in the midst of the catastrophe spawned form an alliance called We Are Still In. The purby Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria, which continues to ravage communities, especially in the islands. You can help the PDA bring hope and healing to families impacted by the hurricane by praying, taking action and offering financial support. Please make your checks out to MPC and put Hurricane on the memo line. Cash should go in Styrofoam recycling has restarted. an envelope, clearly marked also. To use your Once again, please follow these directions: credit card, use the convenient donation site on Only Styrofoam with this symbol can be taken. our website. Put in a clear bag (They are in the office). Tie the bag into a knot. Bring to church. If Rick isn't there, put in the shed next to the office. Absolutely NO PACKING PEANUTS. Thanks for your efforts! The earth appreciates it U. S, Virgin Island

8 September s Highlights Left: New beautiful bulletin board with list of Core Values, created by Rosemary Plummer and Dot Attwell MPC News Magazine Maryland Presbyterian Church 1105 Providence Road Towson, Maryland mpc@mpc.org Right top: Bill and Noi Sitterley pose before their farewell cake. See p. 2 McCabe Workday, September 23rd Mary Jo Zimbro, Tameika (a prospective home owner), Paula (Faith), Chris ( Govans) and James (prospective home owner). Rev. Sitterley entertained the attendees with a slide show about his experience with Habitat for Humanity in Asian countries, particularly Papua New Guinea, Sept. 20th. Right: Carol Mason presents Bill with farewell gift, pens inscribed with his name (he always loses them.) Mission: To be a welcoming, progressive faith community, nurturing inquisitive Christians for life and service in the twenty-first century. Church Staff Thursday Choir rehearsal 7:30 PM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM Communion First Sunday of each month October 2017 Sun 1 Coffee and Theology 9:30 AM; Worship 11:00 AM Sun 8 Sojourners 9:30AM; Worship 11:00 AM; Faith Journey Group 4:00 PM Mon 9 Finance 6:30 PM Tue 10 Session 6:30 PM Sun 15 Coffee and Theology 9:30 AM; Worship 11:00 AM, Sun 22 Worship 11:00 AM Mon 23 Mission Action Group 7:00 PM Sun 28 Coffee and Theology 9:30 AM; Worship 11:00 AM Rev. David Norse Greg Metzler, Director of Music Anne E. Culbertson, Choir Section Leader John Wright, Choir Section Leader Dale Salah, Administrative Director Kathy Ramirez, Custodian When's the last time you visited MPC's web site? It's kept up to date on a monthly and sometimes weekly, and always on an as needed basis. You can find past issues of the and past sermons in written and audio format. Mission focus news is always on the front page. Upcoming events are posted as well. And a pastor's blog will hopefully begin soon.