Tidings Jul Aug10
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Transcript of Tidings Jul Aug10
When I arrived at Brown, there was no active Adult Education Committee, other than Henry Taylor, who was serving as the liaison to Session. In more recent months, the Session has begun a process to clarify and rethink the ways that staff, lay leadership, committees, and the Session work together in ministry at Brown. Henry
and I are excited to hear the Session’s recommendations on this matter. In the meantime, as part of our process of planning for Adult Education this year, Henry Taylor and I are getting input from the congregation in four different ways: 1) we used an adult forum series to explore and
brainstorm, 2) we turned those ideas into an interest-gauging survey for the congregation, 3) we gathered a small and diverse group of adults to reflect on the survey results and some ideas for next year, and 4) we are engaging the Session in an extended visioning/planning time during its July meeting.
In leading the “Thinking outside the Box Series,” one thing that stood out to me was a meditation exercise, in which 18 of you responded to the question, “What are you hungry for?” Most of the responses were some variation on 1) connection/ community or 2) spiritual growth/honest exploration of faith. A number of new efforts in the past year have tried to respond to these hungers, including a new monthly gathering of young adults for food and fellowship; the sharing of prayer concerns in small groups at the Adult Forum and midweek Bible study; increased intentionality about connecting each Adult Forum session to faith; a layperson-led, Saturday morning Bible study, prayer, and fellowship group; an “Ask the Pastor” feature of the Tidings; using Twitter and Facebook to invite daily spiritualreflection during Lent; an ongoing lectionary-based midweek Bible study led by clergy; and an invitation to read The Shack, by William P. Young for a summer-time discussion of this intriguing theological reflection on forgiveness and the Trinity (my interpretation). I was greatly inspired by our Book of Order’s reflections on Christian Nurture (another way of talking about Christian Education), and its implications for our community. For these and other insights from this series on our website – go to www.browndowntown.org, and click on “About” at the top, then “Adults” on the left hand side, and scroll down to “Thinking Outside the Box”).
The survey results from January have been analyzed recently; you can view a summary on our website (See the instructions above.). The idea that generated the most interest overall was an educational series on Islam and Christianity. I hope that we can also coordinate such a series with a visit to a mosque by our confirmands and other interested congregation members. This topic may be one that is ripe for our next book discussion, also. Other ideas that generated considerable interest include 1) monthly fellowship groups 2) an educational series drawing on the perspectives of congregants involved in mission (An Adult Forum and Wednesday Night at Brown series explored this topic during the spring.); 3) a series on faith and healing; 4) a series on evangelism; and 5) an intergenerational camping trip.
Pastor’s reflections
TheTidings
July-august 2010
good news from
PasTor’s reflecTions .1
Two soloisTs To sing aT Tanglewood ............2
news from BUild .....2
in memoriam of KaTherine sharP .....2
meeT an organizaTional JUnKie .3
a ThanK YoU noTe from rachel cUnningham ...4
highlighTs from
RENEW VBS 2010 ...4
JUlY and aUgUsT resPonsiBiliTY schedUles ..................5
JUlY and aUgUsT BirThdaYs...................6
JUlY 2010 aT BmPa ....7
aUgUsT 2010aT BmPa .....................8
in this issue BY rev. emilY rose marTin
continued on page 3
I was unsure what to expect from my first BUILD neighborhood walk. I lived in the neighborhood on the other side of Eutaw Place, the one with a reputation of being cleaner
and safer. I never had a reason to venture across Eutaw, so at a minimum, the walk afforded me the opportunity to get to know my less-immediate neighbors.
Emily Martin and I joined Angela, a local resident, in our group of about ten children. As two white people in a predominantly black neighborhood, Emily and I would not have had the credibility to walk around with clipboards in our hands without Angela — or
the children. She guided us through the streets while the children laughed and chased each other, knocking on all the doors they could find. We must have been a curious group to anyone who opened a door: a klatch of boisterous kids and three adults all clad in turquoise T-shirts. The attention we stirred may have had something to do with the high level of responsiveness I noticed from most of the people with whom we spoke. Almost everyone with a child instantly recognized the importance of the recreation center and didn’t hesitate to write down contact information on the clipboards. One man said he grew up going to that recreation center and wanted to make sure his child went to the camp. A woman who Emily and I encountered started weeping when she realized how beneficial the camp would be for her two children by keeping them off the streets.
These were powerful responses. In a place where my expectations were uncertain at best, I was unprepared for the effect that the BUILD walk had on my neighbors. There was a shared thirst among them to learn about the recreation center and the camp for their children and to be part of a movement that labored for a better community. The effect on me was probably just as powerful.
Page 2 the tidings July-august 2010
two choir soloists to sing at tanglewood
During these summer months, two soloists from the Brown Memorial Chancel Choir will attend the high-profile music conference at Tanglewood, located in Lenox, Massachusetts. Andrew Sauvageau, current
baritone soloist, and Sarah Davis, former soprano soloist, will both spend the summer at Tanglewood, participating in many public performances with stellar
conductors and vocal coaches.Earlier this summer, on June 5, Sarah Davis made
her debut performance with the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, singing With Lilies White, by Matthias Pincher, with the composer conducting. On August 16, under the baton of composer-conductor Oliver Knussen, Sarah Davis will sing the American premiere of Elliott Carter’s What Are the Years. Her otherperformances on July 18, 28, and August 11 will feature songs by Mahler, Robert Schumann, and Joseph
Canteloube (French songs from the Auvergne Region). On July 23 Sarah will participate in Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio, with singers from the Metropolitan Opera performing the lead roles.
On July 6, Andrew Sauvageau will sing Gustav Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn; and on July 31, he will perform Samuel Barber’s Dover Beach. OnAugust 17, Andrew will also appear in the opera Where the Wild Things Are, based upon the book by Maurice Sendak. Andrew will be cast in the role of “The Wild Thing with Horns”.
Next year Andrew will travel to New York City to repeat the performance of Where the Wild Things Are with the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center on April 9. The performance will be preceded by outreach programs to area schools on April 5 and 6.
We are thrilled to witness the success which Sarah and Andrew are achieving in their developing careers. We wish them every joy and blessing, and we are grateful to know them as friends and colleagues.
BY John walKer, minisTer of mUsic
news from BuildBY david nYweide
Katherine sharPnovemBer 14, 1910 – June 20, 2010
In 1935, she graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing where she specialized in psychiatric nursing. During WWII she volunteered at the Cornell Medical Center and at the Light House School for the Blind in New York. In Baltimore, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels until forced to give up driving at the age of 90. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday August 15, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Roland Park Place; 830 W. 40th Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21211. A guest registry is available at www.burgee-henss-seitz.com.
In Memoriam of a BMPA Member
July-august 2010 the tidings Page 3
meet an organizational JunKie
His family’s roots began in North Dakota. His parents were born there. His father’s grandfather was a Presbyterian Minister. Uncle Jack was an elder and a research officer for what is now Ecolab. His father and Aunt Bertha were elders and his mother was a deacon.
Since his father traveled extensively for his work, Bill Wilson, Jr. was born not in North Dakota, but in Shreveport, Louisiana. In this area of the country, the elder Bill worked on an alternative to oil production which involved extracting oil from shale. An early fascination with books was sparked by Bill’s paternal aunt who was employed by the Veteran’s Administration as a librarian. His main interest was reading books about architecture.
At Louisiana State University, Bill’s fascination with the written word continued, but he pursued and was awarded a degree in economics. Ensuring that he would always have access to libraries, Bill was awarded a graduate degree
in library science from the University of Michigan.
Beloit College handed Bill his first job, but he journeyed to and worked in Illinois and Arizona. Somehow, the lure of the East Coast brought him to Enoch Pratt Library’s Central Branch, to the University of Maryland at College Park, and to a lady who became his wife.
Bill’s late wife, Jane Bromley, settled in Baltimore. They purchased a “rehabbed” house in Barre Circle in the southern part of the city. Jane, too, was a lover of the printed word. She wrote The Very Quiet Baltimore, a book about cemeteries in the city. It was Jane who first established a connection with Brown Memorial through Peggy Parks, a member of the congregation.
At the University of Maryland, Bill taught in the College of Information Studies for thirty years. He was enticed from retirement to be the university’s Diversity Officer. After retiring from that position, once again he returned to head the Mentoring Program. The program grew out of the diversity effort and was undergirded
by the International Mentoring Association. His office sought to increase the graduation and retention rates of international students by securing mentors for them.
Since 1993, following the death of his wife, Bill has been drawn to Brown Memorial Church. At first, he was fascinated by the architecture of BMPA. He was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere of the church, also. Peggy Obrecht, the Robinson family, and Jane Swope were especially gracious to him.
Bill describes himself as “an organizational junkie” who frequently is elected or selected as the secretary of the group. He is currently the vice president (former president) of the Maryland Conservation Council. He holds membership in the Maryland Library Association, and in the Citizens for Maryland Libraries. Additionally, Bill belongs to sixteen environmental organizations.
Another task Bill has on his plate is to organize the graduate library alumni for the 50th class reunion in October 2010, at the University of Michigan. Although books have been his companions most of his life, Bill always seeks human connections. Indeed, this “organizational junkie” has also been described by those who know him as a “collector of broken winged friends, a helper to people who need a friend.”
BY ellen carTer cooPer
Bill Wilson, Jr.
Pastor’s reflections
Since the surveys were collected, leadership and ideas have continued to emerge, and you can look forward to some exciting opportunities in the coming year, including a number of offerings by the Diversity Committee around the issue of Mental Illness. During the fall, the Wednesday Night at Brown Committee has planned series around Faith and Humor, Stewardship, and Food. I recently became aware of a kind of introduction to “Progressive Christianity” DVD and discussion series, called Living the Questions. It features such commentators as Walter Brueggemann, Amy Jill-Levine, Brian McClaren, Hans Kung John Dominic Crossan, Helen Prejean, and John Bell. In addition to providing stimulating conversation among our members, Rev. Foster Connors and I wonder if a series like this would be ripe for some targeted outreach and evangelism to the broader community.
It is truly a gift to serve as your associate pastor. I continue to be inspired by the gifts, interests, and dedication of the members here. If you did not fill out the survey in January, but would like to provide leadership for a small group, educational series, or fellowship event, please let me know.
continued from page 1
Page 4 the tidings July-august 2010
As I reflect back on another great Vacation Bible School, there is much for which to be grateful. Thirty-five children, ages 3-11, spent the week
learning about God’s beautiful creation and how we can take care of it for future generations. We studied the Parable of the Sower and learned that we are all seeds
planted by God. We talked about how God’s seed takes root in us and grows and how sometimes that seed is challenged, but when we face those challenges together with God we can live in harmony.
We sang songs (some of which made up the music for worship on June 27th), played games, created art, and shared snacks all the while being in community with one another. Vacation Bible School is a wonderful time to come together to play and learn in the sacred beauty of our church and community.
It would be impossible to pull off Vacation Bible School without the many volunteers who gave their time and talents to make this week possible. Special thanks to: Erika Brockman, Barbara Christen, Rachel Clark, James Cunningham, Maya Deane-Polyak, Erin Emerick, Andrew and Kate Foster Connors, Bud and Carol Graves, Julie Hanks, Linda Holfelder, Nicholas Imparato, Emily Martin, Laurie May, Laura McConnell, Jack McManus, Micheline McManus, Nicole Mitchell, Karen Nelson, Betsy Nix, Tim Nohe, Elizabeth Reichelt, Graham Richardson, Lauren Richardson, Elden Schneider, Rob Tracy, John Tucker, John Warmath and all those who donated items from our wish list. I am grateful for your ministry to our children.
Blessings, Rachel Cunningham
A ThANk You NoTE from rAchEl cuNNiNghAm
highlighTS from RENEW VBS 2010
Julyacolytes4th Peter Coulson & Erin Emerick11th Warner & Peter Luljak18th Trevor Bishai & Jake Schindler25th Samuel Todd & Jihar Williams
audio engineer4th Don Peeples11th Doug Adams18th Adrienne Williams25th Brantley Davis
children’s church volunteers4th Grace Peng & Mehran Armand11th Elizabeth & Charles Reichelt18th Rachel & Daryl Smith25th Jim & Theresa Veatch
coffee hour hosts4th Jenny Williams & Jonathon Barnes11th Rachel, James & Evan Cunningham18th Will & Erika Brockman25th Brad & Nancy Bradford
communion PreParation4th Barbara Christen
communion servers4th Ellen Carter Cooper Hilbert Byers John Tucker
greeters4th Rachel, James & Evan Cunningham11th Cheryl & Stewart Finney18th Ian Brown & Stephanie Lopez25th Barbara Clippinger & Luke Clippinger
liturgist4th John Tucker11th Annie Bishai18th Graham Richardson25th Karen Nelson
offertory countersKen Mills & Andy Ross
ushersMonica Rakowski, David Rollison, John Warmath, & Jenny Williams
augustacolytes1st Graham Bishai & James Cavallon8th Mather English & Grace Todd
15th Elizabeth Cavallon & Josephine Finney22nd Katie Egan & Annie Schindler29th James Cunningham & Nicholas Imparato
audio engineer1st J.D. Robinson8th Don Peeples15th Brantley Davis22nd Bud Graves29th Adrienne Williams
children’s church volunteers1st Andy & Michelle Zabel8th Linnea Cheseldine15th Brantley Davis22nd Jim & Joanne Egan29th Kate Foster Connors
coffee hour hosts1st Court & Sally Robinson8th Rose Glorioso & Donna Senft15th Beth Gregory and Hugh Calkins22nd Cheryl and Steward Finney29th Soulful Revue Spouses
communion PreParation1st Barbara Cates
communion servers1st Ellen Carter Cooper Hilbert Byers John Tucker
greeters1st Liz Bowie & Will Fesperman8th Bill & Laura McConnell15th Kathy Graning & Katie Rhodes22nd Nancy Bandiere & Monica Rakowski29th Taylor Branch & Christy Macy
liturgist1st Brantley Davis8th Jenny Williams15th Deborah Milcarek22nd Shirley Parry29th Betsey Todd
offertory countersPage Campbell & Bill McConnell
ushersSarah Buikema, Anne Heuisler, David Mock, Betsy Nix, Charlie Obrecht & Peggy Obrecht
resPonsiBility schedule 10 a.m. worshiP service
July-august 2010 the tidings Page 5
If you have a conflict with this schedule – please call others on the list to make a swap. Then inform the church office of these changes at (410)523-1542 or [email protected].
Published monthly for members and friends of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church by the Membership Committee. Andrew Foster Connors, Pastor. Emily Rose Martin, Associate Pastor. 1316 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217. 410.523.1542.www.browndowntown.org. Send contributions bythe 15th of each month to Ellen Carter Cooper, editor([email protected]) or to Sharon Holley, church secrectary ([email protected]).
good news from
TheTidings
July Birthdays 08/01 Malinda Peeples08/04 William McConnell IV (Bill)08/04 Neal Naff08/05 Chuck Holland08/09 Donald McPherson08/11 Mehran Armand08/11 Judy Coho08/11 Lynne Jackson08/11 Emily Rose Martin08/12 Gilly Babb08/13 David Todd08/14 George Brown08/15 Cecelia Reichelt08/15 Sallie Robinson08/17 Elizabeth Williams08/20 Jack McManus08/20 Betsey Todd08/21 James Egan08/21 Anna Lazarus08/24 Carol Graves08/24 Terry Lorch08/24 Laura McConnell08/26 Evan Cunningham08/27 W. Courtland Robinson08/28 Andy Imparato08/29 Anna Hughes08/29 Oliver Schmickel08/31 Gareth Imparato08/31 Henry Waldron
Note: If you wish to have your birthday listed in The Tidings, please contact Sharon Holley, church secretary, at 410-523-1542, or via e-mail at [email protected].
07/01 Elizabeth Bishai07/01 Phyllis Conner07/03 John Howard De Hoff07/03 Peter Hoffberger
07/03 Andree Molling07/03 Lehn Robinson07/03 Tom Waldron07/05 Will Fesperman07/05 Frederick Lazarus V07/06 Hannah Milcarek07/06 J. D. Robinson07/09 Charlie Obrecht07/12 Anna Connors07/12 Rose Glorioso07/13 Andrew Babb07/13 Benita Low07/15 Franklin Branch07/16 Liam Stanton Abernethy07/18 Rachel Emerick07/19 Rachel E. Clark07/21 Hilbert Byers07/22 Wells Obrecht07/24 Doug Adams07/25 Gerald Shields07/26 Ed Nicol07/27 Ellen B. Williams07/31 Valerie Hinkle07/31 Aidan Lorch-Liebel
08/01 Deb Milcarek
Page 6 the tidings July-august 2010
august Birthdays
July-august 2010 the tidings Page 7
August
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