Current Events: Coming Soon...

Things in this section are generally for about the next 30-60 days plus miscellaneous announcements. This is the freshest news and it changes at least weekly. Check back regularly to keep up.

updated   5 / 7 / 2008

"Consecrate yourselves,
for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."
Joshua 3:5 (2007 theme verse)

May    

• May 10: B:WB 5k/10k and Family Festival
  Blood:Water Baltimore is hosting the second annual Running Water 5k/10k in Hunt Valley on May 10th. Good for the serious runner or suitable for the whole family! All moneys raised will help to serve our neighbors by building clean water wells in Sub-Saharan Africa. A family festival with live music, food and fun will follow the event! Registrations can be completed online. For more information, visit the website, www.bloodwaterbaltimore.com or contact Mark Moyer.

• May 10: Presbyterian Spring Fling
  There will be a Spring Fling at the Presbyterian Home (400 Georgia Court; Towson) on Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Come and enjoy the vendors, activities, food, and silent auction! We are celebrating our 125th anniversary!

• May 12: Men's Prayer Breakfast:
  The men will have their monthly prayer breakfast on Saturday, May 10th, at 7:30 am in Room 211 (Calvin B). Men, please plan to attend this time of light fare and corporate prayer. For more information, contact Frank Cole or Theo Berenthien.

• Before May 11: Thinking About Mother's Day
  One month from today is Mother's Day. Are you seeking a way to honor women who are immeasurably special to you on this May 11th occasion? Opportunity International, at work in 28 countries, is transforming the lives of mothers around the world, empowering them as entrepreneurs to build better futures for their families. In appreciation of a donation from you, a personalized card, featuring original art, will be sent to those you select as honorees. A gift of $25 will buy reeds to make baskets; $50, a wooden cart to bring vegetables to the market place. You can submit an order online until May 1st at www.opportunity.org/mothersday. Cards will also be available at the Welcome Center on April 20th.

• May 11: Children & Youth Concert
  The Children & Youth Choir will have a concert on Sunday, May 11th, at 4:00 pm. We invite all those with a taste for salt and seawater to go on a musical adventure with the Central Children and Youth Choir as they present: "We are United ~ An Island Adventure."

• May 13: Youth for Christ Banquet
  You are invited to The Friend's of Metro-Maryland Youth For Christ's annual fundraising banquet. It will be held at Martin's West at 6:45 pm on May 13th, 2008. Amy Grant will be the featured speaker/musician along with exciting student testimonies. Please contact Mitt or Gail Seward by phone or email for your complimentary ticket(s). Come and help us celebrate what God is doing with area youth.

• Thru-May 14: Art Exhibit
  Joe Hart invites you to view his new Art Exhibit, "Blessed Union of Souls" based upon near-death experience. The exhibit runs through May 14th at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center (1525 Marriottsville Road). Call 410-442-1320 or visit www.joehartart.com for more information.

• May 18: Wheel at the Ridge
  The Towson Rotary Club is hosting a "Wheels at the Ridge" on Sunday, May 18th, at Oregon Ridge Park. Owners of vintage cars at least 25 years old will have their vehicles on display from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. A donation of $5 a family will be collected and all proceeds will benefit The Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC). This privately funded organization feeds, transports and guides some 11,000 cases each year. Learn more about this event at our website www.wheelsattheridge.com.

• May 30 - June 9: Step Into Africa -- World Vision Experience: AIDS
  HopeSprings, the HIV/AIDS partnership between Central and Grace Fellowship Church, is collaborating with World Vision in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. World Vision has put together an interactive exhibit that takes you into the life of a child affected by the pandemic. So, mark your calendars for this phenomenal, paradigm-shifting World Vision Experience, at Grace Fellowship Church, May 30th-June 9th. Find more info, reserve tickets or signup to volunteer signup at www.worldvisionexperience.org.

  Manpower Needed! HopeSprings, the HIV/AIDS partnership between Grace and Central, is collaborating with World Vision to host the World Vision Experience at Grace. This exhibit will require a lot of volunteer manpower to run successfully. Each shift consists of a preview of the exhibit, training, and then helping to run the experience. Please prayerfully consider signing up to help. For more information, contact Leigh or Stephanie.

• April 16-On: DivorceCare Ministry
  Starting Wednesday, April 16th, a 13-week series of "Divorce Care" will be offered at Central Presbyterian. This group is open to anyone in the community in need of support, information, and healing in the midst of separation or divorce. Classes will run from 7:00-8:30 pm. At this time, child care is not available, but we hope to offer it in the near future. The group will be led by Brad Sanner and Lori Anderson. Brad has facilitated a number of DivorceCare groups and both leaders have experienced the journey of divorce. Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce. The DivorceCare program features emphasis on a biblical approach to divorce, separation and related issues such as reconciliation, remarriage, forgiveness and the effect of divorce on children and families. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. You'll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. For more information about the program, go to the website: divorcecare.com, or pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center. Please call the Church Office (410-823-6145) to register. If you have any questions about the program or want to know more about how to support this ministry effort, contact Lori Anderson.

• April 24-On: Central Softball
  The season starts on Thursday, April 24th, so it is time to dust off your gloves and bats and get ready for Central softball. We still have spots available on the roster and all are welcome. Please contact Greg Schutt for more details.

• April 24-On: HopeSprings HIV/AIDS Ministry Volunteer Training
  HopeSprings' HIV/AIDS ministry attracted many faithful volunteers willing to journey through HopeSprings' first, six-week volunteer training classes, which concluded in early March. Forty-six newly-trained volunteers, prepared with a clear understanding of HopeSprings' mission, vision, and values, investigated their own spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personalities, and life's experiences, explored topics of cross-cultural sensitivity, and considered a variety of serving opportunities on the HopeSprings' teams. These teams offer the volunteers many engagement opportunities in the areas of education & awareness, special events, marketing & development, volunteer management, operations, and international work in Malawi, Africa. Some volunteers will provide direct services locally with the HopeSprings' partners at Jacques Initiative, Moveable Feast, AIRS, World Vision, and HopeWalks. The rapid growth of this HIV/AIDS ministry sees partnerships expanding both locally and internationally and invites many volunteers to reach out as the hands and feet of Christ to touch people, who are devastated by HIV and the AIDS pandemic. Those interested in joining the HopeSprings' upcoming volunteer training course, The Journey, are encouraged to sign up for the next session, which starts Thursday, April 24th.

• April 30 - July 2: Bible Study Class
  The People of the Book Ministry presents "Lessons in Bridging Cross-Cultural Barriers and Understanding Islam" taught by Pastor Faysal Sharif. This class will be held on Wednesdays from April 30th - July 2nd, 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Huber Memorial Church (5701 York Road; Baltimore, Maryland 21212). Learn the basic spiritual and doctrinal principles of Islam as it compares to Christianity and develop the ability to approach and contextualize an appropriate strategy for presenting the Gospel to Muslims.

• Assisted Listening System
  CPC is now equipped with an Assisted Listening System. If you have trouble hearing the service, please see one of the ushers to sign out a listening device. Please print your name next to the device number that is available, pick up your device, and enjoy the service! Please remember to return the device to the 'sign up station' after the service.

• Visits & Communion
  The Deacons would like for you to know that if you or a family member is hospitalized and desire a visit or are unable to attend worship services and wish to receive Communion at home, please contact the Church Office (410-823-6145, ext. 234) and leave a message.

June and Beyond    

• Summer Potpourri
  Faith and Politics: Religion in the Public Square -- is the theme of Adult Christian Education during June, July and August. Tentative topics include: Jesus in the public square; How should I vote?; Whose laws, and who judges?; Are Christians green?; Separation of church and state; Christian education; Public health; Role of evangelicals in the future of politics. If you would like to suggest a class topic, be involved as a presenter or panelist, or know someone in Central that you would recommend, please contact Gordon Bonham. June 11: The Small Groups Challenge
  The Small Groups Challenge, sponsored by The Navigators and the Tri-State Small Groups Pastors' Network, invites all to a seminar that helps you to engage spiritual seekers in life-changing conversations and community. Garry Poole, Director of Spiritual Discovery at Willow Creek Community Church will be the keynote speaker. This seminar will be held on Wednesday, June 11th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church. Registration forms are available at Connection Central or call the Church Office (410-823-6145) for more information.

• June-Aug: Summer in the Son Preschool Bible Story Time
  This is a Bible story time for preschoolers and their parent (or caregiver) and will be held in the morning on June 10th & 24th, July 8th and 22nd and August 5th and 19th (2008). This summer's engaging story time with Bible story, craft, snack and age-appropriate activity is scheduled so preschooler and parent can attend one of the two weeks in each summer month for a total of three lessons. For registration card and more information, follow the bouncing link...

  July 14-19: Explorers' Camp 2008
  This summer we are offering a Bible School for Elementary children and their families called Jerusalem Marketplace that will run every evening (Monday through Friday) during the week of July 14th so that families can be together and learn together. Registration will begin in late May. Follow the link for details and registration.

  Does this sound like a great way to learn together? Our co-leaders for Jerusalem Marketplace are Jamie Harms and Candy Perkinson. Please pray asking God's guidance as to how you might participate. We get to be very creative in this venture. Our skills and talents of many varieties will make Jerusalem Marketplace come alive to our families. Let's plan to work together in teams to share the load and train others to do what we know how to do. You can touch base by email with Jamie Harms or Candy Perkinson about ways to share your talents and skills.

• July 20-25: Christian Work Camp
  Baltimore County Christian Work camp will be held July 20th through 25th. This is their 25th year of providing home repair and assistance to the needy by volunteers of all ages. Anyone 16 years of age or older and willing to work may register. Persons under age 16 are welcome, but must be accompanied by adults. There is a small participation fee and registrations are due by Tuesday, July 1st. For more information, call Chip Day or Frank Thomas.

Miscellaneous Announcements and Needs    

Be sure to check out Opportunities to Serve regularly for current donation/giving needs and ways to volunteer.

• Woodberry Crossing
  Woodberry Crossing is seeking donations of small items to be used as game prizes for Sarah's Hope and Jacques Initiative (examples - jewelry, toiletries, key chains, scarves, etc.). Please mark ALL items clearly and leave them at the Deacons' Closet for pick up on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month. Contact Jean Pollitt to make arrangements. Posted 5/4/2008.

• Another Man's Treasure
  Start spring cleaning now! Tell your co-workers, relatives and friends to do the same. The Volunteer Office's Housewares Closet of the Baltimore County Department of Social Services at 6401 York Road needs gently-used towels, blankets and sheets (twin and full sizes) and other basic housewares. For more information, please call the Volunteer Office at 410-853-3024. Thanks! Posted 4/15/2008.

• Lighting Up Worship Arts
  As we move into the new Worship Center, the Worship Arts staff is looking for volunteers to help us utilize our new lighting capabilities. If you have a background or an interest in theater, lighting, or general worship, please contact Gideon Breidegam (Gideon@centralpc.org). Posted 2/17/2008.

• Bus Drivers Needed
  Central's Bus Ministry serves the whole Church, from the Central Lights to the youth of Central, to the Mt. Olivet Church Seniors, to the special needs students at Baltimore City's McMenken School, to the Park Heights Saints boys' football teams. The Bus Ministry provides an opportunity for groups to travel together comfortably and safely while they enjoy the camaraderie of the group. For some, like the students of McMenken School and the Park Heights Saints boys' football teams, Central's Bus Ministry provides the opportunity to go on field trips or to games that they would otherwise have to miss. We need skilled drivers to keep the ministry active and the bus on the road. Please contact Bob Summers, Bob Carman, John Pearson, or Tim Bilezikian for more information. Posted 5/6/2007.

• Christian Community Center
  The Christian Community Center can use women's summer clothes (larger sizes too) and summer clothes and swim suits for children of all ages, including high school. Please check your closets and if you have things that you could donate leave them under the table by the bathrooms at the end of the Concourse, clearly marked CCC. If you have any questions, call Gail Seward. Posted 5/6/2007.

• Katrina Relief Efforts
  Donations and service will continue to be needed for some time in this hard-hit area. Find out more here.

• Join the Worship Arts Team!
  Are you interested in getting involved with any of the sound and media arts teams? Have you ever wondered what it takes to make Sunday morning services happen? Are you interested in eq's and jpegs? Major 5ths and downstage cues? Lighting and hosting artists? Praying for the 30+ current team members and pastors? The Worship Arts Team is looking for creative and committed servants to join our team in the areas of sound and visual arts, music and drama, and hosting and prayer. Training is available for those with a basic understanding of their area of interest. Contact Tawnya Pollard, our new Worship Arts Producer, (tawnya@centralpc.org) if you are interested or if you would like to find out how to have a verbal announcement made during the service. (posted 1/2007)

• Like to Cook? Encourage a New Mom!!
  Do you like to cook? If so, please consider volunteering to make a meal for a family in the church with a new baby. To volunteer or get more information, please contact Stacey Parson.

• Blood Donations
  Note: Maryland is currently experiencing a severe on-going shortage of blood, so PLEASE donate!!! Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a donation at one of the area centers.

• Prayer for Service Men & Women:
  We have been praying for our service men and women serving in Iraq. Please let us know if the men and women are returning or are in need of more specific prayers by putting a note on the back of the pew card. We especially want to praise God for bringing our men and women home.

• Contributions: We are now accepting contributions electronically. If you wish to contribute this way, call the Church Office and we will mail you a form. Weekly or monthly giving options are available. Questions? Please call Brenda Ames-Ledbetter (410-823-6145, ext. 239).

• Classified Ads - It Works!
  Central has started a free community bulletin board intended for the limited use of attendees of Central Presbyterian Church. Needs have already been met in the short period of time that it has been published. Submissions can include housing and job opportunities, items for sale, services offered, and community events, and can be submitted by email to centralclassifieds@centralpc.org or faxed to 410-494-1169. Central reserves the right to edit or reject any ad that may be inconsistent with church ministry, doctrine or theology. Ads will run for three weeks. Pick up an issue in the Concourse TODAY!