tidings dec09

I really don’t like waiting. I don’t like waiting for my family when it’s time to go. (They don’t like waiting for me either). I don’t like waiting in line at the post office. I don’t like waiting for a movie or a concert to start. I don’t like

waiting to see Santa get off his lunch break at the mall. I prefer for things to happen on my own time, to fit with my

schedule, to revolve around my needs. But I am willing to wait under the right conditions. I waited ten days in a tent for tickets to

a Duke-Carolina basketball game. I waited in line at an amusement park to ride roller-coasters with my family. I have waited in a courtroom to tell the judge why a prayer for peace led me two steps over a line I was told not to cross. I have waited in a hospital for a doctor to come and say, “She’s doing well.” I have waited at the beds of people I love until they decided it was their time to leave this world. I have waited for my own two children to decide it was time for them to enter it.

There are some things that are worth waiting for, even if I don’t like to wait. I still haven’t decided whether the season of advent qualifies or not. There’s part of me that is tired of the predictability of advent. While “Holly Jolly Christmas” is chirping away on the mall intercom, we’ll be singing “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” in a minor key. While the Christmas trees are already up, we’ll be hearing John the Baptist hammering away about repentance and a baptism of fire. I’m accustomed to the season now. I’ve come to expect the dissonance between credit-based instant gratification, and faith-based delayed gratification. I know that everybody will breathe a sigh of relief when the waiting is over and the presents are opened and the day is finally here.

Yet I know that what I’m really waiting for is not Christmas Day. I’m waiting for healing and wholeness that only God can bring to me and to the world. I know that if I don’t practice that kind of waiting with other people who long for holy visitation as I do, I’m likely to decide that maybe the healing and the wholeness aren’t worth waiting for at all.

I really don’t like waiting. But every year I think I get a little better at it. I think I get a little better at slowing things down, seeing gifts all around me, and recognizing how free I feel when I’m clear that the world doesn’t revolve around my needs. I think I look forward more and more to setting a place at the table for joy that is coming for a visit even if that visit doesn’t happen on my own time or fit with my own schedule. There are some things that are worth waiting for.

Pastor’s reflections

TheTidings

December 2009

GooD news from

PasTor’s reflecTions 1

The Music of advenT and chrisTMas .........2

ask The PasTor ........3

The PerfecT chrisTMas gifT: a cd of elijah 3

a greaT day for euTaw-Marshburn 4

god’s call To souTh dakoTa .......4

a Peaceful warrior 5

ring and sing caroling — for all ages ......5

bMPa To geT new PicToral direcTory ..6

saTurday breakfasT, Prayer, and bible sTudy .............6 birThdays.................6

deceMber 2009aT bMPa .................7

in this issueby andrew fosTer [email protected]

• the tiDinGs December 2009

the music of aDvent anD christmasby john walker

[email protected] these weeks of preparation for Christmas, the

profound role of music touches each of us perhaps more deeply than at any other time of the year. At Brown Memorial Church the Sunday morning services during Advent and on Christmas Eve will include a wide array of music:

• An Israeli folk melody • Two excerpts from Bach Cantata 140 • Two anthems from Westminster Abbey • A motet written by the beloved American

musician Paul Manz (1919-2009) • “Come to the Cradle,” from the Christmas

Festival at St. Olaf College • A touching setting of “Away in a Manger,”

with children joining the Chancel Choir • The Nigerian carol “Betelehemu,”

arranged by Wendell Whalum • Traditional Chinese carol “Pengyou, Ting!,”

sung in Mandarin

• A carol with text by our own Sally Shoemaker Robinson

On December 20, the fourth Sunday of Advent, the service of worship will include part one of Handel’s Messiah. With texts from both the Old and New Testaments, section one of Messiah focuses upon the birth of Jesus, with sections two and three describing the passion and resurrection of the Lord. The service of worship will begin that day at 10:45 a.m. with Handel’s setting of Isaiah’s proclamation that “Every valley shall be exalted” and that “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.”

As the closing hymn of this service, the entire congregation will be invited to join in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus”. Although this chorus is the closing movement of section two (passion) in the oratorio, the text is the grateful Christian response to God’s loving gift to the world in the person of Jesus Christ.

Anne Porter’s poem, given to me recently by Roger Fink, helps me to comprehend the profound role which music plays in our lives, particularly during this season. As we sing and listen to the music of Advent and Christmas, may we recognize and welcome the One who came to live with us!

MusicWhen I was a childI once sat sobbing on the floorBeside my mother’s pianoAs she played and sangFor there was in her singingA shy yet solemn gloryMy smallness could not hold

And when I was askedWhy I was cryingI had no words for itI only shook my headAnd went on crying

Why is it that musicAt its most beautifulOpens a wound in usAn ache a desolationDeep as a homesicknessFor some far-offAnd half-forgotten country

I’ve never understoodWhy this is so

But there’s an ancient legendFrom the other side of the worldThat gives away the secretOf this mysterious sorrow

For centuries on centuriesWe have been wanderingBut we were made for ParadiseAs deer for the forest

And when music comes to usWith its heavenly beautyIt brings us desolationFor when we hear itWe half rememberThat lost native country

We dimly remember the fieldsTheir fragrant windswept cloverThe birdsongs in the orchardsThe wild white violets in the mossBy the transparent streams

And shining at the heart of itIs the longed-for beautyOf the One who waits for usWho will always wait for usIn those radiant meadows

Yet also came to live with usAnd wanders where we wander.

—AnnePorter

ask the Pastor

Q: Why do you pour water into the baptismal font during the Assurance of Pardon? Are you symbolizing the cleansing of our sins?

A: The pouring of water doessymbolize God’s grace in forgiving us of our sins-washing us clean. Also, by pouring the water into the font each Sunday, we are

providing a multi-sensory reminder to members of each one’s baptism and the meaning of that baptism for their lives. For those of us claimed by God as infants, the pouring of the water represents God’s pre-emptive grace. In baptism, Christians believe that we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection; we die to what separates us from God and one another and are reborn into a new life in Christ. Water is a great reminder of that, as it can symbolize both death and new birth/life.

In addition to reminding us of our baptisms, water connects us to a whole host of scriptural stories and images that remind us of God’s goodness and mercy, which is the only reason we feel that we can confess. Here are a few that come to my mind, and how they relate to the practice of confession and the assurance of pardon:

• Water reminds us of God’s liberation of Israel from slavery by parting the waters (Exodus) and leading them to a new land of abundant life and faithful obedience. We often include references to these Biblical texts and others during baptism, where we too are promised freedom from all kinds of enslavement. Confessing our sins and our participation in

the larger sins and sinful systems of our culture and society, and being assured of our forgiveness should also lead to that sense of new life and freedom.

• The new life that we are born into is marked by right and just living in community, as another water image in Amos 5:24 reminds us: “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream.”

• That new life is also marked by new energies and resources for loving, serving, and growing in faith that bubble up like living water inside of us (John 4:14).

• Another thing that the pouring of the water can remind us of is God’s promise to us in Isaiah 43: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” If I’m going to be honest with God about my struggles and my sins, then I need to know that God will be with me in that.

There may be other Biblical passages that come to mind for you when you see us pouring the water, for example, Moses striking the rock to produce water for the people while they were in the wilderness or the river of life in Revelation. This liturgical act connects us with so many different but relevant aspects of God’s assurance.

* “Ask the Pastor” is a new feature of The Tidings. You may submit a liturgical or scriptural question to be answered by one of the Pastors to Ellen Carter Cooper at [email protected]. The deadline for questions is the 18th of every month.

by eMily rose MarTin

[email protected]

?

December 2009 the tiDinGs • PaGe 3

A particularly meaningful gift this season is a CD of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” performed by our own Chancel Choir as a Tiffany Series concert in May. Julie Hanks, who bought 10 CDs as gifts for family members, said, “It was such an incredible day, and I want to share that with them. The seniors love classical music, and I think it’s important to expose the younger family members to a beautiful work like Elijah.”

Others have chosen the CD because of its personal connection. “I’m so proud of our choir and the wonderful music we make,” said Chrystie Adams. “I’m giving it to friends who are choir directors and who couldn’t come to the concert.” Singing Elijah with John Walker conducting and Fred Swann as organist was “a marvelous musical experience,” Chrystie noted.

While the performance continues to gather accolades, the CD was recently praised by several out-of-state organists and choir directors for the professional quality of the recording, according to John Walker.

The design of the CD package has also elicited admiration.

The 3-disc set is $15 and can be purchased in the Assembly Room after worship on Sundays, in the church office during the week, and online at: www.browndowntowsn.org (a small shipping fee applies to online purchases). It is also available at An Die Musik, a record store and performance space located at 409 N. Charles Street in downtown Baltimore.

The Perfect Christmas Gift: A CD of Elijah

• the tiDinGs December 2009

On Saturday, November 7th, the sky was blue, the sun was bright and the neighborhood was out in force. Hundreds of people gathered – Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary School children, some parents, the school principal, several teachers and other school personnel, the Pastors of the area, all kinds of volunteers, the City Councilperson of the district, Fox 45 news and WBAL-TV, members of BUILD and Child First and an enthusiastic contingent from Brown Memorial.

The mission for the day was to clean up the school’s playground and to declare it a “safe space” in which our children can exercise and play. Hundreds of blue and yellow balloons were blown up and tied by the children to the fences. Rakes and brooms manned by people from age 6 to age 80 accomplished the first part, the clean-up.

Next, Pastors from the community, including Andrew Foster Connors and Emily Martin, led a procession around the perimeter. At each of the four corners of the playground, a Pastor prayed and blessed the space. “Amens” were loud and strong!

There were several speeches of support and gratitude for the

a Great Day at eutaw-marshburnby sandra fink work of the day and good wishes for the future of

Eutaw-Marshburn and the surrounding community.At that point, a “Moon Bounce” went into full swing, pit

beef and hot dogs were served, and a good time was had by all!The action was planned as an opportunity to share a

message in the community: Our children’s safety and well-being in this school space is critical and must be preserved.

In short, there was:reclamation of the property CO-OPERATION of the community DEDICATION of the space PROCLAMATION of the sacredness of

children’s rights to be safe.

It was a great day for Eutaw-Marshburn and the community.

GoD’s call to south Dakota

The journey started in 1997, when Rebecca, then 12 and going into 6th grade, asked if I would chaperone the Brown/Govans middle school youth on a trip to the Pine Ridge

Reservation to take part in a week-long Vacation Bible School and work project at Makasan Presbyterian Church.

My first response was an emphatic “No!” No beds, no showers, no AC, middle-school youth (which I taught all year) and HOT weather. Why, I did not even own a sleeping bag and really disliked “roughing it.” But Rebecca kept asking and finally convinced me to go just once.

That “one-time-only” trip turned into a life-changing experience for me and eventually our whole family. When I got off the plane after that first trip, I asked Doug, “Do you know how to build field showers?” Of course he was up for the challenge and joined us for our second trip in 1998. The rest, as they say, is history.

Much has transpired since 1997. We no longer conduct Vacation Bible School programs, instead offering the Hau Kola Learning Camps (HKLC), beginning in 2003. This past summer, we had three weeks of camp at Makasan for pre-school, elementary, middle and high school students. Hau Kola also has a camp in the village of Pine Ridge for elementary and middle school and another camp in Porcupine in conjunction with a summer program at the local school.

HKLC, which is offered as a partnership between our presbytery and the Presbytery of the Dakotas, has gone to the Lake Traverse Reservation and has a camp for elementary-age children at the Goodwill Presbyterian Church. Next summer,

we will begin the seventh camp on the Yankton Reservation. Several folks from Brown Memorial have been active in this

journey. I would imagine that most, if not all of them, will share with you that the experience has changed their perspective on life – what is important and what is not. The South Dakota experience offers an opportunity to form relationships with wonderful children and adults and to continue the relationships each summer and even during the year with correspondence and phone calls. South Dakota seems to offer a sacred time and space where there is an opportunity to breathe deeply and reflect on where our hearts are truly called to be.

Doug and I have felt called for many years to be a more permanent part of the community where Makasan Presbyterian Church is located – Oglala, S.D. We have talked and dreamed of a time when we would be able to be out in South Dakota and live with the folks we have come to know and love.

We are extremely excited with the recent news that we have been accepted by the session of the Makasan Presbyterian Church to serve as the Site Coordinators for their newly completed Makasan Multi-Purpose Center – a building that people from the Baltimore Presbytery have helped build over several years.

We will serve a one-year term starting next September and will have many wonderful adventures to share with all of you. The possibilities are endless and we are excited to be called to be a part of this wonderful program which will serve the community of Oglala and provide a space for groups to come and learn and grow in their understanding of God’s love in this place that seems so poor but holds riches for the heart.

We know you will keep us in your hearts!

by chrysTie adaMs


a Peaceful warriorby ellen carTer cooPer

He hasn’t thrown five smooth stones at the “Goliaths” of this world, but he propels a mean tennis racket as often as he can. David Mock has both active and sedentary interests. Although David is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, Baltimore can claim him because he has lived here for a longer period of time.

Like King David, he learned at a young age to choose his battles wisely. Perhaps, this occurred because he was the lone male sibling with three very vocal sisters (the late Jill and Lynette and Peggy Obrecht). When the family settled in Baltimore, they attended Roland Park Presbyterian Church, but David persuaded his parents to join Brown Memorial Church. He convinced them that since all of his friends from Gilman School were members of BMPA, he should be with them.

When the family joined Brown Memorial, David’s parents formed a lifelong bond of friendship with and admiration for the Rev. T. Guthrie Speers. Rev. Speers, who served BMPA from 1928 until his retirement in 1957, died in 1984, at the age of 93. David has fond memories of the links tying the Speers and Mock families.

David acquired degrees from Amherst College, Harvard University, and the University of Baltimore (Juris Doctorate). His first job was as a bank teller with the Baltimore National Bank. Mathieson Chemical Corporation hired him as a trouble shooter for several sites in rural sections of the southern portion of this country. Later, David experienced a different culture and pace of life when he worked in New York for sixteen years. His last job was with the First National Bank as a trust officer in the new business division.

In Erie, Pennsylvania, while attending a wedding, he was introduced to a lady named Virginia. Fortuitously, later, they too were linked in matrimony. When David finally settled in Baltimore, he was accompanied by Virginia and his children, Melissa and Jeffrey. Melissa still resides in this area and Jeffrey lives in North Carolina.

At Brown Memorial, David is quite busy. He serves with Meals on Wheels, the tutoring program, the Sunday School teachers, and the newly reborn ushers’ unit. As a member of the Stewardship Committee, David has been known to remark, “Did I overlook your pledge card?” as a reminder to fill out and return one’s commitment to contribute to the church’s budget. David’s longest stint of volunteerism has been following the footsteps of his father on the board of the Family and Children’s Center of Central Maryland (FCC). For 25 years, he has served in this capacity. He was the Executive Director of FCC, also.

When he isn’t playing tennis, David goes fishing or plays bridge. As an ardent fan of the Baltimore Orioles, he still supports the team even though no pennant has graced the field house for many years. This man of diverse inter-ests believes that Brown Memorial should continue in

its current path under the inspired leadership of Andrew Foster Connors. He also appreciates the work Kate Foster Connors is doing with the young people. David thinks that they should be encouraged to be a part of all of the church’s activities. He especially approves of the fact that Session has a Youth Elder.

David Mock Photo by Lynda Burton

The Ring and Sing Caroling this year will be held on Sunday, December 13th after church. All interestedringers – first grade and up – are invited to join in the fun. We will be combining our traditional Ring and Sing Caroling outing with our Brown Community Caroling this year. Families are welcome to come and join in the singing or ringing or both!

Here are the details for the event:• Ringers will rehearse after church from 12:45 – 1:30. Ring and Sing is quite easy as long as you can read lyrics. The bell music consists of words and circles and lines and is very easy to understand.• You may want to bring a sandwich and eat lunch after church.• We have enough books and bells for 16 people, so contact Chrystie Adams at 443-474-2200 or [email protected] if you want to be one of our ringers!• We will leave Brown Memorial at 1:45 to travel by cars up to Broadmead,.• We will ring and carol from 2:30 to 3:30. The residents of Broadmead love having us and many of them join in the singing!

by chrysTie adaMs

rinG anD sinG carolinG — for all aGes

December birthDays12/01 Lynda Burton12/01 Nicholas Imparato12/03 Cheryl Finney12/03 Tony Saudek

12/04 Adam McNabney12/05 Alexandra Mihalski12/05 Jenny Williams12/07 J. Courtland Robinson12/07 Brough Schamp12/08 Nancyellen Brennan12/11 Cal Buikema12/11 Katie Rhodes12/11 Sally Robinson12/11 Samuel Todd12/12 Rick Satterlee12/13 Audrey M. Brown12/13 Stewart Finney12/13 Barbara Veldhuizen12/16 Nate Hubler

PaGe 6 • the tiDinGs December 2009

saturDay breakfast, Prayer, anD bible stuDy

A small group has begun meeting in the Church House on Saturday mornings for prayer, breakfast, and Bible study. We begin at 8:30 a.m. with body prayer. We then move to silence and intercessory prayer. We pray for all those on our church prayer list in addition to our individual concerns and thanksgivings. At 9:00 a.m. we share food we have brought and discuss a scripture text. Right now we are reading Genesis along with a study book, Journey Through theBible: Genesis.

The schedule of readings for the upcoming Saturdays is as follows: Dec. 5, Genesis 11, Chapter 4; Dec. 12, Genesis12-15, Chapter 5; Dec. 19, Genesis 16-17, Chapter 6; Dec. 26, Genesis 18-21, Chapter 7; Jan. 2, Genesis 18-19 again, Chapter 8. Study books are located in the bookcase in the Adult Forum Room. All are welcome.

The Membership Committee has arranged for Olan Mills to help us create a new pictorial directory. We are excited about putting a new directory together and urge everyone to participate. The directory will help us connect names with faces and it will be a useful outreach tool. In this directory we plan to highlight the many ways our congregation cares for God’s children in our church, in our city, and in our world.

Photography dates are: weDnesDay, January 13, 2010, from 3:00 P.m.

to 9:30 P.m.friDay, January 22, 2010, from 3:00 P.m. to

9:30 P.m.saturDay, January 23, 2010, from 10:00 a.m.

to 5:00 P.m.Beginning November 29 through January 10, we will be

signing up members after worship in the assembly room. Please sign up as soon as possible to get the appointment time that best suits your schedule. Thosesigning up on or before December 20 will be eligible for a drawing for a $25 discount on their portrait purchase.

Here are some more important facts:• Every participating family/household that selects a pose for the directory will receive a free directory and a complimentary Olan Mills 8x10 Custom Natural Portrait.• You will come to the church only once forphotography and for portrait viewing.

• This program is available at no cost to the church.• You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled time, if you wish. These portraits come with Olan Mills’ 100% satisfaction guarantee.• You can invite other family members and friends to have portraits taken while we are photographing for our directory. They just need to sign up for an appointment slot.

Please make a point of sitting for a photo for the directory. It will not be complete without you! Questions? Want to help? See Carol Graves or Jenny Williams.

by jenny williaMs

bmPa to Get new Pictoral Directory

12/16 Henry Taylor12/17 Harry Hinkle12/18 Nicki Artes12/18 Stephanie Shapiro12/19 Jair Williams12/21 Sam Kelly, III12/22 Judith Armold12/22 Gillian Babb12/22 Michelle Logan12/23 June Carr12/24 Edward Richardson, Jr.12/25 Robert Gorham12/25 Matthew-Daniel Stremba12/27 Juliette Goodwin12/29 Macy Branch12/29 Rachel Cunningham12/30 Emily Stanton12/30 Ruth Brennan Taylor

Happy belated birthday to new members Warner Brockman, November 13th and Luther Clark,November 19th.


Christmas Pageant

Vocal Ensemble

Rehearsal 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m

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.Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m

.-9 p.m.

Lambda Chi Alpha

9:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m

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Lambda Chi Alpha

7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m

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orningBible Study 8:30 a.m

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Saturday Morning

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Saturday Morning Bible

Study 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m

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Service of Worship 10:45 a.m

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No Adult Forum

or Sunday SchoolService of W

orship 11 a.m

Advent Wreath M

aking Event 10 a.m

.Service of W

orship 11 a.m.

Choir Warm

-Up 9:45 a.m

.-10:45 a.m.

Service of Worship 11 a.m

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Sunday School, Adult Forum

, Choir W

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Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m

.-9 p.m.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m

.-9 p.m.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 3:30 p.m

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Service of Worship 11 a.m

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Sunday School, Adult Forum,

Choir Warm

-Up 9:45 a.m

.-10:45 a.m.

Ring and Sing Rehearsal 12:15 p.m

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Final Christmas Pageant

Rehearsal - Full Cast 3:30 p.m.

Sunday School, Adult Forum

, Choir W

arm-Up 9:45 a.m

.-10:30 a.m.

Christmas Pageant

Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal

3:30 p.m.

Potluck dinner 5:30 p.m.

Youth Group Meeting TBD

Christmas Pageant 4:30 p.m

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Service of Lessons and Carols 5 p.m

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Handbell Choir Rehearsal 4:15 p.m

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Session Meeting 6:30 p.m

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Chancel Choir No Rehearsal

Sanctuary Decorating9 a.m

.-12 p.m.

Chancel Choir - Messiah

Dress Rehearsal 1 p.m.-3 p.m

.Christm

as Pageant Vocal Ensem

ble Rehearsal 4 p.m.

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

Full Cast 4 p.m.

Youth Group Meeting

12:15 p.m.

Caroling and Ringing at Broadm

ead 2:30-3:30 p.m.

TheTidingsPublished for members and friends of

Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian ChurchAndrew Foster Connors, Pastor

1316 Park AvenueBaltimore, MD 21217

410.523.1542www.browndowntown.org

Published monthly by the Membership Committee. Send contributions by December 18th to Ellen Carter Cooper

([email protected]) or to Sharon Holley ([email protected]).

1316 Park AvenueBaltimore, MD 21217Phone: 410.523.1542Fax: 410.523.5501www.browndowntown.org

TheTidings

daTed MaTerial

address service requesTed

non-ProfiT organizaTion u.s. PosTage

PaidbalTiMore, MdPerMiT no. 2610

GooD news from

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