“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he…said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.’” – Genesis 28:16-17

First of all, I want you to know how excited I am to be here. I have felt the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout this call process, and think that Brown Memorial Park Avenue is, hands down, the best first call I could have ever imagined. I am so grateful for the ways

that you have already welcomed and cared for me, particularly through the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee and the staff. I am astounded at the level of passion, commitment, intelligence, and openness of the staff and lay leaders in the congregation. I know that the church is excited to

have another person to help with preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, as well as provide some fresh perspective and pick up some things that may have fallen through the cracks. I am eager to get started, but I am beginning to realize how time-and-energy-consuming moving to a new city and becoming a home owner for the first time can be (By the way, my new home is in Ednor Gardens, just north of 33rd St. near the old Memorial Stadium). I am beginning to wonder just how long it will take me to get settled into my office and home to the point where I am not digging through boxes or making a new purchase in order to cook a meal or get dressed in the morning. Then there is the task of getting to know all the committees, programs, and partnerships already in existence at BMPA. Through it all, I will be getting to know each of you – your stories, your gifts, your questions, your concerns. It is easy to feel overwhelmed.

Thankfully, one of the first things I did upon moving here was to join a newly forming clergy group for support and prayer. We had our first meeting last week and reflected together on Jacob’s dream of the ladder to heaven in Genesis 28. Jacob, too, was in the midst of a major life transition, and while God was waxing eloquent about being a blessing to all peoples, Jacob was more concerned with the basics: food, clothes, safety, and a place that feels like home. He wanted a guarantee from God about THOSE things first. I could identify. What I found comforting, however, is that even though Jacob put conditions on his loyalty to God, God’s promises to Jacob were unconditional. The angels moved back and forth between heaven and earth whether or not Jacob took notice. God promised to be with Jacob and watch over him and make his offspring and him a blessing to all people of the earth, whether or not Jacob claimed the Lord as his God. And so I hope it is with all of us. In the meantime, while I’m still sorting out the whole food, clothes, security thing, I will echo Jacob’s early morning prayer, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” If you want to stop by (and please do!), I’m on the third floor of the Church House …unpacking.

Pastor’s reflections

TheTidings

october 2009

Good news from

PasTor’s reflecTions 1

like faTher, like son ..................2

Tri-church series ...2

The Tiffany series sunday afTernoon concerTs .................3

“elijah” Performance cds are here! ........3

a child is WaiTing for you ...3

BroWn communiTy

announcemenTs .......3

BirThdays/ commiTTee chairs....5

in this issueBy emily rose marTinemily@browndowntown.org

PaGe 2 • the tidinGs october 2009

He is named after his father. His father was an educator who sang in the church choir and was a Presbyterian Elder. His mother was a child psychologist. Both of his parents were musically inclined. He and his brothers all played musical instruments and even today, they sing in their church choirs.

Elden Schneider’s life has very closely paralleled his father’s. He is an educator and has participated widely in all manner of musical venues. The elder Schneider helped Mrs. Schneider raise the family in the Garfield Heights section of Cleveland, Ohio. Their home church was Miles Park Presbyterian.

Early in his life, Elden consciously or

unconsciously decided that his father was modeling a path for him to travel. This son is quite proud of the fact that he is a graduate of the school where his father was the principal, Garfield Heights High School. Then it was on to the College of Wooster. It is no surprise that Elden (who likes to talk) was an English major whose minor was music. He combined the two interests when he appeared frequently in the college’s musical theater productions.

After Elden received his undergraduate degree, he traveled to Baltimore to pursue a graduate degree in English education from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. He had his first steamed crab and it was love at first bite. Thus his love affair with the city began. Later, influenced undoubtedly by his father, Elden decided to matriculate at Morgan State University where he was granted a second master’s degree. While at Morgan, he sang with the famed Morgan State University under the direction of the late Dr. Nathan Carter

Elden’s first teaching assignment was at Dumbarton Junior High School. He then became the chairperson of the English Departments at Pikesville Junior High, Deer Park Junior High, and Pikesville Senior High Schools. Retired five years ago, Elden is still addicted to teaching and continues to be a “talent scout” at Beth Tfiloh High School. His passions have not abated for teaching English, sponsoring the literary magazine, and coaching mock trial debates.

During Elden’s treks in the educational realm, he met another teacher (Bonnie) and another long term love affair began. Their marriage has resulted in a lasting relationship with Brown Memorial Church. In 1980, Elden visited Brown Memorial because Bonnie’s parents (members since Bonnie was 10 years old) invited him. Bonnie and Elden immediately became Sunday School teachers.

Elden and his family have been involved in many activities at Brown Memorial. In 1984, they were the cast of the Christmas pageant. Their daughter, Caitlin, was Baby Jesus and Bonnie and Elden were Mary and Joseph. In 1997, Bonnie and Elden were the first delegates to visit Pine Ridge. He currently serves on the Urban Witness Committee, sings with the choir, and assists with the senior high school students when he can. Every Pastor since David Malone has been the beneficiary of Elden’s wisdom as he served on the Session.

Bonnie and Elden remain educators, not only for their students, but for their own family. They are proud of their children and grandchildren. Sam has two children and Sarah has one child. Caitlin, the grown-up Baby Jesus, followed her father’s road to the College of Wooster. After graduation, she spent a year as a missionary in New Orleans and is currently enrolled in graduate school at Arcadia College in Pennsylvania.

A self-described “ham,” Elden has played the roles of one of the three kings and “The Singing Bishop.” He thinks that Brown Memorial is an amazing church that has had and continues to have intelligent leadership, fine music, and an emphasis on peace and social justice. Elden is also pleased with the growth in attendance and membership that the church is experiencing.

Elden Schneider

like father, like sonBy ellen carTer cooPer

tri-church series– The Ordained Ministry

Mark your calendars now for our next educational series with Corpus Christi Roman Catholic and Memorial Episcopal Churches. This fall’s topic is the role of the ordained ministry in our denominations. On Sunday, October 11, Fr. Rich will lead a discussion on the character of ordained ministry (sacrament or not?). On Sunday, October 18, Rev. Andrew Foster Connors will speak on the role of the ordained clergy in the governance of our traditions. Finally, on Sunday, October 25, Rev. Martha Macgill will lead a discussion on the ordination process. All sessions will take place at Memorial Episcopal Church Hall (Bolton Street and West Lafayette Avenue). Hospitality begins at noon; presentations begin at 12:30 p.m.

october 2009 the tidinGs • PaGe 3

the tiffany seriessunday afternoon concertsMark your calendar! The new Tiffany Series season opens

with a delightful concert by our soloists – the same singers who were featured in Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” (and on the CD) and who have garnered rave reviews for their gorgeous and expressive voices as well as for their extraordinary musicianship. We hope you will join us for this exciting event!

november 8, 2009 at 3 P.m. – “how can i keeP from sinGinG?”

This will be a lively, varied vocal concert by acclaimed Brown Memorial soloists Lydia Beasley, soprano, Diane Schaming, alto, James Cox, tenor, and Andrew Sauvageau, baritone. John Walker will accompany the ensemble pieces.

march 14, 2010 at 4 P.m. –baltimore area handbell festival, richard frey, Director

Five choirs of handbell ringers will play as a 300-bell ensemble and as 60-bell individual choirs. It will be a sonic and visual treat for all ages

aPril 25, 2010 at 4 P.m. – GosPel music festivaldr. barbara baker, Director

This inspiring festival concert will be presented by the combined choirs of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church and Colesville United Methodist Church of Silver Spring, Maryland.

“Elijah” Performance CDs Are Here!The CDs of the Chancel Choir’s extraordinary

performance of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” conducted by John Walker and featuring the renowned Frederick Swann as guest organist, have arrived!

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.browndowntown.org (a small shipping fee applies to online purchases).

The May 17th concert, the culminating event in last season’s Tiffany Series, garnered thunderous applause and pew-thumping from the 300-member audience. It drew high accolades from a wide variety of sources.

Eileen Guenther, President of the American Guild of Organists, called the concert “superbly performed” and “memorable.” “I have seldom been so struck by a total musical experience,” she added. Deborah Wood, an organist and choir director, wrote, “The soloists melted my heart with their musicianship.”

— Shirley Parry

brown communityannouncements

adult forum schedule – please consider joining uson Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in the Speers room of theChurch House.oct. 4th Creation of Community: The Hospitality Seriesoct. 11th Global Mission: Reports from our Delegations – Christy Macyoct. 18th Series on Disabilities and Diversity – The Committee and Andy Imparatooct. 25th Series on Disabilities and Diversity – The Committee and Andy Imparatonov. 1st Series on Disabilities and Diversity – The Committee and Andy Imparatonov. 8th Series on Disabilities and Diversity – The Committee and Andy Imparatonov. 15th The Charter School Movement – Betsy Nix et. al. The Committee and Andy Imparatonov. 22nd Southwest Baltimore Charter School and Brown Memorial Park Avenuenov. 29th No Forum – Advent Wreath Making

are you interested in learninG more about church membershiP? Andrew Foster Connors will be holding a new member class during the Church School hour beginning October 11. Please call the church office or e-mail him directly if you are interested, andrew@browndowntown.org.

handbells anyone? The Brown Memorial Handbell Choir will start rehearsing for the Fall season on October 11. We are always happy to have new members! Ringers from middle school age and up are welcome. Please contact Chrystie Adams by e-mail at cladams22@verizon.net or phone at 443-474-2200 if you are interested in being a new ringer.

a child is waitinG for you

Would you identify yourself as a “reader”? Do you like to read to your children? Do you like to read to your grand-children? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you may want to join a group of other readers from Brown Memorial. Once every two weeks, we read to kindergartners and first and second graders right around the corner at Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary School. It is an hour commitment from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We get back much more than we give. The children are always happy to see us and so are the teachers! The book choices are ours – fiction, poetry, nature; you pick and they love it. You can choose the day of the week which suits you best. Please call Susan Saudek more to sign up. She will answer any questions you may have. Her telephone number is 4l0-561-3616.

continued on page 4

PaGe 4 • the tidinGs october 2009

brown community announcements

bible study – Rev. Bill Bearden has agreed once again to lead a Bible Study course beginning October 22nd through November 12th, Thursdays 10:30-noon in the church house. He will address the fascinating (and unknown to most of us) subject of Peter’s influence on the New Testament.

community dinners are being planned forSaturday, November 7th. If you are able to host, please contact Monica Rakowski – mrakowski@chessys.com.

would you like to suPPort our youth ProGram but don’t have time to be a youth leader? Youth group is now meeting the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, after church beginning with eating lunch together. We are seeking volunteers to provide a simple lunch for about 15 youth and adult leaders. Contact Kate Foster Connors if you are interested: kate@browndowntown.org or 410-377-2261.

usher ministry needs ushers: Our group of ushers could use a few more folks to serve on Sunday mornings. We are especially in need of people who are available around 25 minutes before worship. Ushers assist folks, especially visitors, attend the side door so that worshippers are welcomed there, assist with the offering if extra hands are needed, regulate traffic flow during communion, help children back to their families after Children’s Church, and make a special effort to meet newcomers and note absences. If you attend regularly and have been musing about doing more at church without adding one more thing to your schedule, this may be the perfect service for you. You are already here! Contact Jenny Williams, 410-523-3961, or jennywren1800@yahoo.com.

we would like to beGin takinG communion to some of our homebound members onthe first Sundays of each month when we celebrate communion together as a community. In order to preserve the integrity of this sacrament, two ordained officers of the church (elders, deacons, or ministers) must be present when the already consecrated elements are shared. Jenny Williams is leading this ministry and is looking for elders and deacons who would be willing to leave at the end of our worship service and travel with her to one or more homebound members of our community. In order to participate in this ministry, one need not be currently serving on the session or the diaconate. Please contact Jenny, 410-523-3961, jennywren1800@yahoo.com, or Andrew Foster Connors if you are interested.

we’re sPrucinG uP! Brown Memorial will hold a work day on Saturday, October 17 to tidy up the groundsand brighten the garden. Morning and afternoon work times available. Contact Bill McConnell at wmcconnell4@verizon.net for details.

go Green WiTh your coPy of THE TIDINGS!Now that our new website is complete and we have a direct link to the most recent Tidings publication help us go GREEN by receiving your copy online. Receiving email notification of when the latest Tidings is available forreading will help us cut down on the environmental and financial costs of printing and mailing paper copies. If you would like to receive e-mail notification of when the latest Tidings is available, please send Sharon Holley an email at sharon@browndowntown.org. She will need your name and email address. Also, check our website directly for updates at www.browndowntown.org/index.php?s=newsletter to download the latest Tidings. Thanks for helping us to be better stewards of God’s magnificent creation.

take note

the samaritan community moves forward this fall with some important events to benefit our clients and our program.

Please join us in a neighborhood canned food drive on Sunday, October 25. Volunteers, including members of our congregation and Sunday School will take to the streets to fill Samaritan’s pantry coffers. We will canvass the neighborhood the week before, requesting that neighbors be on hand to donate or leave foodstuffs out on porches. A pizza party will be held at the conclusion of the event.

members helPinG membersOur church has been looking for ways to help our

members in these times of economic uncertainty. We offer this space to church members to let other members of our community know about their particular concerns. Please contact them if you know of resources that might be useful. Please contact sharon@browndowntown.org if you would like to be added to the list.

• Graham Richardson has been out of work for several months and is seeking employment in education, construction, historic preservation, etc. (Graham is a real renaissance man!) At present he and his brother, Tom, are doing odd jobs for people around town and could do things for Brown Memorial Park Avenue, too. Please call Graham at 443-618-5741 or e-mail him, grichardson526@gmail.com• Donna Senft and Rose Glorioso are trying to sell their home in Homeland. 410-323-7756.• Daryl Smith, Rachel Aaron Smith’s husband, is a contractor, specializing in painting services, and is looking for jobs/projects to bid on, commercial or residential. His number is 410-419-5944; the company is Blue Line Services.

continued from page 3

october 2009 the tidinGs • PaGe 5

october birthdays

10/01 Brantley Davis

10/03 Bill Wilson

10/07 Katie Artes

10/08 Chris Saudek

10/09 Bill Bishai

10/10 Tom Maser

10/11 Will Fletcher-Hill

10/12 Gayle Barney

10/12 Darin Crew

10/14 Anne Holland

10/17 Cal Jackson

10/18 Paul Dagdigian

10/19 Hedley Abernethy

10/20 Hannah Loring-Davis

10/21 Julia Christen Luljak

10/21 Peter Christen Luljak

10/21 Matt McNabney

10/23 Robin Coblentz

10/23 Paul Fletcher-Hill

10/24 Yani Robinson

10/24 Caitlin Schneider

10/27 James Logan

10/28 Phil Heuisler

10/28 Mary Peeples

10/31 Julie Hanks

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 Sharon@browndowntown.org.

committee chairs

Adult Education Henry TaylorBUILD Liaison Elizabeth ReicheltChristian Education Carol NewillDiversity Hilbert Byers and Page CampbellEco-Stewardship Task Force Luke ClippingerFinance Luke Clippinger

Global Mission Christy Macy• Cameroon (Mary Taylor Fund) Julie Hanks• El Salvador Susan Saudek• Dakota Partnership Chrystie Adams

Investment Hilbert Byers and John WarmathMembership Monica RakowskiNominating Donna SenftPersonnel Donna SenftPresbytery Donna SenftStewardship John Tucker

TAMFS:B Carol Graves and Donna Senft

Tiffany Series Shirley Parry and Chris Saudek

Urban Mission Tom Waldron and Elden Schneider

Wednesday Nights @ Brown Carol Newill

Worship Ellen Carter Cooper and Betsy Nix

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 October 18th to Ellen Carter Cooper

(edccooper58@hotmail.com) or to Sharon Holley (sharon@browndowntown.org).

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

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