Thursday, October 4
8:00 PM "LYRA" Russian Vocal Ensemble Concert
Saturday, October 6
"Social Witness Policy and the PC(USA)" Lunch
with Belinda Curry, former LSPC seminary intern
Sunday, October 7
11:00 AM Worship/Communion, Rev. Powers preaching
(Peacemaking Offering received)
12:00 PM Congregational Meeting
Thursday, October 11
7:45 PM Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, October 14
9:30 AM Christian Education: "The Parables of Jesus"
11:00 AM Worship. Elder JoAnn Ruther preaching
12:15 PM Session Meeting
Thursday, October 18
7:45 PM Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, October 21
9:30 AM Christian Education: "The Parables of Jesus"
11:00 AM Worship. Rev. Powers preaching
Thursday, October 25
7:45 PM Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, October 28
9:30 AM Christian Education: "The Parables of Jesus"
11:00 AM Worship, Rev. Powers preaching
S.O.B.E.R. Sunday
Teachings Of Jesus
Join us on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. to study and gain insight into some of the teachings of Jesus. Our weekly study begins on Oct. 14th, giving us all time to review the parables in the meanwhile. We are using the book "The Parables of Jesus" by Simon J. Kistemaker. Copies are available through the church office for $12 each. Please let Roger know if you want a book, and he will arrange, through Bonnie, to have one ordered for you. Please come and join us for our discussions.
Camden Yards Workers Win a Living Wage!
On Monday, Sept. 3, Light Street Presbyterian Church hosted a Labor Day Prayer Breakfast at which Camden Yards workers, who had been campaigning for a living wage for three years, were to begin a hunger strike. But after the Governor and the head of the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) both voiced their support for the workers receiving a living wage, it was decided to postpone the hunger strike to give the MSA "breathing room to come to a just decision and turn words into actions and intentions into commitments." On Thursday, Sept. 6, the MSA voted 5-2 to pay the part-time workers the state's new $11.30-an-hour living wage starting next spring. Jubilant Camden Yards workers and their allies celebratedd the decision that evening at a rousing gathering at Light Street Presbyterian Church.
Speaking at the celebration, Light Street's pastor, the Rev. Roger Scott Powers, said: "God has heard your cry for justice! God has listened to your prayers! And God has answered! You will have a living wage! We give thanks and praise to God for this victory. God is smiling down on you tonight, because tonight you are the light of the world! Your historic victory will give hope to workers like yourselves all over this country. So let your light shine! Let your light shine from Camden Yards to Candlestick Park in California. Let your light shine from M&T Bank Stadium to the Orange Bowl in Miami. Let your light shine in every stadium and ballpark across our nation. Tonight you are a beacon of hope. You have proven once again the power of nonviolent action to bring about significant social change. You have shown tonigh that the people united will never be defeated!"
Interdenominational Voluntary Simplicity Discussion Circle
Most of the world's people practice simplicity, not because they want to, but because they have to. As citizens in an affluent society, we have the opportunity to voluntarily reduce our reliance on material goods. Join members of the Light Street Presbyterian Church and parishoners of the Catholic Community of South Baltimore (CCSB) in an 8-session interdenominational discussion circle on Voluntary Simplicity sponsored by Simplicity Matters Earth Institute. Light Street Presbyterian Church, and the Social Justice Committee at CCSB, to consider:
- Have our material possessions become more of a burden than a joy? How much is enough?
-Are our lives packed too full? Are there alternatives to the fast pace of mainstream culture?
-How does our country's guiding economic policy stressing growth, consumption, and technological progress seduce us into lifestyles that don't serve us or God?
-What are the practical benefits in moving toward simplicity?
Meetings will take place on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM, alternating between Holy Cross Catholic Church (108 E. West St.) and Light Street Presbyterian Church (809 Light St.). For more info., contact Nancy Fayer at 410-750-1479.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
"LYRA" - The Russian Vocal Ensemble from St. Petersburg, will be back by popular demand to perform an all a capella concert of Russian sacred music and folk songs, on Thursday, October 4, 8:00 PM, at Light Street Presbyterian Church, 809 Light Street (in Historic Federal Hill, in Baltimore). Admission is free (a free-will offering will be received).
Church members and friends are invited to a potluck supper that evening at 6:00 PM with our Russian guests. Please bring a dish to share. For more information, please contact our church office at 410-539-0125, or email Rev. Powers.
Information can also be found at LYRA's website.
Social Witness Policy and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Come meet the Rev. Belinda Curry, have lunch, and hear about the work of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 12:30 PM, at Light Street Presbyterian Church. Belinda was a seminary intern at Light street in 1993-94, and now works at our denominational headquarters in Louisville as the Associate for Policy Development and Interpretation with the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. Please let Roger know if you plan to attend.
World Communion Sunday & Peacemaking Offering
Join us on Oct. 7, as we celbrate World Communion Sunday and receive the Peacemaking Offering. On this day we join with Christians around the world to celebrate the unity that we find at the Table of the Lord. We also receive the Peacemaking Offering to support the efforts of our congregation and our denomination to spread the peace of Christ. Remember that 25 percent of the Offering will be used in the congregation for our peacemaking activities. The other 75 percent will help our partners in the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly in their efforts to make this a more peaceful world. Immediately following worship that Sunday, there will be a brief Congregational Meeting to elect two members to the Nominating Committee.
Help Lead Worship
Volunteers are needed to help lead worship each Sunday. This usually involves leading the congregation in the "Call to Worship" and "Prayer for Illumination" and reading the scripture lesson(s) for that Sunday. There is a sign-up sheet on the downstairs bulletin board.
Fellowship Hour Volnuteers Needed
It's wonderful each Sunday morning following worship to be able to gather downstairs for a time of fellowship and refreshment. But it means someone needs to take responsibility each week for making coffee, providing refreshments, and cleaning up afterwards. If everyone in the congregation signed up to do this just a few Sundays a year, we would have it covered. Many hands make light work! Please sign up on the downstairs bulletin board.
S.O.B.E.R. Sunday - October 28
S.O.B.E.R. stands for South Baltimore Emergency Relief. Two dedicated people, John and Elizabeth, staff the operation, caring for the homeless and others in need of special help. They stock supplies in the small basement of Holy Cross Church at 110 E. West Street. On the last Sunday of every month, we collect non-perishable food items (soups, peanut butter, tuna, and one-dish meals) for their food pantry. Flip-top cans are especially helpful for homeless persons who don't have access to kitchen facilities. Financial contributions are also welcome. Checks made payable to Light Street Presbyterian Church should be clearly marked for SOBER.
A Missive from the "Muffin Man"
Dear Roger:
Greetings from the Central Coast of California! I have wanted to write to you for many years. A recent stroke was a stirring reminder that our days as humans are limited, and that I should carry out my intention. Please share this letter with the congregation.
In the early 1990s, having moved from California to the Baltimore area, I attended your services regularly and was befriended by David and Ann Pollitt and numerous church members while seeking to discern a call to ministry in the inner city. David opened many doors, including working at the South Baltimore Station. There were also many opportunities for ministry at Light Street, such as preaching and teaching adult forums.
I also volunteered in the soup kitchen, and finally felt stirred to relocated into the inner city and began a ministry among the poor and homeless. Eventually, I would be called the Muffin Man because our ministry involved bringing fresh baked muffins and coffee out onto the streets. At the same time I served as the Chaplain of the AIDS Interfaith Network of Central Maryland and taught courses in spirituality at St. Mary's Seminary. In 1994, I became a monk and made a commitment to live a prayerful life amidst my ministry.
Your support for my ministry during those challenging years will always be remembered gratefully. I was physically assaulted, my car stolen, my home vandalized, and my reputation smeared. But the opportunities to blend my inner journey with my outward call were endless. Needless to say, I was journeying with God on the "road less traveled!" Subsequently I worked in California in hospital emergency rooms, geropsychiatric facilities, and hospices. In all things, God has been faithful!
In 1999, I became permanently disabled from the long-term effects of obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes. This time has been an opportunity to create a legacy of my story, poetry, art, and music, to be shared with persons who are ill or dying, and their loved ones. I can truly say that this disability, as difficult as it has been, has been a blessing. I have experienced healing that is inner and soulful, even while my body has been declining.
I want to express my deep gratitude to the congregation for your hospitality and for the opportunities for ministry. Enclosed are copies of some of my recent creations to use in any way you see fit. [See the book table downstairs in the fellowship hall.] I wish you all of God's best. Love and blessings to you.
Gratefully in Christ,
Timothy James Larson
Opportunities at First & Franklin Street Presbyterian Church
Members and friends of Light Street Presbyterian Church are welcome and encouraged to participate in activities of our sister church located at 210 W. Madison St. in Baltimore. Here are some of the events going on there in the coming weeks. If you would like more information about any of these events, ask Roger (our pastor, their associate pastor).
An Interfaith Service and Fast for Peace
Sunday, October 7
4:00 PM - Interfaith Peace Service at First & Franklin Presbyterian Church (Park & Madison)
5:00 PM - Candelight Procession to the Washington Monument (Mt. Vernon)
5:15 PM - Dusk - Peace Vigil at the Washington Momument
Monday, October 8
Dawn to Dusk Interfaith Fast for Peace at the Washington Monument (Mt. Vernon)
Baltimore's 3rd Annual Urban Pumpkin Patch
Tell your family, your neighbors, and your friends! This October, the First & Franklin church courtyard will be transformed into an urban pumpkin patch! City folk will be able to choose from the largest selection of pumpkins in downtown Baltimore! And, they'll be supporting Navaho Indian farmers in northern New Mexico as well as the ministries of The First & Franklin Street Presbyterian Church. To volunteer, contact Roger Powers at rpowers@firstfranklin.org or 410-728-5545. The hours of operation will be October 15-31; Saturdays, 10 to 6; Sundays-Fridays, 12 to 6.
Timeless Treasures Tag Sale
This sale will take place at First & Franklin on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Proceeds will benefit the church's music ministry.
INTERFAITH PEACE GATHERINGS IN OCTOBER
Under the tent of Abraham 2007: An Interfaith Gathering for Peace
"Three Abrahamic Faiths: Exploring a Common Vision of Nonviolence, Justice, and Peace."
Jewish, Christian, Muslim Panel Discussion & Prayer Service
Sunday, October 14, 2007, 3:30 - 7:00 P.M.
Stony Run Friends Meeting House, 5116 N. Charles Street
Islamic Perspectives on Peace and Conflict - A Workshop for Peace - Open to All
Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
St. Matthew Catholic Church, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore
Speakers:
Imam Yahya Hendi, Georgetown University
Sister Eileen Eppig, College of Notre Dame of Maryland
The workshop is designed for people with some familiarity of Islam as well as for people with no knowledge of Islam. The topics will include: Introductin to the basics of Islam; Islamic core values, creed and spirituality; Islamic history; Perspectives on Peace and Conflict; Islamic Spiritual Foundation for Peace and Conflict Resolution; The Quran and Hadith on Peace and Justice. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness the Muslim noon Prayer.
Cost: $20 (includes lunch) - Pre-registration required.
To register, contact Sister Eileen Eppig: 410-532-5307, EEppig@ndm.edu.
ROGER'S SCHEDULE
Roger is at Light Street Presbyterian Church (410-539-0125) on Wednesdays and Thursdays and at the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church (410-728-5545, ext. 12), where he is associate pastor, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Roger also can be reached by email at lightstreetchurch@cavtel.net.
SERMONS
Copies of Roger's sermons are available on the downstairs hall table. A few selected sermons are posted on this website. If you are visiting our church, please feel free to pick up a copy if you missed a Sunday. Or, pass one on to a friend!
DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: Ocober 15
Send all newsletter material to John Ginovsky at jginovsk@aba.com