Isn’t this what you’ve been waiting for? A Second chance.... “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, no longer holding people’s misdeeds against them, and has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation.” ~2 Corinthians 5:19

One cold January afternoon in 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, out of LaGuardia Airport in New York to Charlotte, landed instead in the waters of the Hudson River after losing power from a bird strike. That event has been turned into a movie starring the irrepressible Tom Hanks as the pilot, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who steered the ship to a safe landing. “Sully” is now a hero. Most likely, you’ve never heard of Ric Elias from that day.

Elias was sitting in seat 1-D. He said as that eerily silent plane glided rapidly toward the Hudson, his mind was filled with thoughts about his life, his work, his family. He said he thought about all the people he wanted to reach out to, all the fences he wanted to mend, but couldn’t. He said in that moment, he was sad about how often his priorities had gotten skewed. He regretted the time he had wasted on things that did not matter. He had ranked people with less importance than they deserved. He said that that day, as the plane dropped toward the river, he knew he was going to die, and he was not afraid. But he was sad, because he had missed so much of life. He said, “I was given the gift of two miracles that day. The first was I survived. The second ... I was given the gift to see into the future and to come back and live differently.”

Reading about Elias tell his story, I once thought of a wonderful prayer that observant Jews sometimes use on the Sabbath. It begins, “Days pass and the years vanish, and we walk sightless among miracles.”

Though it may be with you that 2016 has been a year filled with uncertainty, even disappointment, the promise of what God brings us is always sure and true.

As part of the body of Christ on earth, we as a church family do our best to embody the love, support and understanding of God in Christ. As you choose to worship, serve and learn here, you will find an ever increasing amount of evidence of God’s love, grace and kindness emerging from this wonderful place. This issue of The Tower outlines the many ways we are given practical opportunities to celebrate and serve God who gives us everlasting love. From World Communion Sunday to another celebration of ‘Trunk or Treat,’ October is a season ripe with opportunities to see and claim God’s love, even in unexpected places. And when we open our

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair Pastor

The Rev. Jenn DiFrancesco

Associate Pastor

Joyce Zimmerman Pastoral Assistant

Amy Carlson, M. Div.

Director of Christian For-mation and Congregational

Life

Beth Heizer Pastoral Counselor

Philip Olsen

Director of Music

Hsiao-Ying Lin Associate Director of Music

Beau Lochte

Handbell Choir Director

Julie Evans Communications Coordinator

Linda Venable-Ward Office Administrator

Caroline Mapp

Bookkeeper

Rob Brown Facilities Manager

Second Presbyterian Church 4200 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21218 Phone: 410.467.4210

Fax: 410.467.4287

Session Highlights: August 16, 2016 Throughout our church lives, we come across those who seem to have drifted away from Second Presbyterian and no longer attend worship services or are interested in the church’s activities. We want to bring them back and attract new members but are not always sure how. Elders discussed this topic during their August session meeting, all the while asking ourselves “who” is Second Presbyterian and “what” does it stand for? Elders agreed that a key point is that listening builds a relationship more quickly and effectively than any other single type of behavior. Not social listening, but effective, in-depth listening that re-builds relationships. If Second Presbyterian were to hold an event, sort of like a “Presbyterian Revival” that we could put on in the not-too-distant future that we could invite our friends to, what kind of event would we envision? Elders brainstormed this question and, although specific plans have yet to take shape, elders came up with following priorities:

The general public is “hungry” for spiritual nourishment.

We need to direct our focus to young people and families.

Music should be part of this event.

Consider inviting a panel of four to five various types of clergy who could talk about matters as they relate to Baltimore City.

We don’t want to convey the impression that Second Presbyterian is only holding events like this once every 10 or so years.

This, of course, is not a closed list; elders will be re-visiting this topic over the next few months as we reach out to inactive members and invite them back home. ~Scott Silverwood for the Session

hearts, our resources follow, turning even more possibilities into realities.

Perhaps if you give yourself a second chance to look at and see what’s going on here in this very special place, you won’t let “the days pass and the years vanish,” and be “sightless among miracles,” but, like the man whose life was changed by Flight 1549’s remarkable landing, having caught a glimpse of the future, you will be moved to live differently, with eyes wide open to whatever surprises Christ has in store.

It is in that deep hope for you and for this church, for our city and community that I encourage you to hold firm in the love of God, who never lets us go. This is truly a place where God is present and where our giving truly makes a difference for those we know and for many for whom a second chance is exactly what they need.

With you, in Christ’s ministry, together,

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

OCTOBER 2 World Communion Sunday

Galatians 3:27-28 “Pass it On: One in Christ” The Rev. Jenn DiFrancesco

OCTOBER 9

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 “Putting Second First:

The Household of God” The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair

OCTOBER 16

Stewardship Kickoff Sunday Acts 11:19-26

“Putting Second First: The Church,

Called Out” The Rev. Jackie Taylor, Guest

Preacher

OCTOBER 23 Deuteronomy 15:7-11

“Putting Second First: The Church

of Our Community” The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair

OCTOBER 30

One Service at 10 AM Psalm 71:17

“Putting Second First: The Church

of Our Youth” Amy Carlson, M.Div.

A Very Special Guest Preacher Sunday, October 16 at both services!

T he Rev. Dr. Jacqueline E. Taylor is the new

Executive Presbyter of Baltimore Presbytery. She previously served as the Associate Executive of the New Castle Presbytery, representing congregations in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and was the Director of the Speer Trust, which grants funds to churches and communities in partnership toward addressing root causes of poverty. She received her Bachelors of Arts at the University of Maryland in College Park and her Master’s of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Wesley Seminary in Washington DC. Previously, she served nine years as the pastor of Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC and as a chaplain at both Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland and Hospice of DC.

Fall Vespers Service Tuesday, October 4, 7 pm

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

I t is with joyful hearts that we announce that Gail and Bernie Levy will serve as the new leaders of the Adult Seminar class!

They have been hard at work planning a dynamic program that will touch the many parts of our faith. They would like to invite you to come this fall for what they hope will be interesting and challenging discussions. Below is a schedule for the Adult Seminar Series.

September 18th – October 9th – John Calvin led by Rev. Tom Blair with a guest appearance from Nicole Risser

October 16th – The Church Called Out (Meeting our new Executive Presbyter)- Our guest preacher will be the newly elected Rev. Jackie Taylor and she will also be leading our Adult Seminar class with an opportunity for Q & A.

October 23rd – Stewardship - Mark Felder will lead an Adult Seminar class on stewardship

October 30th – No Adult Seminar (Single Service at 10:00) Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook-off!

November 6-November 20th – Faith on the Avenue Discussion led by Bernie Levy. We encourage you to check out the book Faith on the Avenue by Katie Day which will serve as a guide for our November discussion. However, you will not need to read it to participate in our thought provoking discussion in Adult Seminar.

“In a richly illustrated, revelatory study of Philadelphia's Germantown Avenue, home to a diverse array of more than 90 Christian and Muslim congregations, Katie Day explores the formative and multifaceted role of religious congregations within an urban environment. Germantown Avenue cuts through Philadelphia for eight and a half miles, from the affluent neighborhood of Chestnut Hill through the high crime section known as "the Badlands." The congregations along this route range from the wealthiest to the poorest populations in Philadelphia. Some congregants are immigrants who find safety and support in close fellowship, while others are long-time residents whose congregations work actively to provide social services. Cities undergo constant change, and their congregations change with them. As Day observes, some congregations have sprung up in former commercial strips, harboring new arrivals and recreating a sense of home, and others form an anchor for a neighborhood across generations, providing a connection to the past and a hope of stability for the future. Drawing on years of research, in-depth interviews with religious leaders and congregants, and a wealth of demographic data, Day demonstrates the powerful influence cities exert on their congregations, and the surprising and important impact congregations have on their urban environments.”

As a part of this series we will explore three different kinds of churches, discuss how the spirit is active in these congregations in uniquely different ways, and conclude with... so Who Are We?

November 27th – December 18th Advent Series “Born Again” Instructor TBD

Fall Adult Seminar Programs Small Groups

The Bible Guys Thursday, October 13, 7 am, Westcott Rm Join us for a reading and discussion of 2 Samuel 1:1-2:7 …the Biblical epic, following the death of Saul and the beginnings of the rise of David to power, with all its rewards and risks… We will continue our venture of reading through the "portentous record of early Israel, this most searching story of men and women in the rapid and dangerous current of historical events that still speaks to us, floundering in history and the dilemmas of political life, three thousand years later." ( Robert Alter). Coffee & donuts, too.

Tapas, Talk and Theology – The Study of Genesis Fridays, October 14 & 28, 7 pm This 10-session study takes us into the rich tapestry of Genesis exploring the interaction between God and very human people. Pride, family relationships, conflict and journey all showcase the best known stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah and Joseph. Our study begins at “The Beginning….and What Went Wrong” and concludes with “An End and Another Beginning…..Israel’s Story.” We meet every other Friday evening at 7:00pm with a light supper in a participant’s home followed by discussion. For meeting date, location and other information, please contact Becky Ferrell at rrussferr@verizon.net.

The Gospel According to the Walking Dead: An Apocalyptic Study of the New Testament First Meeting: Wednesday, October 19, 7 pm (future dates to be determined) Together, in this new Bible study, we will study how our ancient authors understood the return of Christ, the state of the world, and the future of humanity. Through this lens, we will study how apocalyptic topics influenced their understanding of how Christians were called to live in “the now” and behave in preparation for the “final days”. Finally, we will explore how this perspective ultimately influenced the emergence of Christianity.

(Small Groups -Continued on page 8)

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

Second is fortunate to have a dedicated group of Sunday School teachers, many of whom come back year after year. They provide creative lessons to teach our children the Bible’s stories, but more importantly to instill in them how those Biblical messages can guide their lives today. We will introduce these wonderful teachers over the next couple months. Louise DeLaVergne (Grades 3-4)

I'm getting to be an old-timer I suppose having joined Second in the early 80's before my children were in my life. I come from a Catholic upbringing and attending Loyola [University] is what brought me to Baltimore in l971 from Northern Virginia where my mother still lives. My

childhood friends got to go to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School which always made me green. I happily now enjoy participating in both Protestant traditions. My first job working in the kitchen of a Marriott Tysons Corner Mall cafeteria got me started cooking for the masses. Playing most days in the woods near my home, being a Girl Scout, admiring the huge church flower arrangements at the May procession and on Holy Thursday and hanging around while my parents nurtured scores of tiny cuttings into Azalea bushes combined to stir my love of nature, gardening and flower arranging. The other activities that bring me pleasure are needlework--mostly quilting, reading--mostly non-fiction and traveling to any new destination--often back road adventures. I am blessed to have an amazing mom, my three all local adult children, seven terrific siblings and assorted in-laws and wonderful friends, many here at Second.

Rachel Mongeau (Pre-K 3’s & 4’s) I was born and raised in Wallkill, NY. My mom was a registered nurse and my dad is a horticulturist. I grew up on an old farm and enjoyed exploring the nearby mountains. We regularly attended the Shawangunk Dutch Reformed Church, and the close-knit community there made church meaningful. I attended

college in New York, Arizona, and Maryland and have degrees in English, education, and writing. Initially I wanted to be a veterinarian, but found that I enjoyed English more, so my studies and careers have centered around writing, editing, and education. My husband and I joined Second Presbyterian in 2013 about a year after we had our daughter Caroline. I am currently a Deacon, and this is my second year teaching the 3’s and 4’s. Second is meaningful to me in so many ways. We love that our daughter Caroline is interacting with such a warm congregation and that she is experiencing Christian Education with a great group of teachers, not just at Second but also through Vacation Bible School. I am also grateful for the fellowship at Second especially because I come from a small family, and I truly appreciate the support of a "Second" family. As for fun stuff, I love music from the 80s and 90s, my favorite color is turquoise, and I have a really big sweet tooth. One of the reasons I love teaching Sunday School is that I'm able to try out new cupcake & cookie recipes for the kids. If I could instantly acquire a talent, I would love to be a culinary whiz who can slice, dice, and whip up healthy food from memory like Louise DeLaVergne. I look forward to continuing my journey with Second to share and uncover some new talents.

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Collecting Women’s Sanitary Items For women and teens living in poverty, sanitary items are just another financial burden when budgets are already tight. A year supplies of tampons or pads can cost upwards of $70 and it isn’t covered by food stamps or WIC. Many of the organizations we support: Manna House, Franciscan Center, Glenwood Life Counseling Center and others are always in need of these items. Tampons and pads have no expiration date, so we can take individually wrapped or

that box already sitting in the back of your closet. Let’s help share the dignity.

House of Ruth Speaker On October 30th during our 10 am worship service, we will welcome Faith Savill, Community Relations Specialist at the House of Ruth who will share about the ministry of the House of Ruth. In September, we collected over 100 items for the organization. House of Ruth provides “comprehensive services to the victims of intimate partner violence and their children.”

5th Sunday Service Project Sunday, October 30, 9 am Join us at 9 am on Sunday, October 30th as we assemble purses for “Phenomenal Women” in our community. We hope to fill 30 handbags/purses with items that can make a woman in our Baltimore city community feel beautiful. We are collecting items like these:

Gently used/new purses

Something Warm: Colorful scarf, hat, socks

Something Sweet: Nut-free chocolate , candy

Something Personal: Lotion, deodorant, women’s sanitary items

Something Special: Lipstick, nail polish, mascara, eye shadow

Something Supportive: Card/Note that includes a supportive message or note

October is Women’s Mission Month

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

World Communion Offering: Help Educate Afghan Girls October 2, 2016

O ur congregation joins Christians around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday

on October 2, 2016. Since 1980, the General Assembly has requested that “each congregation, on the occasion of World Communion Sunday each fall celebrate our common life in the global bonds of Christ’s peace-giving body.” In her latest letter from Afghanistan, Fahima Vorgetts’ of the Afghan Women’s Fund (AWF) shared how there are not enough classrooms in the current two-story Malalai school—which Second provided support to build in 2008—to house all the girls who want to attend. Due to the overflow, many young girls are doing their lessons under tents next to the school in good weather and bad. Upon hearing this, the Mission Council unanimously decided to give the October 2nd special offering to help fund an addition for the school. As Fahima wrote in an earlier letter, “Here at AWF, we all work very hard to bring changes to people's lives. We all work as a team, we all give. Some give time, some give money, other give expertise. Sometimes we do not see the results of our work right away— but believe me, this school is a positive result. I see amazing changes every time I see these women. I have seen their lives before we started to work with them and after a few years. What a transformation! To see them proud of themselves, having hope for the future of their children – these are the best rewards for me. It will change the society. It will empower them. Thank you!” If you would like to give, please make checks payable to Second Presbyterian Church with “World Communion” noted in the memo.

Mission Book Group The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot Wednesday, October 26 7pm-8:30pm, Wescott Room

J oining us for this discussion is Debra J.H. Mathews, PhD, MA.,

Assistant Director for Science Programs for the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, and Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and affiliate faculty in the Institute of Genetic Medicine. Dr. Mathews earned her PhD in genetics from Case Western Reserve University. Concurrent with her PhD, she

(Continued on page 8)

O n Monday, October 10th (a holiday for some) the Churches of Charles— The

Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation, First English Lutheran, Sts. Philip and James, Second Presbyterian, and University Baptist — are coming together to serve Baltimore. There will be knitting opportunities, cooking, lunch/dinner serving, shelf stocking, clean-ups, and harvesting to name a few. Opportunities will be scheduled throughout the day, as well as a few on other days during the week. So, save the date. If it’s not a holiday for you, take the day, or just a few hours, off work to serve and share Christ’s love in your community. This is a great use for those “use or lose” leave days that you may have. Children and youth are welcome at many activities. To find out more and to sign up, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/October10DayofService

Items we are collecting for this day: Blessing Buckets for Baltimore (New items only)

Gallons of Love

Scarves and Hat Making Yarn, crochet and knitting needles

Churches of Charles

Monday, October 10

Pine sol

Tide pods,

Dryer sheets

Kitchen sponges

Dish soap

Cleaning rags (reusable)

Broom

Dust pan

Mop

Bucket

Kitchen hand towels

Travel-size toothpaste and toothbrushes

8oz bottled water

soft granola bars

washcloths

soap

nail clippers

handwarmers

travel size lotion

travel shampoo and conditioner

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

Church Family News We celebrated the birth of: Preston Theoni, on August 24, 2016. Preston is the son of Parker and Ashby Theoni and brother of Elizabeth. We celebrated the wedding of: Timothy Gilliss and Courtney Costa on September 10, 2016 in Carmel-by-the Sea, California. We extend our Christian love and sympathy to the family and friends of: William M. Kerr II on August 31, 2016. A memorial service was held in our sanctuary on September 17, 2016. and to these members who recently lost loved ones: Lynne Agress, whose mother in New Jersey died in early September. Robert and Michelle Singleton– Rob’s father, Dr. Robert Singleton, died September 12, 2016. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Charlestown Retirement Community on October 1.

2nd Rebecca Hessel- bacher Paul Snyder 4th Matt Bramhall Susan Laubach 6th Bruce Elliott Franklin Stout Cole Vincent Gareth Williams 7th Abigail Chadeayne 8th Jim Porterfield 9th Sarah Getter Kathryn Kleiser Kali Ruppert 10th Gabrielle Strauss Maxwell Wodka 12th Sarah Slingluff 14th Sarah Elliott Suzannah Figler

16th David Dardis Doris Musi Emily Sunderland 18th Francis Hogle III Rachel Mongeau 19th Sophie Elisseeff Elaine Logan Anne Resseguie 20th Ann Rosenberg 23rd Ed Gilliss William Hahn Sara Magee 25th Jonathan Brant 26th Ursula McLean 27th Libby Hardin 29th Sara Roa 31st Jan Shipley Eric Silverwood

Candlelighters Monday, October 24, 7 pm, Westcott Room Join us in October as our women’s group continues its discussion of In Plain Sight, a devotional study of victims of human trafficking. Church member, Amethyst Spivak, who works at the organization Samaritan Women, will help facilitate the series. Questions? Contact Amy Carlson at acarlson@secondpresby.org.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesday, October 26, 7 pm The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets most months on the fourth Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in each other’s homes. We gather to knit and crochet prayer shawls, baby blankets, chemo caps – whatever might give someone who is going through a rough time a touch of comfort and care. Our love and prayers get knit right in. This time, we will meet on Wednesday, October 26, at 7:00 PM at the home of Mari Quint. She lives at 4100 N. Charles Street, Unit 701 – the condo building diagonally across from the church. Please let Mari know if you can come. 410-235-2632. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a beginner or an old-hand! Do join us.

(Small Groups—Continued from page 4)

earned a Master’s degree in bioethics, also from Case. She completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in genetics at Johns Hopkins, and the Greenwall Fellowship in Bioethics and Health Policy at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities. Dr. Mathews has also spent time at the Genetics and Public Policy Center, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, working in various capacities on science policy. As the Assistant Director for Science Programs, she is responsible for overseeing the Stem Cell Policy and Ethics program (SCoPE) and the Program in Ethics and Brain Sciences, as well as other Institute initiatives in policy and ethics related to biomedical research. Dr. Mathews’s academic work focuses on ethics and policy issues raised by emerging biotechnologies, with particular focus on genetics, stem cell science, neuroscience and synthetic biology.

(Mission Book Group—Continued from page 7)

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Deacon Retreat

2 9 AM WORSHIP—CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL — 10 AM ADULT SEMINAR 10 AM 11 AM WORSHIP—SANCTUARY YOUTH GROUP 4 PM COMMUNITY CONCERTS @SECOND 7:30 PM

3 AA 8 PM

4 VESPERS SERVICE 7 PM

5 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL 6 PM STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL 7 PM

6 HELPING HANDS 9 AM MISSION COUNCIL 7 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 7:30 PM

7 ACTS4YOUTH “SHINE INTO WOMANHOOD” DINNERS 5:30 PM

8

9 9 AM WORSHIP—CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL — 10 AM ADULT SEMINAR 10 AM 11 AM WORSHIP—SANCTUARY

10 FALL DAY OF SERVICE

AA 8 PM

11 TRUSTEES 7 PM

12 STAFF MEETING 9:30 AM

13 MEN’S BIBLE STUDY 7 AM

14 ACTS4YOUTH “SHINE INTO WOMANHOOD” DINNERS 5:30 PM TAPAS, TALK & THEOLOGY 7 PM

15

16 9 AM WORSHIP—CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL — 10 AM ADULT SEMINAR 10 AM 11 AM WORSHIP—SANCTUARY

17 AA 8 PM

18 SESSION 7 PM

19 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE WALKING DEAD 7PM PERSONNEL 7 PM

20

21 MIDDLE SCHOOL

RETREAT ACTS4YOUTH “SHINE INTO WOMANHOOD” DINNERS 5:30 PM

22 MIDDLE SCHOOL

RETREAT

23 MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT 9 AM WORSHIP—CHAPEL SUNDAY SCHOOL — 10 AM ADULT SEMINAR 10 AM 11 AM WORSHIP—SANCTUARY COMMUNITY CONCERTS @SECOND 3:30 PM

24 CANDLELIGHTERS 7 PM AA 8 PM

25 DEACONS 7 PM

26 STAFF MEETING 9:30 AM PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY 7 PM MISSION BOOK GROUP 7 PM

27

28 ACTS4YOUTH “SHINE INTO WOMANHOOD” DINNERS 5:30 PM TAPAS, TALK & THEOLOGY 7 PM

29

30 SINGLE WORSHIP SERVICE

5TH SUNDAY MISSION PROJECT—9 AM WORSHIP 10 AM —SANCTUARY TRUNK-R-TREAT & CHILI COOK-OFF 11 AM

31 AA 8 PM

November 1

2

3 HELPING HANDS 9 AM

4 ACTS4YOUTH “SHINE INTO WOMANHOOD” DINNERS 5:30 PM

5 CONFIRMATION CLASS ROPES COURSE OUTING 8:30 AM

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

O n Sunday September 18, 2016 Community Concerts at

Second began its 30th Anniversary season of 16 free concerts in our lovely sanctuary with a marvelous concert featuring violinist Francesca Anderegg. Over 250 music lovers from across the region were in attendance. What a season and celebration it promises to be: eight intriguing candlelight concerts featuring players from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performing works of their own choosing; seven outstanding afternoon concerts including Marina Piccinini & the Beijing Guitar Duo and Netanel Draiblate & Lura Johnson; and the treasured Wonderlic Recital, this year featuring local rising star vocalists. Two concerts are coming up in October: October 2 will be a 7:30 pm Chamber Music by Candlelight concert featuring BSO players performing Beethoven, Poulenc and Bach; on October 23 at 3:30, Daniel del Pino, one of the leading Spanish concert pianists on the international scene will perform. In an area rich with music

venues and organizations, Community Concerts at Second has long been the region’s only completely free concert series. Over the years, Community Concerts has showcased a wide array of distinguished musicians to area music lovers, including pianists Leon Fleisher, Ann Schein, Awadagin Pratt, Eric Zuber, Kevin Kenner and Simone Dinnerstein; vocalists Spiro Malas, John Shirley Quirk, Theodora Hanslowe, Phyllis Bryn-Julson, and Hyunah Yu and the Morgan State Choir; organists Dame Gillian Weir, Donald Sutherland, and Fred Swann; cellist Amit Peled and oboist Katherine Needleman. Since 1990, as part of its long standing partnership with Second Church, the organization has

sponsored the Russell C. Wonderlic Memorial Competition. This competition, funded by a bequest from philanthropist and Second Church member Russell Wonderlic, seeks to develop the careers and talents of young pianists and vocalists from Maryland and Washington DC. The competition has grown in size and stature and presents extraordinary young talent. Pianists Awadagin Pratt and Eric Zuber; and soprano Hyunah Yu are prominent past winners. Current chancel choir member Zoe Band was a finalist in the vocal competition in 2015. Entering its fourth decade, Community Concerts at Second’s history and reputation with the Baltimore community demonstrates how one person’s vision and dedication can inspire the contributions and involvement of countless others. Originally named The Second Presbyterian Concert Series, Community Concerts at Second was founded in 1987 by Margaret Budd, then organist at Second Church, to

(Continued on page 11)

Community Concerts Kicks off its 30th Anniversary Season on a High Note!

In an area rich with music

venues and organizations,

Community Concerts at

Second has long been the

region’s only completely

free concert series.

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

2016 Christmas Pageant

We are pleased to announce this year’s Christmas Pageant will be, “A Christmas Carol: Scrooge in Bethlehem.” We have an organizational session to determine parts on Sunday, October 30, at 9:15am (note: date may change). If your child would like to participate in the pageant, but is unable to attend that day, please contact Amy Carlson at acarlson@secondpresby.org.

Schedule: Sundays October 30*: 9:15-10am; read through to determine parts (*date may be changed) November 6, 13, 20, 27: 9:15-10:15am December 4: Pageant; 8:30 am curtain call, 10 am pageant Saturdays November 12 & 19: 2-4 pm December 3: 12-3pm Dress Rehearsal (subject

to change)

bring free music to the Baltimore community. Years later, Margaret attended a mesmerizing candlelight concert at St. Martin in the Fields church in London, and began to envision similar evenings of chamber music in Baltimore. With the collaboration of members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the evening Chamber Music by Candlelight concerts began in 1995. The organization was renamed Community Concerts at Second in

2002, and became a separate 501(c)(3) organization in 2004. Second Church continues its steadfast support by making its facilities available for concerts and being the physical home of the organization. A number of Second Church members have served or currently serve on its Governing Board, and provide a strong link between the two entities. Frauke Davidsen, Beth Felder, Leslie Owsley as well as Second Church’s Musical Director, Philip Olsen currently serve on the Board and would be pleased to tell members

more about the series. Members of Second Church are most welcome and encouraged to attend all concerts throughout the season. Concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at 3:30 pm or evenings at 7:30 pm. This season, post-concert receptions will be held on Sept 25th and May 21st. The full season schedule is available on the website www.communityconcertsatsecond.org and is featured in regular communications to the congregation.

(Concerts—Continued from page 10)

Confirmation Class 2017

Due to popular demand, we will be forming a confirmation class this year for youth in the 8th grade and above. If you would like to explore confirmation for your child, please contact Amy Carlson at acarlson@secondpresby.org or 410-707-2175. Our confirmand group will be introduced to the congregation on Sunday, October 30, during our single 10 am worship service. We will officially launch our confirmation experience with a trip to the McDonogh School ropes course on Saturday, November 5. Meet at the church at 8:30 am.

Sunday, October 2, 7:30 pm WIND QUINTET IN E-FLAT MAJOR, H. 19

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770—1827) SONATA FOR FLUTE AND PIANO

Francis Poulenc (1899—1963) CHACONNE FROM VIOLIN PARTITA NO. 2

IN D MINOR, BWV 1004 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685—1750)

PIANO QUINTET IN F MINOR, OP. 34 Johannes Brahms (1833—1897)

Sunday, October 23, 3:30 pm Daniel Del Pino

Daniel del Pino is one of the leading Spanish concert pianists in the international scene. His

program will include works by de Falla, Granados, Albéniz, and Liszt.

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THE CHURCH TOWER · A NEWSLETTER OF THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BALTIMORE

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