The following are news and notes of interest to the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church community. Times and locations of events listed here are subject to change without notice. Please contact the church office at 301-270-5550 or office@takomaparkpc.org for more information and confirmation.
An archive of past articles is also available on this site.
Note: Links with the text "(PDF)" require the Adobe Reader to access the URL, which is available free from Adobe.
During the tenure of Maryland’s former Governor, Maryland State Police engaged in secret surveillance of people meeting to oppose the death penalty or to protest the war in Iraq, according to recent news reports. Gatherings of people participating in meetings at places like Takoma Park Presbyterian Church were secretly under surveillance by Maryland State Police during the meeting.
On October 11, 2008 starting at 2PM people who were under police surveillance will participate in a panel discussion with Maryland State Senator and American University constitution law professor Jamie Raskin, David Rocah the lead counsel for the Maryland ACLU anti-spying campaign, and Ann Wilcox, of the National Lawyers Guild, who will report on what happened to activists and journalists at the Republican National Convention protests in Minnesota in September.
Come out and participate in this very important panel discussion concerning our First Amendment rights, federal and state spying on activists, and attacks by government authorities on activists and journalists.
Hosted by Takoma Park Presbyterian Church and organized by Washington Peace Center,
www.washingtonpeacecenter.net
Contact:
wpc@igc.org
On October 26, 2008 (All Saint's Day celebration), a series of classes will begin on end-of-life preparation. Three components will be covered in the series including:
The first class will cover medical issues. Doctor Andrew Putnam will come to Sunday school to discuss his personal perspective on medical issues faced at the end of one's life. Dr. Putnam is actively involved in clinical palliative care and education. He is an Assistant Professor of Oncology and Medicine whose main interest is pain and symptom management in people with cancer. In addition, the class will receive a copy of "Five Wishes", a living will packet that talks about personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as medical wishes. Filling out the "Five Wishes" will allow all of us to talk wit h their families, friends, the church, and doctors about how we want to be treated if they become seriously ill. A light lunch will follow the service.
This is a wonderful opportunity for ministry and service exists for one or two TPPC members. Our Board seat on the Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition is empty. If you are deeply concerned about homelessness and its underlying causes and seek a way to actively live out your faith in social action, you are needed. Being on the SSIHC Board is not just attending meetings but lending your commitment and energy to guiding and insuring the continued vitality of this important organization.
Please contact the Social Witness and Action Committee at swac@takomaparkpc.org if you are interested.
The Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition is an important social witness of TPPC with a track record of dedicated ministry by TTPC members. SSIHC brings together local religious congregations and community based organizations to work together to help end homelessness by creating affordable housing opportunities for low and very low income families and individuals. In addition to housing SSIHC provides case management, mentoring and life skills training and other asset-building opportunities.
As a member organization TPPC provides financial assistance but even more importantly, participates through Board membership in governing and sustaining SSIHC. Ferd Hoefner helped to found the organization, and has served faithfully as Board member and chair for many years, at times joined by other TPPC members. Over the years TPPC has had mentor teams to assist families moving into SSIHC housing, most recently for a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina. We have joined work teams to clean, paint and furnish housing.
Each Presbyterian church is asked annually to pay an amount per member, which is called per capita. This money goes towards the programs of the Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly.
This year, the per capita amount is $30. We ask that those who are able to pay their per capita - make sure you specifically designate it on your check or envelope. If you would like to pay per capita for more than yourself, we welcome that as well. The church pays the full amount assessed to us, no matter how much is given by the actual members, so please make sure to designate $30 for per capita this year.
Looking for a way to deepen your faith and prayer? Thirsting to read the scriptures in a life-giving way?
Each week, the Human Rights Campaign offers an inspirational commentary on the Bible passages used in church for the Sunday sermon. Please join Pastor Greiner in reading these devotions each week at www.hrc.org/scripture.
Anyone interested in a Bible study together please speak with Pastor Greiner at 301-270-5550.
Webmaster : Brian C. Monsell