HOW DO WE LIVE OUR FAITH?
Balmoral Presbyterian Church is a community guided by the Spirit. We foster an environment of love and mutual support, where all people—regardless of orientation, race, denomination, gender identity or perspective—are welcomed and included without reservation. Our members contribute their talents both within the church and to the broader community. We nurture our spiritual growth so that we can better serve those around us, reflecting God’s love in our lives. We listen to the Spirit, the needs of the community, and one another. We live out our experience of God’s love through our support of hunger and homelessness programs, our commitment to racial reconciliation and equity, offering our shared spaces for local organizations and individuals, and the use of all people’s gifts in worship. We seek to honor the dignity and choices of love of all individuals without lablels applied by society.
Church Staff
Rev. Mark Howland (he/him)
Pastor
Rev Howland began serving at Balmoral Presbyterian Church in June of 2023. He was installed as our pastor on September 2023.
Rev. Elizabeth Dick (she/her)
Parish Associate
Elizabeth provides Pastoral Care support for the congregation. She also leads worship when the pastor is out of town.
Elis Jones (she/her)
Pianist
Getting Involved
BECOMING A MEMBER OF BALMORAL PRESBYTERIAN
In Jesus Christ, God calls people to faith and to membership in the Church, the body of Christ. Balmoral Presbyterian Church believes that all individuals who trust in God's grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become a part of the fellowship and ministry of our congregation, shall be welcomed into membership as sojourners on the journey of faith.
BOOK CLUB
No membership required — just come as you are! We share the book title ahead of time so anyone can join the conversation. We usually meet during the day, sometimes at church and sometimes in homes — gathering in homes has made things even more welcoming. Each year, regulars suggest titles they’ve loved (or want to read) and volunteer to lead the discussion. That’s how our reading list comes together! We end the year with a cozy potluck and favorite poems shared around the table. Everyone’s welcome — whether you’re part of the church or just love good books and good company!
CHAIR YOGA
Join us for a rejuvenating Chair Yoga class every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 PM in Classroom A. This accessible, gentle yoga practice is designed for all levels, especially for those who may have mobility challenges or prefer a seated routine. The class focuses on improving flexibility, strength, and relaxation through simple movements and breathing exercises, all while seated in a sturdy chair. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a low-impact way to stay active, this class provides a supportive, welcoming environment to nurture both your body and mind. Come experience the benefits of chair yoga in a calm, community-focused space!
CHOIR
Our choir provides musical offerings for our worship services and special services from September through May. Members of the choir also provide special music throughout the summer months. The choir meets every Wednesday night Mid-August through May at 7 PM.
HANDBELL CHOIR
We have a handbell choir which provides a musical offering during our worship services on some Sunday mornings. The handbell choir is under the direction of Lynn Ward. They rehearse most Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm during the months of September through May.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
The PW Purpose is: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves • to nurture our faiths through prayer and Bible study, • to support the mission of the church worldwide • to work for justice and peace, and • to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom. We focus on our Bible Study which is created by Presbyterian women and our ecumenical sisters in mind.
SUNDAY STUDIES
NEW SUNDAY STUDY DISCUSSION Begins January 11 Please plan to attend Sunday Studies at 9:30am each Sunday morning in Classroom A to join in the study of An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor. Barbara Brown Taylor continues her spiritual journey by building upon where she left off in Leaving Church. Taylor shares how she learned to find God beyond the church walls by embracing the sacred as a natural part of everyday life. In An Altar in the World , Taylor shows us how to discover altars everywhere we go and in nearly everything we do as we learn to live with purpose, pay attention, slow down, and revere the world we live in. Discussion Leaders: Janice Hill and Mary Schmitz
THURSDAY SMALL GROUP
The Thursday Small Group is a welcoming and supportive community that has been meeting for years. We gather on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 10:15 am in Classroom A to share life’s joys and challenges, study Scripture, and explore meaningful topics. Our discussions are enriched with famous quotes, songs, poems, and stories, often inspired by themes suggested by our members. We also enjoy outings to local places of interest, such as museums and special events, and come together to pray for and help those in need. With 11 members, most of whom attend regularly, we’re a close-knit group that’s always ready to welcome new friends. Come visit or join us anytime!
TUESDAYS WITH TED
Tuesday's with Ted is a gathering of men from Balmoral who meet every Tuesday morning at 8AM for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel restaurant on Hacks Cross Road. We discuss current local issues, world events, church issues, and personal reflections on life, family, and church.
How We Serve Our Neighbors
First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen
Members of the Balmoral Presbyterian Church congregation commit to serving at least twice a year. The team is commissioned during worship before heading to downtown Memphis, where they share a meal together. In the afternoon, they welcome men, women, and children into the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian, offering them a warm and hearty meal.
QUARTER STICKS
Each Sunday morning our children go throughout the sanctuary collecting quarters during our time of offering.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Every Tuesday we have teams of people who travel to the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association to pick up meals and deliver them to senior citizens in our city who are food insecure.
VOTER HOSPITALITY
Balmoral Presbyterian Church strives to be a light in our community and takes great pride in being named the Friendliest Voting Precinct in Shelby County.
HOSPITALITY HUB
In addition to financial support, Balmoral donates mittens, gloves, hats and scarves during the winter season.
METROPOLITAN INTER-FAITH ASSOCIATION
Balmoral Presbyterian Church financially contributes to MIFA. Through MIFA programs, assistance with rent, utilities, food, clothing and other necessities for families suffering from unexpected loss of income is provided.
PCUSA SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Balmoral Presbyterian Church participates in the four churchwide special offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
SANDWICH MAKING MINISTRY
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month following the worship service.
CURRENT SESSION
The Session is our governing body of our congregation at Balmoral Presbyterian Church.
Scott Hill
(he/him)
Karen Pilkington
(she/her)
Kathrine Getske
(she/her)
Paul Below
(he/him)
Art Hall
(he/him)
Mary Schmitz
(she/her)
Eli Gurlen
(he/him)
Dee McGuire
(she/her)
Robin VanNortwick
(she/her)
Jan Kaplan
(she/her)
Clerk of Session
Earth Care
COMPOSTING
We are partnering with The Compost Fairy as a community drop-off site for composting.
Each household pays only $20 a month and receives two compost buckets and a fridge magnet sharing what can be composted.
You bring your buckets to church to empty in a cart, which would be picked up weekly.
You will receive a link to your email for billing and you can also purchase a roll of liner bags for the buckets for $5.
In the spring and fall you will receive a bag of compost back.
ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
These are just a few suggestions out of many that exist.
Toilet Paper
Who Gives A Crap - bamboo & recycled toilet paper (bamboo is more eco-friendly); paper towels; trash bags; tissues 50% of their profits are donated to help everyone gain access to clean water and a toilet!
normally $10 off first order and $10 referral credit
currently $27 off first order and $27 referral credit
$38/24 rolls; $62/48 rolls or $52 with a subscription;
you can subscribe for every 2, 3, or 4 months the rolls come in a box and are wrapped individually with paper, not plastic. Karen Pilkington and Linda Warren are currently using so if you order we would appreciate using one of us as your referral. Just enter one of our names at check out and we also get a discount.
Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps - are cotton, coated in beeswax. They can be used instead of plastic wrap for things such as produce or pretty much anything except raw meat, and for covering dishes. They last up to a year with regular use and can be washed with soap and cold water. They are also compostable.
Akeeko - 9 pieces in 3 sizes, $16, various designs, least expensive
Beeswrap - 3 large pieces, $18, can be cut to make smaller pieces, 2 sets/$33
Lilybee - 3 pieces for $17
Abeego - 3 pieces for $19
Laundry Sheets
Hey Sunday - sheets of detergent for laundry and dishwasher; avoids plastic; suggested to use 1 sheet for 1/2 load, 2 sheets for 3/4 load, 3 sheets for full load;
dishwasher sheets - 30 for $15 if you subscribe for monthly delivery
laundry sheets - scented or fragrance-free; subscription is 60 sheets/$15,
a choice of 30 or 60 day delivery
Produce Bags
The Sister Collective - mesh bags made from recycled plastic bottles;
5 small/$10;
5 medium/$12;
5 large/$14;
set of 10 of 3 different sizes/$24
DONATIONS NEEDED
Clothes AND household items (anything except furniture) are needed by Covenant Presbyterian Church of Germantown, for distribution to families served by their Food Pantry. Simply drop the items off at Covenant, 2385 Riverdale Road, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please let Janice Hill know of your donation so we can include in our Earth Care records for the year.
Covenant also welcomes volunteers for their weekly Food Pantry, which is held every Thursday morning. For more information, see Janice or call Jane David at Covenant (901)267-8534.
Clothes also are needed by First Presbyterian Church for their Clothes Closet, and they presently are in urgent need of Adult Men pants. You may bring your items to Margaret Mullins, and she will take them to First Presbyterian.
