Did you know:
There are more types of crimes committed by juveniles which require incarceration as adults, in Maryland, then any other state in the country, except Alabama?
Out for Justice (OFJ) a Maryland organization, coaches formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the community and advocates to improve conditions for those incarcerated through the legislative process. One of the key pieces of legislation they are advocating for in the 2026 Maryland legislative session is Senate Bill 323, the “Youth Charging Reform Act,” aiming to reduce the number of crimes juveniles are charged as adults, from 33 to 22. When charged as an adult, a juvenile is jailed with the adult population. During that six-month period, no rehabilitation services are provided. They just sit and wait for trial. When charged as a juvenile, one is incarcerated with other juveniles and begins rehabilitation immediately while waiting for trial within 90 days.
Senate Bill 323, the “Youth Charging Reform Act”, is designed to move roughly 75% of cases currently subject to automatic adult charges into the juvenile court system, focusing on rehabilitation. To learn more about this issue click this link to read the Baltimore Banner’s extensive reporting on the bill. If you are not a subscriber of the Baltimore Banner please click here to see a Google search which outlines the bill’s content. And of great importance, should you feel moved, please contact your State Senator and Delegate and ask them to support Senate Bill 323 and its companion bill, House Bill 409. The Senate bill will be debated by the full Senate in early March. It has currently undergone a third reading and will move to the House, soon.
Out for Justice Mission Statement is as follows: “Our mission is to engage, educate and empower individuals impacted by the legal system to build collective power for dismantling systemic oppression and harmful policies. We strive to humanize marginalized communities, prevent criminalization, reduce recidivism and promote second chances and successful reintegration through advocacy, education and supportive programming.” More about their programs can be found on their website.
To learn more about the Dismantling Racism Committee’s work, contact Tracy Lantz.
Bible Study meets every Wednesdays at 9:00 am. We are currently studying the Great Figures of the New Testament, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. This Wednesday we will be listening to lecture # 20, "The Centurions." There are several Gospel stories about these guys. Click Here for a copy of the reading material. Here is the link to join us via Zoom. For more information, please contact Vaughn Ouellette.
The Sunday Morning Forum has moved forward in a hybrid format—meeting in person in the library and on Zoom—from 9:30 to 10:15 am. The Zoom link is found in the Sower. This schedule lets choir members participate and still make it to rehearsal before worship.
Beginning on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Dr. Joe Pettit will lead us in discussion over the Introduction to Isaiah by C. L. Crouch and Christopher B. Hays. The authors introduce the Book of Isaiah in its diverse historical contexts, tracing its origins and development over several centuries: beginning with the career of the prophet Isaiah ben Amoz in eighth century Jerusalem, continuing with a late seventh century edition and the further revisions made in the late sixth century, and concluding with final shaping during the Persian Period. The Forum meets at 9:30 am in the Library and a Zoom link is available.
Click Here to join via Zoom or join us in person in the library.
The weekly market is every Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in lower parking lot. The market switches to every other week from January to April. For more information, including a list of vendors updated weekly, visit https://catonsvillefarmersmarket.com/.
