This Week
September 30- 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
October 2- 8:30 AM Equipping Pastors Event, Shenango on the Green (more information is available here.)
Prayers
Randy Stringer (former CLP at Amity) will be having heart valve surgery tomorrow at Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Rev. Yousif Matar Kodi, from Sudan, coming as an International Peacemaker to Shenango Presbytery – October 3-6
– Bethel Church Celebrating 210 years – October 11 & 12, 2008
– Fall Apple Festival at Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church, October 11th
– Volunteer with AmeriCorps
New Pastors
– Nicola Vitiello was ordained and installed as Pastor at Ebenezer this past Sunday.
– Janice Good will be ordained at Fairfield Presbyterian Church and installed as the Associate Pastor at Tower Presbyterian Church on October 12. (This is believed to be the first ordination ever to be celebrated by the Fairfield congregation in its 209 year history. More information and directions to Fairfield are avaialble on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website.)
Western Pennsylvania Table Project
Thank you for your prayers, participation, and support of the table project. In July, 100 tables were delivered to GNODRP, and in August 75 benches and 150 folding chairs. We are starting our Fall Fund Drive to build 500 tables and 1000 benches. The cost is $150 per table and $50 per bench. Donations should be sent to New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, earmarked Table Project. For more information, go to our website: http://www.westernpatableproject.org/ and be sure to watch the video from PDA linked on the “affiliates” page: “Three years of faithful witness and relationships”. An organizational meeting will be held at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church on October 15th at 7:00 PM for anyone interested in joining in.
Invite a Mission Speaker
Cody Watson from PFF will be attending the New Wilmington Mission Conference board meeting on October 11th. He is available to preach in your church on October 12th. If you are interested, please contact him as soon as possible at 205-824-4659 or CodyW@pff.net.
PW Fall Gathering
Fall Gathering will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Faith Presbyterian Church from 9 AM – 3 PM. Workshops on Bible study, nutrition, finances, spiritual fitness, music, physical fitness and women’s health issues will focus on the them “Healthy in Christ”. You can even check to see if you are smarter than a Sunday School 5th grader. Luncheon reservations ($6) for this Presbyterian Women sponsored event are due October 7th. For further information, call 724-336-4523.
Reflections of the meeting of the General Assembly Council (GAC) and executives from Middle Governing Bodies (MGB) (presbyteries and synods). September 28 – 30, 2008
A copy of this document is available for you to read on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery web site.
How Does the Financial Markets Crisis Affect Pensions?
The Board of Pensions (which also covers medical expenses) has had a long history of making very safe investments of pension funds. You will find this letter from President Rob Maggs encouraging. Also, please remember, if you have a medical procedure requiring pre-certification, you must call 800-237-3015. If you aren’t sure…CALL.
New david bailey CD for Pastors
Rev. Stephen McCutchan has worked with david bailey to produce a collection of david’s songs that have a focus on “tending to the weary heart of a pastor”. Steve wrote and recorded short meditations to introduce them. The collection has been produced on a CD called “A Deep Well for the Pastor”. The CD consists of 28 tracks that lead the pastor through reflection on the meaning of the call and the stresses in the ministry. The artwork on the CD is a beautiful collection of original peaceful watercolors done by another pastor friend of david’s. If you would lke a pre-released signed copy, please send a check to PO Box 453, Earlysville, VA 22936. $12 for one, $20 for two. Don’t forget to include information on how you want it signed and where you want it mailed. You can also check out tracks from the CD and order it online at http://cdbaby.com/cd/dmbailey9
Small Church Pastors
The Summer Collegium: a Project in Support of Small Congregations is an ecumenical project. The theme for 2009 is Body, Mind and Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening and Sustaining Clergy Wholeness in Small Congregations. Spouses are invited to attend the first half of the nine-day conference to strengthen their support of their spouse’s ministry. All expenses for the 25 participants chosen, including travel, meals, lodging, books, pulpit supply and child care at home, are paid by the grant. There is no cost for participants. Single clergy and commissioned lay pastors are encouraged to apply. The dates of the conference ar June 24-July 2, 2009. The application is rather lengthy and due by December 15, 2008. http://www.vts.edu/education/collegium.
2009 Sudan Trip Application Deadline October 15
The Sudan Leadership Team is planning a trip to the Sudan in early 2009. Interested persons should click here for a copy of the application form and more details. The completed form should be mailed to the Presbytery Office and arrive by October 15.
Discerning Your Call to Mission
The World Mission Initiative invites you to discern your call on Saturday, November 1 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Discerning Your Call to Mission event at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. This free event is designed to encourage and guide those who sense a call to missionary service. Not sure if you have a call? Come and explore the possibilities…and enjoy a free lunch! Contact Caitlin Rohrere (crohrer@pts.edu or 412-362-5610 x2189) or Don Dawson (ddawson@pts.edu or 412-362-5610 x2149) to register or for questions.
Peppi Puppets of Enon Presbyterian Church
Peppi Puppets, a ministry that uses puppets to preach the Word of God to children of all ages, would like the opportunity to share their unique ministry with your church. They have several songs and messages from which you can choose. If you are interested in finding out more about the ministry or allowing them to come to worship with you, please feel free to call 724-738-0975 and speak to their director, Joy Holland.
Mt. Jackson PC has a Copier for Sale- CORRECTION
Savin #2545 Series Copier and Stand – $750. 45 copies per minute, 2 sided copy capability, 2 paper trays, holds 8-1/2 x 11 or 8-1/2 x 14 paper, Serial Number H7637400439, 5 years old. Contact Mark Andrews at 724-667-9597.
The Presbytery of Shenango 