This Week
November 12– 10:00 AM Church & Community Committee, Presbytery Office
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
November 13- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
November 14- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
November 18- 5:00 PM Bills & Overtures Committee, Eat ‘n Park Restaurant, Hermitage
6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Sharon
Survey for LeaderFest
Russ Crabtree, keynote speaker for Leaderfest in January and director of “Holy Cow! Consulting” has asked the Presbytery Council to offer a survey to leaders in our congregations and Presbytery. This survey will help him prepare for his presentation at Leaderfest in January. Please click on the link below and complete the survey at your leisure (before the end of November) so that the results can be compiled. There are no right or wrong answers to the questions. Russ would like to know your opinion.Here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tN2JqCpvkD4x_2fwP2LiWJVw_3d_3d
Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Barry Almy Raising Funds for Medical Mission
– Check out Ingrid Reneau’s blog at http://sudanseed.blogspot.com
– Changed Lives – an update form Constructores para Cristo
Interested in Carpooling to the Equipping Pastors Retreat in Ligonier?
There are interested parties in both Ellwood City and Grove City – if you would like to share a ride, please contact Rev. Teresa Kendall at 724-752-8892.
Mission Networks
This good article, http://missional.info/?p=88 by the presbytery executive in Carlisle Presbytery is worth a read. The Sudan Mission Network (Shenango, Redstone, Trinity presbyteries) was the first network beginning 14 years ago. It will next meet in Louisville on December 1-2 with Jim Leuenberger, Miriam Gwin, Betsy Barr and Dave Dawson attending.
Tax Tips for Ministers and Churches Teleconference
December 11, 2008 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST.Join the Board of Pensions for this web-enhanced teleconference, a free event that helps ministers and churches understand clergy taxes. You can register online or by phone at 800-355-4487. You can also submit your tax questions when you register for this conference. Space is limited, so sign up today. Registration ends November 21.
A Continuing Education Opportunity – 1 Week Leader’s Intensive
The annual 1-week Leader’s Intensive Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class of pastors, missionaries, and other Christian workers will be January 20-28, 2009 at Mt. Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. For information see http://www.perspecitives.org/atf/cf/%7B1EB5210-3B12-4790-9F8C-D025aE89B1A99%7D/Leaders_Intensive_Details-2009.pdf.
A Pittsburgh Seminary Student Pastor at Your Church
Would you like to be a “teaching church?” A student could possibly be available (especially Lawrence County churches closer to East Liberty) for 10 hours a week for a recommended minimum compensation of $300.00 per month. For more information contact Carolyn Jones cjones@pts.edu 412-362-5610 x2130.
Lawrence County Commissioners Present: Neighborhood Connections: Bridging the Gap Between Government Services and Faith-based Missions
Who: Lawrence County Clergy, Deacons, Congregations and Community Support Contacts
Where: New Castle High School
When: Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Lawrence County Community Action Partnership in cooperation with the Lawrence County Commissioners are hosting a meeting for faith-based organizations offering information on the various agencies and available emergency assistance for low-income individuals and families. A round-table discussion of the services offered through Lawrence County providers will take place targeting: Housing Options, Counseling, Food Needs, Utility Needs. For more information, contact Lawrence County Community Action Partnership: 1-800-252-5104 or check out http://www.lccap.org.
Letter from Sudan Missionaries Del and Debbie Braaksma
Learn about the Presbyterian work in south Sudan by clicking on this link. http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/braaksmad/braaksmad_0811.htm.
A Financial Request
Nasser Barakat, a Sudanese minister, who spent some time in Shenango Presbytery a few years ago is now living in Florida. He and his wife have two children and are in serious financial circumstances. He has requested some help for a few months. Anyone who would like to help can get more detailed information by contacting Walt Freson (724-752-3332, wfreson@zoominternet.net) or Dave Lower (724-752-9348, dhlower412@yahoo.com).
Calvin Symposium on Worship – January 29-31, 2009
Grand Rapids, MI – worship planners, pastors, musicians, artists, scholars and worshipers from more than 30 denominations and countries in dialogue featuring over 70 presenters. More information and registration at http://www.calvin.edu/worship.
Spread the Warmth – collection for the area homeless youth at the Silk Road Market
The Silk Road Market is trying to help the 1500 school-age children who are homeless in our area to have a warmer winter. Please bring your donations of hats, gloves, and scarves (child size medium and large and adult sizes are the best) to the Silk Road Market in New Wilmington between now and December 20th. Read the full ad on the “News” page of the Presbytery website.
Mission Fair at Jamestown
Join the Jamestown Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 16 from 1:00 – 3:30 and do your Christmas shopping early as representatives from Heifer International, the Sudan Partnership, Kenya Children’s Project, Greenville Downtown Ministries and other mission groups share information on the work they are doing throughout the world. A Greater Gift and Slovak Folk Crafts will have “wonderful goodies” for purchase. Purchase gifts that show the real meaning of Christmas and help people around the world to have a better life. A light lunch will be served in the dining room immediately following worship and there will be a silent auction and entertainment throughout the day.
Organist Wanted
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Sharon is looking for an organist. If you or someone you know is interested, please call Eleanore O’Hare at 330-448-8369.
Outdoor Nativity Set Wanted
Calvin Church, Ellwood City is looking for a large outdoor nativity scene/set. It could be up to life-size. Please contact Rev. Latta at 724-816-9550.
Prayer & Praise Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, November 15, 2008 4:30 – 6:30 PM at Bethel UP Church Fellowship Hall for Susan McDowell Krauss who will be having a bone marrow transplant November 25. Free will offering taken at the door with 100% going to Susan.
How About Liver and Onions???
A favorite of some, but not of others!!!! Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church will be having a liver and onions dinner on November 22 at 6 PM. The menu will include liver and onions, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, and Steve’s famous apple crisp for dessert. All proceeds will go to help in mission projects. Plan to come and enjoy the fellowship and great food. Tickets MUST be bought in advance or reservations made at the church office before November 18, 2008. See you there. Cost is $6.00.
The Presbytery of Shenango 