News from the Presbytery Office
david bailey
A memorial service for david bailey will be held in Charlottesville, VA at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 19. Plans are developing to remember david during the New Wilmington Mission Conference next July.
Need a Coach?
Pastors, if you are going through some kind of transition in your church or even if you just want to step back and reflect on your leadership, you have an excellent resource available in our Synod Executive, Bruce Stevens. Bruce spent a number of years as a pastor, redeveloping three churches. He also has extensive experience as a presbytery and synod executive. He is presently in a training program for coaching certification and needs to accumulate some hours coaching…which makes this free to the pastor! Please be in touch with Dave Dawson for more information or directly with Bruce BStevens@syntrinity.org (717)364-8879.
Pastors Retreat
40 pastors (supported by 3 elders from the Leadership Development Team) enjoyed a wonderful retreat at Villa Maria on Monday and Tuesday. Paul Detterman (Executive Director of Presbyterians for Renewal) led our time on the topic of worship. The next retreat is with Ken Bailey on May 9-10.
Celebrate Sudan 2010
More than 100 folks gathered at East Main Church this past Sunday (World Communion) evening to celebrate our vital relationship with the church in the Sudan. The special choir was led by Jane Bartholomew and gifts and pledges were received for over $10,000.00 (a final report will be given later). This offering will be used for the Salama Church building and Nile Theological College.
…A special thank you to all who helped with music for the event…those who sang in the choir…those who were instrumentalists…and to Chris Lewis for setting up sound.
Is God Calling You to Mission Work?
All kinds of Christians are being called to all kinds of mission work. Maybe the Holy Spirit is prodding you. One place to listen more closely to God is at the event at Pittsburgh Seminary. Click here for more details.
News from the Churches
Roundtable with Dominican Republic Partners
Rev. Miguel Cancu (General Secretary of the Evangelical Church of the Dominican Republic) and his wife Altagracia will be visiting Shenango Presbytery for a short time in October. Several congregations in Shenango Presbytery have shared a mission partnership with a congregation in the Dominican Republic. Elder, Deacons, and anyone else interested, are invited to join New Wilmington and Clen-Moore Churches for a roundtable discussion with Rev. Cancu on Sunday evening, October 10 at 7 PM in the Social Hall of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church (dessert provided). Topics will include: importance of taking the long view in local ministry, discovering and serving the real needs of a community, raising up leadership for ministry in every generation, accountability and prudence in ministry, and the promise of cross-cultural mission partnerships. Contact Rev. Ralph Hawkins for more information atRalph@nwpresby.org.
All Women! Come to the salad dinner for Altagracia Cancu at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church
LADIES: Do you remember the Christmas Salad Suppers the Women’s Circles of our church used to have? Well, we’re reviving the Salad Supper for Women to be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 6:00 PM!!! Bring your favorite salad, your table setting, and your welcoming smile. We will be hosting and hearing from Altagracia Cancu, wife of Pastor Miguel Cancu, General Secretary of the Evangelical Church of the Dominican Republic, who hosts our mission group each spring in Sabaneta de Yasica. She is coming to share about her life, her involvement in the church in the village where her husband has been pastor for more than 25 years, as well as the secrets to feeding our groups of 25-45 people every meal for that week!!! Clear your calendar and join us. It’ll be an evening you won’t soon forget! For more information, please contact the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church office at 724-946-3541 or office@nwpresby.org.
Braised Steak Dinner
The Bessemer Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Braised Steak Dinner on Saturday, October 9th from 5-7 PM. All proceeds will benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church’s General Fund. Cost is $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for children 6-12, and FREE for children 5 and under. Take-outs are available! For advanced ticket purchases, call 724-667-7255. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Call 724-667-7255 for more information (Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 9 AM – 12 PM).
Part-Time Choir Director
Bethany Presbyterian in Mercer is searching for a part-time choir director. This will involve approximately 20-30 hours per month paid at an hourly rate commensurate with experience. Primary responsibilities will be to direct Bethany’s adult choir, selecting and acquiring music, working with pastor and worship leader/music coordinator in scheduling choir performances. Those interested should submit a letter of interest and resume to Bethany Presbyterian Church’s Personnel Committee by October 20th. The church’s address is 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA 16137. Inquiries about the position can be made to Bethany’s Senior Pastor, Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295).
Ministry Assistant Wanted
The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a full time opening for a Ministry Assistant. The Ministry Assistant, alongside the pastor, will be responsible for leadership development among our community of faith, creating visions and helping ministry teams carry them out; providing ministry support and guidance where needed as our teams engage our community of faith and the broader community with the love, witness, and action of Jesus Christ. A Bachelor’s or other equal degree is preferred but experience in ministry will also be considered. For a full position description please stop by the church office or email: revjwh@yahoo.com and give our name, address, email and phone and a copy of the position will be sent to you.
Wanted
First Church, Sharon, is interested in purchasing or borrowing the 5th octave of handbells (C3 through F#3; and G#7 through C8). If your church has the 5thoctave of handbells and you are not currently using them, would you be willing to sell the 5th octave to First Church, or let First Church borrow those bells? If so, please contact Rev. Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 x.5.
Other News
“Shop for the Cause”
ROOT International is participating in the “Shop for the Cause” fundraiser sponsored by Macy’s Dept. stores. They are selling tickets that give extra discounts up to 20% on some store items. Each ticket costs $5.00 and all proceeds will go to ROOT International. By buying a ticket, you are not only eligible for discounts, but can also enter to win a $500 shopping spree. All Macy’s stores will hold this event on Saturday, October 16th. To purchase a ticket, contact Ariel Thompson at 724-699-2351. Thank you all for your support on this project.
The Presbytery of Shenango 