eLink News

News from the Presbytery Office

This Week:

November 25-26 – OFFICE CLOSED, Thanksgiving Holiday
December 2- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC

Critical Moments for Prayer in the Sudan

On January 9, the people of the south Sudan will vote on forming a separate country.  Please make this a matter of prayer in your weekly worship and in your daily prayers.  Click here for suggestions for your prayers.

Mission Yearbooks Are In

Mission Yearbooks arrived a few weeks ago, and we still have reserved copies for several churches waiting to be picked up (Christ, Faith, Hillside, Mt. Jackson, Northminster, Shenango and Bethany).  We also have extra copies available for purchase at $9.00 each.

Electricity Connsortium – Cost Reduction

The Synod of the Trinity is conducting a group purchase campaign for the following utility companies: Allegheny, Duquesne, Met-Ed, Peco, Penelec, Penn Power, and PPL.  Read the document available on our website, and return the form with your most recent electricity invoice to the Synod Office by December 3rd to participate.

News from the Churches

Global Gift Market

The community is invited to celebrate and participate in the Global Gift Market sponsored by the Young Presbyterian Scholars program at Westminster College.  The Global Gift Market will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the Witherspoon Maple Room in the McKelvey Campus Center.  Gifts purchased at the market will provide a gift of food, medicine, education, etc. to those with great need around the world…the perfect gift for that someone who has everything is a gift that helps others.

Blue Christmas Service

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church will be offering a “Blue Christmas Service” on Sunday, December 5th at 6 PM.  This service will be an opportunity to gather for a quiet time of hope and celebration in the midst of sadness or stress.  This time is less about colored lights, and more about Jesus, the Light who shines into our darkness.  This worksho is less about sparkling holiday cheer, and more about finding quiet, divine holiday strength.  Open to the community.

An Advent Carillon at Calvin Presbyterian Church

Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City will be presenting an Advent Carillon on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 6 PM.  Tickets for the program and catered dinner following the program are $12.00 ($6.00 for children under 10).  Program only tickets are free.  Contact the church at 724-758-4258 for more information.

Simply Christmas Service

Beneath the brightly colored packages, lights and preparations, Christmas reveals simple truths to change life here and now and for eternity.  Join Covenant Presbyterian Church for Simply Christmas to experience these truths through lessons and carols on Sunday, November 28th.  Dinner is at 5 PM (please RSVP to office@cpcsharon.org) and the service begins at 6:15 PM.

Handbells Wanted

Jackson Center Presbyterian Church is looking for a 2-octave set of handbells.  If you can help, please contact the church at 724-662-2211 or Sandy Bachman at 724-662-3984.

Christmas Vespers at Westminster College

“Something’s Coming” Reflections and Carols from Around the World will be the theme for this year’s vespers service, Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 7 PM in Orr Auditorium.  The community is invited, and a punch and cookie reception will follow in the Art Gallery and Orr Lobby.

Walk-Through Bethlehem Experience

Wampum Presbyterian Church is having a walk-through drama of the Bethlehem experience December 2-3 from 6-9 PM.  It is FREE to the public.  For more information call 724-535-7790.

GCC Alumni Center to Host Carnegie Christmas Concert Series

The annual Grove City College Carnegie Christmas Concert Series returns to the Carnegie Alumni Center with performances from 12:15 – 1 PM December 6-10.  It is free and open to the public.  Each day, different campus musicians will perform half-hour concerts celebrating the season.  For additional information, contact the Alumni Office at 888-422-4723.

Drive-Thru Live Nativity

Westfield Church plans a drive-thru live nativity on Saturday, December 4 from 6-8 PM.  Live animals include donkeys, miniature horse, goat and sheep.  Over 60 volunteers will participate as members of the angel choir, live actors, preparing lighting and sound, working on costumes, or setting up 1000 luminaries to light your way.  This event is free and open to the community.  For directions or more information, contact the church at 724-667-7045 or visit http://www.westfieldchurch.org.

Advent Taize Worship Service

Experience the peace of Christmas.  You are invited to an Advent Taize Worship Service at First Presbytrerian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street, Sharon) on Sunday evening, December 12th at 7 PM.  This beautiful, quiet, prayerful service will be led by the FOLK GROUP FROM NOTRE DAME CHURCH in Hermitage.  Please join First Church and prepare your hearts to receive the Christ Child.  There is no charge for this worship service, and a reception will follow.

Director of Youth Ministry Wanted

Part-Time Director of Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Shaorn – lead an active Jr. and Sr. High program with a high level of volunteer help, and good facilities.  This is a 20 hour/week position, with competitive compensation.  Experience preferred, but not necessary.  Send resume and two references to Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink if interested (pastor@1stpcs.org, 724-981-2211 ext. 2, 600 East State Street, Sharon, PA  16146).