eLink News

News from the Presbytery Office

This Week:

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.  After decades (even centuries) of abuse by the northern government, it is a foregone conclusion that the south will vote to form a new country.  The consequences of such a vote are hugely unpredictable and fraught with danger.  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.

A Mission Partnership for Your Church?

Clen Moore and New Wilmington churches have a strong partnership with a congregation in the Dominican Republic.  There are opportunities to expand this during a visit in February (when there is snow here!!).  To explore this possibility you will need to act now.  Click here for more information.

Need a Pulpit Supply for December 26th?

James Benson, a member at Highland Presbyterian Church who is currently attending Gordon-Conwell Seminary, is available to preach on Sunday, December 26th.  You can reach him by calling 724-971-3529 or emailing jbenson@svbql.com.

Save the Date!

LeaderFest 2011 will be held on January 15th at 8:30 AM at Westminster College.  The featured keynote speaker is our own Dr. Ken Bailey, author and lecturer on Middle Eastern New Testament Studies, who will be speaking on “Conflict, Suffering and Love: Highlights from First Corinthians for the Church Today”.  In addition to Dr. Bailey’s keynote address, there will be many workshops offered on a variety of topics from new elder training to end of life issues.  There will be a bookstore available to purchase resources pertinent to the workshops  being presented and a delicious lunch prepared for you at the conclusion of LeaderFest.  Early bird registration (before January 9th) is only $10 and includes materials and lunch.  Please see your church secretary for registration forms or send an email with registration info to office@shenango.org.  Watch eLink for more information about upcoming workshops to be presented at LeaderFest 2011 – there is sure to be something of value for everyone!

Last Call!

Dr. Joe Small from the Worshop and Theology Offices of PC(USA) will be discussing the Belhar Confession at Pittsburgh Seminary on Friday, December 10, 9 AM.  Presbyteries will be voting on adding this confession to our Book of Confessions.  Rev. Glenn Hink will be driving the comfortable 14 passenger 1st Presby-Sharon bus to the event.  There are a few seats left.  The bus will leave the 1st Church parking lot at 7 AM sharp, and stop for lunch on the way home.  It’s fellowship, theology and food…the perfect Presbyterian combination.  If you would like to ride the bus, contact Glenn (pastor@1stpcs.org, 724-981-2211, ext. 2).

Interim Executive Director Desired for Camping Association

Needed: A person of strong Christian convictions willing to provide executive leadership for the Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP).  The person will need to have skills in business leadership, decision making, corporate communication/marketing, financial and strategic planning, and supervisory experience.  The incumbent must possess a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, master’s preferred.  This is a temporary salaried position (30 hour/week minimum) not to exceed six months, with possible consideration for a permanent position.  Resume with cover letter should be emailed to david.jones@capnwp.org.

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.

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 visithttp://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).

Bethlehem Boulevard

Faith Presbyterian Church will be hosting Bethlehem Boulevard at their church on December 12th, 2010 from 4-8 PM.  Rediscover the joy of Christmas by walking the streets of Ancient Day Bethlehem, experiencing all that the marketplace has to offer, and reflecting upon our live nativity scene (animals included) where Jesus was born.  A clear presentation of the gospel will be presented throughout the tour.  Families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, churches, and members of our community are all welcome to this free event.  Have a Merry Christmas and we hope to have you join us!  Questions: 724-962-4155 Location: 2370 N. Hermitage Rd., Hermitage, PA  16148.

Cookie Walk

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex (3082 Main Street) will be holding its 19th annual “Cookie Walk” (Christmas cookie sale) on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 9 AM to 12 Noon.  $5.00 per pound, boxes are provided.