News from the Presbytery Office
This Week:
December 24-January 3- OFFICE CLOSED
Note: Presbytery Staff will be using the remainder of their vacation days the week after Christmas, so the office will be closed until after the New Year’s holiday. Rev. Dawson will be checking his email and voicemail regularly, if you need to leave a message for him.
Mission Yearbooks Are In
Mission Yearbooks arrived several weeks ago, and we still have reserved copies for several churches waiting to be picked up (Faith, Hillside, Northminster, Shenango and Bethany). We also have extra copies available for purchase at $9.00 each.
LEADERFEST 2011…Training for Church Officers and Leaders
January 15th 8:30am – 2pm ~ Campus of Westminster College
Overcoming Personal/Spiritual Obstacles
Why do we stumble? Why do we not do well, personally and spiritually at times? Join Steve Plyler, Elder, Clen-Moore Church for this core seminar on conflict, as he helps you develop good Biblical strategies for overcoming the obstacles life throws our way. (afternoon session only)
Does ‘Loving Like Jesus’ Really Work?
Join Reverend Joicy Becker-Richards, Director of Educational Media at Princeton Theological Seminary and Pastor as she helps us find practical ways to love our enemies and make peace in broken relationships. (afternoon session only)
Seeking to be Faithful
A lump in your throat, sweaty palms, a rush of adrenaline ~ think you are snowboarding?!?! Even though it may feel like a downhill slope, you are actually in conflict with a fellow brother or sister! Join Dr. Angel De La Cruz, pastor of Word Centered Fellowship, as shows how conflict benefits Christian maturity and, if handled properly, bears witness of God’s love. (afternoon session only)
General Assembly: Unity and Love Through Changing Times
Learn about the basics of last summer’s General Assembly and how to approach people within our church of differing views. Presentation by Abby Pherson, Shenango Presbytery Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 219th General Assembly. (afternoon session only)
Great Themes in Paul’s Letter to the Romans
…a broadcast program from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary coming to Westminster College Wednesday evenings, January 12, 19, 26 and February 2. The program will run from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in Old Main 210. There is NO CHARGE for Westminster students, faculty, staff, administration or ministers and members of any Presbyterian Church in Shenango Presbytery. Registration deadline is January 5, 2011. We will be posting more information on the Presbytery website later this week.
12 From Shenango Presbytery Attend Sudan Mission Network
The Sudan Mission Network was started 15 years ago by presbyteries with partnerships in the Sudan. Each December the Network meets, most recently in Louisville. The 12 from Shenango can tell you about the experience. Contact Jim Leuenberger, team leader, for information. Or see this story on Presbyterian News Service http://www.pcusa.org/news/2010/12/15/church-critical-sudans-future-mission-network-told/.
Special Need in the South Sudan
It is hard to imagine how limited medical services are in the south Sudan. Click here for an important story that needs support from individuals and churches.
Ingrid Reneau’s Return to Africa
Ingrid returns to Nairobi, Kenya on January 5. From there she will follow the Referendum vote in south Sudan on January 9 and continue her educational work as conditions in the south allow. Click here for her Christmas letter.
GCC’s WSAJ to Present Fourth Annual “Christmas ‘Mid the Pines” broadcast
Grove City College’s radio station WSAJ 91.1 FM will air this special holiday broadcast on December 24th starting at 5 PM. It will showcase nearly 6 hours of live Christmas music recordings performed by campus ensembles and choirs during the holiday season.
News from the Churches
Mission Trip Information Requested
Has your church taken a mission trip to Appalachia? Rev. Chris Weichman would like to hear from you…specifically about what organizations you have worked with and what your experience has been with them has been like. You can contact him at cweichman@verizon.net or 724-654-6657.
First Presbyterian Church of Sharon Presents The Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 4:00 PM
Join First, Sharon for an afternoon complete with beautiful music, a story filled with wonder, and giving glory to God. Presented as a gift to the community.
Rebuilding Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA, February 12-20, 2011
Join the Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church and Friends as they travel south to join the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. The cost is approximately $275 per person, if you are riding in the rental vans. Please RSVP by January 9 to Bill Gwin, 724-667-8321 wlgwin@att.net, Miriam Gwin, 724-667-8324, or Tom Kaufman, 724-651-4323 tek114@zoominternet.net.
Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries Wanted
New Bedford Church is seeking candidates for a full time Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries. For more information or to receive a position description, contact New Bedford Church at 724-964-8055 or newbedfordchurch@verizon.net.
The Presbytery of Shenango 