News from the Presbytery Office
This Week:
January 7-8- PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College
Critical Week of Prayer for the Sudan
Please pray all week for the Sudan and especially at worship this Sunday, January 9. As we gather for worship in Shenango Presbytery this Sunday, the people of the south Sudan will just be completing a day of voting on the future of the south Sudan. Please pray especially for a peaceful response to the vote.
Sudan Prayer Event
Join Shenango Presbytery for a special prayer service for the Sudan this Thursday, January 6th at 7:00 PM at Northminster Presbyterian Church.
Annual Report Forms
We’ve received a few calls and emails in the last week about Annual Report forms that were never received. Please note that the usual forms were NOT mailed this year. Everything is available online. The GA form can be reached accessed at http://ogasys2.pcusa.org using the username and password that was mailed to each Clerk of Session at the beginning of December. Presbytery forms can be accessed at http://www.shenango.org/Publications/index.htm. If you cannot complete your forms online, or if you have questions, please contact Stated Clerk Rev. Jerry Mahaffey at 724-794-4383 or jerrymahaffey@zoominternet.net.
LEADERFEST ~ January 15th @ Westminster College
Early Bird Deadline for Registration is January 10th – register by this date and the cost is only $10
Training for Clerks of Session
Join Reverend Amy Na, Assistant Clerk of Shenango Presbytery as she discusses the “P” word – POLITY! Learn about being a decent and orderly Presbyterian clerk! J Information available for clerks filing annual reports as well.
What Do We Cut?
In these difficult financial times, where does a church make cuts, what do we do? How do we remain faithful in the face of declining income and attendance? Join Dave Dawson, Executive Presbyter of the Shenango Presbytery for this important conversation.
Reformed Theology: A Quick Primer
Am I reformed? Presbyterian? Christian? If you are confused by some of the church “lingo”, join Ralph Hawkins, senior pastor of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church as he reviews it all with a 60 minute primer on the reformed faith.
LeaderFest Payments
Please make sure that your check is made payable to “Shenango Presbytery” when paying for your LeaderFest registrations. We have received multiple checks made payable to Autumn…all of which will have to be returned to the senders to be corrected.
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.
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.
Important!! Watch for this Form from the Pennsylvania Department of State
The Pennsylvania Department of State is requesting a Decennial Report on the continuing use of the corporate name of each of our churches by December 31, 2011. The state is charging a $70.00 fee for the filing. Our Synod of the Trinity is working on a group response that will save the fee and the work of complying. Do not complete this form at this time. Further information will be coming from the Synod.
News from the Churches
Women’s Prison Ministry in Mercer
Dotty Mariner, a member at the Coolspring Church, is an active leader of the ministry at the women’s county jail facility near Mercer. She has shared this compelling story with her congregation and others. Your congregation should hear from Dotty. You can reach her at marinersanchor@zoominternet.net or 724-475-4100.
Divorce Care
It takes a long time and a lot of work to heal the pain that comes with the breakup of a marriage. Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar and support group that provides a place to heal. If you know someone who has or is going through this difficult process please invite them to attend the Divorce Care program at Bethany Church which will be held on Monday evenings, January 12- April 4, 2011. To register or for more information, please call Bethany’s office at 724-662-4340.
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, 724-651-4323tek114@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.
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Opens Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse
Come to the grand opening of Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse January 11th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, located at 710 Carnegie Street, Sharon. The featured performer will be David Hamilton of Church Street Blues. Special guest performers include David Buchanan and Robyn Ruth. Enjoy some quality music while having coffee. The coffeehouse will be open on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month with various guest performers. For more information call Pastor Robbie Arnold at 724-983-0194 or Robyn Ruth at 724-342-7304.
Cana’s Corner Cofffeehouse Looking for Talented Performers
If you have a gospel message to share in song, please consider Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse, 710 Carnegie Avenue, Sharon. The coffeehouse will be open on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Call Pastor Robbie Arnold at 724-983-0194 or Robyn Ruth at 724-342-7304 for more information.
The Presbytery of Shenango 