News from the Office

This Week:

February 10– 1:00 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington
1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
February 11- 9:00 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office
February 14- 4:30 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
February 15- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

GA Statistics Deadline Coming Soon

The deadline for entering your GA Annual report is Wednesday, February 23rd.  The closer you get to that deadline, the slower the system will be and the longer it will take to complete your report.

Presbytery forms were due last Monday…please send in your information ASAP.  This is especially important for the necrology report, as those names have to be compiled into a report to be read at the February Presbytery meeting (please send by February 17th).  Also of great importance is the Elder Report, especially if you have a new Clerk of Session.

Did You Miss the Tax Tips Webinar?

Visit the Tax Resource Center on http://www.pensions.org for access to the recorded webinar.  The replay is available in two formats: an audiovisual presentation and an audio-only MP3 file.  Included in this webinar are recent tax law changes that affect ministers and churches, expenses that are deductible and those that are not, and common clergy housing allowance issues.  Also available in mid-February is the Tax Guide for Minister & Churches, which includes end-of-2010 tax code changes.

Paid and Volunteer Workers Needed at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) is now accepting applications for both paid and volunteer work at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands to assist with our summer 2011 programs of outdoor ministry.  Applications for both paid staff and volunteers, as well as job descriptions for the positions they are seeking, can be found on the CAPNWP website at http://www.capnwp.org or can be obtained by calling the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

“Spring Cleaning” Work Dates at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) announces the dates for its 2011 Spring Volunteer Work Days at our campsites.  Those interested in assisting with “spring cleaning”, both indoors and out, can do so at Westminster Highlands, near Emlenton on Saturday, May 7 and at Camp Lambec, west of Erie, PA on Saturday, May 21.

On the work days, volunteers can arrive at camp anytime after 9 AM and stay through the afternoon or just a few hours; whatever time they spend will be appreciated.  Upon arrival at either site, check in with the site/facilities manager and choose your job(s) for the day from a list of “chores” that need to be done ranging from cleaning cabins, washing windows, clearing the beach and/or trails of winter’s debris, cutting and stacking firewood, etc.  If you have questions, need directions to the camps or just want more information, call the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058.

News from the Churches

Winter Weekend for Youth Groups

Looking for a way to end the winter blues, join us at Seneca Hills for this year’s Winter Weekend “Faithbook”.  The weekend features speaker Jeremy Coyer along with faith building workshops, games and fellowship.  If you have not been to Winter Weekend with your youth group, check out our Facebook page to see what you are missing.  It is a great opportunity to build relationships and enjoy fellowship between our teenagers.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason Schepp at 724-866-9213 or jason_schepp@hotmail.com.  The retreat is for students grades 7-12 and is held February 25-27.  The cost per students is $85.  For forms and more information, visit http://www.cemidatlantic.org/west-pa/2011_Winter_Weekend.html or on Facebook at “Winter Weekend”.

Help North Liberty Celebrate Jerry Mahaffey’s Ministry

As many of you know, Jerry has announced his retirement after 38 years and 8 months of ministry at North Liberty, effective February 28, 2011.  North Liberty is planning a celebration dinner for Saturday, February 26 at 5 PM at the Legacy, Rt. 58, Grove City.  ($15 adults, $7 children, under age 2 are FREE).  They are also compiling a scrapbook of memories for the Mahaffeys, and you are invited to contribute a page, card, or photo.  You can drop your contribution off at the Presbytery Office by February 14th.  For more information on the celebration, please see the full letter on the Presbytery’s News page.

A Legal Defense Fund

is being set up for Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Castle.  One of their buildings was suddenly and without explanation assessed and taxed during 2010.  They appealed and were turned down, and now have to employ a lawyer and go to the Court of Common Pleas.  Apparently any church with a separate Fellowship building could be vulnerable.  Interested parties and persons are invited to donate to Neshannock’s “Defense Fund”.  The parameters are that all funds will be exclusively used for legal fees, and any funds over their expenses will be returned to the Presbytery’s General Missions.  Donations can be mailed to the church at 154 Fairground Road, New Castle, PA  16101.

FREE! Looking for a good home for some special books

(1) full set of the Biblical Illustrator, 23 volumes, the most complete commentary of the Bible from hundreds of the greatest scholars (about $150 on Amazon).  (2) 8 Volumes of Kittel’s Theo. Dict. of the NT ALSO FREE (cost over $500 on Amazon), other assorted theo. books available as well.  Call and make arrangements: 724-714-1854.

Free to a Good Home

Third Presbyterian Church has a heavy duty rolling grand piano dolly for any church needing one.  The dolly is adjustable for any size grand piano.   Remember…first come first served…and the best part is that its FREE.  Call Third Presbyterian Church at 724-658-6683 for information.

Cana’s Corner Presents Terry Leonard in Concert

On February 8, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse (Bethlehem Presbyterian Church) is proud to present Terry Leonard, local Christian pop/folk singer, in concert.  Opening for Terry will be “Straight from the Heart”.