This Week:

March 15– 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
March 16- 10:00 AM Bills & Overtures Committee, Tower Church
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
March 17- 10:00 AM Sudan Team, New Wilmington Church
12:00 PM Mission, Communication, and Stewardship Committee, New Wilmington
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office

The Bills & Overtures Committee welcomes anyone who wants to be part of their discussion to attend the meeting tomorrow morning ( Wednesday) at 10 AM at Tower Church in Grove City.

Help for Japan

The PC(USA) is working to respond to the massive earthquake, tsunami and aftermath that struck Japan on March 10.  Read more about the efforts here, http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/3/11/pcusa-framing-response-japan-earthquake-tsunami/.  Individuals should donate through their local church. Churches can send funds to the Presbytery Office.  All funds should be designated for account DR000117 – Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Classes Offered for Commissioned Lay Pastor Candidates

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be offering the Commissioned Lay Pastor training beginning in September.  It is a combination of weekend retreats and online training.  Visit our News page for more information and an application.

Register for the Spring Pastor Retreat

Pastors: Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Dr. Ken Bailey speak on his latest book.  Register for the Spring retreat to be held at Villa Maria Retreat Center on May 9-10 – deadline to register is April 8th!  Get the form here.

Recent Letters from Debbie Blane and Jacob & Aliamma George

Letters have been received from Debbie from Ethiopia and the Georges in Malakal, Sudan.  Copies have been sent to supporting churches.  Click here for copies.

Tax Guide for Ministers

The Tax Guide for Ministers for 2010 Returns is now available in the “Tax Resource Center” on http:/www.pensions.org.  It will also be mailed to active and retired ministers in mid-March.  This year’s guide was delayed because of the late arrival of clarifications from the federal government for the tax changes that impact your 2010 tax returns.

ACMC Conference

Is it time to rethink your church mission vision?  Looking for ways to better support missionaries or improve short-term trips?  Need help?  Bring the Mission Committee or send a representative to the ACMC Conference (Advancing Churches in Mission Commitment) at the Pittsburgh Seminary hosted by WMI.  Select a pre-conference speaker on Friday, March 25 and/or workshops and keynote speakers Saturday, March 26.  Late fee date is March 7th.  If five attend from your church or organization, take 25% OFF the conference fee.  Check out the website for more information: http://www.acmc.org/conferences.

Grove City College Conference on American Exceptionalism

Grove City College will hold a conference “America, Still the Last Best Hope?” on April 7-8.  Speakers include: Michael Medved, radio host and film critic, Dinesh D’Souza, president of The King College and Jim Wallis, president and CEO of Sojourners.  For information, http://www.visionandvaluesevents.com/conference/

News from the Churches

Fredonia Pays Off Mortgage

The Fredonia Presbyterian Church constructed a large education and fellowship addition to the church in 1999.  On February 10 the congregation completed paying off the $177,000 in mortgage commitments.  Congratulations!

Save The Date!!!

“It’s About Time” will be presented by the Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex on April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2011.  Dinner at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are available on or after February 28 (Adults $16, Children $8, Show only $8).  Call the church for more information, 724-931-5389.

Organ Wanted

Word Centered Fellowship is in need of a Hammond Leslie speaker for an organ.  Please contact Lady Charlene DeLaCruz 724-981-0158.  Thank you.

Ham Loaf Dinner

North Liberty Presbyterian Church will be holding a Ham Loaf Dinner on Saturday, March 19 from 4 PM to 7 PM.  Eat-in or Carry-Out.  $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 10 and under.  Dinner features Gahr Ham Loaf, Baked Potato, choice of Green Beans or Corn, Applesauce or Cole Slaw, Roll, Beverage and Cake.  Reservations can be made by leaving a message at the church at 724-794-4383.  Proceeds benefit the North Liberty in Action Mission Fund.

Spaghetti Dinner

Shenango Presbyterian Church will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 26th from 4-7 PM.  Come and mangia and enjoy!  Adults $7, Seniors-60 $6, 10 and under $5, 3-under Free.  Tickets and take-0uts available.  Call or email your reservation today!  724-654-2322.  Proceeds benefit the general fund and missions.

Cana’s Corner Presents “Heroic Catastrophe” in Concert

On March 22, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is proud to present “Heroic Catastrophe”, Christian pop-funk/hardcore rock group from New Castle, PA in concert.  So bring your church’s youth group for some music they will love!  Opening for “Heroic Catastrophe” will be “Straight from the Heart”.  Come and enjoy a time of fellowship with friends while enjoying refreshments and listening to good music for the evening.  The Coffeehouse is open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.  There is no cover charge and refreshments are free, however a free will offering will be taken.