This Week:
May 3- 11:00 AM Educators Luncheon, Tuscany Square Restaurant
7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Bethany PC
May 5- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster PC
May 9-10- Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Retreat Center
May 10- 10:00 AM Resource Center Committee, Presbytery Office
Session Records Reviews
It’s time again for the annual review of session record books (and registers for select churches). Mercer County churches can come to Bethany Presbyterian Church (100 W. Venango St., Mercer) at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 3rd. Lawrence County churches can come to Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) at 7 PM on Thursday, May 5th.
Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues
The Special Committee will be providing forums for the discussion of a variety of developments in the Presbyterian Church (USA) that merit our prayerful and careful attention. The committee has also received a referral of a resolution from the Bethel session. A recommendation will be brought to the June 28 Presbytery meeting. You are invited to meet with the Committee immediately following the Special Presbytery Meeting on May 17 (6:30 PM at First Church, Sharon) for information and to share your concerns. Click here for further information.
Sessions of Shenango Presbytery
Last July, the 218th General Assembly took an historic action to study the role and future of presbyteries and synods in the Presbyterian Church (USA) by establishing a 21 person Commission on Middle Governing Bodies. A portion of this commission’s responsibility is “to consult with sessions…on the mission and function of middle governing bodies”. This is your opportunity to influence the work of this important commission by sharing your wisdom through an online survey. The Commission is asking that each session have a conversation at a session meeting before the end of May and that the Clerk of Session complete the survey form on session’s behalf. Instructions for the entire process are found at the survey site, which is http://www.pcusa.org/mgbsessionsurvey. There is also a general survey for anyone who wants to participate as an individual. That link ishttp://www.pcusa.org/mgbchurchwidesurvey.
Your Church May Qualify for a Significant Tax Credit…must act by May 15
Under the new rules for health care insurance, many churches will be entitled to a tax refund. If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you should act now:
- Does your church give a W-2 to your pastor and other staff?
- Does your church pay some or all of the health insurance, at least for your pastor (through the Board of Pensions or otherwise)?
- Does your pastor voluntarily have federal tax withheld by the church?
If your answers to these questions are “yes” – check the Board of Pensionswww.pensions.org/taxcredit for details. Also, check the Presbytery website for some helpful tips on filling out Forms 990-T and 8941www.shenango.org/News/index.htm#taxcredit. If you have questions, call Shari at the Presbytery Office on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Remember, May 15 is the deadline.
Clean-Up Day Set for Westminster Highlands on Saturday
Next Saturday, May 7, 2011 is the volunteer day for Westminster Highlands. We need all the help we can muster with chainsaws, rakes, shovels, and some pickup trucks would be a great help. Information at 724-738-0058.
Mission Committees and Pastors:
Come learn more about a growing mission partnership in the Dominican Republic. New Wilmington and Clen-Moore churches are hosting an Open House on Sunday, May 15, 6 PM at New Wilmington Church. Come enjoy a free Dominican meal and learn more about how your church could join us in this partnership in the coming years. In March, three members of the West Middlesex church shared in the partnership for the first time, and we would like to share in ministry with other churches going forward. Contact Ralph Hawkins (ralph@nwpresby.org) or Chris Weichman (cweichman@verizon.net) for more details.
An Excellent Study Leave Opportunity
Pittsburgh Seminary’s Summer Leadership Conference (June 5-8) is always an inexpensive and convenient study leave opportunity. This year is especially important with a missional church focus: “Getting Ready for Tomorrow’s Church: Missional and Global Perspectives on Christ’s Church.” http://www.pts.edu/general-offerings.
News from the Churches
Concert at Center, Grove City
Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City (333 Center Church Road) will be hosting Nashville recording artist Eric Peters on Sunday, May 15th at 2:00 PM. Eric weaves crafted harmonies with themes of grace, hope and redemption to create songs that touch the heart and the mind. Eric has toured with Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Andrew Peterson and Derek Webb. Admission is free, a love offering will be taken.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Pastor Wanted
Bethel United Presbyterian Church in western PA is seeking a full-time Youth and Young Adult Ministry Pastor. The candidate will hold a Reformed and evangelical view of theology. The successful candidate will have a passionate and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a strong call to serve youth and young adults. Bethel is a vibrant rural congregation blessed with a strong sense of community and many young families. Please submit resumes to mark@bethelupchurch.org.
5K to Benefit Local Charities
There will be a 5K at Goddard State Park in Sandy Lake on May 15th at 3 PM. There will be a competitive run and non-competitive walk portion. All proceeds will benefit local charities including Helping Hands, Helping Hammers, Meals on Wheels, etc. This is sponsored by the local ministerium. A registration form can be found at the following web page: http://newlebanonchurch.com/Page_2_4HPB.html. Call Sandy Lake Church or Rev. Beth Arnold 724-376-2630 orbetharnold185@windstream.net with questions.
FREE Books!
Because the faculty of Religion, History, Philosophy, and Classics at Westminster are cleaning out their offices before renovation of Patterson Hall, they are giving away lots of wonderful books that may be of value to you (for your own study, for your church, or to sell on eBay) –e.g., on the Bible, biblical interpretation, theology, philosophy, and lots of other categories. Come by Patterson Hall once in a while (at least once a week?) to see the books in front of the department office (Patterson Hall 121). The books are there now and more books will be placed there through the end of May. Any questions, call the department secretary (724-946-7244) or Dr. Na (724-946-7155).
Celebrate World Fair Trade Day at the Silk Road Market
Join The Silk Road Market at 115 N. Market Street #1, New Wilmington as they celebrate World Fair Trade Day on May 14, from 10 to 5. Enjoy international snacks as well as a free screening of the documentary “A Powerful Noise”. This year, 20% of all sales on May 14 will be donated to SOS Children’s Villages, a non-profit focusing on orphaned and abandoned children. For more information, please call Wendy at 724-946-8502.
Women’s Conference at Portersville Alliance Church
The Portersville Alliance Church is pleased to announce that they will be hosting a women’s conference featuring Kathy Triccoli, May 20-21, 2011. Kathy will give a concert Friday evening from 7-9 PM, and will be speaking and singing Saturday from 9 AM – 12:30 PM. A limited number of seats are available. For more information, call Evelyn at 412-629-0199.
Ham Loaf Dinner
Bessemer Presbyterian Church will be holding a Ham Loaf Dinner on Saturday, May 14th from 5-7 PM. Adults are $8, Children 6-12 $4, Children 5 and under are FREE. Take outs will be available. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the church office at 724-667-7255 or Karen Hutch at 724-667-4181. All proceeds will benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church’s mission trip to the Pittsburgh Project in Pittsburgh, PA the week of August 7th – 11th.
Christian Folk Singers at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse
On May 10, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is proud to present “2 for One” a folk singing team blending the voices of Greg Vanderveen and Marla Moretti. If you enjoy Christian folk singing mixed with songs from the 60’s, then plan to attend. There is no cover charge and coffee & doughnuts are free. We will start serving specialty foods for sale at this coffeehouse. We are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. A free will offering will be taken.
The Presbytery of Shenango 