This Week:
October 25- 9:30 AM Council, Mountville PC
Educational Opportunity
Dr. Carolyn Osiek, Charles Fischer Professor of New Testament Emerita, Brite Divinity School and past President of both the Society for Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Society, will speak on Biblical Community: How Do We Live It? on Friday, October 28th at 7 PM and on Living New Testament Faith on Saturday, October 29th, 9 AM – 1 PM. Both events will be in the John Knox Room at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Additional information and registration can be found athttp://www.pts.edu/Pneuma_News.
Sudanese Visitors Arriving November 19th
Rev. Ismail Kanani and his wife, Alizabeth Koko were supposed to be with us when Rev. Tut Kony visited earlier this fall. Due to visa problems, they were not able to come at that time. We are happy to report they have received visas and are scheduled to be in our presbytery from Saturday, November 19th – Monday, November 28th, and then again on December 7th-8th. They are already scheduled for both Sunday mornings they are here, but the Sudan Partnership Team is asking churches or individuals to consider hosting Ismail or Alizabeth for small gatherings (10-15 persons) in homes for informal coffees, teas or desserts that would provide times for people to connect with these Sudanese friends. Those hosting these events would be encouraged to invite others to their event, but members of the partnership team can be present to guide the conversation if the hosts so desire. Please promote this opportunity in your church and ask those who would like to host an event to call Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295) or Denise Sciuto (724-946-2360), soon so the events can be scheduled. As Ismail and Alizabeth’s itinerary fills in, news about events to meet them will be shared with the presbytery. Biographical information about Rev. Ismail and Alizabeth Koko can be found on the presbytery website.
Sudan Partnership – Opportunities for Giving
The Sudan Partnership Team thanks all those churches who have given gifts through the Celebrate Sudan Event. These gifts, all of which will be used to support the work of Nile Theological College, can still be given throughout the month of October.
Another need facing our partners in Sudan was brought to our attention by Rev. Tut Kony during his time with us this fall. Rev. Kony addressed the dire situations faced by children recently orphaned because of warfare in contested border areas between the north and the south, and also through continued intertribal violence in the south. In particular, Rev. Kony drew attention to the plight of displaced and orphaned children from the Nuba Mountains and the 162 children left with no one to care for them after mass killings in Rev. Tut’s hometown of Fierre in the South.
Several individuals who heard Rev. Tut speak about the needs of these children have inquired about the means for giving a gift to aid them. Individuals who wish to do so can send gifts through their church, or directly to the presbytery office. Simply designate these gifts: “For displaced Sudanese Children”. We would like to collect all such gifts by November 20th. Thanks!
News from the Churches
Retirement Dinner
Coolspring Church will be holding a retirement dinner to honor Phil Chalfant on Saturday, December 17th at 5:30 PM. Meat, drink and table service are provided. Each family is asked to bring a dish to share. Reservations are required and seating is limited. To place reservations, call Linda Kellogg at 724-475-4574. Deadlines for reservations is Friday, November 10.
It’s Spaghetti Dinner Time Again!
Northminster Session’s Annual Fall Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held Saturday, November 5 from 4:30 – 7:00 PM. The dinner includes: Salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Dessert, & beverage all for $8.00!! Children 3-10 are $3.00, under 3 are free. Takeouts are available. Invite your friends to dine with you at this worthwhile and delicious event.
All-Aboard Christmas Bazaar
Tower Presbyterian Church will hold its All-Aboard Christmas Bazaar on November 5, 2011 from 9 AM until 3 PM. Crafts, children’s holiday clothing, jewelry, plants, books, pies, Grandma’s attic, Deacons bake sale and a large model train display for you to enjoy watching as the engineers operate them. Our youth will sell freshly popped popcorn. The Whistle Stop Cafe will be open to serve you also. Come and enjoy yourself.
A Mission Fund Raiser
Saturday, November 5th from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 7152 Old Rt. 422 in Portersville, PA. Featuring sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw, homemade pie and cake with ice cream and toppings. Cost is $6.00 for Adults or $2.00 for children under 8. Take-out is available.
Braised Steak Dinner
Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be holding a braised steak dinner on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 5 PM – 7 PM. Adults $8.00, Children 6-12 $4.00, Children 5 and under FREE. Take Outs will be available! Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the church office at 724-667-7255 or Janice Young at 724-667-8825. All proceeds from this dinner will benefit the church’s General Fund.
Help Wanted
Coolspring Church has positions open for an Administrative Assitant and a Treasurer. Both positions are paid and part-time. Job descriptions are available. These positions may be considered separately or be combined.
Additionally, Coolspring Church has a position open for a part-time Youth Leader. This is a paid position.
Interested parties may contact Phil Chalfant at 724-376-6040 or leave a message at the church office at 724-475-3712.
Copier and Laminator Wanted
Child Evangelism Fellowship of Butler County is looking for a good free copier and laminator. If you know of one, please contact Don Hurray at donhurray@gmail.com.
Parenting Seminar
Dr. Missa Eaton will lead a free two-day Parenting Seminar at First Presbyterian Church on November 11 & 12, 2011 for parents/grandparents/guardians of young children and elementary age children. Dr. Eaton is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Penn State Shenango and has done research in the area of developmental psychology with a focus on parent-child relationships.
The parenting seminar is free to the public and will be held on Friday, November 11 from 6-9 p.m and Saturday morning, November 12 from 9-12 a.m. Light snacks will be provided on Friday night and a light breakfast on Saturday morning. A children’s program called “A Firm Foundation” will be held for children ages 4-5th grade. Nursery for children 3 and under will only be available upon request with an RSVP. This event is open to the public — all are welcome with an RSVP by calling Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children at the church 724/981-2211, x 3 or email dcm@1stpcs.org by November 9.
Spiritual Formation and Fellowship
First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering several free opportunities for spiritual formation and fellowship in October and November. The Overview of the Bible class continues on Tuesday nights till November 22nd from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 206 of the church located at 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA. The focus this fall is on Acts and Paul’s Letters. This class is for adults who want to learn more about the Bible and is in a college lecture format taught by Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, Pastor of the church.
The church also offers four small groups for women. Mom’s On The Town is a new fellowship opportunity geared toward Mom’s of all ages. The group will meet at Hickory Grill on Monday, October 24th at 8:00 p.m. If you would like to do old time crafts and have dessert after learning about women in the Bible, the new YoYo Sisterhood Group meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. outside the church. Call for directions. The Lonely Hearts Cardmaking Class will be held on Saturday, November 19th at the Church from 9-11 a.m. Learn how to make homemade cards and then send them to people who have lonely hearts during the holidays or keep some for yourself. Mary/Martha Class is studying the Beatitudes on the second Monday of every month from 12-2 p.m. All are welcome. All classes are free. If you would like to know more about these classes, call Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children: 724/981-2211 x3 or email dcm@1stpcs.org.
The Presbytery of Shenango 