Prayers

• Rev. Willis Kearns (Hon. Retired) died yesterday following a lengthy illness.  His memorial service will take place on August 18th at 1:00 pm in Bellefonte, PA.

Pastor Conversations

Twice this summer an open forum has been held over lunch for any Shenango pastor interested in discussing ministry and mission in the presbytery for churches NOT currently considering leaving the PCUSA.  Each gathering saw nearly 30 folks.  At a July lunch at Westminster College, a number of Shenango-specific proposals were offered to the group for consideration. These ranged from presbytery structure to “Right Here, Right Now” to revamping the Commissioned Ruling Elder role to better serve our context. The next step? … an ACTION team to perfect these proposals and, at some point, place them before the appropriate body of presbytery.  Stay tuned for information on the next open meeting, in October.  Willing to serve on an action team?  Contact Glenn Hink at 724-981-2211 or pastor@1stpcs.org Interested in this conversation in general? Contact Ralph Hawkins at 724-946-3541 or ralph@nwpresby.org … or Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 or wpcrooks@yahoo.com.

Hymnal Samplers Wanted

Every church in the Presbytery should have received a preview copy of “Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal”.  This is a paperback book, purple cover, and is a “sampler” of some of the hymns/songs and worship aids that will be in the new Hymnal.  If you do not need or want your copy, Pam Maloney (First, Sharon) can use your copy when she introduces the Hymnal to interested congregations.  You can either drop off your copy at the Presbytery office or contact Pam directly (724-981-2211 x5 or associate@1stpcs.org) for the easiest way to get your copy of the Sampler to her.  Thank you!