Note: The Presbytery Office will be closed from December 24th-January 1st. Rev. Dawson will be checking his email and voicemail regularly throughout the week, but if an emergency arises you may call his cell phone at 724-730-1934.
IRS Mileage Rate to Increase
The mileage rate for 2013 will be 56.5 cents per mile for business miles driven.
Presbyterian Response in Newtown, CT
During the 1980’s Joan and I lived 30 minutes from Newtown, CT. Here are some edited notes from the Executive Presbytery of Southern New England Presbytery, Dana Lindsley:
Just 24 hours after the tragedy a team from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) had arrived. The team of four experienced persons have…been instrumental in networking many religious and volunteer organizations as they try to respond to the needs of the Newtown community and beyond. The outpouring of care and offers of help and support have been overwhelming. So much so that the need now is to hold back on these offers so that the caregivers can focus on immediate needs, such as funerals and counseling. Newtown has in hand already great resources for all these immediate needs. Among those resources are the strong and organized relationships of an active ministeriums [including Valley Presbyterian Church, 8 miles away]. Gratefully FEMA will very soon have a VAL (Volunteer Agency Liaison) working in Newtown. That person’ work will be to coordinate the long-term recovery which is done in large part by religious and volunteer organizations. Do what Presbyterians do very well: stick with this for the long haul and make your offers of help over the next two years. PDA and the VAL will let us know what needs arise and you will be informed through the Presbytery about what you can do.
New Ken Bailey DVD Series
We are pleased to announce that we have received a copy of the new Ken Bailey DVD series: Christian Leadership in the New Testament and its companion study guide. This series was made possible through the Synod of the Trinity working with Presbyterian Media Mission for use in our churches. Individuals interested in acquiring a copy of the DVD can do so through the Synod website for a donation. Information about ordering the series, a link to the series on YouTube, and a downloadable version of the study guide, can be found on the Synod website at:www.syntrinity.org/182/Christian_Leadership_in_the_New_Testament_with_Ken_Bailey.html. Our Resource Center has one copy of this series available to borrow.
Meet New South Sudan Missionaries
Sudan Leadership Team members recently met two terrific new South Sudan missionaries at the Sudan Mission Network. You are invited to meet them:
- Wednesday, December 19 meet Sharon Curry www.pcusa.org/sharon~curry
7:00 PM at Dave and Joan Dawson’s (with cookies and punch) – 30 Willow Drive, New Wilmington (call for directions) - Wednesday, January 9 meet Leisa Wagstaff www.pcusa.org/leisa~wagstaff
7:00 PM at a place to be announced
More Christmas Passages on the Radio
Several more Christmas Passages on WKPL-FM 92.1 The Pickle airing each day 7:08 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. Listen to Bert in reaching out to lonely people, Joan with two truck loads, and then Shirley about adopt a family via the links below. Brought to you by Shenango Presbytery churches!
http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/06_Track_6.wma
http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/07_Track_7.wma
http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/08_Track_8.wma
Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan
Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.
Kindle Collection
Please share information about this upcoming opportunity with your whole church family. Especially:
-those who like to learn in your adult Sunday school classes and small groups
-savvy businessmen and women
-those who know the power of prayer
-college students and seniors in high school making career choices
-travelers who love culture
-school teachers who influence others
-those about to or recently retired
A different expert shares each week for 14 weeks covering biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on how God has been, is now, and continues to be involved in the world. Visit www.perspectives.org for more information and a list of the dates and instructors. The first session, Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, is free and open to the public with Rev. Jen Haddox of the World Mission Initiative sharing the first lesson. Please feel free to use the poster (psp2013 poster 4) and bulletin insert (Psp bulletin 2013 d).
Scholarship funds are available from the Presbytery Office for the Perspectives course. You must contact the Presbytery Office after you register for Perspectives in order to receive the $100 scholarship.
News From The Churches
Organist/Eventual Choir Director Wanted
Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist who would eventually lead their choir. This is a part-time position. They are seeking a faithful musician who is excited about music and singing and church. Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.
Choir Director Wanted
Faith Presbyterian Church is still looking for a choir director. If you are interested, or know of a musician who might be interested, please contact the church at office@faithpc.net or 724-962-4155.
The Presbytery of Shenango 