This Week:
February 5- 9:30 AM Council Meeting, Rathburn Hall, Grove City College
February 6- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
3:15 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
Fellowship of Presbyterians-ECO Meeting held in Orlando
Approximately a dozen persons from Shenango churches attended the FOP-ECO meeting in Orlando last week. Information can be found at www.fellowship-pres.org or speaking with some folks who attended (contact information from Presbytery Office).
Annual Reports
We have received word that the GA online statistical program is active at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats. Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as last year. Please note the the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive. The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 20, 2013. If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.
Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website. They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org. The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2013. Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 15th!
Future in Shenango Presbytery
An open conversation with pastors (plans for elders involvement being developed) called “Moving Forward” is reflecting on or situation in the denomination and discussing a theological statement that could have wide support in Shenango Presbytery. The group will be gathering again for lunch on February 20 at Trinity Church in Mercer. For more information contact Adam Rodgers, Beth Creekpaum and Augie Hurst.
The Baby Jordan Story from the Sudan
Nancy and Shelvis Smith-Mathers, our missionaries in the South Sudan, are the proud parents of a new son, Jordan. It is an incredible story of God’s provision because he was the first American to be born in the new nation of the South Sudan. CNN has a brief interview with them at: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2013/02/02/nr-brooke-baby.cnn?iref=allsearch
Income Tax Information for Ministers
The Board of Pensions provides this online webinar which covers some basics for income tax https://pensions.adobeconnect.com/_a701962636/taxtips2012.
Westminster College to Host General Assembly Moderator, Rev. Neal D. Presa
Westminster College will be hosting the Moderator of the General Assembly Rev. Dr. Neal D. Presa on Sunday evening, February 10, 2013 at the Sunday night Vesper Worship Service. Moderator Presa will be preaching at the evening worship service which begins at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel. (319 South Market Street in New Wilmington). Following worship there will be a time for pastors and church members to engage Moderator Presa in a time of Questions and Answers. All are welcome.
Update on the Kindles for the Sudan – Two more are needed.
The Sudan Partnership Team already has five kindles for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Sudan. We want to thank the two individuals who donated their used kindles. The team also purchased three more. Many useful theological reference tools and books were uploaded onto the kindles and two are already in the Sudan. We would like to have two more kindles to send with our mission team to South Sudan in February. (This will fulfill our commitment to each of the seven pastors) Remember we are looking for the basic Kindle as it has a long battery life. If you have a used kindle to give or would like to donate a new one, please contact Brenda Stelle (724-342-7447).
South Sudan
The Southern Presbytery (one of 4 presbyteries) of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church is becoming the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC). This has been necessitated by the formation of the new country of the South Sudan. It is no longer possible to remain as one church because of the tensions between the Sudan and the South Sudan. The new SSPEC will be having its first General Assembly on January 27 – 30. Please remember them in pray in your church in the coming weeks. At the end of February, Miriam and Bill Gwin and Judy Veon (from Shenango Presbytery) and Donna Havrisko (from Redstone Presbytery) will be visiting SSPEC on our behalf in Juba, South Sudan.
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 atoffice@faithpc.net or 724-962-4155.
Organist/Accompanist Wanted
Searching for organist/accompanist for Jamestown, PA, Presbyterian Church. Salary commensurate with ability and experience. See job description at www.jamestownpresbyterian.org
The Presbytery of Shenango 