eLink News

This Week:

March 6- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

CORRECTIONS IN PRESBYTERIAN PLANNING CALENDARS

Please note that the Presbyterian Planning Calendar lists March 3rd as the date when Daylight Savings Time begins…it is actually March 10th.  The calendar also lists Thanksgiving Day as November 21st…it is actually November 28th.

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.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses, a Reminder from the Synod Office

Dear Friends in Ministry and Mission –

This is to remind you to apply for the credit for health care premiums made possible by the Affordable Care Act enacted on March 23, 2010.  This is applicable for 2010 through 2013 and will continue in 2014 with even BETTER BENEFITS!   As a 501c(3) organization, we are eligible for this credit.  Please review all the enclosed documents.  The process is very simple.  Complete the IRS Forms 8941 and 990-T.

****Please note, the salaries for ministers are not included, since they are self-employed.  Make sure you write “REQUEST FOR 45R CREDIT ONLY” on the top of your form 990-T.  In addition, on the 990-T – Section I (at the top of the form)

During the tax year, was the corporation a subsidiary in an affiliated group or parent-subsidiary controlled group?  YES

Identifying number of Parent Corporation:
23-6393377 General Exemption # 1617

****

By using Google (typing in “small business health care tax credit” – I found the following information:

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Small-Business-Health-Care-Tax-Credit-for-Small-Employers

For the past two years, the Synod of the Trinity and my home church received significant credits from this program.  At a time when funding is difficult, this is welcome news.

Documents:

• 3_simple_steps
• 990T instructions
• f990t
• i990t – instructions
• IRS 2012 Form – f8941
• IRS 2012 Form – f8941 instructions

Important Seminars from the Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions has for many years offered important seminars for pastors and spouses that have been a great help to many.

• Render Unto Caesar – clergy taxes – April 12 at Beaver Butler Presbytery in Zelienople
• Growing into Tomorrow…Today – anticipating retirement for those over 50 years of age – April 10-11 at Beaver Butler

You can get more details from the Presbytery Office or online atwww.pensions.org/seminars.  Registration deadline is March 8.

Get Acquainted With the New Hymnal

First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown is delighted to welcome Dr. Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle to lead a seminar on the new Presbyterian Hymnal: “Glory to God.”  The seminar is free and will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 7th, at 3:00 PM in the church’s sanctuary.

Dr. Bringle is Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Humanities Division at Brevard College.  She is the chair of the committee charged with creating the new hymnal.

If you are able to come on April 7th, it would be helpful to let First Church, Youngstown, know by Wednesday, April 3rd.  If you have a copy (or copies) of the “Glory to God” sampler, please bring what you have with you.

First Church is located at 201 Wick Avenue in Youngstown.  Phone: 1-330-744-4307.  The church is barrier free and ample parking is located at the church.
News From The Churches

You are invited to enter into Holy Week in a very special way – through the beauty of music. 

On Palm Sunday evening, March 24th, at 7:30 PM, singers from First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, and the Shenango Valley Chorale, accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra, will present John Rutter’s “Requiem” at First Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon.  John Rutter, born in 1945, is a British composer whose choral music is among the most lovely music written in the 20th and 21st centuries.  His “Requiem” is no exception.  Included in Rutter’s “Requiem” is his very popular arrangement of “The Lord Is My Shepherd” with oboe and harp solos.  This performance will be conducted by Edgar Groves, director of the Shenango Valley Chorale, and a member of First Church in Sharon.  The “Requiem” is presented as a gift to the community and is free of charge.  Join us for this very special musical performance and be blessed as you walk with our Savior to Calvary and to the empty tomb.

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

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 singing and church.  Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.

Upcoming Cookie Sales to Benefit Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare

Friday, March 22 – Easter Cookie/Candy Sale
Friday, August 2 – Summer Cookie/Candy Sale
Thursday and Friday, December 5-6 – Christmas Cookie/Candy Sale

All sales are from 9AM-3PM in the Market St. Lobby at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare.  Goodies should be plated and delivered to SPSC the day or two before the sale.  Anyone wishing to volunteer or if you have questions, please contact Sharyn McCaskey, Director of Community Living at 724-946-3408 orsmccaskey@srcare.org.