This Week:
- July 18- 3:30 PM Unity Administrative Commisison, Presbytery Office
- July 19- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
- July 20-27 New Wilmington Mission Conference, Westminster College
- Staff will be attending portions of NWMC, but someone will be in the office each afternoon. If you don’t find us at the office, please join us on campus! Click here for the NWMC website and schedule.
- July 23- 2:00 PM Sudan Team, NWMC
Steve and Brenda Stelle Accept Call to Serve in Ethiopia
Steve has been serving as pastor of Faith Church in Hermitage for 15 years. Brenda has been appointed by World Mission to teach English at Bethel Evangelical Secondary School in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia. The details of Steve’s work are not complete, but he will likely teach in a theological college. Steve will continue as pastor at Faith through September. They are presently involved in orientation for several weeks and will be in the area until early 2014. Opportunities to join in support of the Stelle’s ministry will be announced soon.
Pulpit Supply Reimbursement
Summer is the time for pastors vacations and visiting preachers. Please remember that the honorarium is $75 plus mileage (56.5 cents per mile).
Missionaries Visiting NWMC of Special Interest to Our Churches
Click NWMC speakers 2013 – eLink to view the PDF schedule.
Stewardship Seminars
Would you like to learn about sound principles of Christian stewardship and how they can be applied to increase your congregation’s financial stewardship? The Mission, Communication, and Stewardship Committee of Shenango Presbytery and the Congregational Development and Leadership Unit of Beaver-Butler Presbytery have recently authorized the creation of a joint presbytery Stewardship Team to conduct “Developing Generous Congregations” Seminars for pastors and congregational leaders. This Stewardship Team will be staffed by the Rev. Dr. A. Gary Angleberger, former Associate for Stewardship and Communication in the Synod of the Trinity. The “Developing Generous Congregations Seminars” will have a follow-up component in which participating churches will receive on site help in working on stewardship development within their congregation. The first ”Developing Generous Congregations Seminar” is projected for late August or early September. If you want to receive more information and enrollment* requirements contact your presbytery office by phone, 724-528-1610, or e-mail,office@shenango.org, by Friday, July 26.
*Enrollment in the “Developing Generous Congregations Seminar” will be limited in order for the Stewardship Team to be able to follow up with each participating church.
Advice on Reformed Curriculum
Many of you are already considering which curriculum your church will use this fall. It is often difficult to understand what Reformed curriculum should look like. Here are some helpful guidelines to use as you consider your curriculum choices.
Reformed curriculum will not include:
Evaluating curriculum through a Reformed faith lens usually involves a checklist or tool to help reviewers search samples for solidly Reformed content. It may be helpful to evaluate from the opposite viewpoint – making note of content a Reformed curriculum WILL NOT include. Here are some examples of content to avoid from a third-and fourth-grade sesion in a well-known publisher’s non-Reformed curriculum:
- Proof-texting: selecting a different verse for the focus Scripture to create a “moral lesson” instead of using a verse from the lesson’s Bible story in context
- Shaming: using shame during any part of a lesson to teach a “biblical” concept
- Object lessons: selecting a concrete tool or everyday activity for a “life application” lesson to teach abstract concepts
- Cultural insensitivity: exaggerated artwork that depicts ordinary people are caricatures
- War language: using words and phrases from a military context for non-military activities
Find evaluation tools at http://www.pcusa.org/education or http://www.pcusa.org/point websites or at Opening Doors to Discipleship: Course A: Teaching Skills, Session 12.
News From The Churches
Follow Along
A team from North Liberty Presbyterian Church will be heading to Roswell, New Mexico from July 18-28 to lead VBS, adult Bible studies, and help with some repair and maintenance work. You can follow their journey at NLPC Roswell Mission Experience 2013.
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.
Free Console Organ
Free Console organ in great condition. Plays well and everything works. Call Mark Muehlman (Bethany, Mercer) at 724-475-2155, evenings best.
Part-Time Choir Director
Bethany Presbyterian Church is seeking applications for a part-time Choir Director. Experience and strong conducting skills are necessary. References required. Child Protection policies are in place and applicant will be required to comply. Please send letters of interest and/or resumes to: Bethany Presbyterian Church, c/o Worship Committee, 100 Venango Street, Mercer, PA 16137. No phone calls please. Deadline: August 15, 2013.
Director of Christian Education Wanted
Trinity Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time Director of Christian Education. Position will be negotiable in terms of hours and salary and will be under the immediate supervision of the pastor. This position will emphasize, but not be limited to, children’s/youth ministry. Trinity Presbyterian Church is an equal opportunity employer and does require references and background clearances. If interested, please send resume to the church at: 110 East Market Street, Mercer, Pa 16137
Energetic individual is needed to direct and oversee music program for local church.
Ability to work with contemporary and traditional music is a plus. May also be a possibility to lead bell choirs (adult & children). Individual will need to be available Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and other occasions as necessary. Please send resumes to Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, Pa 16127 or email totowerchurch@zoominternet.net attention personnel by July 21st.
Youth Director Wanted
The Presbytery of Shenango 