Coming Events:
- September 17- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW - September 20- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
- September 24- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Sandy Lake PC (Watch for a special eLink tomorrow!)
Joys
Jim and Jill Mohr (Westminster College) welcomed a new granddaughter, Elinor Jane Scott (Ellie) on Saturday, September 14th.
Web Updates on Hold
During a software transition, and new site creation, there will be no updates or additions made to the Presbytery website. The new site should be up sometime in mid-to-late October. All new information, such as the Presbytery Docket, Pastor Retreat registration form, etc. will be made available on eLink until the new site is up and running.
“Corporate Records Service” Scam
The Synod has sent a scam report 2013 – Important Consumer Alert from the PA Department of Revenue regarding notices you and your churches have received regarding an official looking “Corporate Records Service” request. It is a marketing ploy. This is a company that prepared corporate minutes. Since we have wonderful stated clerks and the polity to validate our corporate minutes, NONE of our churches will need such a service. Please advise all your congregations to disregard the $125 notice! The Decennial Filing Decennial Filing Explanation 2 – all congregations are strongly advised to file the annual nonprofit corporation report (PA_Nonprofit_annual_report_5110). If you do this every year or so – you will NOT have to pay the Decennial Filing fee in 2022.
Confirmation Retreat
The Camping Association is hosting a confirmation retreat, “Called by Name” open to all 5th-9th graders. The retreat will take place on November 8-9 at Camp Lambec in Erie, PA or November 22-23 at Westminster Highlands in Emlenton, PA. Click this link to access the brochure…Confirmation Retreat Nov 2013
Loaves & Fishes: Fishing for Answers in Children’s Ministry
The Christian Education Committee is sponsoring a dinner and workshop on Children’s Ministry on Tuesday, October 1st at 6:00 PM at The Tavern in New Wilmington. The presenter is Debbie Derrenbacher of 1st Presbyterian, Sharon.
In an almost anything goes society, Debbie finds it challenging as a Christian Educator to:
- be okay with engaging children in discipleship opportunities that God has trusted to her care;
- generate programs with pizzaz without giving up on Biiblical integrity;
- give children hands-on Bible experiences that they will retain;
- find and manage resources; and
- experiment with out-of-the-box ideas.
Her goal in leading this workshop is to help you fish for answers; catch some ideas in your ministry fishing net that will generate a well-balanced appetite for the young disciples that God has placed in your care. Come as you are – dinner is free! Register Now!
Sudanese Visitor
The Rev. Thomas Tut from South Sudan will be visiting our presbytery from Sunday, Sept. 21st through the presbytery meeting on Tuesday,Sept 23rd, and then again from Thursday, October 3rd – Tuesday October 9th. Here are some of the events already scheduled where people can be with Thomas:
- Sunday, Sept. 22nd , ???PM – Youth event at Highland Church in Newcastle
- Tuesday, Sept 24th, 6:30PM – Presbytery meeting at Sandy Lake Church
- Saturday, October 5th, 7:30AM – Men’s breakfast at New Wilmington Church (RSVP)
- Sunday October 6th, 11AM – Worship at Highland Presbyterian Church
- Sunday October 6th, 7PM– Celebrate Sudan event at East Main Church in Grove City
- Monday, October 7th, 7PM, – Gathering at Dave and Joan Dawson’s in New Wilm.
- Tuesday, October 8th, 9AM – Pastor’s event at North Liberty Presbyterian Church
If anyone would like to schedule and event with Thomas in a church or home, please contact Jim Leuenberger at 724-813-1295, orpastor.northliberty@gmail.com .
Celebrate Sudan Event
The 4th Annual Celebrate Sudan event will be held at 7PM at East Main Presbyterian Church on the evening of World Communion Sunday, October 6th. Our guest speaker at this year’s event will be Rev. Thomas Tut, a key leader in the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. As usual, we are asking churches to take up a Celebrate Sudan offering during their World Communion Sunday services that morning, or on another Sunday if that proves more feasable. (Pastors and clerks, please remember that your sessions will need to authorize this offering at your September or October meetings.) This year’s offering will go to support Rev Tut’s very vital prison ministry in South Sudan and other important ministries in both the Sudan and South Sudan. We hope many Shenango Presbyterians will join us on October 6th for joyous worship, inspiring words from Rev. Tut, and great Sudanese food as we celebrate our partnership with Sudanese Presbyterians.
Celebration Choir for Celebrate Sudan Event
Calling all who like to sing to join in the Celebration Choir to sing for the Sudan Celebration, which will be Sunday, October 6th at East Main Church in Grove City. There will be 2 rehearsals…..the first will be Sunday evening, September 29th at 7 p.m. at the Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road, (Route 318). The 2nd will be at 5:15 p.m. at East Main the evening of the Celebration Event. Music will be provided — no robes needed. The anthem is called: “An African Psalm” based on an African fold song. Please share this information with your choir and musicians. Thanks.
McClure Lectures and World Mission Initiative Dinner
The W. Don McClure Lectures and WMI Reception and DInner are Monday, September 23rd at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Vinoth Ramachandra will be the speaker. The lectures are at 11:30 AM, 4 PM, and 7:30 PM. A reception will be held at 5:15 PM in McNaughner Lounge with dinner following at 6 PM in the Kadel Dining Hall. At the dinner, WMI will honor the Rev. Dr. William M. Paul with the second annual WMI Award for Outstanding Mission Service and Support. Encourage any who know and love Bill to attend. In addition, Dr. Jannie Swart will speak briefly allowing everyone to begin to know him. You must register for the WMI Dinner online at http://pce.pts.edu/modules/shop/index.html?action=section&OfferingID=8&SectionID=12 or call 412-924-1345.
News From The Churches
Part-Time Financial Secretary Needed
This is a salaried position. Please send resume by September 20th to Westfield Presbyterian Church, 1363 Mt. Jackson Road, New Castle, PA 16102 or email totreasurer@westfieldchurch.org. More information is available on the church website at www.westfieldchurch.org.
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
Youth Director Wanted
Enon Presbyterian Church, September 19-21 from 9 AM – 3 PM. Lunch counter and bake sale. Almost one half of the money raised at this sale goes to support local, national, and international mission projects. Missions supported last year include: Root International, Project H.O.P.E., Project H.O.P.E. Food Bank, Lawrence County Crisis Shelter, Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Brother’s Brother Foundation, Christian Appalachian Project, Kayenta Navaho Presbyterian Church, New Castle City Rescue Mission and more.
Rummage Sale
Northminster Presbyterian Church will be holding their Annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, October 5th from 9 AM – 2 PM.
20th Annual Fall Fest
Saturday, September 28th at Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church (on Wurtemburg Road, off of Route 65 or Route 488, east of Ellwood City). Crafts, food court, soup…also collection of food and monetary donations for the Ellwood City Food Bank. Call 724-758-6785 for more information.
Moravia Church Fall Festival
Come join Moravia Church for a day of fun on Saturday, September 28th from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM! There will be local apple cider and yummy baked goods for sale, gift baskets and quilt at the auction table, pony rides and crafts for children, even a flu shot clinic. Music will be provided by the Praise Band of Savannah United Methodist Church. You will want to be there! (State Route 18 and Highway 168).
The Presbytery of Shenango 
All are invited to an Apple Festival at Shenango Presbyterian Church set for Friday, September 20th from 5-7pm. The cost is $5 for a hot dog, beans, a beverage, apple crisp and ice cream.
See you there!