eLink News

This Week:

April 29– 6:30 PM Special Presbytery Meeting, Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College
May 1- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster Presbyterian Church
May 6- 2:00 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
May 7- 10:00 AM Missional Experimentation Group, Calvin PC, Zelienople
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Trinity Presbyterian Church

ENGAGE: Mission Workshop

Join the Evangelism Committee and guest speaker Ray Jones on May 17th at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church.  Click here for more information and to register.

Support the People of South Sudan

The people of South Sudan are in desperate need of help.   On April 12, the United States along with the European Union and the United Nations outlined the problems and called for immediate action in a statement below:

“Despite a Cessation of Hostilities agreement, fighting has continued, causing tremendous suffering and large-scale displacement inside and outside the country. This is a man-made disaster. All parties need to urgently work together to create the conditions for peace and stability to return to South Sudan.  There are five million people in need, 800,000 people who are internally displaced, and 280,000 who have fled to neighboring countries. We thank those countries for hosting refugees from South Sudan.   Humanitarian agencies have reached more than one million people with life-saving aid. But this is just a fifth of the people in need. There must be immediate and unconditional access for the UN and humanitarian organizations to reach people in need across all areas of South Sudan.  The next three months are critical. Protecting people from violence is essential. Prevention of communicable diseases is key, especially among displaced people as the rainy season approaches.  There are already extremely high rates of malnutrition amongst displaced people and the communities helping to host them. People need to be able to plant crops before the rains and have access to other sources of humanitarian assistance in order to avert a catastrophic decline in food security which could affect up to seven million people.  The United States and the International Community must protect civilian communities and deliver food, seeds, tools, shelter, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation.  Supplies must be delivered to the parts of the country where people need them most. We must do this despite the fighting, the insecurity, the rainy season, and the bureaucratic obstacles.  There must be an adequate level of response to the most acute needs of refugees in the neighboring countries, and the very specific need in terms of protection for thousands of children, women, and unaccompanied minors who are the majority of the displaced. It is also very important to remember the host communities that can be put under tremendous pressure in already very fragile contexts.  The international community must stand by the people of South Sudan in its hour of greatest need. Unless action is taken now up to a million people could face famine in a matter of months.”

Please contact your members of congress and urge them to support increased diplomatic initiatives and funding for humanitarian aid for South Sudan.  And, urge the Secretary of State and President to use all possible means to continue to press for humanitarian access.  Click here to send a message to congress and the administration today!

A FREE Lunch!

“Nicea and Shenango: A Necessary Relationship in Uncertain Times.”  The Christian Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery is hosting a free luncheon for all Teaching Elders of Shenango Presbytery, and any other interested Church leaders, at Tuscany Square in Neshannock on Wednesday, May 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  More details on our homepage!

National Day of Prayer Gathering

May 1st, 11:00 AM at the Lake Latonka Community Building, just outside of Mercer.  Open to everyone.  Local ministerium presiding.  Questions, contact Dotty Mariner at 724-475-4100.

Music Swap Meet

You are invited to the First Ever Music Swap Meet for Churches of Shenango Presbytery.  We all know that music is becoming more and more expensive, and budgets are tight.   So, in preparation for Advent and Christmas (not so far away!) bring a couple of copies of anthems/cantatas/oratorios from your library, that you would be willing to loan to another church, to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street) on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 9 AM.  Keyboards will be available for you to play through music that interests you, and you’ll have the opportunity to make arrangements with other music directors to borrow numbers you’d like to use, or lend to someone else.  A light continental breakfast will be offered.  For more info call Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 ext. 3, or Don Stanley at 724-932-2101.

News from the Churches

Flea Market

Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) will host a Flea Market on Saturday, April 26th from 9 AM – 2 PM.  If you would like to donate, please bring your items in and place them in the fellowship hall, behind the curtains, on the stage.  No clothing, televisions or large furniture!  Jewelry accepted!  Deadline for donations is Thursday, the 24th.  Thank you!

Health Fair at Clen-Moore

Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church (220 E. Clen-Moore Blvd., New Castle) will host a FREE Health Fair from Noon-2 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2014.  The event will feature blood pressure screening, medical equipment demos, balance/fall risk assessment, ask the pharmacist, vision screenings, APPRISE medicare counseling, refreshments, giveaways, and much more.

PW Rummage Sale

The PW of First, Sharon will be holding a Rummage Sale on May 2nd from 9 AM – 2 PM and May 3rd from 9 AM – 1 PM.  Bake Sale and Lunch available.

Organist Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time organist.  Interested parties should send a resume c/o Organ Committee, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, 229 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.