eLink News

This week:

October 9- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
October 13-14 Sudan Mission Network Gathering, Louisville, KY

Note: The Church Treasurers Luncheon has been POSTPONED.  Further details will be available when we are able to reschedule.  If you have a pressing question about the Board of Pensions, please email ralph@shenango.org.  

EP ACTIVITY THIS MONTH

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, is preaching at Unity (Oct 5), Highland (Oct 19), and Enon (Oct 26).  With our elected synod commissioners TE Sean Hall (Hillside) and RE Vickie White (Slippery Rock), he is participating in the fall Synod of the Trinity meeting, October 6-7, in State College.  He is meeting with the ordained leadership of the Enon church (Oct 7) and the Scotch Hill and Millbrook churches (Oct 28).  In November, Ralph will be traveling with TE Rich Kinney (Highland) on a 16 day official visit to Cairo, Egypt (participating in a PCUSA delegation led by Rev. Hunter Farrell) and Sudan (visiting with our Sudan partnership leaders).  Stay tuned for more about that trip in the coming weeks.  Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.

STATED CLERK UPDATES

(TE = Teaching Elder; RE = Ruling Elder)

– TE Michael Spicuzza’s last Sunday as pastor of Third New Castle is October 12.  Michael will be pursuing employment in the construction trades as well as possible development of a new worshipping community in the area.

– TE Brady Randall’s last Sunday as temporary pastor of Harlansburg is November 9.  Brady has accepted a call to serve the inter-denominational Orchard Hill Church in Wexford, PA.

– RE Mike Carlin (Bellefield, Pittsburgh presbytery) has begun service as Student Pastor of First Sharpsville, beginning September 1.  Presbytery has commissioned Mike to administer the sacraments and perform weddings during the time he completes his candidacy for ordination as a Teaching Elder.

– RE Jim Moose (New Wilmington) has been commissioned to serve Unity as its pastor.

– TE Rick Vogeley (Retired) is serving as Temporary Pastor of New Wilmington church, effective October 5.

– TE Jason Santos has accepted a new call with the PCUSA denomination as national coordinator for collegiate ministries.  He remains a Member at Large in our presbytery.

Did we miss an update from around the presbytery?  Let our Stated Clerk know at ralph@shenango.org.

Attention Church Treasurers!

The PA Department of Revenue has decided to grant an early renewal of the PA sales tax exemption numbers of religious organizations who belong to a “parent” organization.  This early renewal is due to the implementation of a new tax system in the near future.  Updated certificates will be sent to the organization starting last Friday.  Please look for your updated PA sales tax exemption certificate in the mail.  If you do not receive your updated certificate by December 31, 2014, please send an email totreasurer@syntrinity.org and include the Church/Presbytery name, mailing address, and EIN#.  If you have any questions, contact Chantal at the Synod office at 717-737-0421.

Save the Date — LeaderFest 2015 – Saturday, January 17, 2015!!!

Fresh Expressions Vision Day at PTS

Fresh Expressions is a movement that is cultivating new forms of church alongside existing congregations in order to reach a changing world.  Learn more about Fresh Expressions and the Mission-Shaped Church on November 14 from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.  Registration is $35 per person at www.freshexpressionsus.org or www.pts.edu.

New Movie Experience

Presbyterian World Mission encourages congregations to see the upcoming movie “The Good Lie”, which focuses on the “Lost Boys” who were orphaned by the brutal civil war in Sudan beginning in 1983.  Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3600 lost boys, as well as girls, to America.  The movie opened in most theaters nationwide on October 3rd.  For movie resources, go to www.thegoodlieresources.com.  If you decide to host a discussion group to talk about the movie, World Mission will supply mission co-workers, who have lived in the Sudan, to speak to your audience.

News from the Churches

New Series at Northminster

Experience contemporary and ancient worship with a new sermon series, The Blood Covenant, starting in October at Northminster Presbyterian Church, (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle).  The series will take place on Thursday evenings, October 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 7:00 PM.  It is open to the community and childcare is available.

Soup and Pie at Bessemer

Bring your favorite bowl from home (any size) and fill it up for only $5.00 at Bessemer Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 18th at 7:00 PM.  Bread, crackers, beverages, and refills (and bowls for those that forget) will be provided.  Choose from Chicken Noodle, Chili, Ham and Bean, or Vegetable.  Stay for dessert with a “Surprise Inside Pie Auction”.  All pies will be homemade!

Magic-Agers Luncheon

All seniors are invited to attend Unity Presbyterian Church for their Magic-Agers luncheon on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 12:00 PM.  Bring a hot dish, salad, or dessert to share and enjoy lots of good food and a program.  Good food and good fellowship too!

Spaghetti Dinner

Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, New Castle.  Adults $9.00, Ages 5-10 $4.00, Family $20.00.  Proceeds to benefit missions.  Take-Outs Available!

Rummage Sale

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer will have a Fall Rummage Sale on Friday, October 24 from 8 AM – 4 PM and Saturday, October 25 from 8 AM – NOON.  Saturday is 1/2 off day with clothing $1/bag.

Ham Loaf Dinner

Bessemer Presbyterian Church will be holding a Ham Loaf Dinner on Saturday, November 1st to benefit the church’s General Fund.  Eat in from 5-7 PM or take out will be available.  Call the church office for tickets at 724-667-7255.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Executive Director/Affiliate Manager Wanted

Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity is looking for a 30 hour per week Executive Director/Affiliate Manager.  The responsibilities are to maintain the Christian spiritual basis of Habitat for Humanity by promoting the mission of HfH in the community, coordinate and direct the activities of the affiliate, oversee fundraising, and actively lead the staff and volunteers to achieve the goals set by the board of directors.  Submit resumes to LCHfH, 138 West Washington Street, New Castle, PA  16101