This Week:
January 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC
January 27- 9:30 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
Annual Reports
The GA online statistical program is located at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats. Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as they have used the past few years. Please note the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive. The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 18, 2014 at midnight. If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.
Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website. They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org. The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2015. Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 13th!
Belhar Lunch
“We believe in the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects and cares for the church through Word and Spirit. This, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end.” So begins the Belhar Confession, which has been sent to the presbyteries for a vote regarding its inclusion in our Book of Confessions. Shenango will vote at our February stated meeting. Come hear more about the pros and cons of Belhar at a lunch and discussion on Tuesday, February 3, at noon at The Confluence, 214 East Washington Street in New Castle, hosted by EP Ralph Hawkins and our CE committee. Our guest will be Rev. Cathy Purves, minister member of Pittsburgh Presbytery. RSVP with the presbytery office.
Egypt/Sudan Presentation
On Sunday, February 15th, 7 PM, the Mission Committee of New Wilmington Church will host Rich Kinney (Highland) and Ralph Hawkins (EP) as they share pictures, stories, and updates from their November visit with Presbyterians in Egypt and Sudan. Childcare will be provided.
LeaderFest A Great Blessing
Despite a chilly and dark morning, more than 150 leaders gathered in New Wilmington from PCUSA and ECO churches for our annual LeaderFest event. Dr. Roger Owens, new faculty member at Pittsburgh Seminary, challenged us with a reminder not to get trapped by “shiny things” from our past. “Missional leaders let go of their own agendas in order to be attentive to the voice of God,” he taught. Workshop presenters covered a range of leadership topics, including deacons, church buildings, clerks, etc. Our thanks to RE Andrea Hall (Hillside) and the members of our Christian Education Committee for putting on another excellent gathering. It was a good day to be Shenango presbytery. #leaderfest15 – RWH
Dominican Republic Visit
Our EP Ralph Hawkins is this week attending the annual General Assembly of the Iglesia Evangelica Dominica, the denomination of 65 churches founded by Presbyterians and Methodists nearly 100 years ago. More recently, several of our Shenango congregations have enjoyed an ongoing mission partnership with one of the IED congregations on the northern coast of this island. This week, Ralph will be meeting with partnership leaders, preaching twice for the GA gathering, and brining greetings from Shenango Presbytery. Deacon Marite Haynes (New Wilmington) will also be attending, as an interpreter.
Prayer Chain List
Our EP Ralph Hawkins sends occasional (public) prayer concerns to some of the prayer groups that meet in our presbytery churches. Currently Calvin, Lebanon, First New Castle, Bell Memorial, Sandy Lake, First Sharon, Third New Castle, Stoneboro, and New Wilmington churches are included. If your congregation has a prayer ministry and would like to be included in this ministry, please let Ralph know at ralph@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.
2015 Egypt Trip
Join the PC(USA) Liaison, Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman on a weeklong in-country Synod of the Nile/Egyptian Tourism trip for adults on either April 25-May 5, 2015 or October 10-20, 2015. Cost is $800 (not including airfare, visa fees, or personal expenses). A PDF brochure is available from the Presbytery Office, or you can contact Steve atstevesynodgorman@gmail.com for more details.
News from the Churches
Treat Your Valentine To A Free Concert on Valentine’s Day!
On February 14th, at 4:00 PM the combined choirs (80-90 singers) of Westminster College, along with an orchestra, will present a free concert at First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon. Conducted by Dr. Samuel Barbara, Director of Choirs at Westminster, the program will feature the beautiful “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure, along with smaller works. Why not treat your Valentine to a beautiful concert before your Valentine’s Day dinner, and support Westminster’s choirs at the same time? It will be a very special time!
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.
Educational Videotapes
Calvin Presbyterian Church is cleaning out its library and they have many Christian Children’s and Educational videotapes (VCR required!) that they are no longer in need of. If anybody can use them, they are more than welcome to come get them. Contact the church office at 724-758-4258 by the end of December.
Organist/Choir Director
Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director. This is a paid position. Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322. Come and worship with us!
Church Secretary Needed
Part-time Church Secretary needed at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City. 15 hours per week. Knowledge of Word, Excel, & Publisher. Knowledge of MS Access or experience with databases, is a plus. Please send a cover letter and resume to nspc@zoominternet.net.
The Presbytery of Shenango 