This Week:
May 5- 7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Trinity PC, Mercer
May 6- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster PC, New Castle
May Clearance Parties
Changes have taken place in Pennsylvania laws regarding the prevention of child abuse, some of which have important implications for our congregations. The Committee on Ministry is sponsoring two “Clearance Parties” in May…ALL pastors in any capacity are asked to attend, as these clearances are not optional for anyone. Each gathering will be an opportunity for you to receive a basic overview of the changes, complete background checks, and compare notes with other pastors on helping sessions respond to these changes. Lunch will be provided!
- May 14, 10:30 AM – 1 PM – Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage – Mercer Co.
- May 21, 10:30 AM – 1 PM – First Presbyterian Church, New Castle – Lawrence Co.
You will need to bring a WiFi-enabled laptop computer or iPad (or equivalent). If you do not possess one, we can provide one for you.
To register, call the office at 724-528-1610 or click here to register online.
Camp Promotion Videos
Would you like to promote Camp Lambec and Westminter Highlands in your Sunday morning service, Sunday school, kids club, or youth group? Click on the links below to view the newest promotional videos…you can even link them to your church website, Twitter, or Facebook!
- Camp Lambec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugz_elbIWA
- Westminster Highlands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugFOUEVWFg
Shenango Presbytery Scholarship – Deadline is Friday, May 1st
The Shenango Presbytery Scholarship Fund is supported by gifts from the congregations of the presbytery. The fund is intended to assist students who are members of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. Preference will be given to applicants who belong to churches in Shenango Presbytery. Recipients of aid from this fund are eligible for continued assistance in successive years, but they must reapply for aid annually and continue to meet the criteria listed below.
Criteria for Consideration
1. Acceptance as a full-time student at Grove City College or Westminster College by June 1, 2015
2. Demonstrated financial need
3. Academic achievement: if a high school senior, a minimum GPA of 3.3; if a current student at one of the colleges, a minimum GPA of 3.0
4. Evidence in writing of past and present involvement in the life and witness of the Christian community
Click here to download the scholarship application. Note: Application materials must be submitted (or postmarked) by May 1, 2015.
Women’s Build Week
Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity is hosting a Women’s Build, May 2-10. Work shifts are 8 – 11:30 AM or 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Homemade lunches by the First Church of God ladies are included! The build site is at 8 East Euclid Avenue in New Castle. You may call Teri at the Habitat Office (724) 652-3438 or email her at teri.lchfh@gmail.com to schedule your shift. We hope as many of you as possible will help us ~ if we have 300 new volunteers we are eligible for a $25,000 grant! Also, Bruno Sammartino, Western PA Wrestling Legend will be joining our work crew on Saturday, May 9th in the morning. PS: This event is not just for women, guys we need your help too!
Scouting & Faith
Please join us to celebrate the positive impact Scouting & Faith have on our Community! Moraine Trails Council Pastor Appreciation Night will showcase the movie “Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions” on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM at the Preston Environmental Center – Camp Bucoco (150 Bucoco Lane, Slippery Rock)
Perspectives Leaders’ Intensive, August 9-15, 2015
Get the full Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class in just 7 days! This experience is designed for pastors’ study leave, seminary students, and missionaries who can’t participate in the semester-long program. Any mission leader is welcome! The class is taking place at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, hosted by World Mission Initiative. Check the class website for details and for registration. There is an early registration discount if you register by the end of May! Email Jen if you’d like more information,jhaddox@pts.edu.
News from the Churches
Rummage Sale
Friday, May 1 from 9 AM – 2 PM and Saturday, May 2 from 9 AM – 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street). Bake Sale! Lunch available. Proceeds support the mission work of the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon.
Dining to Donate
Enjoy a meal that’s filling and fulfilling. Shenango and Northminster Presbyterian Churches’ mission trip needs your support. Just dine at the 3300 Wilmington Road, New Castle location of Applebee’s on Sunday, May 3 from 11 AM – 11 PM and present this certificate( download: MissionApple.15) to your server or Carside to Go Specialist…and Applebee’s will donate 15% of your check to Shenango and Northminster’s trip.
Spaghetti Benefit Dinner & Mission Presentation
You are invited to Lebanon Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 3 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM to hear a special presentation on rescuing children from slavery. Donations for dinner to support Youth Mission Trip to Rapid City, SD. Mission Presentation to feature pictures and testimonies by Mr. Ron Gilkey, who recently completed a mission trip to Pakistan with The Children’s Rescue Initiative.
Handbells Wanted
Unity Church would like to purchase a 3 octave set of handbells, preferably Shulmerich Bells. If you have a set that you are not using or plan to use, please contact Jim Moose, 724-652-6731, or Jane Bartholomew, 724-699-1762.
Summer Ministry Coordinator Wanted
Calvin Presbyterian Church (Ellwood City) is looking for a part-time Summer Ministry Coordinator to lead programming in conjunction with a Summer Lunch Program. This is a paid position involving at least 20 hours per week. Contact Rev. Sean Brubaker at 724-758-4258 for more information.
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!
21st Annual Used Book Sale
Third Presbyterian Church in New Castle from June 4-6. Donations of used books, puzzles, DVDs, and CDs are appreciated. Please bring your donations to the church no later than Friday, May 29th. No magazines, text books, National Geographics, encyclopedias, or Reader’s Digest items. Church open Tuesday – Thursday 9 AM – 4 PM.
Assistant Preschool Teacher Needed
New Wilmington Presbyterian Church Preschool in New Wilmington, PA, is seeking a part-time Assistant Teacher in their program for three to five year olds. The Assistant Teacher will assist with lesson and activity planning and preparation; work with children in these activities; and assist the Director as needed. Candidate must have a high school diploma; a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is preferred; and experience working with young children. The preschool program runs five mornings a week September through May and follows the New Wilmington Area School District Calendar. Refer to the church website at www.nwpresby.org for more information about the position and application process. Cover letter, resume and the contact information of three references may be sent to the Preschool Advisory Board at 229 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142.
Clown Ministry Props Available
Northminster Presbyterian Church’s Clown Ministry is no longer functioning. They have make-up, props, manuals, etc. to donate to any church interested in starting this rewarding ministry. Contact Northminster at 724-724-658-9051. Training in the program is available.
Rummage / Bake Sale
May 23, 2015 from 9 AM – 3 PM at Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church (3116 Frew Mill Road, New Castle). Call 724-924-2737 for more information. Lunch and baked goods will be available.
The Presbytery of Shenango 