This Week:
May 5- 7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Trinity PC, Mercer
NOTE: The office will close at 2:00 PM this afternoon so Autumn can attend the Synod Records Review in State College.
May 6- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster PC, New Castle
May 12- 1:30 PM Christian Education/Higher Ed. Committee, Presbytery Office
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.
EP Activity This Month
Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at Northminster church in New Castle (May 17) and attending the New Castle area Pentecost service (May 24). He is hosting on May 16 the first in a series of learning gatherings for deacon leadership in our congregations. He will be attending a week-long national EP training event May 4-8, as well as the regional EP forum May 26-27. Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings. Schedule a late summer or fall Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.
Stated Clerk Updates
– RE Tom Wilson (Lebanon) has been commissioned by the presbytery to assist as a Ruling Elder in pastoral ministry in the Lebanon congregation. Duties will include pulpit supply, pastoral care and visitation, and conducting of the sacraments, weddings, and funerals.
– RE Linda Kellogg continues her commission at the Coolspring church by exercising leadership during a time of pastoral transition in the congregation, while the PNC seeks a candidate for installation.
(TE = Teaching Elder; CRE = Commissioned Ruling Elder)
Ingrid Reneau Walls and Andrew Walls will be visiting our Presbytery
Come and hear what God has been doing in their lives, Monday, May 11 at Moco (206 E. Poland Ave., Bessemer, PA) from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Coffee and dessert served from 7-7:30.
Presbyterian Historical Society
Celebrate Heritage Sunday on Sunday, May 24! To assist, the Presbyterian Historical Society has created bulletin inserts that you can download for your congregation, commemorating “Faith in God”, Abraham Lincoln’s funeral sermon preached by Presbyterian pastor Reverend Phineas Gurley.
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!
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
Ebola Up Close
On Sunday evening, May 31st, 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Dr. Guy Giordano will be at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon to share about his experience in West Africa as a doctor treating Ebola. We will begin the evening with strawberries, cake, and ice cream. Dr. Giordano will then discuss the Ebola virus, healthcare and cultural challenges. This special evening is open to the public, and nursery care will be available. Plan now to attend, and bring friends.
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.
Community Yard Sale
Bessemer Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 8 AM to NOON across from the church, rain or shine. There will be various vendors offering an array of items and yard sale treasures to buy! Enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch. To become a vendor, call the church office at 724-667-7255.
The Presbytery of Shenango 