This Week:
May 13- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
May 14- 10:30 AM Mercer County “Clearance Party”, Faith Presbyterian Church
12:00 PM Mission, Communication, and Stewardship Committee, New Wilmington PC
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
May 15- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
May 16- 9:00 AM Within and Beyond Deacon Event, Westminster College (Old Main, room 310)
May 18-19 Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Conference Center
May 19- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC
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)
Pulpit Supply
Bud Green is enjoying a respite of good health and is willing to preach. Will take last minute requests. Call Bud at home at 724-654-1513 or on his cell at 724-714-8645.
Planning Calendars
The Presbytery Office will accept orders for the 2015-2016 PCUSA Planning Calendar through Monday, May 18th. Calendars are $13.75 per copy.
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.
Steve and Brenda Stelle Visiting Churches This Summer
In July and August, Steve and Brenda will be back in the United States to visit churches and share with their members about their experiences in Dembi Dollo. Please check with your sessions, mission committees and congregation members to set up a time for the Stelles to meet with your church. They very much appreciate the financial support they receive both from congregations and individual contributors and hope to share the story of their ministry in Ethiopia with all of you. To set up a visit, contact Steve at stevestelle826@gmail.com.
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.
Save the Date – NWMC!
The 110th Annual New Wilmington Mission Conference will take place July 18-25 at Westminster College. Get more information at http://www.nwmcmission.org.
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
Evensong at Unity
Sunday, May 17th – Pot Luck Supper at 5:30 PM (Be our Guests!) Singing in the Sanctuary at 6:15 PM. Those attending get to choose their favorite hymn. Come and raise your voice in song…(last Evensong until September).
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.
Items for Sale
Metal desk, double sides; Univex mixer (heavy duty) floor model 1222. Contact Calvin Church at 724-758-4258 and ask for Andy.
The Presbytery of Shenango 