This Week:
May 19- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC
May 20- 10:00 AM Missional Experimentation Event, Beaver-Butler Presbytery Office
May 21- 10:30 AM Lawrence County Clearance Party, First PC, New Castle
May 22- 9:30 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
1:00 PM Personnel Committee, Presbytery Office
May 25- OFFICE CLOSED, Memorial Day Holiday
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 attending the New Castle area Pentecost service (May 24). He will be attending 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.
Thank You
Thank you, Friends, for your love, support, and prayers for Tom and I. The big day is Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM! We’re getting excited about our wedding, and our life as husband and wife. Love, Teresa Kendall (teresakendall@me.com).
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.
FREE Program by Jameson Hospice
Jameson Hospice is sponsoring a program entitled, “The Longest Loss: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia” on Thursday, June 4th in the Neshannock Rehab, 3410 Wilmington Road, New Castle. This is a 2.5 hour presentation by a panel of experts to help patients and families cope with the loss and grief associated with these progressive illnesses. There will also be a panel discussion to answer questions after the presentation. The event is FREE, but does have a 3 hr. CE credit available for the cost of $15.00. Registrations are due by May 28 to mparrish@jamesonhealth.org or 724-652-8847 Ext. 6426.
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 atstevestelle826@gmail.com.
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
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.
Conn Theatrette 552 Organ for Donation
A new home is wanted for a 1975 Conn Theatrette 552 organ purchased from Chuck Farrone Music Center in New Castle – one owner. Everything works. It has two manuals of keys, foot pedals, lots of tabs for special effects, a bench, the original owner’s manual, and is in very nice condition. The owner’s daughter would like to donate it to a church or non-profit organization. Interested parties should call 724-667-9265 and ask for Carol.