EP Activity This Month
Our Executive Presbyter Ralph Hawkins preached at Highland church (Jan 3) and will preach for the Christian Associates of Shenango Valley meeting (Jan 31). He will teach a workshop for Ruling Elders at our annual LeaderFest event (Jan 16), and is leading elder training for Clen-Moore (Jan 17) and First New Castle and Northminster combined (Jan 30). Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service in 2016. Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.
Mission Giving Deadlines
The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2015 calendar year is coming soon. Monies from Churches must be postmarked by Friday, January 8, 2016.
Cooking with a Mission – Cancelled!
Due to the small number of registrations received and the potential for bad weather during January and February, the “Cooking with a Mission” classes have been cancelled for the present time. The MCS committee will re-offer the classes again at a future date.
LeaderFest 2016 (January 16 in New Wilmington) is rapidly approaching!
Don’t forget:
- You can still register! $20 per person covers all meals and materials.
- We want to invite young leaders (ages 14-22) to join us this year. $5/person and a special workshop just for them!
Help us get the word out in your church! Put an announcement in the bulletin or consider doing a Moment for Mission to help us promote LeaderFest. We want to support and equip our leaders, but we need YOU to help get them to LeaderFest! click here for more information and a link to register online.
Questions? See Andrea Hall (andreabhall@gmail.com).
Annual Reports
It’s time for Annual Reports again! 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 the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive. The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 17, 2016 at midnight. If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office. (Note: If you changed your password from what was assigned by the denomination, we will not have that new password.) There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” page available to help with most common questions.
Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Resources” 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, 2016. 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 12th!
New Years at First, Sharon
Members of First Presbyterian in Sharon opened up the congregation’s downstairs Fellowship Hall to the Sharon community on New Year’s Day, hosting dozens of neighbors for a warm meal and great holiday fellowship. This community meal has a been a tradition at First for many years.
Opportunity to Hear about Rachel and Michael Weller’s Ministry in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan
Thursday, January 21 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Moco (Mohawk Coffee House) – 206 E. Poland Avenue, Bessemer, PA 16112
Do You Want To Do Something Meaningful in 2016?
Something that will challenge the way you:
- Read the Bible
- Look at history
- Notice culture
- Understand your purpose
Join with others each Tuesday evening for the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course hosted by Grove City College. Each Tuesday evening, January 19th through May 3rd (15 weeks) from 6:30 to 9:30 PM a different expert will share the lesson from his/her experience. This course, designed by the U.S. Center for World Mission, is being taught in hundreds of communities in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Visit www.perspectives.org to learn more about the course and find details about our local class. The local contact is Pam Pope Courtney 724-748-3217 mail@dcourtney.net
Certificate Level $275 (fees and books included), $250 if paid by 1/6/2015. College Credit also available. Scholarships available.
The same class will be offered on Wednesday evenings at Wallace Memorial Church, Greentree, PA. You may attend either one as your schedule allows. The first 2 sessions are free and open to the public. Bring your friends! They’ll be glad you did.
News from the Churches
Secretary Wanted
Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermitage is looking for a Part-Time Secretary. Resumes can be sent to: Faith Presbyterian Church, 2370 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
The Presbytery of Shenango 