This Week:
March 2- 1:30 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
March 8- 12:30 PM Budget & Finance Committee, Presbytery Office
Recalibrating the Church for the 21st Century
World Mission Initiative 2016 Bi-Annual Conference
April 8 and 9, 2016 at the Pittsburgh Seminary
Shenango group discount available — $40
View details and register online at:
http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/index.php/initiatives/wmi-conference
Select CHURCH GROUP and indicate SHENANGO PRESBYTERY in the group name. Then send $40 to the presbytery office, indicating WMI CONFERENCE. Call the presbytery office to find out how to use PayPal.
Alan Hirsch, the keynote speaker, will be offering one address Friday evening and two addresses and a workshop Saturday. Seventeen other workshops will be offered on Saturday. Attendees may select three to attend. Twenty –six organizations and mission opportunities will be on display in the Knox Room. Lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BLOG
31 persons — many from Presbytery of Shenango congregations — will be traveling tomorrow to Sabaneta de Yasica in the Dominican Republic for the 24th year of an ongoing mission partnership that includes medical, education, and construction efforts. Follow their week at http://sabanetadeyasica.blogspot.com.
PW Spring Gathering Correction
The flyer in the presbytery packet regarding the upcoming PW Spring Gathering contained the wrong address for Third Presbyterian Church in New Castle. The correct address is: 1315 East Washington Street, New Castle, PA 16101. Phone: 724-658-6683.
Hawkins Article
Our EP Ralph Hawkins wrote an article about ruling elders supporting deacons for the national RE: Regarding Ruling Elders blog hosted by the Presbyterian Church (USA). Check it out his article here.
EP Activity This Month
Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, is co-leading a group 31 participants in the annual Dominican Republic mission visit with our partners in the Iglesia Evangélica Dominicana (March 1-6). He is teaching adult Sunday School and meeting with the deacons of First church, Sharon (March 13). He is leading a workshop for deacons at a leadership event for Beaver-Butler presbytery (March 13). He is preaching at the Wurtemburg church (March 20). Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings. Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.
Stated Clerk Updates
– Candidate Mike Carlin was successfully examined by the presbytery and will be ordained and installed as pastor of First Sharpsville on April 10, 4pm.
– Candidate Max Muska (Beaver-Butler) was successfully examined by the presbytery and will be ordained on March 13, 4pm, at the Harlansburg church. Max is serving as Temporary Pastor of the Harlansburg and Rich Hill churches.
April 1-3, 2016 at Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center…Rev. Nathan C. Brooks III – Guest Speaker
Pastors, you are invited to our presbytery pastor-spouse weekend retreat, the weekend after Easter, 2016.
Shenango Presbytery Scholarships
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 (USA). 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, 2016
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 2, 2016.
A Conversation On The Future Of The PCUSA
Crestfield Camp and Conference Center in Slippery Rock is hosting a “town hall” conversation about the future of our church, in response to a “Call to the Church” by Moderator Heath Rada. All pastors, elders, and church members in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio are invited to be part of this event on Tuesday, March 15, 10:00 am – through 1:00 pm. The event is free, though gifts to defray meal costs will be welcome. Read more here. If you would like attend, please contact our presbytery office by March 11 or speak to EP Ralph Hawkins with questions.
Register for NWMC!
Registration for the 111th annual New Wilmington Mission Conference is now open! The conference will be held July 23-30, 2016 on the campus of Westminster College. Come out and hear about what God is doing all over the world! This year’s Morning Meeting speakers are Nancy and Shelvis Smith-Mathers, PC(USA) mission co-workers in South Sudan who are supported by Shenango Presbytery. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with folks from all over the world–right here in our own backyard! For more information or to register, visit www.nwmcmission.org or e-mail office@nwmcmission.org.
News From the Churches
Indoor Yard Sale
The Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church (291 Wurtemburg Road, Ellwood City) will be having an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, March 5 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Tables are $10 each and are available by calling Kristin at 724-201-0034. A kitchen and bake sale table will also be available. All proceeds benefit the roof fund loan.
Director Of Children/Youth Ministries
Local Presbyterian Church is seeking someone to educate our children and youth in the worship of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. This person will oversee the Christian Education program of our church for ages from high chair to high school. The individual we seek must have strong Christian beliefs, solid interpersonal and communication skills, along with being an organized, self-starting person capable of accomplishing goals and objectives with minimum supervision. Must have availability for Sunday worship, Saturday PM and other occasions as necessary. Previous experience in church education programs is a plus. Interested applicants should send resume in confidence to: Personnel Committee, Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105 Or send on line to: office@npcnc.org Résumés/applications must be received no later than Feb. 19, 2016, for consideration.
Treasurer Needed
Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church has an opening for a Church Treasurer. If anyone is interested, they can call Rev. Chris Weichman at the church, 724-654-6657.
Piano Platform Available
Third Presbyterian Church in New Castle has a platform for a baby grand piano. It has wheels so that the piano can be moved or repositioned. They will offer it at no charge to any other church that has a use for it. Please contact Janis Pherson at 724-651-8054.
The Presbytery of Shenango 