This Week:
June 8- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
EP Activity
Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, preached for a joint service shared by Shenango, Third New Castle, and First New Castle churches (Jun 5), and will preach at Sandy Lake church (Jun 12). He will be attending the PCUSA General Assembly in Portland, OR (Jun 18-25), supporting our four presbytery commissioners: Teaching Elder Don Stanley (Jamestown), Ruling Elder Don Christy (Faith), young adult delegate Calvin Gealy (New Wilmington), and theological student delegate Evan Wildhack (Pittsburgh Seminary). 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.
Planning Calendars
The planning calendar orders have arrived and can be picked up at the Presbytery office at your convenience. Bills have been mailed to the churches, for those who had not already paid. We have approximately 4 additional calendars available for individual sale at $9.50 each.
We’re Still Collecting Missionary Commitment Forms
In response to the generous financial offerings for missionary support collected throughout 2015 at our stated presbytery meetings, our Mission, Communication and Stewardship committee feels called in 2016 to the goal of 100% of our congregations in supporting a missionary in some way…so far we’re at 51%. Please consider completing a Missionary Offering Commitment Form and send it to the presbytery office. If you need a form, contact the Presbytery Office.
Kandel Visit
In a year of major emphasis on our presbytery’s global mission connections, we are honored this month to welcome Lynn and Sharon Kandel, PCUSA mission co-workers in South Sudan, Africa. The Kandels are doing important work on our behalf in a country that has been near to the heart of many of our congregations since its formation just a few years ago. Here are several ways you can meet the Kandels and hear more about what God is doing in their midst:
– Monday, June 27, 6:30pm, ALL are invited to Moco Coffee House in Bessemer to hear the Kandels talk about their respective work
– Tuesday, June 28, 7am, MEN are invited to breakfast at Ryder’s Restaurant, Route 18 outside of New Wilmington, to hear Lynn talk about his ministry of construction and logistics across South Sudan
– Tuesday, 10am, WOMEN are invited to coffee at the Confluence Coffee House, downtown New Castle, to hear Sharon talk about her work in Christian Education with the church in South Sudan
– Tuesday, 6pm, ALL are invited to come early to our stated presbytery meeting at Clen-Moore church, New Castle, to meet and great Sharon and Lynn before they speak to the presbytery during our meeting
As one church member who knows the Kandels recently stated, “What I love about Sharon and Lynn is their testimony of God calling real people just like me to do missionary work abroad.” Our presbytery is proud to host the Kandels this month.
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-mailoffice@nwmcmission.org.
Hospice Foundation of America’s 23rd Annual Living With Grief Program
Managing Conflict/Finding Meaning Supporting Families at Life’s End will be presented by Jameson Hospice of Lawrence County on Thursday, June 9th from Noon to 3 PM at the Jameson Rehabilitation Building (3410 Wilmington Rd., New Castle). The program is FREE (except for Continuing Education units), and includes snacks and a panel discussion. To register, contact Marsha Parrish at 724-652-8847, ext. 6426.
News From the Churches
Matsiko World Orphan’s Choir Concert
First Presbyterian Church of Sharon will host the Matsiko World Orphan’s Choir on Sunday evening, June 12th at 7:00 PM. This is a 20-voice singing, dancing, and musical choir of children 9-17 years old from around the world. There is no cost. A free will offering will be taken. Everyone is welcome.
Wanted
Organist and/or pianist. Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Wilmington, PA. One Sunday service per week. One choir rehearsal per week in season. Pay commensurate with experience. Reply to Neshannock Presbyterian Church at 724-946-2081 or emailadmin@neshpresby.org.
The Presbytery of Shenango 