Sympathies
Our presbytery is mourning the death of Rev. Harold “Bud” Green, former pastor of Shenango church in New Castle and a retired member of the presbytery. Despite difficult health issues in recent years, Bud preached in many of our churches and was a friend to many persons in the region. Our sympathies are also extended to Rev. Bill McGary (Wampum) regarding the death of his mother, a long-time member of the Rich Hill congregation. In both situations, details on arrangements are forthcoming.
Kandel Offering
Last week at our stated presbytery meeting, an missionary offering was collected during the worship service to support the funding of Lynn and Sharon Kandel — PCUSA mission co-workers in South Sudan. Presbytery commissioners brought $3,176.25 for the offering, which is a great blessing for the Kandel’s support. Thanks to all persons, sessions, and congregations who contributed to this next in a series of missionary support offerings this year.
Planning Calendars
The planning calendar orders have arrived and can be picked up at the Presbytery office at your convenience. We’re still holding calendars for: Moravia, Shenango, and 3rd New Castle. Bills have been mailed to the churches, for those who had not already paid. We have 2 additional calendars available for individual sale at $9.50 each.
Fifth Annual Hearts & Minds Summer Lecture
Hearts & Minds, an independent bookstore in Dallastown PA, will once again host a public lecture in Pittsburgh, this year hosting religious scholar, social justice activist, and author Lisa Sharon Harper on July 26th at 7:00 pm. The fifth annual Hearts & Minds Pittsburgh Summer Lecture will be held at the Sewall Center at Robert Morris University and is free and open to the public. The title of the lecture is “The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right.” It will be drawn from her recently released, highly-acclaimed book about how Biblically-based Christian spirituality can and should motivate people of faith to care about social justice, racial reconciliation, and other contemporary issues, The Very Good Gospel: However Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right (Waterbrook/Random House; 2016.) After the lecture there will be a reception with the author, light refreshments and an opportunity for book signing. Ms Harper is a nationally-known, well-respected Christian leader, who serves as the Church Liason for Sojourners, an ecumenical, faith-based social justice ministry and magazine in Washington DC. This public lecture is free and open to the public and is underwritten by the Hearts & Minds Bookstore, Dallastown, PA.
New Wilmington Mission Conference
July 23-30, 2016 on the campus of Westminster College – register now! http://nwmcmission.org/nwmc-2016/register-now. Join scholars, missionaries, and people with a heart for mission from around the world for one week in New Wilmington for worship, learning, service, and more. There is nothing else like NWMC…you won’t want to miss it!
Click here for a list of speakers: http://nwmcmission.org/nwmc-2016/2016-speakers-worship
Click here to get the schedule for the week: http://nwmcmission.org/about-us/daily-schedule
NWMC Need
New Wilmington Mission Conference is trying to set up activities for young kids during the afternoons of the conference. We are looking for some water toys for young kids (ages 5 and under) to be set up for some simple family fun. We have a small blow up slide into a pool, a baby pool, and a water table already, but would welcome duplicates or any additional loaners for the project. Please contact Rev. Beth Creekpaum of the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church at 724-977-3013 or theotherrevcreekpaum@gmail.com if you have anything that would fit this category. Many thanks!
Dinner for Sudanese Guests
Fairfield Presbyterian will be hosting a pot luck picnic dinner from 6 – 8 on July 18 for our Sudanese church partners that will be visiting. All are invited to attend and we will hold the event indoors in case of rain.
Caregiver Support Program for Lawrence County Congregations
Jameson Hospice of Lawrence County will host “Help for the Helpers: Developing a Roadmap for Caregiving” on Thursday, July 21 from Noon to 4:00 PM at the Jameson Rehabilitation Center (3410 Wilmington Road, New Castle). Learn about community resources that are available to assist you with caregiving needs. Anyone in a Lawrence County congregation who provides care to loved ones – be it elderly parents, a child or family member with special needs, a spouse who has suffered an injury, or someone with a life-limiting illness – is invited to attend. Register by calling 724-652-8847 by July 14th.
News From the Churches
Piano
Small baby grand – as is – free for hauling…Calvin Presbyterian Church, 615 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, PA. Call 724-758-4258 Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM.
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.
Community Lunch
On Sunday, July 10th at 12:30 PM, Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church will host a Community Lunch for everyone. Hot Dogs, condiments, and drink will be provided. Invite your friends and neighbors!
Platin Scala in Concert at First, Sharon
Platin Scala of Wenden Germany has been producing classical orchestral concerts and magnificent opera singers for twenty-five years. Now American audiences have the unique opportunity to hear a rising star in the world of outstanding violinists. Elias David Moncado is being introduced to American audiences as part of an exchange between Platin Scala of Wenden Germany and the New Castle Eintracht Maennerchor. This 15-year-old violinist will perform at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon on July 19th at 7:00 PM. Elias has been a featured performer with symphony orchestras in Berlin, Prague, Penang, Malaysia, Munich, and more! He will be accompanied by his father Bernard Moncado, who is not only a gifted pianist but also a Conductor and the Chorus Master of the Opera at Theater Freiburg. This is a great opportunity for young and old alike to experience truly a world class performer on the rise in a beautiful intimate setting.
For ticket information:
The Presbytery of Shenango 