Following “The Bible in 90 Days”

Many of you participated in “The Bible in 90 Days” challenge this past fall.  Are you looking for a new study to help you dig even deeper into your Bibles?  We have several new options in the Resource Center…stop in to preview or call us to reserve any of the resources listed below (office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610).

 

A Brief Survey of the Bible DVD Study

In this DVD-based study, Bible professors John Walton and Mark Strauss give you the background you need to successfully understand even the difficult parts of the Word of God. They provide an overview of the Bible’s key themes, show what the teachings meant to the people at the time, and explain how those teachings apply to your life today. By the end, you will have a greater understanding of Scripture, know how all the books work together, and understand what God has done to make a way for you to come to him.

Making Sense of the Bible

In Making Sense of the Bible, Adam Hamilton invites us into an honest conversation about the Bible. The book begins with foundational questions such as, How and when was the Bible written? Who decided which books made it into the scriptures and why? How literally must we read it? And, Is the Bible ever wrong?

From there, Hamilton considers the real questions people frequently ask that continue to divide Christians and denominations alike.  Coming Soon to the Resource Center.

The Story – Church Campaign Kit

The greatest story ever told – is more than just a cliche. God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV Bible, it allows the stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel.  This kit contains books and DVDs for every age group in your congregation, as well as worship resources.

Covenant Bible Study

This Covenant experience will guide participants in a comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible over twenty-four weeks. Unlike the learning participants may have experienced in other groups, this in-depth study of the whole Bible emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through all the books in the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in love with God while we share signs of that love with others.

Drive-Thru History: Holy Land

In a style all his own, Dave Stotts—host and editor of Drive Thru History—speeds through the ancient world of the Bible, delivering a fast-paced encounter with the people, places, and events that have shaped our world and the Christian faith. This series includes on-location explorations, plus loads of animations and narration that’s definitely ‘outside the classroom.’ You will experience a visually exciting journey through the land of the Bible, revealing the history and culture behind the stories of Scripture.  Great for Youth Groups!

That The World May Know

  The archaeological discoveries revealed in this 13 volume series provide even more reason to believe the Bible. More importantly, these videos, filmed in Israel and the Middle East where Bible events actually took place, weaves together historical, cultural, and geographical contexts to reveal keen insights into how people in biblical times understood God and Jesus teaching. Teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into the Scriptures significance for believers today.

This Week:

February 1- 10:30 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office
February 2- 9:30 AM Council, Highland PC (Note: The Presbytery Office will open at 1 PM)

 

2016 IRS Rate

The mileage rate for 2016 will be 54 cents per mile.

 

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!

 

South Sudan Food Crisis

The United Nations reports that across South Sudan, an estimated 3.9 million people – 34 per cent of the population – were severely food insecure in September 2015. This represents an 80 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. They also believe that over 2 million have had to flee their homes, some multiple times. While the late arrival of rains and the relatively light seasonal rains have contributed to the food insecurity, political unrest is also part of the problem. The Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency ( PRDA) is ready to help and its Executive Director, Rev. James Makuei states “The human suffering is South Sudan now is unimaginable.”

How can you and your church help:

1. Please pray for South Sudan.The church is working hard to bring political stability, which will ultimately lead to food security and a better living environment. Pray for the church leaders and for those who are suffering during the process.

2. Please give financially. We are encouraging individuals & congregations to give generously to support the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance response to this food crisis. They will provide relief items such as temporary shelter, health supplies, maize meal, beans and cooking oil, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, people with disabilities and the chronically ill. You can send checks payable to Shenango Presbytery to the presbytery office at: 4197 New Castle Rd., Pulaski, PA  16142.Please mark the checks “South Sudan Response”

 

 

Wellers Speak About Ethiopia

Last Thursday evening, the presbytery welcomed Michael and Rachel Weller, PCUSA missionaries in Ethiopia, to Moco (the Mohawk Coffee House).  Pictured here is Rachel, sharing with the all who gathered the benefits and blessings of Community Health Evangelism — a program she resources with Presbyterian partners throughout Ethiopia.

 

 

Christian Unity Service

The Christian Associates of the Shenango Valley will hold the annual Christian Unity Service on Sunday, January 31, 2016, 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State Street, Sharon.  Speaker for this special worship will be DR. RALPH HAWKINS, Executive Presbyter of the Shenango Presbytery. Everyone  is invited to attend the service.   All who enjoy singing are invited to come a 2:00 p.m. rehearsal to be part of the choir.  No robes or vestments will be worn.  Music for the anthems will be provided.   The choir will be directed by Jane Bartholomew of Unity and accompanied by Rev. Pam Maloney of the host church, who will also play the organ for the service. Dr. Glenn Hink is the host pastor.  Refreshment will follow the service.

 

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality presents The 29^th Annual Wayne H. Christy Memorial Lecture on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.  This year’s speaker is Dr. Robert M. Franklin Jr. , the James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor of Moral Leadership at Emory University (Atlanta) and Director of the Religion Department of the Chautauqua Institution.

Dr. Franklin is the author of three books: Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope in African American Communities (2007); Another Day’s Journey: Black Churches Confronting the American Crisis (1997); and Liberating Visions: Human  Fulfillment and Social Justice in African American Thought (1990). He has co-authored (Don S. Browning, et. al.) a volume titled, From Culture Wars to Common Ground: Religion and the American Family Debate (2001). He also penned the foreword to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s, Letter from Birmingham Jail, reprinted by Trinity Forum in 2012.

He is married to Cheryl Goffney Franklin,M.D., an OB-GYN physician and graduate of Stanford University (B.A.), Columbia University School of Public Health (M.P.H.) and Harvard Medical School (M.D.).  Franklin is the father of three children: Imani Renee Franklin; Robert M. Franklin, III and Julian Michael DeShazier.  In 2005, DeShazier graduated from Morehouse College summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.  Franklin has one grandchild, Dania Elle DeShazier.

 

Five Talents

The Mission, Communication, and Stewardship Committee of Shenango Presbytery and the New Wilmington church  Mission Committee invite folks from our  congregations to come to the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church Social Hall for a time of fellowship and learning with Sonia Patterson.  The event will be February 6th at 7:00 p.m.  Sonia has been a language interpreter in the Dominican Republic partnership in which folks from our presbytery have been involved for the past 25 years.  More recently, she is the Executive Director of Five Talents, a Christian non-profit that encourages entrepreneurial actions in the lives of women and men in poverty in third world countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.  Several from our presbytery met her a few years ago when they visited the same location in South Sudan that Sonia was visiting.  Come to New Wilmington on Feb. 6th to learn more about a very exciting work God is doing through Sonia and her organization.  She will also be preaching at New Wilmington on Sunday, Feb. 7th at 10:30.   All are invited to both events.

 

 

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality presents Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia, Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly PC(USA) and director of Church Relations, Princeton Theological Seminary as our Spiritual Emphasis Westminster speaker on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA. 

The Reverend Larissa Kwong Abazia is a native of New Jersey and graduate of Rutgers University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Upon graduating from seminary, she was honored with the Asian American Ministry Award and the David P. Watermulder Award for Church Leadership. Rev. Kwong Abazia worked as a pastoral care resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia before serving congregations in Chicago, Manasquan, New Jersey, and Forest Hills, New York. She now serves as director of church relations at Princeton Theological Seminary

Rev. Kwong Abazia served as a core team member and co-moderator for Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT) and participated in the Presbyterian Women’s Racial Ethnic Dialogue. She also has worked with That All May Freely Serve, the Chicago Youth Collective, and the Advance Justice Committee of Chicago Presbytery. She currently serves on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Committee on Representation and the Personnel and Worship committees of the Presbytery of New York City. Rev. Kwong Abazia continually seeks ways to equip and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to live into the radical potential of life in community.

As a writer, Rev. Kwong Abazia has coauthored a reflection on readings from the lectionary for the Human Rights Campaign’s “Out In Scripture”; nine supplemental resources for the 2011–2012 Presbyterian Women’s Bible study on the Beatitudes; and an article for Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Social Justice titled, “Ready or Not.” She also has written a chapter in a collection of narratives by young adult clergywomen of color, “Streams Running Uphill: Conversations with Young Clergywomen of Color,” released in March 2014.

 

Extending God’s Welcome to All

The Presbytery of Lake Erie invites you to a day filled with learning – worship, a keynote address from Dr. Amy Oden on Christian hospitality, three workshops, a mission fair, and lunch – all for $15.  The Big Event will be held on March 5, 2016 from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, PA.  For more information, please visit, http://www.pbylakeerie.org.   Download the brochure.  Download the registration form.

 

 

Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disasters

This outstanding Chaplain’s training class from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is geared to help you, first responders, and your community handle the “big stuff” during an emergency event in your community.  It will be held on May 23 & 24 in Hermitage, PA, and there is a $25 discount for registering by March 18^th.   Read more.

 

 

Love The Arts!

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 East State Street, is hosting an “Art Show and Hands – On Art” on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM in their gymnasium and Fellowship Hall.  This event is FREE and open to the public.  Many local artists will have their marvelous work on display and for sale, and a number of the artists and theatre folks will have hands-on stations so children and adults can try their creative side and experience different forms of art.  You might just find that perfect gift for your Valentine!

This Week:

January 19- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC
January 20- 1:00 PM Budget & Finance Committee, Presbytery Office
January 21- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
January 25- 9:00 AM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
10:30 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office

 

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 orralph@shenango.org.

 

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!

 

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

 

 South Sudan Food Crisis

The United Nations reports that across South Sudan, an estimated 3.9 million people – 34 per cent of the population – were severely food insecure in September 2015. This represents an 80 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. They also believe that over 2 million have had to flee their homes, some multiple times. While the late arrival of rains and the relatively light seasonal rains have contributed to the food insecurity, political unrest is also part of the problem. The Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency ( PRDA) is ready to help and its Executive Director, Rev. James Makuei states “The human suffering is South Sudan now is unimaginable.”

How can you and your church help:

1. Please pray for South Sudan.The church is working hard to bring political stability, which will ultimately lead to food security and a better living environment. Pray for the church leaders and for those who are suffering during the process.

 

2. Please give financially. We are encouraging individuals & congregations to give generously to support the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance response to this food crisis. They will provide relief items such as temporary shelter, health supplies, maize meal, beans and cooking oil, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, people with disabilities and the chronically ill. You can send checks payable to Shenango Presbytery to the presbytery office at: 4197 New Castle Rd., Pulaski, PA  16142.Please mark the checks “South Sudan Response”

 

What is Perspectives?
Perspectives is an adventure that will change your life. Listen as 14 outstanding speakers share from their experiences as well as challenge you to see the world through God’s eyes in four different perspectives:
Biblical – what the Bible tells us about the heart of our Father.
Historical – history of the church from Acts to current day.
Cultural – a look at the least evangelized peoples of the world.
Strategic – what is the nature of the task remaining for the Church and what part do we play locally, nationally, globally?

Is this course mainly for those interested in missions?

Absolutely not! This is a course for the Church. The goal is to bring our individual lives into a closer alignment with God’s purpose. To join God in His story. If you want to grow and be challenged—want more vision, direction and eternal impact to come from your life—this class is for you!

Come, check out the first lesson Tuesday, January 19, at Grove City College HAL Room #110 from 6:30 to 9:30. Park at either end of the building.  Contact Pam Pope Courtneymail@dcourtney.net  724-748-3217 or go online for more informationwww.perspectives.org  Classes: Grove City, PA. All are welcome.

 

Christian Unity Service

The Christian Associates of the Shenango Valley will hold the annual Christian Unity Service on Sunday, January 31, 2016, 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State Street, Sharon.  Speaker for this special worship will be DR. RALPH HAWKINS, Executive Presbyter of the Shenango Presbytery. Everyone  is invited to attend the service.   All who enjoy singing are invited to come a 2:00 p.m. rehearsal to be part of the choir.  No robes or vestments will be worn.  Music for the anthems will be provided.   The choir will be directed by Jane Bartholomew of Unity and accompanied by Rev. Pam Maloney of the host church, who will also play the organ for the service. Dr. Glenn Hink is the host pastor.  Refreshment will follow the service.

 

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality presents The 29^th Annual Wayne H. Christy Memorial Lecture on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.  This year’s speaker is Dr. Robert M. Franklin Jr. , the James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor of Moral Leadership at Emory University (Atlanta) and Director of the Religion Department of the Chautauqua Institution.

Dr. Franklin is the author of three books: Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope in African American Communities (2007); Another Day’s Journey: Black Churches Confronting the American Crisis (1997); and Liberating Visions: Human  Fulfillment and Social Justice in African American Thought (1990). He has co-authored (Don S. Browning, et. al.) a volume titled, From Culture Wars to Common Ground: Religion and the American Family Debate (2001). He also penned the foreword to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s, Letter from Birmingham Jail, reprinted by Trinity Forum in 2012.

He is married to Cheryl Goffney Franklin,M.D., an OB-GYN physician and graduate of Stanford University (B.A.), Columbia University School of Public Health (M.P.H.) and Harvard Medical School (M.D.).  Franklin is the father of three children: Imani Renee Franklin; Robert M. Franklin, III and Julian Michael DeShazier.  In 2005, DeShazier graduated from Morehouse College summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.  Franklin has one grandchild, Dania Elle DeShazier.

 

 

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality presents Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia, Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly PC(USA) and director of Church Relations, Princeton Theological Seminary as our Spiritual Emphasis Westminster speaker on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA. 

The Reverend Larissa Kwong Abazia is a native of New Jersey and graduate of Rutgers University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Upon graduating from seminary, she was honored with the Asian American Ministry Award and the David P. Watermulder Award for Church Leadership. Rev. Kwong Abazia worked as a pastoral care resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia before serving congregations in Chicago, Manasquan, New Jersey, and Forest Hills, New York. She now serves as director of church relations at Princeton Theological Seminary

Rev. Kwong Abazia served as a core team member and co-moderator for Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT) and participated in the Presbyterian Women’s Racial Ethnic Dialogue. She also has worked with That All May Freely Serve, the Chicago Youth Collective, and the Advance Justice Committee of Chicago Presbytery. She currently serves on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Committee on Representation and the Personnel and Worship committees of the Presbytery of New York City. Rev. Kwong Abazia continually seeks ways to equip and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to live into the radical potential of life in community.

As a writer, Rev. Kwong Abazia has coauthored a reflection on readings from the lectionary for the Human Rights Campaign’s “Out In Scripture”; nine supplemental resources for the 2011–2012 Presbyterian Women’s Bible study on the Beatitudes; and an article for Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Social Justice titled, “Ready or Not.” She also has written a chapter in a collection of narratives by young adult clergywomen of color, “Streams Running Uphill: Conversations with Young Clergywomen of Color,” released in March 2014.

 

Extending God’s Welcome to All

The Presbytery of Lake Erie invites you to a day filled with learning – worship, a keynote address from Dr. Amy Oden on Christian hospitality, three workshops, a mission fair, and lunch – all for $15.  The Big Event will be held on March 5, 2016 from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, PA.  For more information, please visit, http://www.pbylakeerie.org.   Download the brochure.  Download the registration form.

 

 

Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disasters

This outstanding Chaplain’s training class from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is geared to help you, first responders, and your community handle the “big stuff” during an emergency event in your community.  It will be held on May 23 & 24 in Hermitage, PA, and there is a $25 discount for registering by March 18^th.   Read more.

This Week:

January 16- LEADERFEST, Westminster College and New Wilmington PC
January 18- OFFICE CLOSED, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 19- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC

 

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 orralph@shenango.org.

 

Prayers

Paul Votaw’s (Westfield ECO) mother-in-law died on Sunday in Gladstone, Missouri.  Services are today, January 13.  Online condolences may be sent to www.TerraceParkFuneral.com.

 

LeaderFest 2016 (January 16 in New Wilmington) is rapidly approaching!

Don’t forget:

1. You can still register! $20 per person covers all meals and materials.
2. 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!

 

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

 

 South Sudan Food Crisis

The United Nations reports that across South Sudan, an estimated 3.9 million people – 34 per cent of the population – were severely food insecure in September 2015. This represents an 80 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. They also believe that over 2 million have had to flee their homes, some multiple times. While the late arrival of rains and the relatively light seasonal rains have contributed to the food insecurity, political unrest is also part of the problem. The Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency ( PRDA) is ready to help and its Executive Director, Rev. James Makuei states “The human suffering is South Sudan now is unimaginable.”

How can you and your church help:

1. Please pray for South Sudan.The church is working hard to bring political stability, which will ultimately lead to food security and a better living environment. Pray for the church leaders and for those who are suffering during the process.

 

2. Please give financially. We are encouraging individuals & congregations to give generously to support the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance response to this food crisis. They will provide relief items such as temporary shelter, health supplies, maize meal, beans and cooking oil, with special attention given to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under five, people with disabilities and the chronically ill. You can send checks payable to Shenango Presbytery to the presbytery office at: 4197 New Castle Rd., Pulaski, PA  16142. Please mark the checks “South Sudan Response”

 

What is Perspectives?
Perspectives is an adventure that will change your life. Listen as 14 outstanding speakers share from their experiences as well as challenge you to see the world through God’s eyes in four different perspectives:
Biblical – what the Bible tells us about the heart of our Father.
Historical – history of the church from Acts to current day.
Cultural – a look at the least evangelized peoples of the world.
Strategic – what is the nature of the task remaining for the Church and what part do we play locally, nationally, globally?

Is this course mainly for those interested in missions?

Absolutely not! This is a course for the Church. The goal is to bring our individual lives into a closer alignment with God’s purpose. To join God in His story. If you want to grow and be challenged—want more vision, direction and eternal impact to come from your life—this class is for you!

Come, check out the first lesson Tuesday, January 19, at Grove City College HAL Room #110 from 6:30 to 9:30. Park at either end of the building.  Contact Pam Pope Courtney mail@dcourtney.net  724-748-3217 or go online for more information www.perspectives.org  Classes: Grove City, PA. All are welcome.

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:

1. You can still register! $20 per person covers all meals and materials.
2. 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 19^th through May 3^rd (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

 

Today Is the Day!

Today is the last day for register for LeaderFest and receive the Early Bird discount ($15) and the Church Group Rate (send multiple leaders from one congregations for $100)!  Starting tomorrow, all regular registrations will be $20.00 each.  Click here to register online!

 

Mission Giving Deadline

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.

Note: The Presbytery Office will be closed from December 24-January 1 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

 

Mission Giving Deadlines

The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2015 calendar year is coming soon.  Monies must be in office by Friday, December 31, 2015 for INDIVIDUALS, and postmarked by Friday, January 8, 2016 for CHURCHES.

 

Anthems Available

Joe Hopkins (H.R.) has donated a box full of anthems that he has written and composed.  They are free to any church, and are available at the Presbytery Office.

 

Judy Veon Featured

Our 2015-16 presbytery moderator Elder Judy Veon (New Wilmington) was recently featured in an article by the Synod of the Trinity.  Check it out!

 

Still Looking for a Unique Gift For Someone on Your List?

Do you have a “foodie” on your list or an aspiring chef?  The MCS Committee has the perfect gift idea for you…Cooking with a Mission!  CWAM is a “hands on” 5-week course in gastronomic delights led by local chef, Mark Arnold.  Each class will run approximately 3 hours, and will include instruction, hands on cooking, tasting, and clean up…with menus including (but not limited to) shrimp bisque, roast pork tenderloin, quinoa, and tiramisu.  Classes run from January 11 through February 8 (5:30 – 8:30 PM) at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer.  Class size is limited, so sign up today by calling the Presbytery Office.  CWAM is $250 per person, plus the cost of food (which is not expected to exceed $100). As a special bonus, “Guest Chefs” Michael and Rachel Weller will teach class members how to prepare the traditional Ethiopian dish, “Injera ba Wat”.

All proceeds will go to support mission work sponsored by Shenango Presbytery.  No one participating in the program will be compensated in any way.

 

LeaderFest 2016 (January 16 in New Wilmington) is rapidly approaching!

The Early Bird and Group registration deadline is January 4.

Don’t forget:

1. Churches may send as many leaders as they’d like for only $100 (but all must be completely registered by January 4).
2. 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!

 

Do Something Meaningful in 2016

 Stretch your vision of what God is doing in the world. Every week read great articles from the textbook and hear from instructors involved in interesting ministry. Engage with others interested in broadening their Christian world view. The Perspectives Course is famous for its biblical, historical, cultural and strategic aspects. View the video on the website for an overview of this course offered all over the world, now translated into 5 languages.

Registration is now open at www.perspectives.org. Go to Classes. Type in Grove City. See the bios for the 14 different instructors who will be teaching this semester. Class will be held Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30pm beginning January 19 until May 3, 2016 on the Grove City College campus.

A $100 scholarship is available for Shenango Presbytery church members. Write Shenango in the scholarship box when you register online, then fill out a form available at the Presbytery office. Save $25 by registering before January 6, 2016. If you have questions, please contact Pam Pope Courtney mail@dcourtney.net or call 724-748-3217.

 

New Chaplain

Sharon Regional Health System Hospice and Palliative Care has named The Rev. Stacie Pitts as their new Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator.  Mercer and Lawrence County clergy are invited to meet Stacie on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 from 11 AM – 1 PM in the Sharon Regional Health System School of Nursing (740 East State Street, Sharon).  RSVP by Wednesday, January 13, 2016 to 724-308-7322.

 

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

 

Grateful for the good hope of Jesus’ resurrection when we come to the end of our lives, the presbytery mourns the loss of Rev. Terry Greenlee, who died Friday at Allegheny General Hospital after complications from surgery the week prior.  Terry was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.  An honorably retired member of our presbytery, he served the Jackson Center and Millbrook churches.  Our condolences to his wife, Chris, and his six children.  A service of witness to the resurrection will be held on Tuesday, 10am, at Jackson Center church.  Read more here.

 

Grateful for the good news of Jesus’ incarnation and all it means at the start of our lives, the presbytery celebrates with Max and Heather Muska the birth Sunday of their first child, a girl, named Harper Rose: 7 lbs 1 ounce, 19.5 inches, born in Pittsburgh.  Max is a candidate for ordination under the care of Beaver-Butler Presbytery and serves the Harlansburg and Rich Hill churches as Student Pastor.  They live in New Castle.  Welcome, Harper Rose!