This Week:

April 27– 10:00 AM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
April 28- 5:00 PM Mission Dinner with Hunter Farrell, Lebanon Presbyterian Church
6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Unity Presbyterian Church (watch for more information tomorrow!)

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at Sheakleyville (April 12). With Rev. Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore) and 24 other participants, he will share in the annual Dominican Republic ministry visit to Sabaneta de Yasica (April 18-25).  He will be hosting Rev. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Mission for the PCUSA, in a brunch gathering with world mission leadership from presbyteries in our region (April 28).  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.

Mission Dinner with Hunter Farrell

Rev. Hunter Farrell will be our honored guest here in Shenango on the day of our next presbytery meeting, April 28.  Hunter is the director of our PCUSA World Mission program, which connects in ministry with Presbyterian and Reformed churches around the world and which deploys and supports all of our PCUSA mission co-workers — like our own Steve and Brenda Stelle, formerly at Faith Church in Hermitage but now serving on our behalf in Ethiopia.

Hunter will join us for a MISSION DINNER at 5pm at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, April 28.  This dinner is open to the entire presbytery and sponsored by our Mission (MCS) committee.  Although it precedes our stated meeting just down the road at Unity church, folks DO NOT need to be coming to presbytery to attend the dinner.  I am asking you to put this information in the hands of your church mission committee and/or anyone in your flock interested in world mission and world affairs.  This dinner is for them.   Anyone can RSVP to the presbytery office: office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610

May Clearance Parties

Changes have taken place in Pennsylvania laws regarding the prevention of child abuse, some of which have important implications for our congregations.  The Committee on Ministry is sponsoring two “Clearance Parties” in May…ALL pastors in any capacity are asked to attend, as these clearances are not optional for anyone.  Each gathering will be an opportunity for you to receive a basic overview of the changes, complete background checks, and compare notes with other pastors on helping sessions respond to these changes.  Lunch will be provided!

• May 14, 10:30 AM – 1 PM – Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage – Mercer Co.
• May 21, 10:30 AM – 1 PM – First Presbyterian Church, New Castle – Lawrence Co.

You will need to bring a WiFi-enabled laptop computer or iPad (or equivalent).  If you do not possess one, we can provide one for you.

To register, call the office at 724-528-1610 or click here to register online.

Dominican Partnership

For more than 20 years, members of many Presbyterian congregations here in western Pennsylvania have shared in a ministry partnership with a congregation in Sabaneta de Yasica, a small village on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.  The congregation is a part of the Iglesia Evangélica Dominicana, which is a daughter denomination of American Presbyterian and Methodist mission efforts dating back to 1900.  This year, 26 persons will be departing (this Saturday, April 18) for the annual ministry visit.  Ministry efforts include medical clinics, home repair, scholarship support, as well as Christian fellowship and worship.  Churches represented include New Wilmington, Clen-Moore, and the Presbyterian Church of Johnstown, OH.  Please pray for a safe and fruitful visit for this nearly 20 year partnership.  You can read updates about the visit here:  http://sabanetadeyasica.blogspot.com

Camp Promotion Videos

Would you like to promote Camp Lambec and Westminter Highlands in your Sunday morning service, Sunday school, kids club, or youth group?  Click on the links below to view the newest promotional videos…you can even link them to your church website, Twitter, or Facebook!

• Camp Lambec      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugz_elbIWA
• Westminster Highlands   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugFOUEVWFg

Shenango Presbytery Pastor Retreat

Re-Thinking Church
with Dr. Edwin Chr. van Driel, Associate Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary

May 18-19, 2015 at Villa Maria Conference Center

Having lived through several years of denominational conflict, many of our congregations are now facing the challenge of dropping numbers, shrinking resources, and an aging membership.  All of this could easily feel as a trigger for exhaustion and despair.  Dr. van Driel wants to suggest the opposite, though: that both our internal conflicts and our external loss of influence and status may be a God-given opportunity to once again re-imagine what it means “to be church”.  In this retreat we’ll explore together how to offer our people a life-giving understanding of being church in a post-Christendom world. Click here to register online.  Click here to download the PDF registration form.

Shenango Presbytery Scholarship

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, U.S.A.  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, 2015
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 1, 2015.

Mental Health First Aid

Sometimes, first aid isn’t a bandage or CPR or the Heimlich or calling 911.  Sometimes, first aid is YOU!  Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to people with signs the symptoms of mental illness, and connect them to the appropriate care.  Anyone can take the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course – April 29, 2015 at 8 AM at the Community Counseling Center of Mercer County (2201 East State Street, Hermitage, PA).  Please RSVP by April 22 to Shelley 724-981-7141 (ext. 326) or sdorfi@cccmer.org or Susan (ext. 180) or spoznar@cccmer.org.

Women’s Build Week

Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity is hosting a Women’s Build, May 2-10.  Work shifts are 8 – 11:30 AM or 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM.  Homemade lunches by the First Church of God ladies are included!  The build site is at 8 East Euclid Avenue in New Castle.  You may call Teri at the Habitat Office (724) 652-3438 or email her at teri.lchfh@gmail.com to schedule your shift.  We hope as many of you as possible will help us ~ if we have 300 new volunteers we are eligible for a $25,000 grant!  Also, Bruno Sammartino, Western PA Wrestling Legend will be joining our work crew on Saturday, May 9^th in the morning.  PS: This event is not just for women, guys we need your help too!

Scouting & Faith

Please join us to celebrate the positive impact Scouting & Faith have on our Community!  Moraine Trails Council Pastor Appreciation Night will showcase the movie “Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions” on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM at the Preston Environmental Center – Camp Bucoco (150 Bucoco Lane, Slippery Rock)

Perspectives Leaders’ Intensive, August 9-15, 2015

Get the full Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class in just 7 days!  This experience is designed for pastors’ study leave, seminary students, and missionaries who can’t participate in the semester-long program.  Any mission leader is welcome!  The class is taking place at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, hosted by World Mission Initiative.  Check the class website for details and for registration.  There is an early registration discount if you register by the end of May!  Email Jen if you’d like more information, jhaddox@pts.edu.

News from the Churches

Rummage Sale

Friday, May 1 from 9 AM – 2 PM and Saturday, May 2 from 9 AM – 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street).  Bake Sale!  Lunch available.  Proceeds support the mission work of the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon.

Dining to Donate

Enjoy a meal that’s filling and fulfilling.  Shenango and Northminster Presbyterian Churches’ mission trip needs your support.   Just dine at the 3300 Wilmington Road, New Castle location of Applebee’s on Sunday, May 3 from 11 AM – 11 PM and present this certificate( download: MissionApple.15) to your server or Carside to Go Specialist…and Applebee’s will donate 15% of your check to Shenango and Northminster’s trip.

Handbells Wanted

Unity Church would like to purchase a 3 octave set of handbells, preferably Shulmerich Bells.  If you have a set that you are not using or plan to use, please contact Jim Moose, 724-652-6731, or Jane Bartholomew, 724-699-1762.

Summer Ministry Coordinator Wanted

Calvin Presbyterian Church (Ellwood City) is looking for a part-time Summer Ministry Coordinator to lead programming in conjunction with a Summer Lunch Program.  This is a paid position involving at least 20 hours per week.  Contact Rev. Sean Brubaker at 724-758-4258 for more information.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Organist/Choir Director

Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director.  This is a paid position.  Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322.  Come and worship with us!

This Week:

April 16– 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at Sheakleyville (April 12). With Rev. Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore) and 24 other participants, he will share in the annual Dominican Republic ministry visit to Sabaneta de Yasica (April 18-25).  He will be hosting Rev. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Mission for the PCUSA, in a brunch gathering with world mission leadership from presbyteries in our region (April 28).  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.

Mission Dinner with Hunter Farrell

Rev. Hunter Farrell will be our honored guest here in Shenango on the day of our next presbytery meeting, April 28.  Hunter is the director of our PCUSA World Mission program, which connects in ministry with Presbyterian and Reformed churches around the world and which deploys and supports all of our PCUSA mission co-workers — like our own Steve and Brenda Stelle, formerly at Faith Church in Hermitage but now serving on our behalf in Ethiopia.

Hunter will join us for a MISSION DINNER at 5pm at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, April 28.  This dinner is open to the entire presbytery and sponsored by our Mission (MCS) committee.  Although it precedes our stated meeting just down the road at Unity church, folks DO NOT need to be coming to presbytery to attend the dinner.  I am asking you to put this information in the hands of your church mission committee and/or anyone in your flock interested in world mission and world affairs.  This dinner is for them.   Anyone can RSVP to the presbytery office: office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610

Smith Writes New Book

Gary Smith has written a new book “Religion in the Oval Office: The Religious Lives of American Presidents”.  This book explores how religion has affected the lives, politics and policies of 11 presidents, and shaped the course of history.  The book, published by Oxford University Press was released on March 31.  Read a recent article by Dr. Smith that was published in the Washington Post.

Camp Promotion Videos

Would you like to promote Camp Lambec and Westminter Highlands in your Sunday morning service, Sunday school, kids club, or youth group?  Click on the links below to view the newest promotional videos…you can even link them to your church website, Twitter, or Facebook!

• Camp Lambec      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugz_elbIWA
• Westminster Highlands   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugFOUEVWFg

PW Spring Gathering

Come and celebrate Spring and the many gifts that God has given us!  Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9 AM – lunch (registration at 8:30 AM) at Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 North Main Street, Bessemer, PA  16112  724-667-7255).  Along with the Annual Business Meeting, the Spring Gathering will showcase the myriad of talent within our own PWs.  If your PW has a talent that can be shared (such as singing, dancing, exhibition, etc.), consider a 3-5 minute performance at the gathering.  Download the registration form. Deadline to register for lunch ($6.00 per person) is April 10^th…deadline for talent registration is April 4^th.

Shenango Presbytery Pastor Retreat

Re-Thinking Church
with Dr. Edwin Chr. van Driel, Associate Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary

May 18-19, 2015 at Villa Maria Conference Center

Having lived through several years of denominational conflict, many of our congregations are now facing the challenge of dropping numbers, shrinking resources, and an aging membership.  All of this could easily feel as a trigger for exhaustion and despair.  Dr. van Driel wants to suggest the opposite, though: that both our internal conflicts and our external loss of influence and status may be a God-given opportunity to once again re-imagine what it means “to be church”.  In this retreat we’ll explore together how to offer our people a life-giving understanding of being church in a post-Christendom world. Click here to register online.  Click here to download the PDF registration form.

Shenango Presbytery Scholarship

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, U.S.A.  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, 2015
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 1, 2015.

News from the Churches

Birthday Celebration

Miss Mabel Kocher (Ruling Elder – Third, NC) and former Assoc. Professor & Librarian at Westminster College will be celebrating her 105^th Birthday on Friday, April 17^th!  Birthday cards and greetings may be sent to her at: 150 Waugh Avenue #2201, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Rummage Sale

Friday, May 1 from 9 AM – 2 PM and Saturday, May 2 from 9 AM – 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street).  Bake Sale!  Lunch available.  Proceeds support the mission work of the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon.

FREE Resources

Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship at First, Sharon, has a whole box of curriculum and resource books for children’s ministries for free.  If interested, please contact Debbie at 724-981-2211 ext. 5 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

Handbells Wanted

Unity Church would like to purchase a 3 octave set of handbells, preferably Shulmerich Bells.  If you have a set that you are not using or plan to use, please contact Jim Moose, 724-652-6731, or Jane Bartholomew, 724-699-1762.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Organist/Choir Director

Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director.  This is a paid position.  Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322.  Come and worship with us!

This Week:

April 8- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
April 9– 1:00 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at Sheakleyville (April 12). With Rev. Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore) and 24 other participants, he will share in the annual Dominican Republic ministry visit to Sabaneta de Yasica (April 18-25).  He will be hosting Rev. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Mission for the PCUSA, in a brunch gathering with world mission leadership from presbyteries in our region (April 28).  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

– TE John Creekpaum has concluded his temporary pastor service of Coolspring.

– TE Becky Branch-Trevathan, member of Central Florida presbytery and former interim at Hillside in Greenville, has begun serving as Temporary Pastor for Third New Castle.

(TE = Teaching Elder; RE = Ruling Elder; CRE = Commissioned Ruling Elder)

Mission Dinner with Hunter Farrell

Rev. Hunter Farrell will be our honored guest here in Shenango on the day of our next presbytery meeting, April 28.  Hunter is the director of our PCUSA World Mission program, which connects in ministry with Presbyterian and Reformed churches around the world and which deploys and supports all of our PCUSA mission co-workers — like our own Steve and Brenda Stelle, formerly at Faith Church in Hermitage but now serving on our behalf in Ethiopia.

Hunter will join us for a MISSION DINNER at 5pm at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, April 28.  This dinner is open to the entire presbytery and sponsored by our Mission (MCS) committee.  Although it precedes our stated meeting just down the road at Unity church, folks DO NOT need to be coming to presbytery to attend the dinner.  I am asking you to put this information in the hands of your church mission committee and/or anyone in your flock interested in world mission and world affairs.  This dinner is for them.   Anyone can RSVP to the presbytery office: office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610

Camp Promotion Videos

Would you like to promote Camp Lambec and Westminter Highlands in your Sunday morning service, Sunday school, kids club, or youth group?  Click on the links below to view the newest promotional videos…you can even link them to your church website, Twitter, or Facebook!

• Camp Lambec      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugz_elbIWA
• Westminster Highlands   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugFOUEVWFg

PW Spring Gathering

Come and celebrate Spring and the many gifts that God has given us!  Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9 AM – lunch (registration at 8:30 AM) at Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 North Main Street, Bessemer, PA  16112  724-667-7255).  Along with the Annual Business Meeting, the Spring Gathering will showcase the myriad of talent within our own PWs.  If your PW has a talent that can be shared (such as singing, dancing, exhibition, etc.), consider a 3-5 minute performance at the gathering.  Download the registration form. Deadline to register for lunch ($6.00 per person) is April 10^th…deadline for talent registration is April 4^th.

Shenango Presbytery Pastor Retreat

Re-Thinking Church
with Dr. Edwin Chr. van Driel, Associate Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary

May 18-19, 2015 at Villa Maria Conference Center

Having lived through several years of denominational conflict, many of our congregations are now facing the challenge of dropping numbers, shrinking resources, and an aging membership.  All of this could easily feel as a trigger for exhaustion and despair.  Dr. van Driel wants to suggest the opposite, though: that both our internal conflicts and our external loss of influence and status may be a God-given opportunity to once again re-imagine what it means “to be church”.  In this retreat we’ll explore together how to offer our people a life-giving understanding of being church in a post-Christendom world. Click here to register online.  Click here to download the PDF registration form.

Shenango Presbytery Scholarship

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, U.S.A.  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, 2015
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 1, 2015.

“connect2christ” Youth Rally

Are you looking for an exciting worship experience for your youth group?  Then we have the place for you!  The First Presbyterian Church of Franklin will be hosting a “connect2christ” youth rally on Saturday May 30, 2015 at the Franklin High School.  We are inviting young people from all over to come and connect to Christ during an exciting time of worship.

The rally will be opened up by local Christian rock group Anvah followed by the Grammy, Dove, and Stellar nominated Christian Hip Hop Artist Derek Minor.  Derek’s album “Minorville” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Album Chart and #2 on both the Christian and Rap charts. His most recent project, “Empire” was released on January 27, 2015, and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Rap Chart. Derek will be engaging us with some great music and a great message about “Overcoming Adversity”.  It is a message that our youth needs to hear today!

Through this rally, we pray the Holy Spirit would transform lives and move young people to live with greater purpose for Christ. We hope you will bring your youth group to join us for a wonderful evening of worship. This is a FREE event but we are asking you to remember the hungry and donate one canned food item per person to benefit local food pantries.

Seating is limited, so it is best to pre-register.  For more information and to reserve tickets, check out our website at www.franklinpresbyyouth.org or call us at (814)432-4318. You may also contact Tina Kaye at tinakaye71@gmail.com or cell number at 814-382-8589.  Remember that seating is limited so pre-register today!!

News from the Churches

Birthday Celebration

Miss Mabel Kocher (Ruling Elder – Third, NC) and former Assoc. Professor & Librarian at Westminster College will be celebrating her 105^th Birthday on Friday, April 17^th!  Birthday cards and greetings may be sent to her at: 150 Waugh Avenue #2201, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

FREE Resources

Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship at First, Sharon, has a whole box of curriculum and resource books for children’s ministries for free.  If interested, please contact Debbie at 724-981-2211 ext. 5 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

Handbells Wanted

Unity Church would like to purchase a 3 octave set of handbells, preferably Shulmerich Bells.  If you have a set that you are not using or plan to use, please contact Jim Moose, 724-652-6731, or Jane Bartholomew, 724-699-1762.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Organist/Choir Director

Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director.  This is a paid position.  Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322.  Come and worship with us!

This Week:

April 3- OFFICE CLOSED, Good Friday
April 7- 9:30 AM Council, Bessemer Presbyterian Church
April 8- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

Mission Dinner with Hunter Farrell

Rev. Hunter Farrell will be our honored guest here in Shenango on the day of our next presbytery meeting, April 28.  Hunter is the director of our PCUSA World Mission program, which connects in ministry with Presbyterian and Reformed churches around the world and which deploys and supports all of our PCUSA mission co-workers — like our own Steve and Brenda Stelle, formerly at Faith Church in Hermitage but now serving on our behalf in Ethiopia.

Hunter will join us for a MISSION DINNER at 5pm at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, April 28.  This dinner is open to the entire presbytery and sponsored by our Mission (MCS) committee.  Although it precedes our stated meeting just down the road at Unity church, folks DO NOT need to be coming to presbytery to attend the dinner.  I am asking you to put this information in the hands of your church mission committee and/or anyone in your flock interested in world mission and world affairs.  This dinner is for them.   Anyone can RSVP to the presbytery office: office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610

Camp Promotion Videos

Would you like to promote Camp Lambec and Westminter Highlands in your Sunday morning service, Sunday school, kids club, or youth group?  Click on the links below to view the newest promotional videos…you can even link them to your church website, Twitter, or Facebook!

• Camp Lambec      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugz_elbIWA
• Westminster Highlands   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugFOUEVWFg

PW Spring Gathering

Come and celebrate Spring and the many gifts that God has given us!  Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9 AM – lunch (registration at 8:30 AM) at Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 North Main Street, Bessemer, PA  16112  724-667-7255).  Along with the Annual Business Meeting, the Spring Gathering will showcase the myriad of talent within our own PWs.  If your PW has a talent that can be shared (such as singing, dancing, exhibition, etc.), consider a 3-5 minute performance at the gathering.  Download the registration form. Deadline to register for lunch ($6.00 per person) is April 10^th…deadline for talent registration is April 4^th.

Shenango Presbytery Pastor Retreat

Re-Thinking Church
with Dr. Edwin Chr. van Driel, Associate Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary

May 18-19, 2015 at Villa Maria Conference Center

Having lived through several years of denominational conflict, many of our congregations are now facing the challenge of dropping numbers, shrinking resources, and an aging membership.  All of this could easily feel as a trigger for exhaustion and despair.  Dr. van Driel wants to suggest the opposite, though: that both our internal conflicts and our external loss of influence and status may be a God-given opportunity to once again re-imagine what it means “to be church”.  In this retreat we’ll explore together how to offer our people a life-giving understanding of being church in a post-Christendom world. Click here to register online.  Click here to download the PDF registration form.

Shenango Presbytery Scholarship

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, U.S.A.  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, 2015
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 1, 2015.

News from the Churches

FREE Resources

Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship at First, Sharon, has a whole box of curriculum and resource books for children’s ministries for free.  If interested, please contact Debbie at 724-981-2211 ext. 5 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

Handbells Wanted

Unity Church would like to purchase a 3 octave set of handbells, preferably Shulmerich Bells.  If you have a set that you are not using or plan to use, please contact Jim Moose, 724-652-6731, or Jane Bartholomew, 724-699-1762.

Secretary Wanted

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer is searching for a new Church Secretary/Financial Secretary for 25 hours each week.  The position will open as of June 1^st.  Please call Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 for more information.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Organist/Choir Director

Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director.  This is a paid position.  Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322.  Come and worship with us!

Sympathy

David Dawson’s (former EP) mother died peacefully this morning (not unexpected).  The visiting hours will be at Marshall’s Funeral Home in Wampum (across the street from the church) on Friday from 4 – 8 pm and the service will be led by Bill McGary at the Wampum Church at 11 am on Saturday.

This Week:

March 31- 9:30 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office

Mission Dinner with Hunter Farrell

Rev. Hunter Farrell will be our honored guest here in Shenango on the day of our next presbytery meeting, April 28.  Hunter is the director of our PCUSA World Mission program, which connects in ministry with Presbyterian and Reformed churches around the world and which deploys and supports all of our PCUSA mission co-workers — like our own Steve and Brenda Stelle, formerly at Faith Church in Hermitage but now serving on our behalf in Ethiopia.

Hunter will join us for a MISSION DINNER at 5pm at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, April 28.  This dinner is open to the entire presbytery and sponsored by our Mission (MCS) committee.  Although it precedes our stated meeting just down the road at Unity church, folks DO NOT need to be coming to presbytery to attend the dinner.  I am asking you to put this information in the hands of your church mission committee and/or anyone in your flock interested in world mission and world affairs.  This dinner is for them.   Anyone can RSVP to the presbytery office: office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610

Camp Promotion Videos

Would you like to promote Camp Lambec and Westminter Highlands in your Sunday morning service, Sunday school, kids club, or youth group?  Click on the links below to view the newest promotional videos…you can even link them to your church website, Twitter, or Facebook!

• Camp Lambec      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ugz_elbIWA
• Westminster Highlands   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yugFOUEVWFg

News From The PC(USA)

The Young Adult Volunteer program is on its way to tripling its size. With sites in 6 countries around the world and 12 sites in the United States, young adults are committed to a year of service while living in intentional community and engaging in vocational discernment. Up to a third of the alums go on to seminary.  Read more here.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality extends an invitation to the community to attend our Palm Sunday Vespers on Sunday, March 29^th at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel.   The service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Rev. Jim Mohr, College Chaplain will be preaching “In the Crowd, Waving”, and music will be provided by the Second Chance Praise Team and the Westminster Women’s Chorus.

PW Spring Gathering

Come and celebrate Spring and the many gifts that God has given us!  Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9 AM – lunch (registration at 8:30 AM) at Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 North Main Street, Bessemer, PA  16112  724-667-7255).  Along with the Annual Business Meeting, the Spring Gathering will showcase the myriad of talent within our own PWs.  If your PW has a talent that can be shared (such as singing, dancing, exhibition, etc.), consider a 3-5 minute performance at the gathering.  Download the registration form. Deadline to register for lunch ($6.00 per person) is April 10^th…deadline for talent registration is April 4^th.

Shenango Presbytery Pastor Retreat

Re-Thinking Church
with Dr. Edwin Chr. van Driel, Associate Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary

May 18-19, 2015 at Villa Maria Conference Center

Having lived through several years of denominational conflict, many of our congregations are now facing the challenge of dropping numbers, shrinking resources, and an aging membership.  All of this could easily feel as a trigger for exhaustion and despair.  Dr. van Driel wants to suggest the opposite, though: that both our internal conflicts and our external loss of influence and status may be a God-given opportunity to once again re-imagine what it means “to be church”.  In this retreat we’ll explore together how to offer our people a life-giving understanding of being church in a post-Christendom world. Click here to register online.  Click here to download the PDF registration form.

Shenango Presbytery Scholarship

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, U.S.A.  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, 2015
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 1, 2015.

News from the Churches

FREE Resources

Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship at First, Sharon, has a whole box of curriculum and resource books for children’s ministries for free.  If interested, please contact Debbie at 724-981-2211 ext. 5 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Dinner at Bessemer PC

Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, the Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer) will be holding a Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Dinner to benefit the Church’s General Fund.  Adults $9.00, Children 9-12 $5.00, Children 5 and under FREE.  Eat In or Take Out available.  Call the church office for tickets at 724-667-7255.

Handbells Wanted

Unity Church would like to purchase a 3 octave set of handbells, preferably Shulmerich Bells.  If you have a set that you are not using or plan to use, please contact Jim Moose, 724-652-6731, or Jane Bartholomew, 724-699-1762.

Secretary Wanted

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer is searching for a new Church Secretary/Financial Secretary for 25 hours each week.  The position will open as of June 1^st.  Please call Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 for more information.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Organist/Choir Director

Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director.  This is a paid position.  Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322.  Come and worship with us!

This Week:

March 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Presbytery Office
March 20- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be attending the spring Synod of the Trinity meeting at State College (Mar 23-24) and giving a lecture on Christian vocation at Montreat College (March 30).  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.

World Christian Discipleship

The World Christian Discipleship program is receiving applications for 2015-16.  WCD, a program of World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, is a nine-month immersion in missional formation for young adult Christians.  Participants are formed spiritually as they engage in the church’s rich heritage through reading, prayer and regular fellowship with one another (a rule of life for the 21st century), while participating in ministry in the local church and mission to the world.  Evan Wildhack, recent Westminster College graduate and member of the New Wilmington church, is a graduate of the WCD program.  Contact Rev. Tom Ribar for more information.

World Christian Pilgrimages

World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Seminary

In October 2015, WMI is offering two opportunities for travel:

– South East Asia – This October 15-27 journey led by Don Dawson will continue to build on WMI’s long-standing relationship (12 years and 19 visits) with an Unreached People Group in SE Asia.  Participants will meet with and encourage leaders of the Christian movement among this People Group, and share with and learn from our brothers and sisters.

– Armenia – In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, join World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Seminary on a 10-day journey to a beautiful, ancient Christian homeland October 8-19, 2015. Enjoy worship, warm hospitality, and discussions with all three ecumenical church partners – Apostolic, Catholic and Evangelical.  You will be immersed in the faith-based community development projects of the Jinishian Memorial Program in this post-Soviet republic.  Eliza Minasyan, Executive Director and Cara Taylor of JMP will be the leaders.  Seehttp://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/index.php/trips/fall for details.

News From The PC(USA)

The Young Adult Volunteer program is on its way to tripling its size. With sites in 6 countries around the world and 12 sites in the United States, young adults are committed to a year of service while living in intentional community and engaging in vocational discernment. Up to a third of the alums go on to seminary.  Read more here.

Looking For Donations For The Dominican Republic

25 persons, most from Shenango churches, will make the annual ministry visit to Sabaneta de Yasica, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.  At least three Shenango churches have shared in a partnership with a Iglesia Evangélica Dominicana congregation in that community.  The IED was founded by American Presbyterians, Methodists, and Moravians.  To support the ongoing ministry of the Sabaneta congregation, we are looking for donations for the following items:

– working video projectors, new or used

– new or gentle used baseballs and gloves

– pencils, paper, crayons and general school supplies

– new or gentle used liturgical stoles for a female pastor

– a gently used communion set (trays for small cups and plate(s) for bread)

Items can be dropped off at the presbytery office by April 13, 2015, or contact the office if you need someone to pick up some items.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality Chapel Drama will present the musical “Leap of Faith” on Friday, March 20^th at 7:30 PM, Saturday, March 21^st at 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 22^nd at 6:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel.  The musical is free and open to the public.  A free will offering will be received at the intermission in support of the show and Campus Ministry programming.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality extends an invitation to the community to attend our Palm Sunday Vespers on Sunday, March 29^th at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel.   The service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Rev. Jim Mohr, College Chaplain will be preaching “In the Crowd, Waving”, and music will be provided by the Second Chance Praise Team and the Westminster Women’s Chorus.

PW Spring Gathering

Come and celebrate Spring and the many gifts that God has given us!  Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9 AM – lunch (registration at 8:30 AM) at Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 North Main Street, Bessemer, PA  16112  724-667-7255).  Along with the Annual Business Meeting, the Spring Gathering will showcase the myriad of talent within our own PWs.  If your PW has a talent that can be shared (such as singing, dancing, exhibition, etc.), consider a 3-5 minute performance at the gathering.  Download the registration form.  Deadline to register for lunch ($6.00 per person) is April 10^th…deadline for talent registration is April 4^th.

Shenango Presbytery Pastor Retreat

Re-Thinking Church
with Dr. Edwin Chr. van Driel, Associate Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary

May 18-19, 2015 at Villa Maria Conference Center

Having lived through several years of denominational conflict, many of our congregations are now facing the challenge of dropping numbers, shrinking resources, and an aging membership.  All of this could easily feel as a trigger for exhaustion and despair.  Dr. van Driel wants to suggest the opposite, though: that both our internal conflicts and our external loss of influence and status may be a God-given opportunity to once again re-imagine what it means “to be church”.  In this retreat we’ll explore together how to offer our people a life-giving understanding of being church in a post-Christendom world.  Click here to register online.  Click here to download the PDF registration form.

Shenango Presbytery Scholarship

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, U.S.A.  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, 2015
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 1, 2015.

2015 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry

Engaging, reflective, and theologically substantive, the 2015 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry will focus on the role of the Holy Spirit in youth ministry.  The Brothers of Taize will lead worship in Princeton University Chapel, and an exciting cast of leaders will give lectures and offer classes.  Renew your energy for ministry as you create vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul.  Learn more and register at http://www.iym.ptsem.edu.

News from the Churches

FREE Resources

Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship at First, Sharon, has a whole box of curriculum and resource books for children’s ministries for free.  If interested, please contact Debbie at 724-981-2211 ext. 5 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Dinner at Bessemer PC

Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, the Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer) will be holding a Creamed Chicken and Biscuits Dinner to benefit the Church’s General Fund.  Adults $9.00, Children 9-12 $5.00, Children 5 and under FREE.  Eat In or Take Out available.  Call the church office for tickets at 724-667-7255.

Secretary Wanted

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer is searching for a new Church Secretary/Financial Secretary for 25 hours each week.  The position will open as of June 1^st.  Please call Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 for more information.

Music Director Wanted

Coolspring Presbyterian Church is looking for a Music Director responsible for 1 Sunday service and Choir.  Piano and/or organ experience.  This is a paid position.  Please call 724-475-3712 and leave a message with your contact information if interested.

Organist/Choir Director

Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist/choir director.  This is a paid position.  Please contact Amy Na at the church office at 724-654-2322.  Come and worship with us!