Evensong Cancelled

Due to the predicted cold temperatures for Sunday evening and an icy parking lot, Evensong at Unity Presbyterian Church has been cancelled.

Come and meet Elmarie and Scott Parker

Elmaire and Scott Parker have been serving Christ this past year in the Middle East.  Hear how the Church is sharing the hope and love found only in Christ with all those around them during this very challenging time.

• Saturday, February 28:  3 pm Presbytery Event, Trinity Presbyterian Church (110 East Market Street, Mercer, PA 16137).
• Sunday, March 1 for Worship:  Elmarie  at 11:00 pm, Trinity Presbyterian Church (110 East Market Street, Mercer, PA 16137)  Scott at 10:30, Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church (220 Clen-Moore Blvd., New Castle, PA 16102)
• Evening Presbytery reception at 6:00 pm, MoCo  (new coffee house in Bessemer)  206 E. Poland Ave, Bessemer, PA 16112

Annual Report Issues

Many churches have reported trouble trying to log-in to do their GA online statistics.  If you are ending up in the “Church Directory” it is because you are using the Internet Explorer web browser.  There are instructions found at the bottom of the main “Statistical Reporting” page to help you fix Internet Explorer’s compatibility issues…a few simple steps should solve the problem.  You can also use a different browser, such as Safari, Chrome, or Firefox…we haven’t experienced any compatibility problems with these browsers.  If you have any questions, please contact the Presbytery Office.

This Week:

February 11- 10:00 AM Missional Experimentation Group, Beaver-Butler Presbytery Office
February 12- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
 

Annual Reports

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 password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 18, 2014 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, preached at Clen-Moore on February 1 and will preach at Westfield, ECO (February 15) and at Wurtemburg (February 22). He met with current Commissioned Ruling Elders and those who have completed CRE training (February 8).  With Rev. Rich Kinney (Highland), he will being sharing photos and stories from their November 2014 visit with Presbyterian partners in Egypt and Sudan (February 15).  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.

An Honor

Michalee Christy (wife of Aaron Christy, Director of Youth & Family Ministries, Clen-Moore PC) has been named “Teacher of the Year in the State of Pennsylvania”.  She is now in the running for national Teacher of the Year.  An interview with Michalee will be in the April issue of “Views and Voices” that comes with the Sharon Herald.

Did You Know?  An Update on Church Partners in Egypt and Sudan

Revs. Rich Kinney (Highland, New Castle) and Ralph Hawkins (Executive Presbyter) will present pictures and updates on historical Presbyterian church partnership in two African countries with ancient histories: Egypt and Sudan.  Rich and Ralph traveled on behalf of Shenango to the horn of Africa in November 2014 and will share stories, facts, and updates from their visit with mission partners.  Sunday, Feb 15, 7pm at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.

Fellowship Community

The Lebanon and Jamestown congregations have found the commitments and the resources of the Fellowship Community (formerly “Fellowship of Presbyterians”) to be an asset in our present denominational environment.  Both churches have joined this movement; likely other Shenango churches would benefit as well.  Check out their website and reach out Augie Hurst (Lebanon), Don Stanely (Jamestown), or myself for more information. — Ralph Hawkins

Prayer Chain List

Our EP Ralph Hawkins sends occasional (public) prayer concerns to some of the prayer groups that meet in our presbytery churches.  Currently Calvin, Lebanon, First New Castle, Bell Memorial, Sandy Lake, First Sharon, Third New Castle, Stoneboro, and New Wilmington churches are included.  If your congregation has a prayer ministry and would like to be included in this ministry, please let Ralph know at ralph@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.

2015 Egypt Trip

Join the PC(USA) Liaison, Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman on a weeklong in-country Synod of the Nile/Egyptian Tourism trip for adults on either April 25-May 5, 2015 or October 10-20, 2015.  Cost is $800 (not including airfare, visa fees, or personal expenses).  A PDF brochure is available from the Presbytery Office, or you can contact Steve atstevesynodgorman@gmail.com for more details.

2015 IRS Mileage Rates Announced

The rate for reimbursement of business mileage for 2015 was recently announced by the Internal Revenue Service as 57.5 cents per mile.  The rate in 2014 was 56 cents a mile.  Charitable mileage for which a deduction can be taken remains at 14 cents a mile.  Thank you for making this information available to your church treasurer.

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.

The World Christian Discipleship program is receiving applications for 2015-16

– www.wcdpittsburgh.com.  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.  Contact Rev. Tom Ribar – tbribar@gmail.com.

Continuing Education Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Area

This spring the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will be in Pittsburgh, leading two training events for church leaders.  Healthy Congregations will take place on March 20-21, 2015 at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church.  Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders will take place from May 11-15, 2015 also at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church.  More information on both events can be found at www.LMPeaceCenter.org.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality and the Department of Music presents “Love and Loss” featuring the Fauré Requiem performed by the Combined Choirs of Westminster College, chamber orchestra and soloist on Sunday, February 15^th at 7:00 PM as part of the Sunday Night Vespers Service in Wallace Memorial Chapel.    A Free Concert will also be held on Saturday, February 14^th at 4:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, PA.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality Ash Wednesday Worship on February 18^th at 11:40 AM and 4:30 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel.  Father Michael Peck, Rector at St. Camillus Church in New Castle, PA will be the preacher at the 4:30 PM service, with music by the Women’s Chorus.  The 11:40 AM service will be a brief service with Distribution of Ashes at both services.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality presents the 29^th Annual Christy Lecture on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel with guest speaker, Dr. R. Bruce Bickel.  Dr. Bickel is the president and founder of Transformational Leadership Group, a company he formed in 2003 to train audiences in character-based leadership. As a dynamic, motivational speaker, Dr. Bickel is committed to transforming the way leaders can achieve both individual and organizational excellence.

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.

News from the Churches

 Treat Your Valentine To A Free Concert on Valentine’s Day!

On February 14^th, at 4:00 PM the combined choirs (80-90 singers) of Westminster College, along with an orchestra, will present a free concert at First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon.  Conducted by Dr. Samuel Barbara, Director of Choirs at Westminster, the program will feature the beautiful “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure, along with smaller works.  Why not treat your Valentine to a beautiful concert before your Valentine’s Day dinner, and support Westminster’s choirs at the same time?  It will be a very special time!

Evensong

Third Sunday of each month at Unity Presbyterian Church (318 west of Mercer).  Potluck at 5:30, Hymn singing at 6:15 to 7:30.  All are welcome, come worship the Lord with us!

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:

February 8- 6:30 PM CRE Gathering, Evelyn Beebe’s Home
 

Annual Reports

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 password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 18, 2014 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” 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 was January 31, 2015.  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 13th!

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, preached at Clen-Moore on February 1 and will preach at Westfield, ECO (February 15) and at Wurtemburg (February 22). He will be meeting with current Commissioned Ruling Elders and those who have completed CRE training (February 8).  With Rev. Rich Kinney (Highland), he will being sharing photos and stories from their November 2014 visit with Presbyterian partners in Egypt and Sudan (February 15).  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.

Honoring Dr. and Mrs. Bailey

Thank you to all who attended the Open Hearts in Bethlehem play at Trinity Church in Mercer. The $4,000 donated to the Diyar Consortium in Bethlehem by those in attendance was matched by a couple in Indiana so $8,000 was given through Bright Stars in Bethlehem in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Bailey’s service to and love for the people of the Middle East.  We are so pleased.

Did You Know?  An Update on Church Partners in Egypt and Sudan

Revs. Rich Kinney (Highland, New Castle) and Ralph Hawkins (Executive Presbyter) will present pictures and updates on historical Presbyterian church partnership in two African countries with ancient histories: Egypt and Sudan.  Rich and Ralph traveled on behalf of Shenango to the horn of Africa in November 2014 and will share stories, facts, and updates from their visit with mission partners.  Sunday, Feb 15, 7pm at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.

Fellowship Community

The Lebanon and Jamestown congregations have found the commitments and the resources of the Fellowship Community (formerly “Fellowship of Presbyterians”) to be an asset in our present denominational environment.  Both churches have joined this movement; likely other Shenango churches would benefit as well.  Check out their website and reach out Augie Hurst (Lebanon), Don Stanely (Jamestown), or myself for more information. — Ralph Hawkins

Prayer Chain List

Our EP Ralph Hawkins sends occasional (public) prayer concerns to some of the prayer groups that meet in our presbytery churches.  Currently Calvin, Lebanon, First New Castle, Bell Memorial, Sandy Lake, First Sharon, Third New Castle, Stoneboro, and New Wilmington churches are included.  If your congregation has a prayer ministry and would like to be included in this ministry, please let Ralph know at ralph@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.

2015 Egypt Trip

Join the PC(USA) Liaison, Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman on a weeklong in-country Synod of the Nile/Egyptian Tourism trip for adults on either April 25-May 5, 2015 or October 10-20, 2015.  Cost is $800 (not including airfare, visa fees, or personal expenses).  A PDF brochure is available from the Presbytery Office, or you can contact Steve at stevesynodgorman@gmail.com for more details.

2015 IRS Mileage Rates Announced

The rate for reimbursement of business mileage for 2015 was recently announced by the Internal Revenue Service as 57.5 cents per mile.  The rate in 2014 was 56 cents a mile.  Charitable mileage for which a deduction can be taken remains at 14 cents a mile.  Thank you for making this information available to your church treasurer.

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.

The World Christian Discipleship program is receiving applications for 2015-16

– www.wcdpittsburgh.com.  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.  Contact Rev. Tom Ribar – tbribar@gmail.com.

Continuing Education Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Area

This spring the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will be in Pittsburgh, leading two training events for church leaders.  Healthy Congregations will take place on March 20-21, 2015 at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church.  Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders will take place from May 11-15, 2015 also at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church.  More information on both events can be found at www.LMPeaceCenter.org.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality and the Department of Music presents “Love and Loss” featuring the Fauré Requiem performed by the Combined Choirs of Westminster College, chamber orchestra and soloist on Sunday, February 15^th at 7:00 PM as part of the Sunday Night Vespers Service in Wallace Memorial Chapel.    A Free Concert will also be held on Saturday, February 14^th at 4:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, PA.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality Ash Wednesday Worship on February 18^th at 11:40 AM and 4:30 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel.  Father Michael Peck, Rector at St. Camillus Church in New Castle, PA will be the preacher at the 4:30 PM service, with music by the Women’s Chorus.  The 11:40 AM service will be a brief service with Distribution of Ashes at both services.

Westminster College Office of Faith and Spirituality presents the 29^th Annual Christy Lecture on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel with guest speaker, Dr. R. Bruce Bickel.  Dr. Bickel is the president and founder of Transformational Leadership Group, a company he formed in 2003 to train audiences in character-based leadership. As a dynamic, motivational speaker, Dr. Bickel is committed to transforming the way leaders can achieve both individual and organizational excellence.

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.

News from the Churches

 Treat Your Valentine To A Free Concert on Valentine’s Day!

On February 14^th, at 4:00 PM the combined choirs (80-90 singers) of Westminster College, along with an orchestra, will present a free concert at First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon.  Conducted by Dr. Samuel Barbara, Director of Choirs at Westminster, the program will feature the beautiful “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure, along with smaller works.  Why not treat your Valentine to a beautiful concert before your Valentine’s Day dinner, and support Westminster’s choirs at the same time?  It will be a very special time!

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.

Educational Videotapes

Calvin Presbyterian Church is cleaning out its library and they have many Christian Children’s and Educational videotapes (VCR required!) that they are no longer in need of.  If anybody can use them, they are more than welcome to come get them.  Contact the church office at 724-758-4258 by the end of December.

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!

Mourning

Rev. Glenn Hink (1st Sharon) is mourning the loss of his father, Herb, who died on Friday, January 23, 2015, in Portland, Oregon.

The Presbytery Office will be closed today due to weather conditions. The office will re-open tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This Week:

January 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC
January 27- 9:30 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office

Annual Reports

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 password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 18, 2014 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” 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, 2015.  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 13th!

Belhar Lunch

“We believe in the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects and cares for the church through Word and Spirit. This, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end.”  So begins the Belhar Confession, which has been sent to the presbyteries for a vote regarding its inclusion in our Book of Confessions.  Shenango will vote at our February stated meeting.  Come hear more about the pros and cons of Belhar at a  lunch and discussion on Tuesday, February 3, at noon at The Confluence, 214 East Washington Street in New Castle, hosted by EP Ralph Hawkins and our CE committee.  Our guest will be Rev. Cathy Purves, minister member of Pittsburgh Presbytery.  RSVP with the presbytery office.

Egypt/Sudan Presentation

On Sunday, February 15^th, 7 PM, the Mission Committee of New Wilmington Church will host Rich Kinney (Highland) and Ralph Hawkins (EP) as they share pictures, stories, and updates from their November visit with Presbyterians in Egypt and Sudan.  Childcare will be provided.

LeaderFest A Great Blessing

Despite a chilly and dark morning, more than 150 leaders gathered in New Wilmington from PCUSA and ECO churches for our annual LeaderFest event.  Dr. Roger Owens, new faculty member at Pittsburgh Seminary, challenged us with a reminder not to get trapped by “shiny things” from our past.  “Missional leaders let go of their own agendas in order to be attentive to the voice of God,” he taught.  Workshop presenters covered a range of leadership topics, including deacons, church buildings, clerks, etc.  Our thanks to RE Andrea Hall (Hillside) and the members of our Christian Education Committee for putting on another excellent gathering.  It was a good day to be Shenango presbytery.  #leaderfest15 – RWH

Dominican Republic Visit

Our EP Ralph Hawkins is this week attending the annual General Assembly of the Iglesia Evangelica Dominica, the denomination of 65 churches founded by Presbyterians and Methodists nearly 100 years ago.  More recently, several of our Shenango congregations have enjoyed an ongoing mission partnership with one of the IED congregations on the northern coast of this island.  This week, Ralph will be meeting with partnership leaders, preaching twice for the GA gathering, and brining greetings from Shenango Presbytery.  Deacon Marite Haynes (New Wilmington) will also be attending, as an interpreter.

Prayer Chain List

Our EP Ralph Hawkins sends occasional (public) prayer concerns to some of the prayer groups that meet in our presbytery churches.  Currently Calvin, Lebanon, First New Castle, Bell Memorial, Sandy Lake, First Sharon, Third New Castle, Stoneboro, and New Wilmington churches are included.  If your congregation has a prayer ministry and would like to be included in this ministry, please let Ralph know at ralph@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.

2015 Egypt Trip

Join the PC(USA) Liaison, Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman on a weeklong in-country Synod of the Nile/Egyptian Tourism trip for adults on either April 25-May 5, 2015 or October 10-20, 2015.  Cost is $800 (not including airfare, visa fees, or personal expenses).  A PDF brochure is available from the Presbytery Office, or you can contact Steve atstevesynodgorman@gmail.com for more details.

News from the Churches

Treat Your Valentine To A Free Concert on Valentine’s Day!

On February 14^th, at 4:00 PM the combined choirs (80-90 singers) of Westminster College, along with an orchestra, will present a free concert at First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon.  Conducted by Dr. Samuel Barbara, Director of Choirs at Westminster, the program will feature the beautiful “Requiem” by Gabriel Faure, along with smaller works.  Why not treat your Valentine to a beautiful concert before your Valentine’s Day dinner, and support Westminster’s choirs at the same time?  It will be a very special time!

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.

Educational Videotapes

Calvin Presbyterian Church is cleaning out its library and they have many Christian Children’s and Educational videotapes (VCR required!) that they are no longer in need of.  If anybody can use them, they are more than welcome to come get them.  Contact the church office at 724-758-4258 by the end of December.

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!

Church Secretary Needed

Part-time Church Secretary needed at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City.  15 hours per week.  Knowledge of Word, Excel, & Publisher.  Knowledge of MS Access or experience with databases, is a plus.  Please send a cover letter and resume to nspc@zoominternet.net.

Sunday School Materials Requested

Steve and Brenda Stelle (currently serving in Ethiopia) are in search of old Sunday school materials.  The churches in Ethiopia can always use any Sunday School materials from the U.S.  If your church has any materials that you could donate, please contact Miriam Gwin before Monday evening at 724-667-8321 or wlgwin@att.net.

This Week:

January 14- 10:00 AM Transition Team, Presbytery Office
January 16- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
1:30 PM Christian Education Committee, Westminster College
January 17- 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM LEADERFEST, Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church
January 19- OFFICE CLOSED, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
January 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC

Mourning

Rev. Brian Ennis (Fairfield & Milledgeville) is mourning the loss of his mother, Esther Duran Ennis, age 89, of Millcreek Twp., who died Saturday, January 10, 2015, at Jameson Hospital, New Castle, Pa.

Register for LeaderFest!

We’ll be accepting online registrations until NOON on Friday, January 16th…registrations will also be taken at the door on the 17th.  LeaderFest is Shenango Presbytery’s annual leadership training event for officers, leaders, and all people who desire to be equipped to do God’s work in the world. This year, it will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Dr. Roger Owens from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will lead the keynote discussion on, “Innovating Life with God: Keys to Missional Leadership in the Congregation.”  Registration for LeaderFest is $20/person, which includes materials and lunch.  Register Online  Note: Both of Dr. Owens’ seminars are filled to capacity, and we are no longer accepting registrations for those workshops.  There is still room in many of the other seminars though!

Annual Reports

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 password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 18, 2014 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” 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, 2015.  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 13th!

Nomination Wanted

If you know a Ruling Elder (active or inactive) that you feel could be of service to the presbytery through one of our committees, please forward her/his name and contact information to RE Mark Arnold (moderator of Nominations committee), EP Ralph Hawkins, or office staff Autumn Covert at the presbytery office.

Belhar Lunch

“We believe in the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects and cares for the church through Word and Spirit. This, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end.”  So begins the Belhar Confession, which has been sent to the presbyteries for a vote regarding its inclusion in our Book of Confessions.  Shenango will vote at our February stated meeting.  Come hear more about the pros and cons of Belhar at a  lunch and discussion on Tuesday, February 3, at noon at The Confluence, 214 East Washington Street in New Castle, hosted by EP Ralph Hawkins and our CE committee.  Our guest will be Rev. Cathy Purves, minister member of Pittsburgh Presbytery.  RSVP with the presbytery office.

Prayer Chain List

Our EP Ralph Hawkins sends occasional (public) prayer concerns to some of the prayer groups that meet in our presbytery churches.  Currently Calvin, Lebanon, First New Castle, Bell Memorial, Sandy Lake, First Sharon, Third New Castle, Stoneboro, and New Wilmington churches are included.  If your congregation has a prayer ministry and would like to be included in this ministry, please let Ralph know at ralph@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, preached at Sandy Lake church (January 11) and will preach at the City Rescue Mission in New Castle (January 18).  He will lead a 2-part workshop for ordained Deacons at Saturday’s LeaderFest event (January 17).  He will be preaching twice and bringing greetings to the annual General Assembly of the Iglesia Evangélica Dominicana (January 21-24), the denomination in the Dominican Republic with whom several Shenango churches share a 20+ year mission partnership.  Ralph welcomes invitations 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.

Message from Sylvia Graham de Araujo Noaes in Brazil

“It is due to my pregnancy I will no longer be able to come to the USA from January 24, 2015 through February 9, 2015.  Because my missionary work is completed, I will not need the support I received from your generous donations.  I plan to come to the United States sometime in the future, but just as a visitor.  Thank you for your support of my mother, Janet, and me in our ministry at Grace Memorial Hospital.”

5th Annual Douse for a House

Join the Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, February 14, 2015 for a Polar Plunge at Moraine State Park.  For $100 in sponsors/donations, an individual or team can enter the Plunge (access the form at http://www.lchfh-pa.org)…In 2014, 78 Plungers raised $26,000, one-third the amount needed to build a new house for a Habitat family.  You can help to increase that amount this year and make another family’s dream come true.

2015 Egypt Trip

Join the PC(USA) Liaison, Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman on a weeklong in-country Synod of the Nile/Egyptian Tourism trip for adults on either April 25-May 5, 2015 or October 10-20, 2015.  Cost is $800 (not including airfare, visa fees, or personal expenses).  A PDF brochure is available from the Presbytery Office, or you can contact Steve atstevesynodgorman@gmail.com for more details.

News from the Churches

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.

Educational Videotapes

Calvin Presbyterian Church is cleaning out its library and they have many Christian Children’s and Educational videotapes (VCR required!) that they are no longer in need of.  If anybody can use them, they are more than welcome to come get them.  Contact the church office at 724-758-4258 by the end of December.

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!

Church Secretary Needed

Part-time Church Secretary needed at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City.  15 hours per week.  Knowledge of Word, Excel, & Publisher.  Knowledge of MS Access or experience with databases, is a plus.  Please send a cover letter and resume tonspc@zoominternet.net.

Electric Recliner/Lift Chair

Do you, or does someone in your congregation, have need of an electric recliner/lift chair?  Don Stanley has one that is in very good condition, color: light brown.  It can be had for the “picking up and hauling” and a $100 donation to the Presbytery’s Sudan mission support.  You can contact Don at the Jamestown Presbyterian Church (724-932-2101) or through his email: pastordons@hotmail.com.

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.

Educational Videotapes

Calvin Presbyterian Church is cleaning out its library and they have many Christian Children’s and Educational videotapes (VCR required!) that they are no longer in need of.  If anybody can use them, they are more than welcome to come get them.  Contact the church office at 724-758-4258 by the end of December.

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!

Church Secretary Needed

Part-time Church Secretary needed at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City.  15 hours per week.  Knowledge of Word, Excel, & Publisher.  Knowledge of MS Access or experience with databases, is a plus.  Please send a cover letter and resume tonspc@zoominternet.net.

Electric Recliner/Lift Chair

Do you, or does someone in your congregation, have need of an electric recliner/lift chair?  Don Stanley has one that is in very good condition, color: light brown.  It can be had for the “picking up and hauling” and a $100 donation to the Presbytery’s Sudan mission support.  You can contact Don at the Jamestown Presbyterian Church (724-932-2101) or through his email: pastordons@hotmail.com.