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 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!

eLink News – EXTRA!

Email and Website Are Working

We have successfully switched domain hosts, and the staff emails are working great again.  You will also notice the next time you type http://www.shenango.org into your web browser, that you will be taken directly to our homepage…no more intro page.

LeaderFest Early Bird Deadline is Tomorrow!

There is still plenty of time to register for LeaderFest! 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. Early birds pay only $15 if registered by January 6!  Register Online

eLink News

This Week:

December 24-January 4 OFFICE CLOSED 
(Once again, office staff will be using the remainder of their vacation time during the Christmas/New Year holiday.  The office will re-open on Monday, January 5th.  Have a blessed Christmas!)

Email Disruption

From December 24-31 (possibly longer) Presbytery staff emails and the website will be offline while we change service providers.  In case of emergency during this period, EP Ralph Hawkins can be reached at ralph_hawkins@me.com and 724-456-2569.  We will send out a new eLink when our shenango.org email is back up and running.  You can still register for LeaderFest using the link in the paragraph below during the email/website disruption.

Register for LeaderFest!

It’s time yet again to register for LeaderFest! 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. Early birds pay only $15 if registered by January 6!  Register Online

Mildred Lutgens

Our presbytery mourns the death of Ruling Elder Mildred “Milly” Lutgens, who died last Friday following an extended illness.  A member of Faith church in Hermitage, Milly was also a Commissioned Ruling Elder (formerly Commissioned Lay Pastor) at the Scotch Hill church outside Grove City.  Read her obituary here.

Baptism Sermon

The text of Rev. Hawkins’ presbytery sermon from December 2 and the baptism of Samuel Creekpaum can be found here.
2015 Mileage Rate

The IRS Mileage Reimbursement figure for 2015 will be 57.5 cents per mile.

Mission Giving Deadline

The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2014 calendar year is coming soon.  Monies must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

Appeals Court Ruling Preserves Clergy Housing Exemption

A ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has preserved the federal income tax exemption for clergy housing allowances, a significant benefit for ministers who rent or own a home.  The decision threw out a lower court decision that found the exemption unconstitutional.  Visit our Board of Pensions web site for more information.

Medical Dues Assistance

If your congregation’s 2015 budget is adversely affected by the forthcoming 1.5% increase in the Board of Pensions medical dues for plan members with a spouse and/or dependents, please contact EP Ralph Hawkins or COM moderator Bill Crooks.  There is assistance available through the Committee on Ministry to help offset some of that burden.  To read more about the plan changes, see this page on the Board of Pensions website.

Ruling Elder Nominations

The Nominations committee of Shenango Presbytery is about to commence its work of filling positions for the coming leadership cycle, 2015-16.  Our goal is to expand representation of our 50 churches as widely as possible.  To that end, we are requesting your assistance: If you have Ruling Elders that you feel could be of service to the presbytery, please forward their names and contact information to Mark Arnold(Moderator of the Nominations committee), EP Ralph Hawkins or office staffAutumn Covert at the presbytery office.  We feel that each church should have at least one representative serving at the presbytery level and the ultimate goal is to get to a point where our Council is comprised of a membership of rotating representatives of all the churches.  Ruling elders need not be currently serving on Session in your local church.  Our next meeting is January 6, 2015.  If you have names, contact information, and recommended area of interest or expertise, it would be greatly appreciated.  – The Nominations Committee

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.

Chimes Wanted

Cindy, a music therapist at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare is looking for a set of Choir Chimes (not English handbells) to use during therapy sessions with the residents.  The chimes will help with fine motor skills and various other forms of therapy for many of the residents, including those with dementia.  If your church could donate a set of chimes that you are no longer using, please contact Cindy at 724-667-8809 (home) or 724-657-4019 (cell).

eLink News – EXTRA!

Email Disruption

From December 24-31 (possibly longer) Presbytery staff emails and the website will be offline while we change service providers.  In case of emergency during this period, EP Ralph Hawkins can be reached at ralph_hawkins@me.com and 724-456-2569.  We will send out a new eLink when our shenango.org email is back up and running.

You can still register for LeaderFest using this link.  A link will also be included in our regular eLink message going out tomorrow.

eLink News

This Week:

December 24-January 4 OFFICE CLOSED 
(Once again, office staff will be using the remainder of their vacation time during the Christmas/New Year holiday.  Everyone is reachable via email…Rev. Hawkins at ralph@shenango.org; Autumn at office@shenango.org; Shari at finance@shenango.org; and Debbie at resource@shenango.org.  In case of emergency, EP Ralph Hawkins can also be reached by cell phone at 724-456-2569.  The office will re-open on Monday, January 5th.  Have a blessed Christmas!)

Baptism Sermon
The text of Rev. Hawkins’ presbytery sermon from December 2 and the baptism of Samuel Creekpaum can be found here.

2015 Mileage Rate

The IRS Mileage Reimbursement figure for 2015 will be 57.5 cents per mile.

 

Mission Giving Deadline

The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2014 calendar year is coming soon.  Monies must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

 

Appeals Court Ruling Preserves Clergy Housing Exemption

A ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has preserved the federal income tax exemption for clergy housing allowances, a significant benefit for ministers who rent or own a home.  The decision threw out a lower court decision that found the exemption unconstitutional.  Visit our Board of Pensions web site for more information.

 

Medical Dues Assistance

If your congregation’s 2015 budget is adversely affected by the forthcoming 1.5% increase in the Board of Pensions medical dues for plan members with a spouse and/or dependents, please contact EP Ralph Hawkins or COM moderator Bill Crooks.  There is assistance available through the Committee on Ministry to help offset some of that burden.  To read more about the plan changes, see this page on the Board of Pensions website.

Register for LeaderFest!

It’s time yet again to register for LeaderFest! 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. Early birds pay only $15 if registered by January 6!  Register Online

Egyptian Bible Society

During their week with Presbyterians in Egypt, Rich Kinney and Ralph Hawkins participated in the 150th anniversary celebration of the Van Dyck Bible translation – the most widely-used Arabic translation of the Bible in the Middle East, the product of 19th century translation efforts by American missionaries and Arab nationals.  The Bible Society put together a seven minute video clip with some footage from their celebration held on November 12th.

Christmas Radio Spots

Shenango’s Evangelism committee worked with the Presbyterian Media Mission to sponsor Christmas radio spots that will be running on Froggie 95 on weekdays beginning this Wednesday and running through Tuesday, December 23.  They are scheduled to air at 8:35 AM and 4:15 PM.  You can also listen online.

Ruling Elder Nominations

The Nominations committee of Shenango Presbytery is about to commence its work of filling positions for the coming leadership cycle, 2015-16.  Our goal is to expand representation of our 50 churches as widely as possible.  To that end, we are requesting your assistance: If you have Ruling Elders that you feel could be of service to the presbytery, please forward their names and contact information to Mark Arnold(Moderator of the Nominations committee), EP Ralph Hawkins or office staff Autumn Covert at the presbytery office.  We feel that each church should have at least one representative serving at the presbytery level and the ultimate goal is to get to a point where our Council is comprised of a membership of rotating representatives of all the churches.  Ruling elders need not be currently serving on Session in your local church.  Our next meeting is January 6, 2015.  If you have names, contact information, and recommended area of interest or expertise, it would be greatly appreciated.  – The Nominations Committee

News from the Churches

 

Longest Night Service

The Bessemer Presbyterian Church will hold a Longest Night Service on Sunday, December 21st at 6:30 PM.  This service is open to everyone, but especially geared toward those who find the Christmas celebration difficult because of grief, pain, loss, or loneliness.  It will provide a time for prayer, music, meditation on Scripture, lighting candles, and quiet reflection on Jesus, the light of the world, who has come to shine his light into the darkness of our lives.  The service will be followed by a time for light refreshments and fellowship.  For more information, please contact Pastor Nathan Leslie at 724-667-7255.

 

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.

eLink News

This Week:

December 11- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
December 24-January 4 OFFICE CLOSED 
(Once again, office staff will be using the remainder of their vacation time during the Christmas/New Year holiday.  Everyone is reachable via email…Rev. Hawkins at ralph@shenango.org; Autumn at office@shenango.org; Shari at finance@shenango.org; and Debbie at resource@shenango.org.  In case of emergency, EP Ralph Hawkins can also be reached by cell phone at 724-456-2569.  The office will re-open on Monday, January 5th.  Have a blessed Christmas!)

EP Activity this Month
Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching this month at Third New Castle (Dec 14).  He will participate in the commission to ordain candidate James Benson, member of the Highland church (Dec 14).  Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach and/or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time in 2015 by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.
Per Capita

Last week Presbytery passed the 2015 Per Capita Budget.  Letters detailing the amounts were mailed on Monday to pastors, clerks, and treasurers.  Here is the breakdown: GA- $7.07, Synod- $2.20, Presbytery- $28.06….Total: $37.33.

Mission Giving Deadline

The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2014 calendar year is coming soon.  Monies must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

Medical Dues Assistance

If your congregation’s 2015 budget is adversely affected by the forthcoming 1.5% increase in the Board of Pensions medical dues for plan members with a spouse and/or dependents, please contact EP Ralph Hawkins or COM moderator Bill Crooks.  There is assistance available through the Committee on Ministry to help offset some of that burden.  To read more about the plan changes, see this page on the Board of Pensions website.

Register for LeaderFest!

It’s time yet again to register for LeaderFest! 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. Early birds pay only $15 if registered by January 6!  Register Online

Egyptian Bible Society

During their week with Presbyterians in Egypt, Rich Kinney and Ralph Hawkins participated in the 150th anniversary celebration of the Van Dyck Bible translation – the most widely-used Arabic translation of the Bible in the Middle East, the product of 19th century translation efforts by American missionaries and Arab nationals.  The Bible Society put together a seven minute video clip with some footage from their celebration held on November 12th.

Christmas Radio Spots

Shenango’s Evangelism committee worked with the Presbyterian Media Mission to sponsor Christmas radio spots that will be running on Froggie 95 on weekdays beginning this Wednesday and running through Tuesday, December 23.  They are scheduled to air at 8:35 AM and 4:15 PM.  You can also listen online.

Ruling Elder Nominations

The Nominations committee of Shenango Presbytery is about to commence its work of filling positions for the coming leadership cycle, 2015-16.  Our goal is to expand representation of our 50 churches as widely as possible.  To that end, we are requesting your assistance: If you have Ruling Elders that you feel could be of service to the presbytery, please forward their names and contact information to Mark Arnold (Moderator of the Nominations committee), EP Ralph Hawkins or office staff Autumn Covert at the presbytery office.  We feel that each church should have at least one representative serving at the presbytery level and the ultimate goal is to get to a point where our Council is comprised of a membership of rotating representatives of all the churches.  Ruling elders need not be currently serving on Session in your local church.  Our next meeting is January 6, 2015.  If you have names, contact information, and recommended area of interest or expertise, it would be greatly appreciated.  – The Nominations Committee

News from the Churches

Blue Christmas Service

Recognizing that Christmas is not so merry for those who have suffered loss, the Jamestown Presbyterian Church is offering a “Blue Christmas” service of healing and hope, Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 PM in their sanctuary.  All are invited.

Longest Night Service

The Bessemer Presbyterian Church will hold a Longest Night Service on Sunday, December 21st at 6:30 PM.  This service is open to everyone, but especially geared toward those who find the Christmas celebration difficult because of grief, pain, loss, or loneliness.  It will provide a time for prayer, music, meditation on Scripture, lighting candles, and quiet reflection on Jesus, the light of the world, who has come to shine his light into the darkness of our lives.  The service will be followed by a time for light refreshments and fellowship.  For more information, please contact Pastor Nathan Leslie at 724-667-7255.

You’re Invited

It’s not too late to make reservations for the musical drama “Open Hearts in Bethlehem,” to be staged at TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in Mercer at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13 and at 2:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14.   Information is available, and reservations may be made at the church web site:  http://trinitypc.wix.com/mercer and click on “Play Reservations”.  Admission is a free-will donation for Missions. Author Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey will sign books and answer questions at a reception following each 50-minute production.  Directed and valet parking is available.  The church is accessible for all people.

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!

Register for LeaderFest 2015!

It’s time yet again to register for LeaderFest! 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. Early birds pay only $15 if registered by January 6!

Register Online

Download helpful publications:

eLink News – EXTRA!

Baptism

During worship at the Stated Meeting on Tuesday evening, Shenango Presbytery baptized Samuel John Creekpaum on behalf of the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church.  Samuel is the son of John and Beth Creekpaum (Coolspring and Sandy Lake, respectively).

Creekpaum baptism

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CALL TO PRAYER IN ADVENT FOR SUDAN

Rich Kinney (Highland) and Ralph Hawkins (EP) recently returned from a visit with our Presbyterian partners in SPEC: the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. Shenango has enjoyed a mission partnership with this communion since 1991. These days, SPEC is facing serious challenges both external and internal. From the outside, the government of Sudan is pressuring the denomination regarding its property holdings. From the inside, the leadership of the denomination is severely divided over these matters. As a result, Rich and Ralph are calling on Shenango churches to commit to serious prayer for the Sudanese church during our season of Advent. Shenango pastors and clerks will be receiving by email a specific prayer guide for Advent, but all are invited to pray for unity, healing, and spiritual strength for our SPEC partners in east Africa. For more information, contact Rich Kinney, chair of our Sudan partnership team, at 724-654-7391.

Prayer Request

Kyle Craig, age 28, fell and broke his neck over the weekend.  He didn’t sever his spinal cord, but he is unable to breathe on his own and doctors are unsure if he will survive.  He lives in Washington DC.  His father, Rev. Jim Craig, was a long-time director of the Shenango Home.

eLink News

This Week:

December 10- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
December 11- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC

EP Activity this Month
Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching this month at Slippery Rock church (Dec 7) and Third New Castle (Dec 14).  He will participate in the commission to ordain candidate James Benson, member of the Highland church (Dec 14).  Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach and/or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time in 2015 by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.
Stated Clerk Updates
Major items from the December 2 stated meeting at Hillside church:
– Approved reductions to the presbytery’s overall committee structure, eliminating 3 committees and reducing the membership of 5 committees
– Approved 2015 Per Capita and Mission and Ministry budgets
– Approved presbytery portion of the 2015 per capita offering rate of $28.06 (total 2015 per capita: $37.33 per member)
– Agreed with 6 out of 7 Book of Order amendments proposed by the 2014 PCUSA General Assembly
– Disagreed (18 for – 49 against) with Amendment 14F, a proposed change to the Book of Order definition of Christian marriage
– Dismissed First Presbyterian Church, Greenville to ECO: Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians
– Recognized the honorable retirement of Rev. Rick Vogeley
– Elected three new members to the Christian Education committee
– Heard a report from Teaching Elders Rich Kinney and Ralph Hawkins on their recent visit to Egypt and Sudan

Per Capita

Last evening Presbytery passed the 2015 Per Capita Budget.  Letters detailing the amounts will be going out shortly to pastors, clerks, and treasurers.  For those of you working on your budget now, here is the breakdown: GA- $7.07, Synod- $2.20, Presbytery- $28.06….Total: $37.33.

Mission Giving Deadline

The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2014 calendar year is coming soon.  Monies must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

Christmas Vespers at Westminster College

On Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 3:00 PM Westminster College invites you to attend “Wonder, Wonders, and Wandering” in Orr Auditorium.  With music by the Westminster Combined Choirs, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Westminster & New Wilmington Presbyterian Church Handbell Choirs, Flute Choir, and Gospel Choir, the evening’s offering supports the Campus Ministry and Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Work Trips to Georgetown, DE and Georgetown, SC.  Following the service will be a punch and cookie reception.

News from the Churches

Blue Christmas Service

Recognizing that Christmas is not so merry for those who have suffered loss, the Jamestown Presbyterian Church is offering a “Blue Christmas” service of healing and hope, Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 PM in their sanctuary.  All are invited.

You’re Invited

A reminder to interested persons to make reservations for the musical drama “Open Hearts in Bethlehem,” to be staged at TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in Mercer at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13 and at 2:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14.   Information is available, and reservations may be made at the church web site:  http://trinitypc.wix.com/mercer and click on “Play Reservations”.  Admission is a free-will donation for Missions. Author Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey will sign books and answer questions at a reception following each 50-minute production.  The church is accessible for all people.

Holiday Bake Sale

Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare at S. Market Street in New Wilmington on Thursday and Friday, December 4th and 5th from 9 AM to 3 PM.  All proceeds support Shenango SeniorCare Benevolence Fund.

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.

eLink News

This Week:

November 27-28 OFFICE CLOSED, Thanksgiving Holiday
December 2- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Hillside PC, Greenville

Back from Africa

Rev. Ralph Hawkins and Rev. Rich Kinney have returned from their trip to Cairo and the Sudan.  They will be sharing information from their trip at the Presbytery Meeting on Tuesday evening.

Wedding News

Teresa Kendall, pastor at First Presbyterian in Deer Lodge, MT and Tom Gomola, pastor at Leesburg Church in Leesburg, PA are getting married!  The wedding is Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2015 at First Presbyterian in Deer Lodge, MT.  (Teresa and Tom were both former members of Shenango Presbytery.)

Mission Giving Deadline

The deadline for the Presbytery Office to receive mission moneys for the 2014 calendar year is coming soon.  Monies must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

Net Results for You

Just a reminder that the Evangelism Committee has secured an online subscription to Net Results for the Presbytery.  You can access current and archived issues via the Evangelism Committee page on the Presbytery’s website…login details are provided below the link.

Blue Christmas Service

Sunday, November 30th at 6:00 pm New Wilmington Presbyterian Church will be hosting the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, November 30 at 6:00pm in the Ligo Room of the church. This simple candlelit service is for those who need to pause, acknowledge their own loss, grief or sadness and be surrounded by prayer, song and scripture. Please mark this time on you calendar and invite any friends in the larger community to join us at this service.

News from the Churches

You’re Invited

With 40 years as a resident and teacher in the Middle East, world-renowned expert Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey wrote “Open Hearts in Bethlehem” to dispel what tradition and mis-translations on Scripture have portrayed about the birth of Jesus.  The 50-minute musical drama will be presented at TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in Mercer at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13 and at 2:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14.   Information is available, and reservations may be made at the church web site:  http://trinitypc.wix.com/mercer and click on “Play Reservations”.  Admission is a free-will donation for Missions. The church is accessible for all people.

“Give Them Something To Eat” Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

FREE to all on Thursday, November 27, 2014 from 11 AM – 1 PM, Free Deliveries.  Word Centered Fellowship, 710 Carnegie Avenue, Sharon, PA.  For orders to to volunteer to help deliver, call: 724-308-6502 and leave a message or email: info@wordcentered.net.

Holiday Bake Sale

Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare at S. Market Street in New Wilmington on Thursday and Friday, December 4th and 5th from 9 AM to 3 PM.  All proceeds support Shenango SeniorCare Benevolence Fund.

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.