This Week:

July 29 – 2:00 PM Nominating Committee – Presbytery Office

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching this month at First Sharon (Aug 3), Hillside (Aug 17), and Word Centered Fellowship (Aug 31), as well as at the City Rescue Mission in New Castle (Aug 3).  Along with several others from Shenango, he will be participating in the national gathering of the Fellowship of Presbyterians in Dallas, Texas, August 18-20, as well as attending the forum of Executive Presbyters from the Synod of the Trinity, August 27-28.  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.

Watch for a Summer Mission Roundup SPECIAL eLINK tomorrow!

PRAYER MINISTRY CONTACTS

Does your congregation have a prayer ministry, and would they be willing to receive prayer requests from the presbytery and its international partners?  Our EP, Ralph Hawkins, is developing an email list of contacts and would be grateful to include your church in occasional requests and updates.  Currently, the Calvin, Coolspring, First New Castle, Lebanon, Sandy Lake, and New Wilmington prayer ministries are included.  Email Ralph atralph@shenango.org to include your contacts.

Minister Information Form

It’s time to update the directories again!  We are asking all minister to complete theMinister Information Form so that we can reflect the most accurate information possible in the upcoming directories.  Forms are due to the Presbytery Office by August 1st!  If you have no changes, or just a few updates, simply send an email to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  New directories will be available at the September Presbytery Meeting.

Christian Concert at the Lawrence County Fair

LATCOM is sponsoring a concert at the Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 pm. The contemporary Christian band “Unspoken” will perform. Several of their songs are on KLove, and they’ve performed with several other very well-known bands. The tickets are very inexpensive ($15), and proceeds will benefit a camping ministry in Bolivia.  Unspoken flier

THE BAIR FOUNDATION NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Bair Foundation Child Family and Ministries is in need of dedicated volunteers at their New Wilmington location.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have access to transportation.  If you are interested, please contact Laura Elliott at laura@credostrategies.com or call her at 703-863-8663.  Please visit bair.org for more information.

Summer Bake Sale

Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare will be holding a Summer Bake Sale to benefit their Benevolent Fund for residents from 9-3 PM on August 8th in the Market Street Lobby.  If you would like to donate baked goods, please deliver them the day before in disposable containers.

News from the Churches

“Cradle Roll” Caregiver Needed

Northminster Presbyterian Church is looking for an individual to sit with infants in the “Cradle Roll” room on Sunday mornings from 9 AM – NOON.  The position pays minimum wage.  If interested, please contact the church office at 724-658-9051.

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.

This Week:

July 19-26 – New Wilmington Mission Conference – Westminster College

Prayers

David Trautman, former moderator of Shenango Presbytery, is scheduled for a kidney transplant on Thursday, July 24th.

MISSION CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

The New Wilmington Mission Conference is here (July 19-25) and among the great lineup of speakers there are two who are friends of Shenango presbytery and worth our hearing: One of the 8:45am morning teachers is Dr. Laura Smit, from Calvin College. Many will remember that Laura taught at one of our pastor retreats in recent years, and there was great appreciation for her generous Reformed perspective and warm spirit. One of the 10am morning teachers is Professor Andrew Walls, arguably one of the world’s foremost missiologists. Some in Shenango have met Andrew in the past, in part because he is now married to mission co-worker Ingrid Reneau, who is supported by many of our churches. Both Laura and Andrew will present every morning in Berlin Lounge, McKelvey Center, at Westminster College. Check out http://nwmcmission.org for complete details.

Debbie Blane Dessert

Anyone with an interest in learning more about who and what we here in Shenango support in the way of ministry in the South Sudan is welcome to join our EP Ralph Hawkins for a dessert in his home in New Wilmington, Monday July 28, 7 PM.  Honored guest will be Debbie Blane, PCUSA mission co-worker in the South Sudan.  Read more about Debbie here.  Join us at 445 West Neshannock Avenue in New Wilmington, just a block from Neshannock Presbyterian Church.

South Sudanese Visitors Not Able To Come

We are sorry to report that visas for the 2 South Sudanese visitors scheduled to be here this week did not come through in time to make their visit possible.  Therefore, both the lunch scheduled with our visitors for next Wednesday, July 23^rd, and their time at Highland Church in New Castle on Sunday, July 27^th, have been canceled.  We are aiming to reschedule this visit for October and that will allow Rev. Madut Tong Ngor and Ms. Achol Majok Kur to be with us at our Celebrate Sudan event on the evening of October 5^th.  The scheduled events to meet our visiting missionaries during NWMC week and the following week are still in place, as is the meeting  about the 3 way partnership between Pittsburgh Presbytery, the Malawian Presbyterian Church, and our partners in South Sudan (SSPEC). That event will take place Tuesday afternoon of Conference week in the Mueller Theatre of the McKelvey Center.

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at the following Shenango churches in the coming weeks: Lebanon (July 20), First New Castle (July 27), and First Sharon (Aug 3).  He and his family will be participating in the New Wilmington Mission Conference, July 19-26, including hosting a reception in his home for mission worker Debbie Blane (July 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 orralph@shenango.org.

PRAYER MINISTRY CONTACTS

Does your congregation have a prayer ministry, and would they be willing to receive prayer requests from the presbytery and its international partners?  Our EP, Ralph Hawkins, is developing an email list of contacts and would be grateful to include your church in occasional requests and updates.  Currently, the Calvin, Coolspring, First New Castle, Lebanon, Sandy Lake, and New Wilmington prayer ministries are included.  Email Ralph atralph@shenango.org to include your contacts.

Minister Information Form

It’s time to update the directories again!  We are asking all minister to complete theMinister Information Form so that we can reflect the most accurate information possible in the upcoming directories.  Forms are due to the Presbytery Office by August 1st!  If you have no changes, or just a few updates, simply send an email to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  New directories will be available at the September Presbytery Meeting.

Christian Concert at the Lawrence County Fair

LATCOM is sponsoring a concert at the Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 pm. The contemporary Christian band “Unspoken” will perform. Several of their songs are on KLove, and they’ve performed with several other very well-known bands. The tickets are very inexpensive ($15), and proceeds will benefit a camping ministry in Bolivia.  Unspoken flier

THE BAIR FOUNDATION NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Bair Foundation Child Family and Ministries is in need of dedicated volunteers at their New Wilmington location.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have access to transportation.  If you are interested, please contact Laura Elliott at laura@credostrategies.com or call her at 703-863-8663.  Please visit bair.org for more information.

News from the Churches

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.

South Sudanese Visitors Not Able To Come

We are sorry to report that visas for the 2 South Sudanese visitors scheduled to be here this week did not come through in time to make their visit possible.  Therefore, both the lunch scheduled with our visitors for next Wednesday, July 23^rd, and their time at Highland Church in New Castle on Sunday, July 27^th, have been canceled.  We are aiming to reschedule this visit for October and that will allow Rev. Madut Tong Ngor and Ms. Achol Majok Kur to be with us at our Celebrate Sudan event on the evening of October 5^th.  The scheduled events to meet our visiting missionaries during NWMC week and the following week are still in place, as is the meeting  about the 3 way partnership between Pittsburgh Presbytery, the Malawian Presbyterian Church, and our partners in South Sudan (SSPEC). That event will take place Tuesday afternoon of Conference week in the Mueller Theatre of the McKelvey Center.

 

 

This Week:

July 17 – 1:30 PM – Evangelism Committee – Presbytery Office

MISSION CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

The New Wilmington Mission Conference is almost here (July 19-25) and among the great lineup of speakers there are two who are friends of Shenango presbytery and worth our hearing: One of the 8:45am morning teachers is Dr. Laura Smit, from Calvin College. Many will remember that Laura taught at one of our pastor retreats in recent years, and there was great appreciation for her generous Reformed perspective and warm spirit. One of the 10am morning teachers is Professor Andrew Walls, arguably one of the world’s foremost missiologists. Some in Shenango have met Andrew in the past, in part because he is now married to mission co-worker Ingrid Reneau, who is supported by many of our churches and will be preaching at New Wilmington church this Sunday morning. Both Laura and Andrew will present every morning in Berlin Lounge, McKelvey Center, at Westminster College. Check out http://nwmcmission.org for complete details.

MEET & VISIT WITH MISSIONARIES

Pizza & salads will be served at Judy Veon’s home, 331 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington on Monday, July 21, Tuesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 24 from 5:00-6:30 PM each evening.  Included on Monday, July 21, will be our newest mission co-workers Lynn and Sharon Kandel to South Sudan as part of the South Sudan Education Project.  Come any evening to meet our various missionaries and South Sudanese friends.

SLIPPERY ROCK CHURCH

Let us hold the Slippery Rock session, members, and their pastor Julia Williamson in our prayers this week. An active Ruling Elder in their flock was tragically murdered last week. A memorial service is being scheduled. Let us prayer for the congregation, but also their ministry to the extended family and community in this difficult time.

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be serving as chaplain for a week of summer camp at Westminster Highlands next week, July 7-11.  He will be preaching at the following Shenango churches in the coming weeks: Lebanon (July 20), First New Castle (July 27), and First Sharon (Aug 3).  He will participate in the Ellwood City Carpenter’s Project opening worship service on July 13.  He and his family will be participating in the New Wilmington Mission Conference, July 19-26, including hosting a reception in his home for mission worker Debbie Blane (July 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 orralph@shenango.org.

PRAYER MINISTRY CONTACTS

Does your congregation have a prayer ministry, and would they be willing to receive prayer requests from the presbytery and its international partners?  Our EP, Ralph Hawkins, is developing an email list of contacts and would be grateful to include your church in occasional requests and updates.  Currently, the Calvin, Coolspring, First New Castle, Lebanon, Sandy Lake, and New Wilmington prayer ministries are included.  Email Ralph at ralph@shenango.org to include your contacts.

Minister Information Form

It’s time to update the directories again!  We are asking all minister to complete theMinister Information Form so that we can reflect the most accurate information possible in the upcoming directories.  Forms are due to the Presbytery Office by August 1st!  If you have no changes, or just a few updates, simply send an email to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  New directories will be available at the September Presbytery Meeting.

Pulpit Supply Available

Bud Green is feeling great and would love the opportunity to preach for you this summer.  Please contact Bud at revbud2@comcast.net or 724-654-1513 (home) or 724-714-8645 (cell).

Christian Concert at the Lawrence County Fair

LATCOM is sponsoring a concert at the Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 pm. The contemporary Christian band “Unspoken” will perform. Several of their songs are on KLove, and they’ve performed with several other very well-known bands. The tickets are very inexpensive ($15), and proceeds will benefit a camping ministry in Bolivia.  Unspoken flier

Wee Kirk

The 2014 Northeast (PA) Wee Kirk Conference will take place on October 13-15 at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  If your church would like any brochures about the event, just stop by the Presbytery Office or call us and we’ll put a few in the mail for you.

Perspectives Course

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement will be coming to Grove City College on Tuesdays from September 9 – December 9 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Learn from a different Christian expert each week as they help you explore God’s kingdom from Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic perspectives.  Get more details at www.perspectives.org or contact Pam Pope Courtney at mail@dcourtney.net or 724-748-3217 for more information.

THE BAIR FOUNDATION NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Bair Foundation Child Family and Ministries is in need of dedicated volunteers at their New Wilmington location.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have access to transportation.  If you are interested, please contact Laura Elliott at laura@credostrategies.com or call her at 703-863-8663.  Please visit bair.org for more information.

News from the Churches

NORTH LIBERTY MISSION TEAM

The Mission Team of North Liberty is in Roswell, NM this week teaching VBS and worshiping with the Hispanic community and the Boys & Girls Club there.  Their Blog is http://nlpcmission.wordpress.com.  Follow them and see how they are doing.

CARPENTER’S PROJECT

Many of our Shenango congregations in the greater Ellwood City area are this week sharing in the 13th annual Carpenter’s Project, an ecumenical Christian outreach offering home repair and building services to neighbors in need. Nearly 200 persons representing 30 congregations are involved this year. Well done Ellwood churches!

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.

 

This Week:

July 7, 9, and 11 – Annual Audit – The Conference Room will not be available for meetings.

Save The Dates

The New Wilmington Mission Conference will take place from July 19-26 on the campus of Westminster College.  As in previous years, Presbytery staff will be attending portions of NWMC…if you don’t find us at the office, come join us at Conference!  Read more and access the schedule of speakers.

You have several opportunities to meet the mission co-workers that we support, as well as some visitors from South Sudan…click here to view a bulletin insert with more information.

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be serving as chaplain for a week of summer camp at Westminster Highlands next week, July 7-11.  He will be preaching at the following Shenango churches in the coming weeks: Lebanon (July 20), First New Castle (July 27), and First Sharon (Aug 3).  He will participate in the Ellwood City Carpenter’s Project opening worship service on July 13.  He and his family will be participating in the New Wilmington Mission Conference, July 19-26, including hosting a reception in his home for mission worker Debbie Blane (July 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 orralph@shenango.org.

PRAYER MINISTRY CONTACTS

Does your congregation have a prayer ministry, and would they be willing to receive prayer requests from the presbytery and its international partners?  Our EP, Ralph Hawkins, is developing an email list of contacts and would be grateful to include your church in occasional requests and updates.  Currently, the Calvin, Coolspring, First New Castle, Lebanon, Sandy Lake, and New Wilmington prayer ministries are included.  Email Ralph at ralph@shenango.org to include your contacts.

Minister Information Form

It’s time to update the directories again!  We are asking all minister to complete theMinister Information Form so that we can reflect the most accurate information possible in the upcoming directories.  Forms are due to the Presbytery Office by August 1st!  If you have no changes, or just a few updates, simply send an email to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  New directories will be available at the September Presbytery Meeting.

ELLWOOD CITY COMMUNITY WORSHIP

Six Shenango churches and several Shenango pastors participated in the annual community worship service held during Ellwood City’s festival in the park this week.  Pictured here is the mission booth run by Christ church. All proceeds from their sale of concessions go to mission support around the world.  Thanks Ellwood churches, for worshipping and working together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pulpit Supply Available

Bud Green is feeling great and would love the opportunity to preach for you this summer.  Please contact Bud at revbud2@comcast.net or 724-654-1513 (home) or 724-714-8645 (cell).

Christian Concert at the Lawrence County Fair

LATCOM is sponsoring a concert at the Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 pm. The contemporary Christian band “Unspoken” will perform. Several of their songs are on KLove, and they’ve performed with several other very well-known bands. The tickets are very inexpensive ($15), and proceeds will benefit a camping ministry in Bolivia.  Unspoken flier

Wee Kirk

The 2014 Northeast (PA) Wee Kirk Conference will take place on October 13-15 at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  If your church would like any brochures about the event, just stop by the Presbytery Office or call us and we’ll put a few in the mail for you.

Perspectives Course

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement will be coming to Grove City College on Tuesdays from September 9 – December 9 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Learn from a different Christian expert each week as they help you explore God’s kingdom from Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic perspectives.  Get more details at www.perspectives.org or contact Pam Pope Courtney at mail@dcourtney.net or 724-748-3217 for more information.

News from the Churches

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.

This Week:

July 4- OFFICE CLOSED, Independence Day
July 7, 9, and 11 – Annual Audit – The Conference Room will not be available for meetings.

Save The Dates

The New Wilmington Mission Conference will take place from July 19-26 on the campus of Westminster College.  As in previous years, Presbytery staff will be attending portions of NWMC…if you don’t find us at the office, come join us at Conference!  Read more and access the schedule of speakers.

Joys

Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather, Mission Co-Workers in South Sudan, have welcomed a baby girl, Adalyn, to their family.

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be serving as chaplain for a week of summer camp at Westminster Highlands next week, July 7-11.  He will be preaching at the following Shenango churches in the coming weeks: Lebanon (July 20), First New Castle (July 27), and First Sharon (Aug 3).  He will participate in the Ellwood City Carpenter’s Project opening worship service on July 13.  He and his family will be participating in the New Wilmington Mission Conference, July 19-26, including hosting a reception in his home for mission worker Debbie Blane (July 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.

Minister Information Form

It’s time to update the directories again!  We are asking all minister to complete theMinister Information Form so that we can reflect the most accurate information possible in the upcoming directories.  Forms are due to the Presbytery Office by August 1st!  If you have no changes, or just a few updates, simply send an email to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  New directories will be available at the September Presbytery Meeting.

Pulpit Supply Available

Bud Green is feeling great and would love the opportunity to preach for you this summer.  Please contact Bud at revbud2@comcast.net or 724-654-1513 (home) or 724-714-8645 (cell).

Christian Concert at the Lawrence County Fair

LATCOM is sponsoring a concert at the Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 pm. The contemporary Christian band “Unspoken” will perform. Several of their songs are on KLove, and they’ve performed with several other very well-known bands. The tickets are very inexpensive ($15), and proceeds will benefit a camping ministry in Bolivia.  Unspoken flier

Wee Kirk

The 2014 Northeast (PA) Wee Kirk Conference will take place on October 13-15 at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  If your church would like any brochures about the event, just stop by the Presbytery Office or call us and we’ll put a few in the mail for you.

Perspectives Course

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement will be coming to Grove City College on Tuesdays from September 9 – December 9 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Learn from a different Christian expert each week as they help you explore God’s kingdom from Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic perspectives.  Get more details at www.perspectives.org or contact Pam Pope Courtney at mail@dcourtney.net or 724-748-3217 for more information.

CELEBRATE SUDAN 2014

On World Communion Sunday, Presbyterian churches in the environs of Shenango Presbytery will come together for the 5th year to celebrate and pray for our partnership with the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and the South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  This event will take place on October 5th at East Main Presbyterian Church at 7PM.

As usual, we are asking churches to take up a special offering for Celebrate Sudan on World Communion Sunday, or another Sunday. Remember, session approval for this offering is needed.

This year the special offerings collected will be used to help the church in South Sudan provide assistance for South Sudanese refugees, and to assist the two schools in the north (Khartoum) which train church leaders, Nile Theological College and Gereif Bible School. Both schools face pressing needs, often finding it difficult to pay faculty on time and to provide scholarships that are much needed by their students.

News from the Churches

Office Chairs Needed

The New Wilmington Mission Conference Office is looking for 2 or 3 office chairs, if anyone is willing to make a donation please contact the NWMC office at 724-946-9770.

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.

 

Prayers

Jim Mohr’s (Westmister College) father passed away yesterday morning.  Visitation will be on Sunday, June 29 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Stark Memorial Funeral Home (1014 E. State Street, Salem, OH  44460).  The funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Salem on Monday, June 30 at 2 PM.

Pakistani Activist To Speak at Fairfield

After witnessing 250 homes of fellow Christians burned by a hateful mob, being interrogated by secret police, and hearing about the murders of other religious activists, it would be understandable if Pastor Shehbaz hid in fear.  Instead, Shehbaz actually travels to trouble spots, not to engage in conflict, but to deliver emergency aid to imperiled families of all faiths.  Through his courageous activities, Shehbaz bridges religious and ethnic divisions and demonstrates that respect and cooperation are viable alternatives to prejudice and ethnic hostility.  This is a welcome message in a land plagued with violence and adversity.

Now you can hear his story firsthand. Shehbaz Jalal, a Harvest Bridge partner from Pakistan, is speaking at:  Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 41 Deer Creek Road, Sandy Lake, Pa. 16145, Monday, June 30th at 7:00 pm.  Please call 724-992- 2227 for more information.

About Shehbaz Jalal:  Shehbaz Jalal is founder of Paigaam Ministries Pakistan, an organization that plants churches, operates the Genesis School for children, and serves disaster survivors.  Paigaam has partnered with major international relief organizations, including Caritas, UMCOR and World Relief USA.

About Harvest Bridge:  Harvest Bridge, based in Grove City, PA, is an interdenominational Christian mission agency that comes alongside indigenous ministries in South Asia to proclaim the Gospel in word and in deed to the least and to the lost.

This Week:

July 1- 10:00 AM EP Transition Team, Presbytery Office
July 4- OFFICE CLOSED, Independence Day
July 7, 9, and 11 – Annual Audit – The Conference Room will not be available for meetings.

Prayers

We have received word that Rev. John Wing Ackerman has passed away.  Rev. Ackerman was the pastor at First Presbyterian Church of New Castle from 1972-1982.

Congratulations

Rev. Bill Stone and his wife Jennifer (Neshannock) have welcomed their first grandchild, Ewen.

A New Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rev. Ralph W. Hawkins was installed as the new Executive Presbyter for Shenango Presbytery at last evening’s meeting.  He was also elected to the position of Stated Clerk.

GA Commissioners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured here are five of our six Shenango commissioners to the 221st General Assembly.  From the left to right: Addie Domske (New Wilmington), Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore), Jim Latta (Faith), Frank Stratiff (Hillside), and Tom Wilson (Lebanon).  Not pictured: Matt Pherson (Third, New Castle).

Read their summaries, along with a few other documents to help clarify what happened at GA last week.

Minister Information Form

It’s time to update the directories again!  We are asking all minister to complete the Minister Information Form so that we can reflect the most accurate information possible in the upcoming directories.  Forms are due to the Presbytery Office by August 1st!  If you have no changes, or just a few updates, simply send an email to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  New directories will be available at the September Presbytery Meeting.

Pulpit Supply Available

Bud Green is feeling great and would love the opportunity to preach for you this summer.  Please contact Bud at revbud2@comcast.net or 724-654-1513 (home) or 724-714-8645 (cell).

Christian Concert at the Lawrence County Fair

LATCOM is sponsoring a concert at the Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 13 at 7 pm. The contemporary Christian band “Unspoken” will perform. Several of their songs are on KLove, and they’ve performed with several other very well-known bands. The tickets are very inexpensive ($15), and proceeds will benefit a camping ministry in Bolivia.  Unspoken flier

Wee Kirk

The 2014 Northeast (PA) Wee Kirk Conference will take place on October 13-15 at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  If your church would like any brochures about the event, just stop by the Presbytery Office or call us and we’ll put a few in the mail for you.

Perspectives Course

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement will be coming to Grove City College on Tuesdays from September 9 – December 9 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Learn from a different Christian expert each week as they help you explore God’s kingdom from Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic perspectives.  Get more details at www.perspectives.org or contact Pam Pope Courtney at mail@dcourtney.net or 724-748-3217 for more information.

CELEBRATE SUDAN 2014

On World Communion Sunday, Presbyterian churches in the environs of Shenango Presbytery will come together for the 5th year to celebrate and pray for our partnership with the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and the South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  This event will take place on October 5th at East Main Presbyterian Church at 7PM.

As usual, we are asking churches to take up a special offering for Celebrate Sudan on World Communion Sunday, or another Sunday. Remember, session approval for this offering is needed.

This year the special offerings collected will be used to help the church in South Sudan provide assistance for South Sudanese refugees, and to assist the two schools in the north (Khartoum) which train church leaders, Nile Theological College and Gereif Bible School. Both schools face pressing needs, often finding it difficult to pay faculty on time and to provide scholarships that are much needed by their students.

News from the Churches

Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social

Unity Presbyterian Church is having an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  All are invited!  No tickets necessary.

Office Chairs Needed

The New Wilmington Mission Conference Office is looking for 2 or 3 office chairs, if anyone is willing to make a donation please contact the NWMC office at 724-946-9770.

Organist/Accompanist Wanted

1st Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville is in need of an organist/accompanist to work with their music director in providing musical worship for services and possibly some extra events.  Position opens at the end of summer.  Please send inquiries to: Carol Scholl, Personnel Committee Chairperson, First Presbyterian Church, 603 Ridge Avenue, Sharpsville, PA  16150.

Secretary Wanted

Hillside Presbyterian Church of Greenville is seeking applicants for a part-time secretary, with a starting date of 9/8/2014.  The position would require the applicant to work four hours, M-F.  Applicant should be proficient with computers and have communication and interpersonal skills, and secretarial experience is preferred, but not required.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  Interested applicants should send a resume to HillsidePersonnel@gmail.com.

General Assembly Update

Greetings from the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit, overlooking the Detroit River, with a view of the Canadian border. The 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA is meeting here this week, and Shenango Presbytery is represented with voice and vote by Ruling Elders Frank Stratiff (Hillside) and Tom Wilson (Lebanon), and Teaching Elders Jim Latta (Faith) and Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore). Advising the Assembly are seminary student Addie Domske (New Wilmington) and youth Matt Pherson (Third, New Castle). Including myself, five other Shenango Teaching Elders and several other observers have been in attendance for all or part of this week.

As of Thursday morning, the Assembly’s committees had completed their work and the Assembly is now back in plenary session. Major items of action thus far include:

– Commissioners approved (551 – 87) the addition of the Belhar Confession to our church’s constitutional Book of Confessions. That action will need approval by 2/3 of the presbyteries over the course of the next year. The Belhar Confession was written in South Africa in 1982 and was later adopted as a confession of faith by the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1986, and has since been adopted by other denominations as well.

– Commissioners approved (371 – 238) an authoritative interpretation of Book of Order W–4.9000 to “affirm pastoral discretion in performing marriage ceremonies.” As an attempt to interpret this section of the Book of Order, the authoritative interpretation reads:

“Worship is a central element of the pastoral care of the people of God (W–6.3001, W–6.3010) in which a teaching elder’s discernment of the leading of the Holy Spirit is indispensable. The necessity of ensuring the exercise of freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture (G–2.0105) in the planning and leadership of worship has deep roots in our Reformed tradition and theology. Because a service of marriage is one form of such worship, when a couple requests the involvement of the church in solemnizing their marriage as permitted by the laws of the civil jurisdiction in which the marriage is to take place, teaching elders have the pastoral responsibility to assess the capabilities, intentions, and readiness of the couple to be married (W–4.9002), and the freedom of conscience in the interpretation of Scripture (G–2.0105) to participate in any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform. Exercising such discretion and freedom of conscience under the prayerful guidance of Scripture, teaching elders may conduct a marriage service for any such couple in the place where the community gathers for worship, so long as it is approved by the session; or in such other place as may be suitable for a service of Christian worship. In no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct any marriage service for any couple except by his or her understanding of the Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The authoritative interpretation of this section by the 203rd General Assembly (1991), and the subsequent authoritative interpretations of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission relying upon it, are withdrawn and replaced with this authoritative interpretation.”

Based on the provision of Book of Order G–6.02, this authoritative interpretation (AI) goes into immediate effect in the life and work of the Presbyterian church.

– Commissioners approved (429–175) an amendment to Book of Order W–4.9000, an amendment that reads:

“Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges. If they meet the requirements of the civil jurisdiction in which they intend to marry, a couple may request that a service of Christian marriage be conducted by a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who is authorized, though not required, to act as an agent of the civil jurisdiction in recording the marriage contract. A couple requesting a service of Christian marriage shall receive instruction from the teaching elder, who may agree to the couple’s request only if, in the judgment of the teaching elder, the couple demonstrate sufficient understanding of the nature of the marriage covenant and commitment to living their lives together according to its values. In making this decision, the teaching elder may seek the counsel of the session, which has authority to permit or deny the use of church property for a marriage service. The marriage service shall be conducted in a manner appropriate to this covenant and to the forms of Reformed worship, under the direction of the teaching elder and the supervision of the session (W–1.4004–.4006). In a service of marriage, the couple marry each other by exchanging mutual promises. The teaching elder witnesses the couple’s promises and pronounces God’s blessing upon their union. The community of faith pledges to support the couple in upholding their promises; prayers may be offered for the couple, for the communities that support them, and for all who seek to live in faithfulness. A service of worship recognizing a civil marriage and confirming it in the community of faith may be appropriate when requested by the couple. The service will be similar to the marriage service except that the statements made shall reflect the fact that the couple is already married to one another according to the laws of the civil jurisdiction.”

The amendment concludes:

“Nothing herein shall compel a teaching elder to perform nor compel a session to authorize the use of church property for a marriage service that the teaching elder or the session believes is contrary to the teaching elder’s or the session’s discernment of the Holy Spirit and their understanding of the Word of God.”

This amendment will be sent to all the presbyteries for a majority approval.

– Commissioners also approved (521–31) a recommendation to “direct the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly to establish a way to bring reconciliation to the church that would involve visiting each presbytery and serving as a resource for each presbytery’s discussion of these actions in congregations and the presbytery at-large and present voices of reconciliation for the unity of the church.”

More major updates to come from Detroit. Please keep our commissioners, and all commissioners, in your thoughts and prayers. A reminder that Shenango Presbytery has a stated meeting in place for Tuesday, June 24, at Wampum Presbyterian Church. Our presbytery’s General Council has in place a called meeting, scheduled before the stated meeting of presbytery, to consider faithful and appropriate options for Shenango as we move forward together in mission and ministry.

Ralph Hawkins, Executive Presbyter (elect)