eLink News

This Week:

June 14-21 General Assembly, Detroit, MI
June 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
June 20– 1:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
June 22- 7:00 PM Dominican Republic Steering Team, Presbytery Office
June 24- 5:30 PM Council, Wampum Presbyterian Church
6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Wampum Presbyterian Church – Watch for a special eLink tomorrow with the Docket!

General Assembly Update

Greetings from the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit, overlooking the Detroit River and the Canadian border.  Our 221st PCUSA General Assembly convened on Saturday with opening worship, communion, and a sermon by outgoing moderator Rev. Neal Presa.   Read about that worship in an article written by Rachel Shussett, Westminster College student and participant in the New Wilmington congregation who is enjoying a summer internship with Presbyterian News Service.

On Saturday evening, the Assembly elected Ruling Elder Heath Rada as the moderator for this meeting.  Read more about Rada and his service to the church here.

On Sunday afternoon, during the Assembly’s second plenary session, Rev. Hunter Farrell (director of PCUSA World Mission) led a moment of commissioning for missionaries and mission co-workers being sent in mission service around the world.  Persons recognized (but not necessarily present) who are known and supported by Shenango included:  Steve & Cinda Gorman (Egypt), Victor and Sara Makari (Palestine-Israel), Elmarie & Scott Parker (Lebanon), Brenda & Steve Stelle (Ethiopia), Claire Zuhosky (Niger), Ingrid Reneau Walls (Ghana), and Leisa Wagstaff (South Sudan).  Kalyn Stevwing, member of the New Wilmington church, will serve a year in Korea as a Young Adult Volunteer.

Our presbytery is represented by the following commissioners:

Ruling Elders:

  • Frank Stratiff (Hillside), serving on the committee for General Assembly Procedures
  • Tom Wilson (Lebanon), serving on the committee for Middle East Issues

Teaching Elders:

  • Jim Latta (Faith), serving on the committee for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
  • Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore), serving on the committee for Mission Coordination

Theological Student Advisory Delegate:

  • Addie Domske (New Wilmington), serving on the committee for Civil Union and Marriage Issues

Youth Advisory Delegate:

  • Matt Pherson (Third, New Castle), serving on the committee for Mid Councils Issues

Please keep our commissioners in your thoughts and prayers as they discern the will of Christ Jesus and participate in the highest council in our denomination’s common witness.  They work in committees (noted above) through Wednesday morning, after which the Assembly reconvenes in plenary.

Reliable reporting can be found at the Presbyterian Outlook and the Presbyerian News Service.

 Ralph Hawkins, EP elect

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).

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.

Western PA Table Project

Effective June 15th, 2014, the Western PA Table Project has ceased operation.  It has been a wild ride, 350 tables plus, at least 700 benches, and somewhere around 250 bunkbeds.  We announce this with gratitude for all the financial, spiritual, and physical support we have enjoyed from the various churches of Shenango Presbytery.  Thanks again, and God Bless, Jim Moose, director, Western PA Table Project

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

Community Vacation Bible School

North Liberty Presbyterian Church will be hosting a FREE Community VBS – Camp Iwannaknow (About Jesus) for Pre-K through Middle School in the Grove City Memorial Park, June 23-27 from 5-7 PM.  All kids are welcome!  To register, visit NLPC’s website, or contact Autumn at the Presbytery Office.

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.

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.

Treasurer’s Position Available Immediately

Mahoning Presbyterian Church is posting a part-time treasurer’s position – available immediately.  Applicant needs to be computer proficient, possess basic accounting knowledge, have ability to handle payroll transactions, be proficient inExcel, be able to prepare understandable financial reports, and be capable of learning a new software package.  Salary is $200 per month.  Applicant will be required to pass a security clearance and be approved by the Session.  Interested applicants should send a resume to Virginia Phillips, Box 58, Edinburg, PA 16116 or send a digital copy to phillips@cis.ysu.

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 toHillsidePersonnel@gmail.com.

EP on eLink

MAINTAINING, continued

In many a joke about the changing of lightbulbs , we Presbyterians are regularly accused of holding on to nearly everything from the past. (Change? Why would we?! No matter that the bulb is burned out.) I know a Presbyterian minister who would save burned-out bulbs from the church building, marking on the package when they were replaced and storing them in a church closet. Talk about maintaining! It is a symbol. Often, we hold on to persons, places, or patterns that perhaps served us well in previous eras, but often cease to make sense in a time that calls for redeployment. Maintaining burned-out bulbs just to prove we once existed: It is a fair critique, making us worthy of the punch line.

But storing up broken bulbs from the past is not our only temptation. There is an opposite problem as well. We worship the Father and serve the Son amid a culture of religious neophilia: a love affair with the new and novel. Many seem to assume that nothing good could come out of the two Christian millennia that precedes, shall we say, 1968? Despite the fact that we are stewards of a confession “once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3), we are often persuaded by eager shepherds or by restless sheep to make frequent change in the body of Christ for change’s sake. Changing bulbs every week, whether needed or not: That’s no good, either.

And so, with much humility but with great courage, we Presbyterians seek to walk the thin line of faithfulness to the living Jesus: neither holding on so tightly to patterns or pleasures of the past that the Holy Spirit finds no room among us to move, nor standing wide-eyed and grinning before the window pane of every shiny new churchy trend. It is a hard but holy balance. We are to practice what Eugene Peterson has called “a long obedience in the same direction.” In this sense, “maintenance” and “mission” are not opposing forces, as if one would have to choose between them. They are, in fact, two sides of the coin that is mature faith in Jesus as Christ. He who is alive also “gives good gifts to his people” (Ephesians 4), asking us to maintain them in the power of his Spirit. He is our life and light (bulb), and that’s no joke.

Last week, I noted four features of our presbytery’s common life which I feel called to maintain in my ministry with you as our Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk. Allow me this week to offer four more:

– I sense a strong call to support and further the good patterns of officer and leadership development in place in Shenango, great events like LeaderFest and our pastor retreats. These gatherings are precious gifts in our common life, always holding great promise to deepen our communion and enhance our effectiveness in ministry. As one who has shared fellowship in other presbyteries, I can attest: Although these quality gatherings are not unheard of in other bodies, they are not common, either. I will do everything in my influence to keep these gatherings working for us, especially as we face an inevitably leaner financial future.

– With the respective retirements of the Revs. David Dawson and Jerry Mahaffey, it was decided by our presbytery to merge the roles of EP and Stated Clerk. As I take up the work of serving as your Clerk, I sense a call to maintain good order and clear procedure in our common life. Indeed, I am honored to follow Rev. Mahaffey in this role, and celebrate his many years of faithful service to our body as Stated Clerk. Going forward, my own conviction is that good order is good pastoral care. The more members and commissioners who understand what is going on in our meetings, when procedures are clear and accessible, when our polity works for us and not against us, we are all freed up for the real work of our assemblies: discerning the the mind of Christ, the teaching of scripture, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Order and decency are holy means to a holier end: making ourselves available to Jesus for his work and witness. In these uncertain ecclesiastical days, let us be good stewards of the relative stability enjoyed in Shenango.

– I sense a call to maintain the open and supportive atmosphere of the presbytery office, including the maintenance of the excellent electronic communication avenues that have been developed over the years. Presbyteries do not exist so that buildings can be maintained and staff employed. I believe it is the other way around: As a regional council of pastors and elders, we hire competent staff and maintain shared resources in order that our congregations are better equipped for their service to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Here in Shenango, we enjoy a terrific facility and have working for us caring and competent staff. Let us be good stewards of these good gifts for as long as we can.

– Finally, I feel a deep sense of call to maintain the best of Rev. David Dawson’s 22-year legacy of executive service in our midst. As David has been for me a pastor and friend during my first six years of membership in this body, I am honored to follow him and to maintain his faithful contributions to an ethos of presbytery life that resists unnecessary regulation, fosters relationships among our leaders, and is firmly focused on congregations “as the basic form of the church” (Book of Order) and the basic local unit of Jesus’ mission in the world. I will do everything in my influence to maintain and expand these precious gospel dynamics.

After my return from General Assembly, I’ll begin sharing with you my sense of call about areas of cultivation in our common life and work.

Grace and peace to you,

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eLink News

This Week:

June 12- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
1:30 PM Sudan Team,  New Wilmington PC
June 14-21 General Assembly, Detroit, MI
June 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

General Assembly

If you are planning to attend any portion of the General Assembly meeting in Detroit, please let our Executive Presbyter know by emailing at ralph@shenango.org.  He will be in Detroit for the entire week, and would like to connect with as many Shenango members as possible.

GA Commissioners

Please keep our General Assembly Commissioners in your prayers through the coming week:

  • Rev. Jim Latta (Faith)
  • Rev. Chris Weichman (Clen-Moore)
  • Elder Frank Stratiff (Hillside)
  • Elder Tom Wilson (Lebanon)
  • YAD Matt Pherson (3rd New Castle)
  • TSAD Addie Domske (New Wilmington)

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).

Pentecost Sunday Worship

Six Shenango churches in the New Castle area shared worship together in celebration of Pentecost Sunday.  Pictured here are the New Castle pastors before and after the service.  Churches involved were Northminster, Highland, First, Third, Shenango, and Clen-Moore.  A blessed morning was enjoyed by all.

Pentecost Sunday 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Pentecost Sunday 2014 2

 

 

 

 

 

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

Summer Rummage Sale

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer will be holding a summer rummage sale on Friday, June 13 from 8 AM – 4 PM, and Saturday, June 14 from 8 AM – NOON.  Saturday is 1/2 off day with clothing $1/bag.  Proceeds to support missions in Niger and Jordan.

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.

Treasurer’s Position Available Immediately

Mahoning Presbyterian Church is posting a part-time treasurer’s position – available immediately.  Applicant needs to be computer proficient, possess basic accounting knowledge, have ability to handle payroll transactions, be proficient inExcel, be able to prepare understandable financial reports, and be capable of learning a new software package.  Salary is $200 per month.  Applicant will be required to pass a security clearance and be approved by the Session.  Interested applicants should send a resume to Virginia Phillips, Box 58, Edinburg, PA 16116 or send a digital copy to phillips@cis.ysu.

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.

EP on eLink

Hand Holding

“Maintenance” is a word that has fallen on hard times. Maintaining isn’t very sexy in an era often punch drunk on the new and the now. And the life of Christian communions is not immune from this intoxication. If you so choose, you could fill up your Saturdays with church conferences urging us all to move from “maintenance to mission” (as if the one has nothing to do with the other). To be sure, we followers of Jesus can get addicted to his comfort, we can settle into “normals” that choke our creativity and cut us off from the very neighbors he would have us meet and bless.

Even so, to maintain something holy is a holy activity. The old word in Latin was *manu tenere,* meaning something like, “to hold in the hand.” Taken that way, is it not a deep privilege to cradle in our spiritual hands the good gifts of a good God? No less than the Apostle Paul — hardly a conventional Company Man after his Damascus Road reversal — could instruct the Philippian Christians, “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” In other words, maintain. *Manu tenere.*

I recognize that in church and presbytery life, often staff transitions bring an unwanted revolution. Wanting to make a mark, sometimes new folk toss the precious baby of the past out with the bathwater of transition. But as I take up the post of your next Executive Presbyter, it is important to me that you know that I do so with a great sense of call to help maintain much of what Shenango Presbytery has been about — in action as well as in culture. This week, let me give you four quick examples. Next week, I’ll give you four more.

  • I feel a call to maintain the cross-cultural mission connections in place in our presbytery, living communions with believers in (from our perspective) far-flung places such as the Sudan, the Nile Valley, the Dominican Republic, and many others. These relationships are not unique to Shenango, but they are not common, either. They are precious gifts. Now more than ever, we need the witness of the global church — alive and well in places much more difficult than our own.
  • I feel a call to honor the legacy of the Partnership for the Missional Church (PMC), a terrific multi-year experiment in creative ministry in which a great many Shenango congregations shared. Such efforts are precious attempts to help us imagine life with Jesus outside the walls of our buildings. Even if the era of PMC work has passed, we can bless those efforts by harnessing the language, principles, and behaviors of the “missional church” movement in order to live into our calling.
  • I feel a call to bless the prevailing orthodox theological atmosphere among our officers and congregations. In a living orthodoxy, there is always room to breathe, even as we walk in the oh-so-specific way of a crucified, resurrected, and ascended Lord Jesus. I sense the good air of the gospel in the communion of our preachers and leaders, and I want to see that commitment to the full breadth of the gospel (loving God and loving neighbor) maintained and furthered.
  • I feel a sense of call to further the supportive and encouraging pastoral relationships among our Teaching Elders. No communion is perfect; every body of believers can stand to mature. But I appreciate the collegial relationships present among the bulk of our pastors, and want to help ensure a spirit of cooperation, unity, and challenge amid these uncertain times. If we pastors cannot practice robust Christian community among ourselves, how can we expect it of the congregations we have been called to serve?

*Manu tenere.* Maintaining. What precious blessings from God, in life and in church, are you being called to hold in your hands? More of mine next week.

Grace and peace to you.

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eLink News

This Week:

June 4- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
June 9- 4:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
June 12- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
1:30 PM Sudan Team,  New Wilmington PC

Joys

Revs. John and Beth Creekpaum are delighted to welcome into the world baby Samuel John, born without incident at UPMC Farrell on Monday.  Mother and baby are doing well.  Little Samuel is not only their first child, but the first grandchild for both of their families … and perhaps the first Shenango Presbytery baby born to a clergy couple … ever?

Chaplain Needed for the Boy Scouts!

Moraine Trails Council Boy Scout Camp needs a chaplain at Camp Bucoco Near Slippery Rock University to lead a vespers service. The five week period starts at 5:30pm on June 15th and it would be a voluntary position for the one evening (probably Tuesday) a week. Dinner is provided. Any one with a scouting background would be a plus but not necessary. The contact person is Fran Batson, District Executive and Business manager at 1-800-808-1029 at the scout office in Butler.

News from the Churches

Summer Rummage Sale

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer will be holding a summer rummage sale on Friday, June 13 from 8 AM – 4 PM, and Saturday, June 14 from 8 AM – NOON.  Saturday is 1/2 off day with clothing $1/bag.  Proceeds to support missions in Niger and Jordan.

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.

Treasurer’s Position Available Immediately

Mahoning Presbyterian Church is posting a part-time treasurer’s position – available immediately.  Applicant needs to be computer proficient, possess basic accounting knowledge, have ability to handle payroll transactions, be proficient inExcel, be able to prepare understandable financial reports, and be capable of learning a new software package.  Salary is $200 per month.  Applicant will be required to pass a security clearance and be approved by the Session.  Interested applicants should send a resume to Virginia Phillips, Box 58, Edinburg, PA 16116 or send a digital copy to phillips@cis.ysu.

eLink News- EXTRA!

A note from our Executive Presbyter / Stated Clerk (elect):

As May gives way to June, I am wrapping up six years of ministry with the saints of the New Wilmington church and looking forward to starting my work with and for you as EP/SC.  My first day on the job will be this Monday, June 2.  Although I have been elected as EP, I will not officially begin my duties at Stated Clerk until the June 24 presbytery meeting, when I will be installed.  Until then, and through that meeting, Rev. Jerry Mahaffey will remain our capable Stated Clerk.

Here are some ways you can connect with me beginning June 2:  For email, use ralph@shenango.org.  For phone, you can reach me at the presbytery office (724-528-1610) during office hours or on my cell other times at 724-456-2569. I do not have a home phone.  I will be developing and sharing with you some standard office hours, but the best way to connect with me in person will be to reach out for an appointment.  Indeed, I look forward to connecting with a great many Shenango folks this summer.  And for better or worse, this is the age of social media.  Connect with me on Twitter at @rwhawkins or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ralph.w.hawkins.  I also keep a running collection of shorter writings at http://nextdoorpercy.blogspot.com

I’ll be in touch again in the first weeks of June.

Ralph W. Hawkins

eLink News

This Week:

May 27- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM “Moving Forward” Event, Lebanon PC
June 3- 9:30 AM Council, Mt. Hermon PC
June 4- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

Please Note: The Presbytery Office will be closing at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 30th so that the office carpets can be cleaned.

Joys

Ralph Hawkins received his Doctor of Ministry degree in homiletics from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, TX this past weekend.  Ralph will begin his duties as Executive Presbyter-Stated Clerk on Monday, June 2nd.

Pleased with Our Presbytery, Discouraged by Our Denomination?

Currently there are 45 people representing 15 congregations attending the event this evening…there is still time to RSVP if you would like to join them!

The “Moving Forward Group” of pastors would like to invite all Teaching and Ruling Elders within Shenango Presbytery to Lebanon Church on Tuesday, May 27th (6:30 – 8:00 PM) for a time of fellowship, discussion, and desserts.  The Session of Elders from Lebanon will make a presentation of their discernment process to stay in the Presbytery of Shenango as a congregation who has officially joined “The Fellowship of Presbyterians”.  If you are someone who is pleased with the shared ministry of our presbytery, but discouraged by the direction of our denomination, then this gathering should speak well to your thoughtful discontent!  Sessions are encouraged to attend.  Contact Augie Hurst if you and/or your session plan to attend (email augiehurst@me.com or call/text 724-813-4134).

Chaplain Needed for the Boy Scouts!

Moraine Trails Council Boy Scout Camp needs a chaplain at Camp Bucoco Near Slippery Rock University to lead a vespers service. The five week period starts at 5:30pm on June 15th and it would be a voluntary position for the one evening (probably Tuesday) a week. Dinner is provided. Any one with a scouting background would be a plus but not necessary. The contact person is Fran Batson, District Executive and Business manager at 1-800-808-1029 at the scout office in Butler.

News from the Churches

Book Sale Donations

Third Presbyterian Church, New Castle is now accepting used books for their sale in June.  Contact the church for more information at 724-658-6683.

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.

Treasurer’s Position Available Immediately

Mahoning Presbyterian Church is posting a part-time treasurer’s position – available immediately.  Applicant needs to be computer proficient, possess basic accounting knowledge, have ability to handle payroll transactions, be proficient inExcel, be able to prepare understandable financial reports, and be capable of learning a new software package.  Salary is $200 per month.  Applicant will be required to pass a security clearance and be approved by the Session.  Interested applicants should send a resume to Virginia Phillips, Box 58, Edinburg, PA 16116 or send a digital copy to phillips@cis.ysu.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Prayers for Michael and Rachel Weller who are missionaries in Ethiopia

They received news that Michael’s father unexpectedly passed away on Monday, May 19, in Florida.  Note: Michael and Rachel Weller were appointed in 1994 to serve in Ethiopia with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY).  Michael is PC(USA)’s regional liaison for the Horn of Africa, where PC(USA) works with partner churches in Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.  Rachel is health coordinator for the East and West Gambella Bethel Synods of the EECMY in western Ethiopia.

eLink News

This Week:

May 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
May 26- OFFICE CLOSED, Memorial Day
May 27- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM “Moving Forward” Event, Lebanon PC

Please Note: The Presbytery Office will be closing at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 30th so that the office carpets can be cleaned.

Prayers

Michael Weller’s father passed away unexpectedly this morning.  Micheal and his wife Rachel are currently serving in Ethiopia.

Pleased with Our Presbytery, Discouraged by Our Denomination?

The “Moving Forward Group” of pastors would like to invite all Teaching and Ruling Elders within Shenango Presbytery to Lebanon Church on Tuesday, May 27th (6:30 – 8:00 PM) for a time of fellowship, discussion, and desserts.  The Session of Elders from Lebanon will make a presentation of their discernment process to stay in the Presbytery of Shenango as a congregation who has officially joined “The Fellowship of Presbyterians”.  If you are someone who is pleased with the shared ministry of our presbytery, but discouraged by the direction of our denomination, then this gathering should speak well to your thoughtful discontent!  Sessions are encouraged to attend.  Contact Augie Hurst if you and/or your session plan to attend (email augiehurst@me.com or call/text 724-813-4134).

Chaplain Needed for the Boy Scouts!

Moraine Trails Council Boy Scout Camp needs a chaplain at Camp Bucoco Near Slippery Rock University to lead a vespers service. The five week period starts at 5:30pm on June 15th and it would be a voluntary position for the one evening (probably Tuesday) a week. Dinner is provided. Any one with a scouting background would be a plus but not necessary. The contact person is Fran Batson, District Executive and Business manager at 1-800-808-1029 at the scout office in Butler.

News from the Churches

Memorial Day Service

The annual Memorial Service honoring our veteran’s, will be held, Sun. May 25th at 7:00 PM in the Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church, 3116  Frew Mill Road, New Castle, PA.   Jim Moose, CRE will be bringing the evening message along with special music by T.R. Walker.  Pastor Marsha Parrish extends a warm welcome to everyone to come and  join in this special service.

Book Sale Donations

Third Presbyterian Church, New Castle is now accepting used books for their sale in June.  Contact the church for more information at 724-658-6683.

Rummage/Bake Sale

May 24, 2014 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church (3116 Frew Mill Road, New Castle).  Call 724-924-2737 for more information.  Lunch will be available.

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.

Treasurer’s Position Available Immediately

Mahoning Presbyterian Church is posting a part-time treasurer’s position – available immediately.  Applicant needs to be computer proficient, possess basic accounting knowledge, have ability to handle payroll transactions, be proficient inExcel, be able to prepare understandable financial reports, and be capable of learning a new software package.  Salary is $200 per month.  Applicant will be required to pass a security clearance and be approved by the Session.  Interested applicants should send a resume to Virginia Phillips, Box 58, Edinburg, PA 16116 or send a digital copy to phillips@cis.ysu.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Joys

Bill King, interim at Bell Memorial, is celebrating the birth of his second grandchild: Jocelyn Marie King.  Mother and daughter are fine.

Chaplain Needed for the Boy Scouts!

Moraine Trails Council Boy Scout Camp needs a chaplain at Camp Bucoco Near Slippery Rock University to lead a vespers service. The five week period starts at 5:30pm on June 15th and it would be a voluntary position for the one evening (probably Tuesday) a week. Dinner is provided. Any one with a scouting background would be a plus but not necessary. The contact person is Fran Batson, District Executive and Business manager at 1-800-808-1029 at the scout office in Butler.