This Week:

May 15- 12:00 PM  MCS Committee, New Wilmington PC
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
May 17- 8:00 AM ENGAGE Evangelism Event, Clen-Moore PC – LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS TOMORROW!
May 19- 9:00 AM PW Coordinating Team, Presbytery Office
May 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Presbytery Office

Guide for Young Adult Ministry

Presbyterians Today Magazine announces a long-awaited, two-years-in-the-making, special edition magazine: Guide for Young Adult Ministry.  It was completely planned, written, and edited by a diverse team of young adults who cast a bold vision for an intergenerational church.  Find out more: http://bit.ly/RHBjyV.

Music Swap Meet

You are invited to the First Ever Music Swap Meet for Churches of Shenango Presbytery.  We all know that music is becoming more and more expensive, and budgets are tight.   So, in preparation for Advent and Christmas (not so far away!) bring a couple of copies of anthems/cantatas/oratorios from your library, that you would be willing to loan to another church, to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street) on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 9 AM.  Keyboards will be available for you to play through music that interests you, and you’ll have the opportunity to make arrangements with other music directors to borrow numbers you’d like to use, or lend to someone else.  A light continental breakfast will be offered.  For more info call Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 ext. 3, or Don Stanley at 724-932-2101.

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).

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.

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.

Sermon Now Online

You can watch Rev. Hawkin’s sermon from the April 29th Presbytery meeting…click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE_utVkwYYo

 

Deadline Extended for ENGAGE: Mission Workshop

You now have until the 15th to register for the Evangelism Committee’s special event with Ray Jones.  Call or email the Presbytery office at 724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org with your registration ASAP.

This Week:

May 7- 10:00 AM Missional Experimentation Group, Calvin PC, Zelienople
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Trinity Presbyterian Church
May 8- 1:30 PM  Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office

Ralph Hawkins Elected Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk

At last Tuesday evening’s Called Presbytery Meeting, Rev. Ralph Hawkins was elected to be the new Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk.  Ralph will begin on June 2nd.  Look for more details about the transition on our website in the coming days.

Guide for Young Adult Ministry

Presbyterians Today Magazine announces a long-awaited, two-years-in-the-making, special edition magazine: Guide for Young Adult Ministry.  It was completely planned, written, and edited by a diverse team of young adults who cast a bold vision for an intergenerational church.  Find out more: http://bit.ly/RHBjyV.

Support the People of South Sudan

The people of South Sudan are in desperate need of help.   On April 12, the United States along with the European Union and the United Nations outlined the problems and called for immediate action in a statement below:

“Despite a Cessation of Hostilities agreement, fighting has continued, causing tremendous suffering and large-scale displacement inside and outside the country. This is a man-made disaster. All parties need to urgently work together to create the conditions for peace and stability to return to South Sudan.  There are five million people in need, 800,000 people who are internally displaced, and 280,000 who have fled to neighboring countries. We thank those countries for hosting refugees from South Sudan.   Humanitarian agencies have reached more than one million people with life-saving aid. But this is just a fifth of the people in need. There must be immediate and unconditional access for the UN and humanitarian organizations to reach people in need across all areas of South Sudan.  The next three months are critical. Protecting people from violence is essential. Prevention of communicable diseases is key, especially among displaced people as the rainy season approaches.  There are already extremely high rates of malnutrition amongst displaced people and the communities helping to host them. People need to be able to plant crops before the rains and have access to other sources of humanitarian assistance in order to avert a catastrophic decline in food security which could affect up to seven million people.  The United States and the International Community must protect civilian communities and deliver food, seeds, tools, shelter, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation.  Supplies must be delivered to the parts of the country where people need them most. We must do this despite the fighting, the insecurity, the rainy season, and the bureaucratic obstacles.  There must be an adequate level of response to the most acute needs of refugees in the neighboring countries, and the very specific need in terms of protection for thousands of children, women, and unaccompanied minors who are the majority of the displaced. It is also very important to remember the host communities that can be put under tremendous pressure in already very fragile contexts.  The international community must stand by the people of South Sudan in its hour of greatest need. Unless action is taken now up to a million people could face famine in a matter of months.”

Please contact your members of congress and urge them to support increased diplomatic initiatives and funding for humanitarian aid for South Sudan.  And, urge the Secretary of State and President to use all possible means to continue to press for humanitarian access.  Click here to send a message to congress and the administration today!

A FREE Lunch!

“Nicea and Shenango: A Necessary Relationship in Uncertain Times.”  The Christian Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery is hosting a free luncheon for all Teaching Elders of Shenango Presbytery, and any other interested Church leaders, at Tuscany Square in Neshannock on Wednesday, May 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  More details on our homepage!

Music Swap Meet

You are invited to the First Ever Music Swap Meet for Churches of Shenango Presbytery.  We all know that music is becoming more and more expensive, and budgets are tight.   So, in preparation for Advent and Christmas (not so far away!) bring a couple of copies of anthems/cantatas/oratorios from your library, that you would be willing to loan to another church, to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street) on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 9 AM.  Keyboards will be available for you to play through music that interests you, and you’ll have the opportunity to make arrangements with other music directors to borrow numbers you’d like to use, or lend to someone else.  A light continental breakfast will be offered.  For more info call Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 ext. 3, or Don Stanley at 724-932-2101.

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).

Celebrate World Fair Trade Day at the Silk Road Market

It’s almost World Fair Trade Day!  You know, that one day of the year set aside to celebrate the impact that fair trade can make throughout the world.  According to recent statistics, there are roughly 27 million people living in slavery.  They’re in labor camps, brothels, even circuses.  That’s a huge number!  On Saturday, May 10, come celebrate World Fair Trade Day at The Silk Road Market in New Wilmington and take the opportunity to fight slavery.  This one day, 20% of all sales will be donated to the Free Forever Campaign through Made by Survivors.  This campaign will build a third shelter that can house 125 survivors as well as a training and education facility.  The more you shop, the greater the impact!  I hope to you all there for a little food, a little fun, and an easy way to be a modern day abolitionist.  ~ Wendy

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.

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.

ENGAGE: Mission Workshop with Ray Jones – Deadline to Register is MONDAY!

May 17th from 8 AM – 2 PM at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle.  Lunch provided.

During this workshop we will engage information and discussion around what it means to be a “sent” church. The first part of our time together will be a review of the Engage the Gospel and Engage Discipleship curriculum.  More and more we are discovering the key to an effective ministry is disciple making that leads to mission. Discipleship leads us to share faith and serve others in very authentic ways. In other words,
our personal and corporate transformation leads to God’s mission of transformation in our neighborhoods and communities.

Therefore, the bulk of our time will be spent exploring and praying about what it means to join with God in what God is already doing in our communities. We will examine the importance of prayer walks and talk about authentic ways of discovering the physical and spiritual needs of people in our community. Our time together will include receiving information and small group discussion.  Following the workshop, if a group from a church would like to meet with Ray, he will be glad to work with you.

To achieve maximum effectiveness, we urge the pastor(s) and two to four key lay leaders from each church to attend together.

Register online.

Download the flyer.

Download the bulletin insert.

Members and friends of Shenango,

Grace and peace to you in this hope-filled Easter season.

I am both honored and energized by my election this week as our next Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk.  In the words of the old spiritual, there was a “sweet, sweet spirit” in the air at our called meeting on April 29.  It was a blessing to a part of that good gathering, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Rev. Jim Mohr and Westminster College for hosting us on such short notice.   We will send you a link next week to an online video of the scripture reading and sermon from the meeting, so that you can share them with your sessions and others as you deem helpful.

When next you see members of the EP/SC nominating committee, offer them your thanks for their diligent work on a tight timeline during a busy time of year.  I was encouraged by their great unity, clarity, and sense of calm throughout the process.  Thanks to Rev. Bill McGary and the committee for their labor on all our behalf.  Furthermore, let us be grateful for Rev. Don Stanley lending his wisdom and support to our ministry committees during the interim time between executives.  Don is always at the ready with the right words at the right time — one of many wise pastors in our midst.

As for my transition from one post to another, I want you to be aware that Monday, June 2 will be my first day on the job as EP/SC.  This start date will give me two weeks to connect with our presbytery office staff, our council and committee leaders, and our retiring Stated Clerk, all before attending General Assembly in Detroit, June 14-21.  Later this month, I will be in touch with you again to give you my new contact information for the future.

Until June 2, I will be wrapping up six years of ministry with the New Wilmington congregation.  I give thanks to the Holy Spirit for the fruits of officer development, local mission engagement, and weekly blended worship we have enjoyed together.  June 1 will be my final Sunday with the congregation, as I will no longer be functioning for them in any pastoral way.  I will no longer be worshipping with them on a regular basis.  Friendships remain, but pastorates must end and space be made for a new Teaching Elder to serve them.  As for me, I look forward to spending at least three Sundays a month worshipping with and greeting our Shenango congregations.  More about that effort, and a great many other plans, after June 1.

As I indicated at our called meeting, these are not easy days for Shenango.  Local demographic challenges, shifty religious appetites, and persistent denominational noise make theologically-rich shared ministry most challenging … yet all the more urgent.  Let us not lose heart, even amid smaller numbers and uncertainty about Detroit.  Christ is alive and will have his church, this much we know.  It is only for us to be open to the movement of his Holy Spirit, who comforts and challenges us with the good news.  On days in my ministry when the way ahead has been distressingly unclear, the strange news of the empty tomb has made all the difference.  Be encouraged.  Stay engaged.  He is risen.  That is enough.

Until June, I remain,
your friend and partner in ministry,

Ralph W. Hawkins

 

 

This Week:

May 1- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster Presbyterian Church
May 6- 2:00 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
May 7- 10:00 AM Missional Experimentation Group, Calvin PC, Zelienople
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Trinity Presbyterian Church
May 8- 1:30 PM  Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office

Ralph Hawkins Elected Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk

At Tuesday evening’s Called Presbytery Meeting, Rev. Ralph Hawkins was elected to be the new Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk.  Ralph will begin on June 2nd.  Look for more details about the transition on our website in the coming days.

ENGAGE: Mission Workshop – Deadline to Register is MONDAY!

Join the Evangelism Committee and guest speaker Ray Jones on May 17th at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church.  Click here for more information and to register.

Support the People of South Sudan

The people of South Sudan are in desperate need of help.   On April 12, the United States along with the European Union and the United Nations outlined the problems and called for immediate action in a statement below:

“Despite a Cessation of Hostilities agreement, fighting has continued, causing tremendous suffering and large-scale displacement inside and outside the country. This is a man-made disaster. All parties need to urgently work together to create the conditions for peace and stability to return to South Sudan.  There are five million people in need, 800,000 people who are internally displaced, and 280,000 who have fled to neighboring countries. We thank those countries for hosting refugees from South Sudan.   Humanitarian agencies have reached more than one million people with life-saving aid. But this is just a fifth of the people in need. There must be immediate and unconditional access for the UN and humanitarian organizations to reach people in need across all areas of South Sudan.  The next three months are critical. Protecting people from violence is essential. Prevention of communicable diseases is key, especially among displaced people as the rainy season approaches.  There are already extremely high rates of malnutrition amongst displaced people and the communities helping to host them. People need to be able to plant crops before the rains and have access to other sources of humanitarian assistance in order to avert a catastrophic decline in food security which could affect up to seven million people.  The United States and the International Community must protect civilian communities and deliver food, seeds, tools, shelter, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation.  Supplies must be delivered to the parts of the country where people need them most. We must do this despite the fighting, the insecurity, the rainy season, and the bureaucratic obstacles.  There must be an adequate level of response to the most acute needs of refugees in the neighboring countries, and the very specific need in terms of protection for thousands of children, women, and unaccompanied minors who are the majority of the displaced. It is also very important to remember the host communities that can be put under tremendous pressure in already very fragile contexts.  The international community must stand by the people of South Sudan in its hour of greatest need. Unless action is taken now up to a million people could face famine in a matter of months.”

Please contact your members of congress and urge them to support increased diplomatic initiatives and funding for humanitarian aid for South Sudan.  And, urge the Secretary of State and President to use all possible means to continue to press for humanitarian access.  Click here to send a message to congress and the administration today!

A FREE Lunch!

“Nicea and Shenango: A Necessary Relationship in Uncertain Times.”  The Christian Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery is hosting a free luncheon for all Teaching Elders of Shenango Presbytery, and any other interested Church leaders, at Tuscany Square in Neshannock on Wednesday, May 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  More details on our homepage!

National Day of Prayer Gathering

May 1st, 11:00 AM at the Lake Latonka Community Building, just outside of Mercer.  Open to everyone.  Local ministerium presiding.  Questions, contact Dotty Mariner at 724-475-4100.

Music Swap Meet

You are invited to the First Ever Music Swap Meet for Churches of Shenango Presbytery.  We all know that music is becoming more and more expensive, and budgets are tight.   So, in preparation for Advent and Christmas (not so far away!) bring a couple of copies of anthems/cantatas/oratorios from your library, that you would be willing to loan to another church, to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street) on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 9 AM.  Keyboards will be available for you to play through music that interests you, and you’ll have the opportunity to make arrangements with other music directors to borrow numbers you’d like to use, or lend to someone else.  A light continental breakfast will be offered.  For more info call Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 ext. 3, or Don Stanley at 724-932-2101.

Celebrate World Fair Trade Day at the Silk Road Market

It’s almost World Fair Trade Day!  You know, that one day of the year set aside to celebrate the impact that fair trade can make throughout the world.  According to recent statistics, there are roughly 27 million people living in slavery.  They’re in labor camps, brothels, even circuses.  That’s a huge number!  On Saturday, May 10, come celebrate World Fair Trade Day at The Silk Road Market in New Wilmington and take the opportunity to fight slavery.  This one day, 20% of all sales will be donated to the Free Forever Campaign through Made by Survivors.  This campaign will build a third shelter that can house 125 survivors as well as a training and education facility.  The more you shop, the greater the impact!  I hope to you all there for a little food, a little fun, and an easy way to be a modern day abolitionist.  ~ Wendy

News from the Churches

PW Rummage Sale

The PW of First, Sharon will be holding a Rummage Sale on May 2nd from 9 AM – 2 PM and May 3rd from 9 AM – 1 PM.  Bake Sale and Lunch available.

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 Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time organist.  Interested parties should send a resume c/o Organ Committee, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, 229 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

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.

A Called Meeting of Shenango Presbytery has been set for next week, Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Wallace Memorial Chapel on the Westminster College campus.  The Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk Nominating Committee will be presenting Rev. Ralph Hawkins as the candidate-elect for Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk of Shenango Presbytery.  The meeting will begin with worship at 6:30 PM.

Please CLICK HERE to read a letter from the EP/SC Nominating Committee as well as a letter and biographical information from Rev. Hawkins.

This Week:

April 29– 6:30 PM Special Presbytery Meeting, Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College
May 1- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster Presbyterian Church
May 6- 2:00 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
May 7- 10:00 AM Missional Experimentation Group, Calvin PC, Zelienople
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Trinity Presbyterian Church

ENGAGE: Mission Workshop

Join the Evangelism Committee and guest speaker Ray Jones on May 17th at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church.  Click here for more information and to register.

Support the People of South Sudan

The people of South Sudan are in desperate need of help.   On April 12, the United States along with the European Union and the United Nations outlined the problems and called for immediate action in a statement below:

“Despite a Cessation of Hostilities agreement, fighting has continued, causing tremendous suffering and large-scale displacement inside and outside the country. This is a man-made disaster. All parties need to urgently work together to create the conditions for peace and stability to return to South Sudan.  There are five million people in need, 800,000 people who are internally displaced, and 280,000 who have fled to neighboring countries. We thank those countries for hosting refugees from South Sudan.   Humanitarian agencies have reached more than one million people with life-saving aid. But this is just a fifth of the people in need. There must be immediate and unconditional access for the UN and humanitarian organizations to reach people in need across all areas of South Sudan.  The next three months are critical. Protecting people from violence is essential. Prevention of communicable diseases is key, especially among displaced people as the rainy season approaches.  There are already extremely high rates of malnutrition amongst displaced people and the communities helping to host them. People need to be able to plant crops before the rains and have access to other sources of humanitarian assistance in order to avert a catastrophic decline in food security which could affect up to seven million people.  The United States and the International Community must protect civilian communities and deliver food, seeds, tools, shelter, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation.  Supplies must be delivered to the parts of the country where people need them most. We must do this despite the fighting, the insecurity, the rainy season, and the bureaucratic obstacles.  There must be an adequate level of response to the most acute needs of refugees in the neighboring countries, and the very specific need in terms of protection for thousands of children, women, and unaccompanied minors who are the majority of the displaced. It is also very important to remember the host communities that can be put under tremendous pressure in already very fragile contexts.  The international community must stand by the people of South Sudan in its hour of greatest need. Unless action is taken now up to a million people could face famine in a matter of months.”

Please contact your members of congress and urge them to support increased diplomatic initiatives and funding for humanitarian aid for South Sudan.  And, urge the Secretary of State and President to use all possible means to continue to press for humanitarian access.  Click here to send a message to congress and the administration today!

A FREE Lunch!

“Nicea and Shenango: A Necessary Relationship in Uncertain Times.”  The Christian Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery is hosting a free luncheon for all Teaching Elders of Shenango Presbytery, and any other interested Church leaders, at Tuscany Square in Neshannock on Wednesday, May 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  More details on our homepage!

National Day of Prayer Gathering

May 1st, 11:00 AM at the Lake Latonka Community Building, just outside of Mercer.  Open to everyone.  Local ministerium presiding.  Questions, contact Dotty Mariner at 724-475-4100.

Music Swap Meet

You are invited to the First Ever Music Swap Meet for Churches of Shenango Presbytery.  We all know that music is becoming more and more expensive, and budgets are tight.   So, in preparation for Advent and Christmas (not so far away!) bring a couple of copies of anthems/cantatas/oratorios from your library, that you would be willing to loan to another church, to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street) on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 9 AM.  Keyboards will be available for you to play through music that interests you, and you’ll have the opportunity to make arrangements with other music directors to borrow numbers you’d like to use, or lend to someone else.  A light continental breakfast will be offered.  For more info call Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 ext. 3, or Don Stanley at 724-932-2101.

News from the Churches

Flea Market

Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) will host a Flea Market on Saturday, April 26th from 9 AM – 2 PM.  If you would like to donate, please bring your items in and place them in the fellowship hall, behind the curtains, on the stage.  No clothing, televisions or large furniture!  Jewelry accepted!  Deadline for donations is Thursday, the 24th.  Thank you!

Health Fair at Clen-Moore

Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church (220 E. Clen-Moore Blvd., New Castle) will host a FREE Health Fair from Noon-2 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2014.  The event will feature blood pressure screening, medical equipment demos, balance/fall risk assessment, ask the pharmacist, vision screenings, APPRISE medicare counseling, refreshments, giveaways, and much more.

PW Rummage Sale

The PW of First, Sharon will be holding a Rummage Sale on May 2nd from 9 AM – 2 PM and May 3rd from 9 AM – 1 PM.  Bake Sale and Lunch available.

Organist Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time organist.  Interested parties should send a resume c/o Organ Committee, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, 229 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

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:

April 17- 3:00 PM EP Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
April 18 – OFFICE CLOSED, GOOD FRIDAY
April 22– 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, 1st Sharpsville

ENGAGE: Mission Workshop

Join the Evangelism Committee and guest speaker Ray Jones on May 17th at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church.  Click here for more information and to register.

South Sudan Prayer Request

There is a huge humanitarian need in South Sudan especially in Upper Nile State  were there have been reports of people not receiving any assistance since December due to the ongoing fighting.  Clean water and sanitation, food, healthcare & shelter are the main needs.

Fears of famine later in the year are growing because of the peoples ability to farm, fish & move cattle have been hampered by displacement & general insecurity.  Malnutrition rates are on the rise.

As people enter the rainy season, community coping mechanisms were severely stretched. Family food stocks normally run out during this time of the year, with households turning to markets for food supplies. Many markets have been destroyed by the fighting, or people no longer have access to them due to displacement.

There are partners ready to respond when the fighting stops.  Please pray for peace.

A FREE Lunch!

“Nicea and Shenango: A Necessary Relationship in Uncertain Times.”  The Christian Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery is hosting a free luncheon for all Teaching Elders of Shenango Presbytery, and any other interested Church leaders, at Tuscany Square in Neshannock on Wednesday, May 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  More details to follow in a special eLink tomorrow!

National Day of Prayer Gathering

May 1st, 11:00 AM at the Lake Latonka Community Building, just outside of Mercer.  Open to everyone.  Local ministerium presiding.  Questions, contact Dotty Mariner at 724-475-4100.

Music Swap Meet

You are invited to the First Ever Music Swap Meet for Churches of Shenango Presbytery.  We all know that music is becoming more and more expensive, and budgets are tight.   So, in preparation for Advent and Christmas (not so far away!) bring a couple of copies of anthems/cantatas/oratorios from your library, that you would be willing to loan to another church, to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street) on Saturday, May 17th beginning at 9 AM.  Keyboards will be available for you to play through music that interests you, and you’ll have the opportunity to make arrangements with other music directors to borrow numbers you’d like to use, or lend to someone else.  A light continental breakfast will be offered.  For more info call Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 ext. 3, or Don Stanley at 724-932-2101.

News from the Churches

Flea Market

Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) will host a Flea Market on Saturday, April 26th from 9 AM – 2 PM.  If you would like to donate, please bring your items in and place them in the fellowship hall, behind the curtains, on the stage.  No clothing, televisions or large furniture!  Jewelry accepted!  Deadline for donations is Thursday, the 24th.  Thank you!

Health Fair at Clen-Moore

Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church (220 E. Clen-Moore Blvd., New Castle) will host a FREE Health Fair from Noon-2 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2014.  The event will feature blood pressure screening, medical equipment demos, balance/fall risk assessment, ask the pharmacist, vision screenings, APPRISE medicare counseling, refreshments, giveaways, and much more.

Organist Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time organist.  Interested parties should send a resume c/o Organ Committee, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, 229 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

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.