…a community of Presbyterian congregations in western Pennsylvania
Oklahoma Tornado Relief
You and your congregation can help the victims in Oklahoma with funds through Presbyterian Disaster Relief. They can be sent through the Presbytery Office or you can give directly at http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/.
Listening Sessions Ongoing
Please plan on attending the remaining Listening Sessions where all are welcome:
600 Worship Together at Pentecost
Five years ago the six New Castle churches (Firs, Clen-Moore, Third, Highland, Northminster, and Shenango) were (in different ways) concerned about their future. On Sunday, they gathered for a rousing Pentecost morning worship at George Washington School in New Castle. Nathan Loudon was the preacher and many others (choir, ushers, musicians, etc.) led a high-energy worship in which Presbyterians in New Castle were clearly praising God for their fellowship together. The Holy Spirit was clearly present!
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is nearing completion of its work preparing a slate for nominees for the new classes on Presbytery committees (to be elected June 25 to begin service July 1). Recommendations for individuals to serve should be sent tooffice@shenango.org by June 11.
Mission Speaker Available June 2
Govinda Awale is from Nepal. He leads an organization called Allow the Children –http://www.allowthechildren.org/ If you are interested in having him speak in your church on June 2, contact Don Dawson ddawson@pts.edu ASAP.
Higher Education Scholarship Deadline Extended
The deadline for completion of the Higher Education Scholarship has been extended until May 31st. You can access the application on our website here (scroll down to the Shenango Presbytery Scholarship headline).
Organist/Eventual Choir Director Wanted
Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist who would eventually lead their choir. This is a part-time position. They are seeking a faithful musician who is excited about singing and church. Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.
Rummage Sale
Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer will have their summer rummage sale on Friday, June 14 from 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday, June 15 from 8 AM till NOON.
Listening Sessions Begin This Sunday Evening
All are invited to attend the listening sessions where we will discuss the survey reports (click here to see them):
Mission Speaker Available June 2
Govinda Awale is from Nepal. He leads an organization called Allow the Children – http://www.allowthechildren.org/ If you are interested in having him speak in your church on June 2, contact Don Dawson ddawson@pts.edu ASAP.
Presbytery Survey Reports Complete
We have received the reports on the Presbytery Survey completed by 1136 ruling and teaching elders. Click here to see that document. In addition to the overall report, individual reports have been prepared for each participating church. That file was sent last week to each pastor and clerk of session. The individual church reports are confidential for the session. It can be shared at the session’s discretion.
All are welcome to the following:
Please plan on attending the Listening Sessions where all are welcome:
Pulpit Supply Available
Bud Green is preaching in many pulpits this summer, but he still has some open dates in August 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).
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is nearing completion of its work preparing a slate for nominees for the new classes on Presbytery committees (to be elected June 25 to begin service July 1). Recommendations for individuals to serve should be sent to office@shenango.org by June 11.
Higher Education Scholarship Deadline Extended
The deadline for completion of the Higher Education Scholarship has been extended until May 31st. You can access the application on our website here (scroll down to the Shenango Presbytery Scholarship headline).
Presbyterian Media Mission – Your Witness in Media
The only media organization in the PC(USA) is Presbytery Media Mission located in Pittsburgh. It was a collaborative effort started in western PA more than 30 years ago. Former pastor, Gordon Bean, was a major leader in the early days. PMM has won many awards over the years for Passages (stories of faith heard on hundreds of radio stations) and videos like the recent “Walk” highlighting western PA Presbyterian history. Your church’s giving to Presbytery and Synod mission supports PMM. http://www.pmm4u.org/media/index.cfm
2013 Rabbi Samuel Meyer Memorial Lecture and Workshop
Word Centered Fellowship Celebrates 10 Years in Ministry
Word Centered Fellowship is excited to announce that they will be celebrating 10 years in Ministry on May 18 and 19, 2013. You are invited to join the celebration in the following events:
Please RSVP for the First Ladies Day Luncheon or the Sunday Dinner by calling 724-342-3468 and leave a message.
FREE Concert
Bloomsburg University Choirs under the direction of Alan Baker will perform on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA.
Organist/Eventual Choir Director Wanted
Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist who would eventually lead their choir. This is a part-time position. They are seeking a faithful musician who is excited about singing and church. Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.
Excess Choir Music
Tower Presbyterian Church has quite a bit of choral music that they are looking to get rid of. If you are interested in taking a look, contact Rev. Jerry Deck atjerryldeck@gmail.com.
This Week:
Presbytery Survey Reports Complete
We have received the reports on the Presbytery Survey completed by 1136 ruling and teaching elders. Click here to see that document. In addition to the overall report, individual reports have been prepared for each participating church. That file will be sent this week to each pastor and clerk of session. The individual church reports are confidential for the session. It can be shared at the session’s discretion.
All are welcome to the following:
Please plan on attending the Listening Sessions where all are welcome:
Pulpit Supply Available
Bud Green is preaching in many pulpits this summer, but he still has some open dates 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).
Higher Education Scholarship Deadline Extended
The deadline for completion of the Higher Education Scholarship has been extended until May 31st. You can access the application on our website here (scroll down to the Shenango Presbytery Scholarship headline).
A Book Study Lunch Group Being Formed:
The only media organization in the PC(USA) is Presbytery Media Mission located in Pittsburgh. It was a collaborative effort started in western PA more than 30 years ago. Former pastor, Gordon Bean, was a major leader in the early days. PMM has won many awards over the years for Passages (stories of faith heard on hundreds of radio stations) and videos like the recent “Walk” highlighting western PA Presbyterian history. Your church’s giving to Presbytery and Synod mission supports PMM. http://www.pmm4u.org/media/index.cfm
Pastors, are you looking for a great study experience?
A course grounded in scripture that will challenge you with new ideas, give you tons of material for future sermons and Bible studies and open your eyes to what God is doing in the world? Visit this link and learn full details of the one-week intensive located at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary August 4 -10, 2013. Discount price if you register before May 2. This course is highly recommended by alumni pastors and church leaders in our Presbytery. https://class.perspectives.org/Visitor/Public.aspx?ClassId=421633
Word Centered Fellowship Celebrates 10 Years in Ministry
Word Centered Fellowship is excited to announce that they will be celebrating 10 years in Ministry on May 18 and 19, 2013. You are invited to join the celebration in the following events:
Please RSVP for the First Ladies Day Luncheon or the Sunday Dinner by calling 724-342-3468 and leave a message.
FREE Concert
Bloomsburg University Choirs under the direction of Alan Baker will perform on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA.
Organist/Eventual Choir Director Wanted
Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist who would eventually lead their choir. This is a part-time position. They are seeking a faithful musician who is excited about singing and church. Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.
Excess Choir Music
Tower Presbyterian Church has quite a bit of choral music that they are looking to get rid of. If you are interested in taking a look, contact Rev. Jerry Deck atjerryldeck@gmail.com.
David Dawson Announces Retirement Date
Joan and I have decided that it is time to announce a retirement date. It will be March 1, 2014. I will be 67 years old at that time and nearing the end of my 22nd year as Executive Presbyter of Shenango Presbytery.
This is the right time for the Presbytery. In these disruptive days, there is not going be a good time for transition during this decade. What we are going through in this denomination will not be settled anytime soon. The General Assembly meets again in 2014 and that is likely to add to our problems. This timing for my retirement will allow for the Presbytery to decide on future staff to be in place when that happens. The Presbytery Survey and Listening Sessions have been developed by the Council to work on scenarios that can help our churches through 2014.
This is the right time for Joan and me. Joan retired from teaching five years ago. I have a number of interests from which I will be choosing to pursue at a less demanding pace. There are, of course, six grandchildren (ages 3 – 16)!
What happens now? We begin with the Presbytery Council meets on June 4. Russ Crabtree is our Pastors Retreat leader (June 3 – 4). http://www.holycowconsulting.com/ He works with church organizations on succession planning. On June 3 he will be speaking with the pastors about leading their congregations. On June 4 the pastors will be joined by the Presbytery Council for its regular meeting. Russ will lead a discussion on how to move through this transition in executive presbyter leadership. Synod executives Bruce Stevens and Sue Wonderland will also be present to provide assistance. I anticipate that Council will report to Presbytery at the June 25 meeting.
We have important work to do in the ensuing ten months. I care deeply about this Presbytery and its churches, so I intend to be as helpful as possible to all of you. Together we will trust the providence of our God… Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
David Dawson
This is the last week to register for the June 3-4, 2013 Pastor Retreat with Russ Crabtree of Holy Cow! Consulting. If you have already sent in your registration via the form in the February packet or by email, you do not need to click on the link below. It is still just $75 to stay overnight at Villa Maria Conference Center, or $40 to commute.
Click here to REGISTER NOW!!! (You can also access the form using the green button on our home page.)
This Week:
Christian Education Event Postponed
The event “The Bus Stops Here: A Hands-on Approach for Driving the Children’s Ministry Bus” scheduled for Tuesday evening, April 23rd has been postponed. Please look for this workshop to be rescheduled at a future date.
Presbytery Survey of Elders Launched
All ruling elders (active and inactive) as well as all teaching elders and commissioned ruling elders are asked to NOW complete the survey at this link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/shenangopresbyterysurvey
You can also access the online survey by clicking on the small red button that reads “Take the Elder Survey” on our homepage, http://www.shenango.org. Please alert all ruling elders that NOW is the time to complete the survey. The survey will end at midnight on April 30.
Letters with details have been mailed to pastors and clerks of session. They are also available on the Presbytery webpage under Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues.
You can also see them here:
Survey Listening Sessions (with correction)
The following dates and places have been selected for Listening Sessions where all are invited to reflect on the results of the Presbytery survey which will be reviewed on May 15 at the New Wilmington Church at 7:00 pm. Almost 500 persons have completed the survey as of today.
• Sunday, May 19 @ 7 pm at Trinity, Mercer
• Monday, May 20 @ 7 pm at Calvin, Ellwood City
• Wednesday, May 22 @ 10 am at New Wilmington
• Tuesday, May 28 @ 7 pm at First, New Castle
• Thursday, May 30 @ 7 pm at Stoneboro
A Book Study Lunch Group Being Formed:
South Sudan Missionaries Visiting April 26th-30th
Jacob and Aliamma George, missionaries in South Sudan will be in Shenango at the end of this month. You can meet them and get to know about their ministry at these events: Saturday, April 27th – 9-11AM breakfast at Ryder’s Restaurant just outside of New Wilmington (RSVP); Sunday, April 28th – 11AM worship at Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermitage, 5 PM light supper, program to follow at 6 PM at 3rd Presbyterian Church in New Castle (RSVP); Tuesday, April 30th – 6:30 PM Presbytery meeting at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. See this link for more information about the Georges visit and RSVP details.
Camp Lambec & Westminster Highlands Work Days
Summer Staff Opportunities – Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands
Seeking male and female staff, 18+ years old or older. CAPNWP will pay for lifeguard certification, provides CPR/First Aid certification training and extensive training before camp starts. 7-8 week seasonal employment from late June through August 3 includes salary, room and board. Great leadership experience, lots of opportunities to grown in mind, body and spirit sharing in the camps’ faith community. Some college students can receive in-service credit hours. CAPNWP staff can help with that documentation. Summer staff job description and application is available on the CAPNWP website: http://www.capnwp.org/37/Seasonal.html. Scroll down the page for the downloadable forms. Our call the CAPNWP office (724) 738-0058
Summer Camp at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands
Lots of great opportunities for a fun, meaningful week of summer camp for children, youth and families at both sites. New recreation options, new activities and a great summer curriculum. Some camperships are available based on need. Bring a friend and both you and your friend receive a discount. Children, youth and families who register for summer camp before April 30 receive an early registration discount. Summer camp brochure, schedule and online registration available athttp://www.capnwp.org/17/Summer+Camps.html or call the CAPNWP office 724-738-0058 for a brochure or for help with any questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have summer volunteer options available at both Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands: weekly volunteer directors, volunteer counselors or support staff – all work with our Resident Director at each site. More information available at http://www.capnwp.org/37/Seasonal.html
Scroll down for the downloadable Volunteer Application. Call the CAPNWP office if you have any questions or need assistance 724-738-0058
Seasonal Food Service Employment – Camp Lambec
We are seeking a food service manager for Camp Lambec. Duties include planning and preparing meals Sunday dinner – Saturday breakfast. CAPNWP provides training and orientation. This is a really fun way to be a part of our summer camp program. Position includes salary. We can provide housing on site if needed. This can be annual, seasonal employment for the right person. If you know of someone or can refer someone please contact Scott Henderson at the CAPNWP office: scott.henderson@capnwp.org or 724-738-0058. A Summer Staff application form can be downloaded at http://www.capnwp.org/37/Seasonal.html
Highlands Rocks Family Festival
Highlands Rocks Family Festival will be held at Westminster Highlands June 1st, noon-8pm. No fee at the gate. Lots of games and activities, cornhole tournament, horse shoe tournament, Highlands Amazing Race for 2-3 person teams, swimming pool open, zip line open, hayrides, prizes and several bands and musicians will play throughout the afternoon and evening. Look for information on the CAPNWP website and coming via mail and email to each church. Highlands Rocks Family Festival is an outreach to families throughout our region. Any proceeds are reinvested in facility improvements at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands. We are seeking event sponsors, prize sponsors, vendors and volunteers. Visit http://www.highlandsrocks.org/ for forms and information or call the CAPNWP office 724-738-0058
Ham Loaf Dinner
Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be hosting a Ham Loaf Dinner on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 5-7PM. Adults: $9.00, Children 6-12: $4.00, Children 5&under: FREE. Take-outs will be available! Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the church office: 724-667-7255. Limited number of tickets will be sold at the door! All proceeds will benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church Building Fund.
Choir Director Wanted
Faith Presbyterian Church is still looking for a choir director. If you are interested, or know of a musician who might be interested, please contact the church atoffice@faithpc.net or 724-962-4155.
Organist/Eventual Choir Director Wanted
Shenango Presbyterian Church is looking for an organist who would eventually lead their choir. This is a part-time position. They are seeking a faithful musician who is excited about singing and church. Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.
Excess Choir Music
Tower Presbyterian Church has quite a bit of choral music that they are looking to get rid of. If you are interested in taking a look, contact Rev. Jerry Deck atjerryldeck@gmail.com.
Administrative Assistant Wanted
Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City is looking for a part-time administrative assistant…a people person with Microsoft Office and Church Windows experience. Will work closely with pastor, other staff, and officers of the church. Self-motivated, able to work with the public. Please send resumes and cover letter to towerchurch@zoominternet.net or Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 16127, attention Personnel. Deadline is May 3, 2013.
Church Bazaar/Rummage Sale
Coolspring Presbyterian Church is having their semiannual Church Bazaar/Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 27 from 8 AM – 2 PM. This sale includes baked goods, furniture, clothes, and many household items. Donations welcomed.
The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.
Important Items Before Presbytery Include:
Get the Docket at: http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm (Note: Council minutes will be added as soon as they are received.)
New Wilmington Presbyterian Church is located at 229 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142.
Survey Listening Sessions
The following dates and places have been selected for Listening Sessions where all are invited to reflect on the results of the Presbytery survey which will be reviewed on May 15 at the New Wilmington Church at 7:00 pm. Almost 500 persons have completed the survey as of today.
• Sunday, May 19 @ 7 pm at Trinity, Mercer
• Monday, May 20 @ 7 pm at Calvin, Ellwood City
• Tuesday, May 22 @ 10 am at New Wilmington
• Tuesday, May 28 @ 7 pm at First, New Castle
• Thursday, May 30 @ 7 pm at Stoneboro
Christian Education Event Postponed
The event “The Bus Stops Here: A Hands-on Approach for Driving the Children’s Ministry Bus” scheduled for Tuesday evening, April 23rd has been postponed. Please look for this workshop to be rescheduled at a future date.
The Presbytery of Shenango