eLink News

This Week:

March 6- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

CORRECTIONS IN PRESBYTERIAN PLANNING CALENDARS

Please note that the Presbyterian Planning Calendar lists March 3rd as the date when Daylight Savings Time begins…it is actually March 10th.  The calendar also lists Thanksgiving Day as November 21st…it is actually November 28th.

Income Tax Information for Ministers

The Board of Pensions provides this online webinar which covers some basics for income tax https://pensions.adobeconnect.com/_a701962636/taxtips2012.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses, a Reminder from the Synod Office

Dear Friends in Ministry and Mission –

This is to remind you to apply for the credit for health care premiums made possible by the Affordable Care Act enacted on March 23, 2010.  This is applicable for 2010 through 2013 and will continue in 2014 with even BETTER BENEFITS!   As a 501c(3) organization, we are eligible for this credit.  Please review all the enclosed documents.  The process is very simple.  Complete the IRS Forms 8941 and 990-T.

****Please note, the salaries for ministers are not included, since they are self-employed.  Make sure you write “REQUEST FOR 45R CREDIT ONLY” on the top of your form 990-T.  In addition, on the 990-T – Section I (at the top of the form)

During the tax year, was the corporation a subsidiary in an affiliated group or parent-subsidiary controlled group?  YES

Identifying number of Parent Corporation:
23-6393377 General Exemption # 1617

****

By using Google (typing in “small business health care tax credit” – I found the following information:

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Small-Business-Health-Care-Tax-Credit-for-Small-Employers

For the past two years, the Synod of the Trinity and my home church received significant credits from this program.  At a time when funding is difficult, this is welcome news.

Documents:

Important Seminars from the Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions has for many years offered important seminars for pastors and spouses that have been a great help to many.

  • Render Unto Caesar – clergy taxes – April 12 at Beaver Butler Presbytery in Zelienople
  • Growing into Tomorrow…Today – anticipating retirement for those over 50 years of age – April 10-11 at Beaver Butler

You can get more details from the Presbytery Office or online atwww.pensions.org/seminars.  Registration deadline is March 8.

Get Acquainted With the New Hymnal

First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown is delighted to welcome Dr. Mary Louise (Mel) Bringle to lead a seminar on the new Presbyterian Hymnal: “Glory to God.”  The seminar is free and will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 7th, at 3:00 PM in the church’s sanctuary.

Dr. Bringle is Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Humanities Division at Brevard College.  She is the chair of the committee charged with creating the new hymnal.

If you are able to come on April 7th, it would be helpful to let First Church, Youngstown, know by Wednesday, April 3rd.  If you have a copy (or copies) of the “Glory to God” sampler, please bring what you have with you.

First Church is located at 201 Wick Avenue in Youngstown.  Phone: 1-330-744-4307.  The church is barrier free and ample parking is located at the church.
News From The Churches

You are invited to enter into Holy Week in a very special way – through the beauty of music. 

On Palm Sunday evening, March 24th, at 7:30 PM, singers from First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, and the Shenango Valley Chorale, accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra, will present John Rutter’s “Requiem” at First Church, 600 East State Street, Sharon.  John Rutter, born in 1945, is a British composer whose choral music is among the most lovely music written in the 20th and 21st centuries.  His “Requiem” is no exception.  Included in Rutter’s “Requiem” is his very popular arrangement of “The Lord Is My Shepherd” with oboe and harp solos.  This performance will be conducted by Edgar Groves, director of the Shenango Valley Chorale, and a member of First Church in Sharon.  The “Requiem” is presented as a gift to the community and is free of charge.  Join us for this very special musical performance and be blessed as you walk with our Savior to Calvary and to the empty tomb.

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/Accompanist Wanted

Searching for organist/accompanist for Jamestown, PA, Presbyterian Church. Salary commensurate with ability and experience. See job description at www.jamestownpresbyterian.org

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.

Upcoming Cookie Sales to Benefit Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare

Friday, March 22 – Easter Cookie/Candy Sale
Friday, August 2 – Summer Cookie/Candy Sale
Thursday and Friday, December 5-6 – Christmas Cookie/Candy Sale

All sales are from 9AM-3PM in the Market St. Lobby at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare.  Goodies should be plated and delivered to SPSC the day or two before the sale.  Anyone wishing to volunteer or if you have questions, please contact Sharyn McCaskey, Director of Community Living at 724-946-3408 orsmccaskey@srcare.org.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Greetings from the pastors of SSPEC to the pastors of Shenango, greetings from the elders of SSPEC to the elders of Shenango, greetings from the women of SSPEC to the women of Shenango, greetings from the congregations of SSPEC to the congregations of Shenango.

Our sisters and brothers send their greetings and thanks to all in Shenango Presbytery for their prayers and support. This past week in South Sudan has been a real blessing. We spent the week encouraging, being encouraged, listening, sharing and just being with our brothers and sisters. Their joy, love, devotion to Christ in the midst of so many challenges is a true inspiration.

A week without internet, limited electric (7 hours a day), and 110 degree temps enabled us to spend many hours in the shade listening to the joys and challenges of starting over in this new country. There are very few schools and limited infrastructure but God is working through so many inspiring people. It has been a real privilege to represent Shenango this past week and to see firsthand how much our partnership means to our brothers and sisters in South Sudan.

Thanks,

Miriam Gwin (MCS Chair and Sudan Traveler)

 

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses, a Reminder from the Synod Office

Dear Friends in Ministry and Mission –

This is to remind you to apply for the credit for health care premiums made possible by the Affordable Care Act enacted on March 23, 2010.  This is applicable for 2010 through 2013 and will continue in 2014 with even BETTER BENEFITS!   As a 501c(3) organization, we are eligible for this credit.  Please review all the enclosed documents.  The process is very simple.  Complete the IRS Forms 8941 and 990-T.

****Please note, the salaries for ministers are not included, since they are self-employed.  Make sure you write “REQUEST FOR 45R CREDIT ONLY” on the top of your form 990-T.  In addition, on the 990-T – Section I (at the top of the form)

During the tax year, was the corporation a subsidiary in an affiliated group or parent-subsidiary controlled group?

YES

Identifying number of Parent Corporation:

23-6393377 General Exemption # 1617

****

By using Google (typing in “small business health care tax credit” – I found the following information:

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Small-Business-Health-Care-Tax-Credit-for-Small-Employers

For the past two years, the Synod of the Trinity and my home church received significant credits from this program.  At a time when funding is difficult, this is welcome news.

Documents:

 

A Social Media Webinar Recommended by Rev. Janice Good of the Christian Education Committee

Ever wonder how to use social media?  Want to just understand the basics?  Or learn some strategies to help your ministry take your involvement to the next level?  Social Media Guide for Ministry, a 2013 Virtual Book Tour with Nils Smith (in conjunction with Group Publishing) will begin on Monday, March 4th.  Topics include: Social media basics, Twitter and YouTube techniques, Tips for blogging, and more.  Learn more.

 

eLink News

This Week:

March 6- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

CORRECTIONS IN PRESBYTERIAN PLANNING CALENDARS

Please note that the Presbyterian Planning Calendar lists March 3rd as the date when Daylight Savings Time begins…it is actually March 10th.  The calendar also lists Thanksgiving Day as November 21st…it is actually November 28th.

Please Pray for the Sudan at Worship this Sunday

The situation in the Sudan (north) capital of Khartoum has been very difficult for Christians in recent weeks.  PC(USA) World Mission staff were just there and the situation is much worse than when we made a visit just one year ago.  This troublesome story involves people with who we have had a close relationship.  http://global.christianpost.com/news/christian-bookstores-raided-church-buildings-demolished-church-leader-beaten-in-sudan-90683/   Please include these sisters and brothers in your congregation’s prayer time this Sunday.

Income Tax Information for Ministers

The Board of Pensions provides this online webinar which covers some basics for income tax https://pensions.adobeconnect.com/_a701962636/taxtips2012.

Important Seminars from the Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions has for many years offered important seminars for pastors and spouses that have been a great help to many.

  • Render Unto Caesar – clergy taxes – April 12 at Beaver Butler Presbytery in Zelienople
  • Growing into Tomorrow…Today – anticipating retirement for those over 50 years of age – April 10-11 at Beaver Butler

You can get more details from the Presbytery Office or online atwww.pensions.org/seminars.  Registration deadline is March 8.

News From The Churches

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/Accompanist Wanted

Searching for organist/accompanist for Jamestown, PA, Presbyterian Church. Salary commensurate with ability and experience. See job description at www.jamestownpresbyterian.org

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.

Upcoming Cookie Sales to Benefit Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare

Friday, March 22 – Easter Cookie/Candy Sale
Friday, August 2 – Summer Cookie/Candy Sale
Thursday and Friday, December 5-6 – Christmas Cookie/Candy Sale

All sales are from 9AM-3PM in the Market St. Lobby at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare.  Goodies should be plated and delivered to SPSC the day or two before the sale.  Anyone wishing to volunteer or if you have questions, please contact Sharyn McCaskey, Director of Community Living at 724-946-3408 or smccaskey@srcare.org.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Dining to Donate

Support Westminster College’s Habitat for Humanity by dining at Applebee’s (Neshannock Township, Wilmington Rd.) on Wednesday, February 27th from 11:00 AM to Midnight.  By presenting the prepared flyer that is available on the Westminster College Spiritual Life webpage http://www.westminster.edu/spiritlife/ (download and print) or simply printing this attachment: Applebee’s Flyer 15% of your bill will be donated to Westminster College’s Habitat for Humanity in support of their Spring Break with a Purpose Work Trips.  Forty-five students and advisors will be participating in Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge in two locations: Maryville, TN and Athens, GA from March 2nd-9th.  The community’s support is greatly appreciated.

eLink News

This Week:

February 19- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Presbytery Office
February 20- 9:30 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office
February 26- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Westminster College

Annual Reports – Deadline is TOMORROW!

The GA online statistical program is active at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as last year.  Please note the the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 20, 2013 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.

Future in Shenango Presbytery

An open conversation with pastors (plans for elders involvement being developed) called “Moving Forward” is reflecting on or situation in the denomination and discussing a theological statement that could have wide support in Shenango Presbytery.  The group will be gathering again for lunch on February 20 at 12 PM at Trinity Church in Mercer.  There is a $5.00 suggested donation for lunch and RSVPs are appreciated.  If you are planning to attend, please contact Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 or wpcrooks@yahoo.com.

Prayer for Sudan Travelers

Bill and Miriam Gwin and Judy Veon leave today representing Shenango Presbytery on a trip to the South Sudan.  They will be in Juba, the capital of this newest country in the world.  The challenges faced by the church in the South Sudan are different, but as great as those who remain in the Sudan (north-Khartoum).  Please pray personally and in your church this coming Sunday for Bill, Miriam, Judy, and our partners in the Sudan and South Sudan.

Income Tax Information for Ministers

The Board of Pensions provides this online webinar which covers some basics for income tax https://pensions.adobeconnect.com/_a701962636/taxtips2012.

Important Seminars from the Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions has for many years offered important seminars for pastors and spouses that have been a great help to many.

  • Render Unto Caesar – clergy taxes – April 12 at Beaver Butler Presbytery in Zelienople
  • Growing into Tomorrow…Today – anticipating retirement for those over 50 years of age – April 10-11 at Beaver Butler

You can get more details from the Presbytery Office or online at www.pensions.org/seminars.  Registration deadline is March 8.

News From The Churches

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/Accompanist Wanted

Searching for organist/accompanist for Jamestown, PA, Presbyterian Church. Salary commensurate with ability and experience. See job description at www.jamestownpresbyterian.org

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.

Official Call to the February 26, 2013 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in the Witherspoon Rooms of McKelvey Center at Westminster College, New Wilmington. 

Important Items Before Presbytery Include:

  • Hearing from Higher Education scholarship recipients
  • Report from the Camps & Conferences Committee
  • Examination of a candidate
  • Requests for dissmissal from 6 congregations

Get the Docket and Resolution at:  http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm

A map of the Westminster College campus and driving directions are available at http://www.westminster.edu/about/directions.cfm

eLink News – EXTRA!

Future in Shenango Presbytery

An open conversation with pastors (plans for elders involvement being developed) called “Moving Forward” is reflecting on or situation in the denomination and discussing a theological statement that could have wide support in Shenango Presbytery.  The group will be gathering again for lunch on February 20 at 12 PM at Trinity Church in Mercer.  There is a $5.00 suggested donation for lunch and RSVPs are appreciated.  If you are planning to attend, please contact Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 or wpcrooks@yahoo.com.

eLink News

This Week:

February 14- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
February 15- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
February 19- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Presbytery Office
February 20- 9:30 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office

Dr. Hopkins Honored

The New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, where Dr. Hopkins has been Parish Associate for many years, honored Joe for his service on Sunday, February 10.

Annual Reports – Deadline is Next Week!

The GA online statistical program is active at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as last year.  Please note the the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 20, 2013.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office.

Future in Shenango Presbytery

An open conversation with pastors (plans for elders involvement being developed) called “Moving Forward” is reflecting on or situation in the denomination and discussing a theological statement that could have wide support in Shenango Presbytery.  The group will be gathering again for lunch on February 20 at 12 PM at Trinity Church in Mercer.  There is a $5.00 suggested donation for lunch and RSVPs are appreciated.  If you are planning to attend, please contact Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 or wpcrooks@yahoo.com.

Income Tax Information for Ministers

The Board of Pensions provides this online webinar which covers some basics for income tax https://pensions.adobeconnect.com/_a701962636/taxtips2012.

Dr. Laura Smit Speaking at East Main

Our Pastors Retreat leader from last fall, Dr. Laura Smit from Calvin College, will be speaking on Essential Tenets at East Main on Saturday, February 16 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.  Registration is at 9:30 AM.  Reservation for lunch is due by Friday, February 15th!  (724-458-8270 eastmain@zoominternet.net)  Dr. Smit will also be speaking at East Main on Sunday morning, February 17th.

News From The Churches

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/Accompanist Wanted

Searching for organist/accompanist for Jamestown, PA, Presbyterian Church. Salary commensurate with ability and experience. See job description at www.jamestownpresbyterian.org

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.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Future in Shenango Presbytery- CORRECTION

An open conversation with pastors (plans for elders involvement being developed) called “Moving Forward” is reflecting on or situation in the denomination and discussing a theological statement that could have wide support in Shenango Presbytery.  The group will be gathering again for lunch on February 20 at 12 PM at Trinity Church in Mercer.  There is a $5.00 suggested donation for lunch and RSVPs are appreciated.  If you are planning to attend, please contact Rev. Bill Crooks at 724-662-2680 or wpcrooks@yahoo.com.

Dr. Laura Smit Speaking at East Main

Our Pastors Retreat leader from last fall, Dr. Laura Smit from Calvin College, will be speaking on Essential Tenets at East Main on Saturday, February 16 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.  Registration is at 9:30 AM.  Reservation for lunch is due by Friday, February 15th!  (724-458-8270 eastmain@zoominternet.net)  Dr. Smit will also be speaking at East Main on Sunday morning, February 17th.

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.