This Week:

February 5- 9:30 AM Council Meeting, Rathburn Hall, Grove City College
February 6- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
3:15 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office

Fellowship of Presbyterians-ECO Meeting held in Orlando

Approximately a dozen persons from Shenango churches attended the FOP-ECO meeting in Orlando last week.  Information can be found at www.fellowship-pres.org or speaking with some folks who attended (contact information from Presbytery Office).

Annual Reports

We have received word that 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.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2013.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 15th!

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 Trinity Church in Mercer.  For more information contact Adam Rodgers, Beth Creekpaum and Augie Hurst.

The Baby Jordan Story from the Sudan

Nancy and Shelvis Smith-Mathers, our missionaries in the South Sudan, are the proud parents of a new son, Jordan.  It is an incredible story of God’s provision because he was the first American to be born in the new nation of the South Sudan.  CNN has a brief interview with them at: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2013/02/02/nr-brooke-baby.cnn?iref=allsearch

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.

Westminster College to Host General Assembly Moderator, Rev. Neal D. Presa

Westminster College will be hosting the Moderator of the General Assembly Rev. Dr. Neal D. Presa on Sunday evening, February 10, 2013 at the Sunday night Vesper Worship Service.  Moderator Presa will be preaching at the evening worship service which begins at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel. (319 South Market Street in New Wilmington).   Following worship there will be a time for pastors and church members to engage Moderator Presa in a time of Questions and Answers.  All are welcome.

Update on the Kindles for the Sudan – Two more are needed. 

 The Sudan Partnership Team already has five kindles for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Sudan.   We want to thank the two individuals who donated their used kindles.  The team also purchased three more.  Many useful theological reference tools and books were uploaded onto the kindles and two are already in the Sudan.   We would like to have two more kindles to send with our mission team to South Sudan in February.  (This will fulfill our commitment to each of the seven pastors)  Remember we are looking for the basic Kindle as it has a long battery life.   If you have a used kindle to give or would like to donate a new one, please contact Brenda Stelle (724-342-7447).

South Sudan

The Southern Presbytery (one of 4 presbyteries) of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church is becoming the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC).  This has been necessitated by the formation of the new country of the South Sudan.  It is no longer possible to remain as one church because of the tensions between the Sudan and the South Sudan.  The new SSPEC will be having its first General Assembly on January 27 – 30.  Please remember them in pray in your church in the coming weeks.  At the end of February, Miriam and Bill Gwin and Judy Veon (from Shenango Presbytery) and Donna Havrisko (from Redstone Presbytery) will be visiting SSPEC on our behalf in Juba, South Sudan.

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

This Week:

January 29- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
February 5- 9:30 AM Council Meeting, Rathburn Hall, Grove City College

Annual Reports

We have received word that 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.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2013.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 15th!

Fellowship of Presbyterians/ECO Meeting in Orlando

David Dawson will be in Orlando this week at the FOP/ECO meeting.  There are several others from the Presbytery also going.  You can follow developments online, but if you have specific questions, please contact david.dawson@shenango.org.

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.

Westminster College to Host General Assembly Moderator, Rev. Neal D. Presa

Westminster College will be hosting the Moderator of the General Assembly Rev. Dr. Neal D. Presa on Sunday evening, February 10, 2013 at the Sunday night Vesper Worship Service.  Moderator Presa will be preaching at the evening worship service which begins at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel. (319 South Market Street in New Wilmington).   Following worship there will be a time for pastors and church members to engage Moderator Presa in a time of Questions and Answers.  All are welcome.

Update on the Kindles for the Sudan – Two more are needed. 

 The Sudan Partnership Team already has five kindles for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Sudan.   We want to thank the two individuals who donated their used kindles.  The team also purchased three more.  Many useful theological reference tools and books were uploaded onto the kindles and two are already in the Sudan.   We would like to have two more kindles to send with our mission team to South Sudan in February.  (This will fulfill our commitment to each of the seven pastors)  Remember we are looking for the basic Kindle as it has a long battery life.   If you have a used kindle to give or would like to donate a new one, please contact Brenda Stelle (724-342-7447).

South Sudan

The Southern Presbytery (one of 4 presbyteries) of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church is becoming the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC).  This has been necessitated by the formation of the new country of the South Sudan.  It is no longer possible to remain as one church because of the tensions between the Sudan and the South Sudan.  The new SSPEC will be having its first General Assembly on January 27 – 30.  Please remember them in pray in your church in the coming weeks.  At the end of February, Miriam and Bill Gwin and Judy Veon (from Shenango Presbytery) and Donna Havrisko (from Redstone Presbytery) will be visiting SSPEC on our behalf in Juba, South Sudan.

The job is best described as someone willing to provide complete secretarial and related administrative duties for the director, the Board of Managers and the participants in the NWMC. The office is located in the basement of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Please send applications (CV, letters) to Don Stanley (pastordons@hotmail.com). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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

Annual Reports

We have received word that 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.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2013.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 15th!

Beth Creekpaum Installation at Sandy Lake

Beth Creekpaum will be installed at Sandy Lake Church at 3:00 pm on Sunday (January 27) afternoon.  Beth is the first person under the new Book of Order to be elected as installed pastor after serving as interim pastor.  All are welcome to attend this service.

PW S.P.I.C.E. Submissions

Nancy Horn is requesting that ALL information for the upcoming edition of S.P.I.C.E. be submitted to her by the 3rd Wednesday of February.  The newsletter will be published at the end of February.  Contributions can include church events and programs (upcoming and accomplishments in 2012 and 2013) and anything pertaining to your churches.  Nancy can be reached at 724-376-4441 ornancystuff@zoominternet.net.

Spring Pastors Retreat Set

The Spring Pastors Retreat will be held on June 3 – 4 at Villa Maria.  Please mark your calendar now!  Russ Crabtree www.holycowconsulting.com  will be our leader.  More information will be provided at the February 26 Presbytery meeting.

Support Sudan Missionaries

More than 50 individuals have met Sharon Curry www.pcusa.org/sharon-curry and Leisa Wagstaff  www.pcusa.org/leisa-wagstaff  during their visits in the past month.  They will both be serving in the South Sudan and everyone has been much impressed by these women and their gifts for mission work.

We have for distribution at the Presbytery Office excellent post-card photos of each of the missionaries of the Nile Valley.  Please pass this information on to your mission committee so that your church can be involved in this important work in the world’s newest nation…South Sudan.

Update on the Kindles for the Sudan – Two more are needed. 

 The Sudan Partnership Team already has five kindles for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Sudan.   We want to thank the two individuals who donated their used kindles.  The team also purchased three more.  Many useful theological reference tools and books were uploaded onto the kindles and two are already in the Sudan.   We would like to have two more kindles to send with our mission team to South Sudan in February.  (This will fulfill our commitment to each of the seven pastors)  Remember we are looking for the basic Kindle as it has a long battery life.   If you have a used kindle to give or would like to donate a new one, please contact Brenda Stelle (724-342-7447).

Jo Ella Holman

Jo Ella is our regional liaison for the partnership in the Dominican Republic.  She has been a great help to the New Wilmington, Clen Moore and other churches in this partnership.  Please pray for her as she is having a double hip replacement this week.

South Sudan

The Southern Presbytery (one of 4 presbyteries) of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church is becoming the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC).  This has been necessitated by the formation of the new country of the South Sudan.  It is no longer possible to remain as one church because of the tensions between the Sudan and the South Sudan.  The new SSPEC will be having its first General Assembly on January 27 – 30.  Please remember them in pray in your church in the coming weeks.  At the end of February, Miriam and Bill Gwin and Judy Veon (from Shenango Presbytery) and Donna Havrisko (from Redstone Presbytery) will be visiting SSPEC on our behalf in Juba, South Sudan.

The job is best described as someone willing to provide complete secretarial and related administrative duties for the director, the Board of Managers and the participants in the NWMC. The office is located in the basement of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Please send applications (CV, letters) to Don Stanley (pastordons@hotmail.com). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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

This Week:

• January 17- 9:00 AM Missional Experimentation Event, Camp Crestfield, Slippery Rock
  12:00 PM Mission, Communication, and Stewardship Committee, Presbytery Office
  1:30 PM Sudan Team, Presbytery Office
• January 18- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
• January 18-19- PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College
• January 21- OFFICE CLOSED, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday

Warning to Church Treasurers

The IRS disallowed a charitable contribution deduction made by a couple to their local church. The taxpayers took the case to Tax Court who sided with the IRS. Here are the facts. All churches and nonprofit organizations must provide a properly completed contemporaneous written acknowledge for aggregate annual receipts in excess of $250. In this case, the taxpayers were provided with a receipt by the church. The issue at hand was that the receipt was deficient in that it did not include any indication, as required, that no goods or services were provided in consideration of the donation. The church reissued a new receipt stating that no goods or services were provided, which was rejected by the IRS and the Tax Court. According to the Tax Code the receipt must be contemporaneous. The only acceptable contemporaneous receipt under the Tax Code is the receipt the taxpayer has when the return is filed.  If your church’s annual contribution report to your members does not include this statement or similar wording:

In order to comply with the substantiation requirements of IRS Code Sec. 170(f)(8)(B), no goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution.

…then you are in jeopardy of causing a member’s tax deductible contribution to be disallowed!  [Thanks Bill McKnight, CPA at Trinity Church, Mercer]

Annual Reports

We have received word that 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.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2013.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 15th!

PW S.P.I.C.E. Submissions

Nancy Horn is requesting that ALL information for the upcoming edition of S.P.I.C.E. be submitted to her by the 3rd Wednesday of February.  The newsletter will be published at the end of February.  Contributions can include church events and programs (upcoming and accomplishments in 2012 and 2013) and anything pertaining to your churches.  Nancy can be reached at 724-376-4441 or nancystuff@zoominternet.net.

Spring Pastors Retreat Set

The Spring Pastors Retreat will be held on June 3 – 4 at Villa Maria.  Please mark your calendar now!  Russ Crabtree www.holycowconsulting.com  will be our leader.  More information will be provided at the February 26 Presbytery meeting.

Support Sudan Missionaries

More than 50 individuals have met Sharon Curry www.pcusa.org/sharon-curry and Leisa Wagstaff  www.pcusa.org/leisa-wagstaff  during their visits in the past month.  They will both be serving in the South Sudan and everyone has been much impressed by these women and their gifts for mission work.

We have for distribution at the Presbytery Office excellent post-card photos of each of the missionaries of the Nile Valley.  Please pass this information on to your mission committee so that your church can be involved in this important work in the world’s newest nation…South Sudan.

Winter Weekend 2013 — Friday, Feb 22nd thru Sunday, Feb 24th, 2013

Youth Groups are invited to join us once again at Seneca Hills Bible Camp for another great year of Winter Weekend.  Be challenged by our main speaker, local musician Jay Michael with worship led by Grove City based, Vince Anastasi and his family!  Be challenged by our workshop presenters and have a great time with some fun games and activities.  Check out our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/events/457817690932198/ for upcoming information and contact Jason Dunn for registration and other questions, at 724-992-3693 orjasondunn@zoominternet.net.

News From The Churches

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 music and singing and church.  Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.

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.

Prayers

David Dobi’s (1st Greenville) mother passed away last evening (January 10th).  The family anticipates a Sunday (1/13) calling schedule and a Monday (1/14) funeral through Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home, 97 Grim Avenue, Ellwood City, PA  16117.

Spring Pastors Retreat Set

The Spring Pastors Retreat will be held on June 3 – 4 at Villa Maria.  Please mark your calendar now!  Russ Crabtree www.holycowconsulting.com  will be our leader.  More information will be provided at the February 26 Presbytery meeting.

Support Sudan Missionaries

More than 50 individuals have met Sharon Curry www.pcusa.org/sharon-curry and Leisa Wagstaff  www.pcusa.org/leisa-wagstaff  during their visits in the past month.  They will both be serving in the South Sudan and everyone has been much impressed by these women and their gifts for mission work.

We have for distribution at the Presbytery Office excellent post-card photos of each of the missionaries of the Nile Valley.  Please pass this information on to your mission committee so that your church can be involved in this important work in the world’s newest nation…South Sudan.

You are Invited

Third Presbyterian Church, New Castle invites you to join them in the ordination and installation of Michael Spicuzza on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 3:00 PM.

This Week:

• January 10- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
  3:15 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
• January 12- 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM LeaderFest, Westminster College
• January 15- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

Meet Leisa Wagstaff – New Missionary in South Sudan

Meet Leisa Wagstaff this evening:

• Wednesday, January 9 @ 7 PM at Northminster Church in New Castle

Leisa has been serving in Cameroon, but will be moving to South Sudan this summer.  You can learn more here: www.pcusa.org/leisa~wagstaff.

LeaderFest is Saturday, January 12, 2013!

Registration begins at 8:30 AM at Orr Auditorium at Westminster College, followed by worship with Word Centered Fellowship, and then two sets of seminars.  There are seminars on evagnelism, sesminars with Rev. Angel DeLaCruz and Rev. Jason Santos, and a Clerk seminar with Rev. Amy Na.  We close with lunch at 1 PM.  Cost is $15 for registrations.  Registration is easy!  Ask your pastor or church secretary for a copy of the brochure, click on the red LeaderFest button on the Presbytery website (shenango.org), or just CLICK HERE!

Warning to Church Treasurers

The IRS disallowed a charitable contribution deduction made by a couple to their local church. The taxpayers took the case to Tax Court who sided with the IRS. Here are the facts. All churches and nonprofit organizations must provide a properly completed contemporaneous written acknowledge for aggregate annual receipts in excess of $250. In this case, the taxpayers were provided with a receipt by the church. The issue at hand was that the receipt was deficient in that it did not include any indication, as required, that no goods or services were provided in consideration of the donation. The church reissued a new receipt stating that no goods or services were provided, which was rejected by the IRS and the Tax Court. According to the Tax Code the receipt must be contemporaneous. The only acceptable contemporaneous receipt under the Tax Code is the receipt the taxpayer has when the return is filed.  If your church’s annual contribution report to your members does not include this statement or similar wording:

In order to comply with the substantiation requirements of IRS Code Sec. 170(f)(8)(B), no goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution.

…then you are in jeopardy of causing a member’s tax deductible contribution to be disallowed!  [Thanks Bill McKnight, CPA at Trinity Church, Mercer]

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

Learn to read your Bible in a whole new way.  Check out the Perspectives class THIS Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Westminster College.  See if it’s something you’d like to take.  Hear Rev. Jen Haddox, Associate Director of World Mission Initiative, share about God’s purpose.  Watch a video about Perspectives at www.perspectives.org.

Winter Weekend 2013 — Friday, Feb 22nd thru Sunday, Feb 24th, 2013

Youth Groups are invited to join us once again at Seneca Hills Bible Camp for another great year of Winter Weekend.  Be challenged by our main speaker, local musician Jay Michael with worship led by Grove City based, Vince Anastasi and his family!  Be challenged by our workshop presenters and have a great time with some fun games and activities.  Check out our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/events/457817690932198/ for upcoming information and contact Jason Dunn for registration and other questions, at 724-992-3693 orjasondunn@zoominternet.net.

News From The Churches

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 music and singing and church.  Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.

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.

Prayers

• Bob Veitch (Hon. Retired) had knee surgery and is recovering at home.
• Paul Musser (Hon. Retired) had a pacemaker put in and is expected to return home tomorrow.

Children’s Sermons

They are the bane of some pastors’ existence and others love them.  Either way children’s sermons present a challenge.  How do you do something that is useful and on the kids’ level and not too cute and all the other pitfalls.  Christmas is particularly perplexing.  What do you do with Santa Claus…make him St. Nicholas?  The holiday was co-opted by Christians from pagan rites and that is appropriate.  But when the incarnation takes us into the vernacular we are always in danger of the domestication of the Gospel.

I noticed something recently that is not new but may spark renewed creativity this year.  An author was reflecting on how the ancient symbols of the faith have often lost any sense of their historical context and even sometimes communicate quit the opposite of what is intended.  Words in the Lord’s Prayer and Apostle’s Creed can also mislead.  Maybe that could be the children’s sermon opportunity for 2013…teaching the meaning of the symbols (including familiar words and phrases) of the faith.  Our sanctuaries often have those symbols built-in.  IHS and χρ and all those other Latin and Greek letters we learned.  Teaching their meaning during the children’s sermon would give the kids something to look at when they got bored with the adult sermon!

As noted earlier, this is nothing new.  Maybe some of you have done this and even know of print and web resources that would help.  I’d be happy to share those with everyone.  It would be a way to teach the faith to a generation (including adults…who often get the most out of children’s sermons) which is highly ignorant of some of the basics.

David Dawson

January 2013

 

Annual Reports

We have received word that 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.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2013.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 15th!

IRS Mileage Rate to Increase

The mileage rate for 2013 will be 56.5 cents per mile for business miles driven.

Meet Leisa Wagstaff – New Missionary in South Sudan

Meet Leisa Wagstaff on the following occasions:

• Tuesday, January 8 @ 7 PM at Trinity Church in Mercer
• Wednesday, January 9 @ 7 PM at Northminster Church in New Castle

Leisa has been serving in Cameroon, but will be moving to South Sudan this summer.  You can learn more here: www.pcusa.org/leisa~wagstaff.

LeaderFest is Coming on Saturday, January 12, 2013

There is something for you at LeaderFest!  We will start gathering at 8:30 AM in Orr Auditorium at Westminster College for worship with Word Centered Fellowship, followed by two sets of seminars, including Bible studies, seminars with Dr. Kang Na and Ruling Elder Steve Plyler, and a Deacon seminar with Rev. Phil Chalfant.  We close with lunch at 1 PM.  Cost is $12 if you register before January 7th (this coming Monday!).  Registration is easy!  Ask your pastor or church secretary for a copy of the brochure, click on the red LeaderFest button on the Presbytery website (shenango.org), or just CLICK HERE!

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

Perspectives class is imminent- January 12 at 9 AM at Fountain Park Church in Cranberry, January 13 at 1 PM at Westminster College in New Wilmington, and January 13 at 5:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Clarion.  Not ready to commit to the entire course?  The first class is FREE and features Jen Haddox, familiar to many through New Wilmington Mission Conference and World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Taken the class already?  Come hear Jen and bring a friend or curious – first class is FREE and life-changing.

Scholarship funds are available from the Presbytery Office for the Perspectives course.  You must contact the Presbytery Office after you register for Perspectives in order to receive the $100 scholarship.

Winter Weekend 2013 — Friday, Feb 22nd thru Sunday, Feb 24th, 2013

Youth Groups are invited to join us once again at Seneca Hills Bible Camp for another great year of Winter Weekend.  Be challenged by our main speaker, local musician Jay Michael with worship led by Grove City based, Vince Anastasi and his family!  Be challenged by our workshop presenters and have a great time with some fun games and activities.  Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/457817690932198/ for upcoming information and contact Jason Dunn for registration and other questions, at 724-992-3693 or jasondunn@zoominternet.net.

Help Make Dreams Come True

Local Lawrence County senior organizations are teaming up with Twilight Wish Foundation to establish a chapter in Lawrence County and your help is needed.  Twilight Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that honors and enriches the lives of deserving seniors through wish granting celebrations that connect generations.  To learn more, join the discussion on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 from 1:30-3:00 PM at the Ben Franklin Early Learning Center, Second Floor Board Room, 815 Cunningham Ave., New Castle, PA  16101.

News From The Churches

Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival

Thou art invited to attend the 5th annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 East State Street, on Sunday afternoon, January 6, 2013 at 3:30 PM.  Admission is free. A cookie and punch reception will be held after the performance.  Come and see the tradition, the pageantry, and hear the beautiful music!

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 music and singing and church.  Please contact Amy Na at 724-654-2322.

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.