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!

LeaderFest is Coming Saturday, January 12, 2013!

Committee members, teachers, church leaders, ruling elders, deacons, and pastors – LeaderFest is for you! We’ll begin with registration and worship at 8:30 am in Orr Auditorium at Westminster College, followed by two sets of seminars, including seminars on music, Bible study with Rev. Dr. Ken Bailey, mission partnerships with Rev. Chris Weichman, and an Elder seminar with Rev. Ralph Hawkins. We close with lunch at 1pm. Cost is $12 if you register before January 7th. Registration is easy! Ask your pastor or church secretary for a copy of the brochure, or click here to register online.  You can also register by clicking on the red LeaderFest button on the Shenango.org website.

Root International Collecting for Staten Island

Note: The Presbytery Office will be closed from December 24th-January 1st.  Rev. Dawson will be checking his email and voicemail regularly throughout the week, but if an emergency arises you may call his cell phone at 724-730-1934.

IRS Mileage Rate to Increase

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

Presbyterian Response in Newtown, CT

During the 1980’s Joan and I lived 30 minutes from Newtown, CT.  Here are some edited notes from the Executive Presbytery of Southern New England Presbytery, Dana Lindsley:

Just 24 hours after the tragedy a team from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) had arrived.  The team of four experienced persons have…been instrumental in networking many religious and volunteer organizations as they try to respond to the needs of the Newtown community and beyond.  The outpouring of care and offers of help and support have been overwhelming.  So much so that the need now is to hold back on these offers so that the caregivers can focus on immediate needs, such as funerals and counseling.  Newtown has in hand already great resources for all these immediate needs.  Among those resources are the strong and organized relationships of an active ministeriums [including Valley Presbyterian Church, 8 miles away].  Gratefully FEMA will very soon have a VAL (Volunteer Agency Liaison) working in Newtown.  That person’ work will be to coordinate the long-term recovery which is done in large part by religious and volunteer organizations.  Do what Presbyterians do very well: stick with this for the long haul and make your offers of help over the next two years.  PDA and the VAL will let us know what needs arise and you will be informed through the Presbytery about what you can do.

New Ken Bailey DVD Series

We are pleased to announce that we have received a copy of the new Ken Bailey DVD series: Christian Leadership in the New Testament and its companion study guide.  This series was made possible through the Synod of the Trinity working with Presbyterian Media Mission for use in our churches.  Individuals interested in acquiring a copy of the DVD can do so through the Synod website for a donation.  Information about ordering the series, a link to the series on YouTube, and a downloadable version of the study guide, can be found on the Synod website at:www.syntrinity.org/182/Christian_Leadership_in_the_New_Testament_with_Ken_Bailey.html. Our Resource Center has one copy of this series available to borrow.

Meet New South Sudan Missionaries

Sudan Leadership Team members recently met two terrific new South Sudan missionaries at the Sudan Mission Network.  You are invited to meet them:

• Wednesday, December 19 meet Sharon Curry www.pcusa.org/sharon~curry
  7:00 PM at Dave and Joan Dawson’s (with cookies and punch) – 30 Willow Drive, New Wilmington (call for directions)
• Wednesday, January 9 meet Leisa Wagstaff www.pcusa.org/leisa~wagstaff
  7:00 PM at a place to be announced

More Christmas Passages on the Radio

Several more Christmas Passages on WKPL-FM 92.1 The Pickle airing each day 7:08 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. Listen to Bert in reaching out to lonely people, Joan with two truck loads, and then Shirley about adopt a family via the links below. Brought to you by Shenango Presbytery churches!

http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/06_Track_6.wma

http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/07_Track_7.wma

http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/08_Track_8.wma

Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan

Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.

Kindle Collection

Please share information about this upcoming opportunity with your whole church family.  Especially:

-those who like to learn in your adult Sunday school classes and small groups

-savvy businessmen and women

-those who know the power of prayer

-college students and seniors in high school making career choices

-travelers who love culture

-school teachers who influence others

-those about to or recently retired

A different expert shares each week for 14 weeks covering biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on how God has been, is now, and continues to be involved in the world.  Visit www.perspectives.org for more information and a list of the dates and instructors. The first session, Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, is free and open to the public with Rev. Jen Haddox of the World Mission Initiative sharing the first lesson.  Please feel free to use the poster (psp2013 poster 4) and bulletin insert (Psp bulletin 2013 d).

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.

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 at office@faithpc.net or 724-962-4155.

Radio Christmas Greeting from the Churches of Shenango Presbytery

The Presbytery Evangelism Committee has arranged with Gregg Hartung of
Presbyterian Media Mission in Pittsburgh for a radio Christmas greeting from
our churches.  They will be at 7:12 a.m. and 4:25 p.m. Monday through Friday
until Christmas Eve on 92.1 FM.  You can hear them online at
http://www.pmm4u.org/media/audio/RayTrack29.mp3

This Week:

• December 14- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office

Note: The Presbytery Office will be closed from December 24th-January 1st.  Rev. Dawson will be checking his email and voicemail regularly throughout the week, but if an emergency arises you may call his cell phone at 724-730-1934.

New Ken Bailey DVD Series

We are pleased to announce that we have received a copy of the new Ken Bailey DVD series: Christian Leadership in the New Testament and its companion study guide.  This series was made possible through the Synod of the Trinity working with Presbyterian Media Mission for use in our churches.  Individuals interested in acquiring a copy of the DVD can do so through the Synod website for a donation.  Information about ordering the series, a link to the series on YouTube, and a downloadable version of the study guide, can be found on the Synod website at: www.syntrinity.org/182/Christian_Leadership_in_the_New_Testament_with_Ken_Bailey.html.  Our Resource Center has one copy of this series available to borrow.

Meet New South Sudan Missionaries

Sudan Leadership Team members recently met two terrific new South Sudan missionaries at the Sudan Mission Network.  You are invited to meet them:

• Wednesday, December 19 meet Sharon Curry www.pcusa.org/sharon~curry
  7:00 PM at Dave and Joan Dawson’s (with cookies and punch) – 30 Willow Drive, New Wilmington (call for directions)
• Wednesday, January 9 meet Leisa Wagstaff www.pcusa.org/leisa~wagstaff
  7:00 PM at a place to be announced

Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan

Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.

Kindle Collection

Please share information about this upcoming opportunity with your whole church family.  Especially:

-those who like to learn in your adult Sunday school classes and small groups

-savvy businessmen and women

-those who know the power of prayer

-college students and seniors in high school making career choices

-travelers who love culture

-school teachers who influence others

-those about to or recently retired

A different expert shares each week for 14 weeks covering biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on how God has been, is now, and continues to be involved in the world.  Visit www.perspectives.org for more information and a list of the dates and instructors. The first session, Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, is free and open to the public with Rev. Jen Haddox of the World Mission Initiative sharing the first lesson.  Please feel free to use the poster (psp2013 poster 4) and bulletin insert (Psp bulletin 2013 d).

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.

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.

Song/Accompaniment Books Wanted

The Music Department of Center Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock is looking for any of the Avery and Marsh song books and especially the accompaniment book.  They would be willing to purchase if anyone wishes to sell or donate them.  Please contact Eleanor Gregg at emgregg@verizon.net.

Meet South Sudan Missionaries

Sudan Leadership Team members were in Louisville for the past three days and met two outstanding missionaries and heard them tell their wonderful story of ministry.  We were excited for you to meet them and have arranged the following:

• Wednesday, December 19 meet Sharon Curry  www.pcusa.org/sharon-curry
• Wednesday, January 9 meet Leisa Wagstaff
  www.pcusa.org/leisa-wagstaff

Look for details on eLink next week.

This Week:

• December 2-4 – Sudan Mission Network Meeting, Louisville, KY 
• December 5- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
• December 7- 1:00 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office

Note from Nancy McGaughey

Greetings and wishes for a blessed Christmas to all in Shenango.  I hope to make the move to Pibor in South Sudan in a couple of weeks.

Sudan Mission Network 2012 Annual Meeting

Annually in early December approximately 60 Presbyterians committed to mission in the Sudan come from across the country to meet and compare notes on how the work is going.  This year Jim Leuenberger (Sudan Team leader), Miriam Gwin (Mission moderator), Betsy Barr, Steve and Brenda Stelle, Alan Rice, Claire Zuhosky, and Dave Dawson have been attending this meeting since Sunday.  Fore some stories, click here.

Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan

Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.

Kindle Collection

Please share information about this upcoming opportunity with your whole church family.  Especially:

-those who like to learn in your adult Sunday school classes and small groups

-savvy businessmen and women

-those who know the power of prayer

-college students and seniors in high school making career choices

-travelers who love culture

-school teachers who influence others

-those about to or recently retired

A different expert shares each week for 14 weeks covering biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on how God has been, is now, and continues to be involved in the world.  Visit www.perspectives.org for more information and a list of the dates and instructors. The first session, Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, is free and open to the public with Rev. Jen Haddox of the World Mission Initiative sharing the first lesson.  Please feel free to use the poster (psp2013 poster 4) and bulletin insert (Psp bulletin 2013 d).

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.

Hold the Date ! – Regional Workshop and Hymn Festival

On Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 9:30 AM, there will be a workshop and hymn festival to introduce the new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God.  There will be 2 morning workshops, lunch, and a hymn festival.  Details will follow in future eLinks.

News From The Churches

Soupfest Benefit Dinner for Santana Reithmiller on December 8, 2012 from 4-8 PM

This event is being held to assist Santana’s husband, Brandon Riethmiller with funeral and medical bills.  Brandon is a member of Unity Presbyterian Church, and the couple were without insurance at the time of Santana’s fatal accident.  Lebanon Presbyterian Church is joining with Unity in this effort, and will hold their monthly music event in the Unity Pres. fellowship hall.  There will be multiple music groups who will provide country music in a coffee shop style atmosphere as those who attend mill about sampling a wide variety of soups.  Live Country music will begin at approximately 5:00 pm.  Henry Troyer, of Lebanon Pres. will be the MC for the evening.

We are asking that folks bring a soup bowl or mug and their own spoon.  The recommended donation is $5.00, which of course does not limit those who wish to make a special gift.  Unity Pres. is located at 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Rd., Mercer, PA, 16137.  Contact Rev. Hunt at 724-854-8022, if you wish to make a donation of a crockpot of soup or other donations as appropriate.

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.

Song/Accompaniment Books Wanted

The Music Department of Center Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock is looking for any of the Avery and Marsh song books and especially the accompaniment book.  They would be willing to purchase if anyone wishes to sell or donate them.  Please contact Eleanor Gregg at emgregg@verizon.net.

This Week:

• November 27 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
• December 2-4 – Sudan Mission Network Meeting, Louisville, KY (9 people from Shenango Presbytery will be attending)

Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan

Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.

Kindle Collection

The Young Presbyterian Scholarship at Westminster College is accepting nominations of PC(USA) High School Seniors until December 1st…every congregation may nominate 2 students for the $18,500/year scholarship at one of the nation’s top tier colleges.  Nominations may be made online atwww.westminster.edu/yps.  For more information, contact Carey Anne LaSor, Coordinator, at 724-946-7365 or meyerca@westminster.edu.

The Prespectives on the World Christian Movement course will be held at Westminster College
Please share information about this upcoming opportunity with your whole church family.  Especially:

-those who like to learn in your adult Sunday school classes and small groups

-savvy businessmen and women

-those who know the power of prayer

-college students and seniors in high school making career choices

-travelers who love culture

-school teachers who influence others

-those about to or recently retired

A different expert shares each week for 14 weeks covering biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on how God has been, is now, and continues to be involved in the world.  Visit www.perspectives.org for more information and a list of the dates and instructors. The first session, Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, is free and open to the public with Rev. Jen Haddox of the World Mission Initiative sharing the first lesson.  Please feel free to use the poster (psp2013 poster 4) and bulletin insert (Psp bulletin 2013 d).

News From The Churches

Soupfest Benefit Dinner for Santana Reithmiller on December 8, 2012 from 4-8 PM

This event is being held to assist Santana’s husband, Brandon Riethmiller with funeral and medical bills.  Brandon is a member of Unity Presbyterian Church, and the couple were without insurance at the time of Santana’s fatal accident.  Lebanon Presbyterian Church is joining with Unity in this effort, and will hold their monthly music event in the Unity Pres. fellowship hall.  There will be multiple music groups who will provide country music in a coffee shop style atmosphere as those who attend mill about sampling a wide variety of soups.  Live Country music will begin at approximately 5:00 pm.  Henry Troyer, of Lebanon Pres. will be the MC for the evening.

We are asking that folks bring a soup bowl or mug and their own spoon.  The recommended donation is $5.00, which of course does not limit those who wish to make a special gift.  Unity Pres. is located at 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Rd., Mercer, PA, 16137.  Contact Rev. Hunt at 724-854-8022, if you wish to make a donation of a crockpot of soup or other donations as appropriate.

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.

Song/Accompaniment Books Wanted

The Music Department of Center Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock is looking for any of the Avery and Marsh song books and especially the accompaniment book.  They would be willing to purchase if anyone wishes to sell or donate them.  Please contact Eleanor Gregg at emgregg@verizon.net.

Allen Organ Available

This Week:

• November 22-23 OFFICE CLOSED, Thanksgiving Holiday
• November 27 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

Prayers

• Jason Hickman (West Middlesex) was in the hospital overnight with some heart problems.  He is home now and doing OK.

Pastor Moving

• David Davis (honorably retired) will be moving from Ellwood City to his previous home in Tulsa, OK.  This will put him close to all immediate family members.  The Presbytery Office will keep his new address on file for anyone interested in contacting him.

Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan

Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.

Kindle Collection

The YPS Nomination Deadline

The Young Presbyterian Scholarship at Westminster College is accepting nominations of PC(USA) High School Seniors until December 1st…every congregation may nominate 2 students for the $18,500/year scholarship at one of the nation’s top tier colleges.  Nominations may be made online at www.westminster.edu/yps.  For more information, contact Carey Anne LaSor, Coordinator, at 724-946-7365 or meyerca@westminster.edu.

News From The Churches

Soupfest Benefit Dinner for Santana Reithmiller on December 8, 2012 from 4-8 PM

This event is being held to assist Santana’s husband, Brandon Riethmiller with funeral and medical bills.  Brandon is a member of Unity Presbyterian Church, and the couple were without insurance at the time of Santana’s fatal accident.  Lebanon Presbyterian Church is joining with Unity in this effort, and will hold their monthly music event in the Unity Pres. fellowship hall.  There will be multiple music groups who will provide country music in a coffee shop style atmosphere as those who attend mill about sampling a wide variety of soups.  Live Country music will begin at approximately 5:00 pm.  Henry Troyer, of Lebanon Pres. will be the MC for the evening.

We are asking that folks bring a soup bowl or mug and their own spoon.  The recommended donation is $5.00, which of course does not limit those who wish to make a special gift.  Unity Pres. is located at 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Rd., Mercer, PA, 16137.  Contact Rev. Hunt at 724-854-8022, if you wish to make a donation of a crockpot of soup or other donations as appropriate.

Allen Organ Available

Rev. Jerry Deck and his wife Megan (Interim at Tower, Grove City) welcomed their third daughter, Bromwyn Hope, on Thursday, November 15th.

This Week:

• November 15- 9 AM-4 PM Missional Experimentation Event, Camp Crestfield
  1:30 PM Sudan Network Meeting, New Wilmington PC
• November 16- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
• November 22-23 OFFICE CLOSED, Thanksgiving Holiday

Relief for Hurricane Sandy

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already responding to the destruction of Hurricane Sandy.  Your One Great Hour of Sharing offerings are being used and much more is expected through more contributions from churches and individuals.  You can give online, http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/, or you can send funds through the Shenango Presbytery Office for Hurricane Sandy Relief #DR000187.

Orphan Children Trauma and Healing Center, South Sudan

Click here to read about a special opportunity to provide some simple Christmas gifts to children in South Sudan this December.

Community Thanksgiving Worship

Westminster College Office of Faith & Spirituality and the New Wilmington Ministerium extends a cordial invitation to the community to attend a joint Thanksgiving Worship Service on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College.  Come and share with our brothers and sisters in Christ as we give thanks for our community and the blessings given to each of us from God.  Guest speakers: Jim & Amy Schneider (Eyes of Faith), and Mimi Prada (Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County), with music by the Westminster Jazz Quartet.  Canned goods and offering will be received to support the Pittsburgh Food Bank, the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, and Eyes of Faith.

News From The Churches

Soupfest Benefit Dinner for Santana Reithmiller on December 8, 2012 from 4-8 PM

This event is being held to assist Santana’s husband, Brandon Riethmiller with funeral and medical bills.  Brandon is a member of Unity Presbyterian Church, and the couple were without insurance at the time of Santana’s fatal accident.  Lebanon Presbyterian Church is joining with Unity in this effort, and will hold their monthly music event in the Unity Pres. fellowship hall.  There will be multiple music groups who will provide country music in a coffee shop style atmosphere as those who attend mill about sampling a wide variety of soups.  Live Country music will begin at approximately 5:00 pm.  Henry Troyer, of Lebanon Pres. will be the MC for the evening.

We are asking that folks bring a soup bowl or mug and their own spoon.  The recommended donation is $5.00, which of course does not limit those who wish to make a special gift.  Unity Pres. is located at 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Rd., Mercer, PA, 16137.  Contact Rev. Hunt at 724-854-8022, if you wish to make a donation of a crockpot of soup or other donations as appropriate.

Allen Organ Available