This Week:

• November 7- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
• November 8- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
• November 13- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, 1st Sharon

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.

Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather Baby Born in South Sudan

Shelvis and Nancy are missionaries in South Sudan and their first child was recently born there.  Click [here] to read this amazing story.

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.

“Shroud Encounter” at Westminster College

Coming to: Westminster College on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00 PM in the Wallace Memorial Chapel.  Admission is Free.  Could an ancient Jewish linen cloth be the actual burial shroud of Jesus?  Could the Shroud of Turin be a document of the crucifixion?  Is that even possible? Or is it nothing more than a medieval hoax?  For hundreds of years this ancient linen cloth etched with the faint image of a crucified man has mystified millions.  It continues to speak from centuries past challenging us to unlock its many secrets.  Nearly every scientific regimen has been employed to unravel the mystery and yet it remains unsolved.   Shroud Encounter is a dramatic big-screen experience.  Each clue is revealed and examined like a CSI Investigation leading deeper into its maze of mystery and intrigue.   Explore this profound enigma with Russ Breault, one of the world’s leading experts captivating audiences coast to coast and seen in numerous documentaries including The History Channel, Discovery and CBS.   Don’t miss Shroud Encounter!

Ruling Elders in the Grove City Area

The Regional Elder Training (Elder 101) is coming to Tower Church in Grove City on Saturday, November 10th from 10AM-NOON.  This is a great training event for the whole Session, for your rookie and experienced elders, or for the up-and-coming elder you just elected.  Questions?  Call Teresa Kendall at 724-758-5977.

Special Chapel to Honor and Celebrate America’s Veterans

Join us on Friday, November 9^th at 11:40 AM in Orr Auditorium, Westminster College, as we honor and celebrate our veterans with a concert of patriotic music from the Westminster Wind Ensemble and Combined Choirs, and special guest speaker, Iraq Veteran, SFC Raymond Corvino, HHB 1-107 FA.  Admission is Free.

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.

Dominican Evangelical Church Celebrates 90 Years

The Dominican Evangelical Church (Dominican Republic) recently celebrated its 90th birthday as a denomination.  Our New Wilmington and Clen-Moore churches have developed an excellent partnership with these sisters and brothers in Christ.  Below is a picture from that event.  If your congregation would like to explore participating, please contact Ralph Hawkins or Chris Weichman.

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, co-hosted by First Church and Word Centered Fellowship. 

Important Items Before Presbytery Include:

• Resolution on Partnership with ECO
• Important updates on missionary support
• service of Honorable Retirement for Robert Bardeen
• Center (NC) and Mountville requests for dismissal
• LeaderFest announcement
• Overture booklets will be available

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

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is located at 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA  16146.

This Week:

• November 1- 1:30 PM Nile Valley Group, Presbytery Office

Note: The November Presbytery Meeting will be held at First Church, Sharon, not at Word Centered Fellowship (Bethlehem Campus) as previously published.  Further details about the meeting will be sent later this week.

Lois Finney, Former Missionary in Egypt

Lois Finney passed away at Shenango SeniorCare on October 29.  She had served for many years as a missionary in Egypt and was a member of Bethany Church.  She was also active in the formation of the Sudan Partnership.

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.

Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather Baby Born in South Sudan

Shelvis and Nancy are missionaries in South Sudan and their first child was recently born there.  Click [here] to read this amazing story.

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.  Note: The second side of this bulletin insert will be available soon.

“Shroud Encounter” at Westminster College

Coming to: Westminster College on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00 PM in the Wallace Memorial Chapel.  Admission is Free.  Could an ancient Jewish linen cloth be the actual burial shroud of Jesus?  Could the Shroud of Turin be a document of the crucifixion?  Is that even possible? Or is it nothing more than a medieval hoax?  For hundreds of years this ancient linen cloth etched with the faint image of a crucified man has mystified millions.  It continues to speak from centuries past challenging us to unlock its many secrets.  Nearly every scientific regimen has been employed to unravel the mystery and yet it remains unsolved.   Shroud Encounter is a dramatic big-screen experience.  Each clue is revealed and examined like a CSI Investigation leading deeper into its maze of mystery and intrigue.   Explore this profound enigma with Russ Breault, one of the world’s leading experts captivating audiences coast to coast and seen in numerous documentaries including The History Channel, Discovery and CBS.   Don’t miss Shroud Encounter!

Ruling Elders in the Grove City Area

The Regional Elder Training (Elder 101) is coming to Tower Church in Grove City on Saturday, November 10th from 10AM-NOON.  This is a great training event for the whole Session, for your rookie and experienced elders, or for the up-and-coming elder you just elected.  Questions?  Call Teresa Kendall at 724-758-5977.

Special Chapel to Honor and Celebrate America’s Veterans

Join us on Friday, November 9^th at 11:40 AM in Orr Auditorium, Westminster College, as we honor and celebrate our veterans with a concert of patriotic music from the Westminster Wind Ensemble and Combined Choirs, and special guest speaker, Iraq Veteran, SFC Raymond Corvino, HHB 1-107 FA.  Admission is Free.

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

FREE Curriculum

The Presbytery Resource Center has several years worth of “We Believe” and “Present Word” curriculum produced by the PC(USA) that is free for the taking.  Just stop by the Resource Center before the end of October to look through the boxes.  First come, first served…anything still here on November 1st will be recycled.

Ruling Elders in the Grove City Area

The Regional Elder Training (Elder 101) is coming to Tower Church in Grove City on Saturday, November 10th from 10AM-NOON.  This is a great training event for the whole Session, for your rookie and experienced elders, or for the up-and-coming elder you just elected.  Questions?  Call Teresa Kendall at 724-758-5977.

All Aboard Christmas Bazaar – November 3, 2012, 9-2 at Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City

Hop on board for this year’s exciting bazaar!!  Many favorites will be returning like the miniature trains display, pie booth, used books, jewelry, crafts, and of course delicious food at the Whistle Stop Cafe and bake sale.  By request, THE CHAPEL QUILT SHOW returns this year also.  New this year: Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus – 11 AM – 1 PM, Collectible Corner and a Silent Auction.  For picture reservations or to order soup to go, call the church office at 724-458-7260.

This Week:

• October 22-23 – Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Retreat Center
  
• October 26-27- PMC Cluster, Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church, Butler
• October 30- 9:30 AM Council, Jamestown Presbyterian Church

MISSION YEARBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED.  YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR RESERVED COPIES AT THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE.  WE ALSO HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF EXTRA COPIES AVAILABLE AT $16.00 EACH.

Correction Letter Has Been Sent on 2013 Per Capita

The letter giving the correct 2013 Per Capita amounts  went out with yesterday morning’s mail.  You should be receiving it soon.  If you have questions, please call the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610.

Wee Kirk at Laurelville Conference Center

Several members of Shenango Presbytery attended and staffed the recent Wee Kirk conference…Brian & Linda Ennis along with 2 elders from Fairfield/Milledgeville; Sharon Burns and Kathy Miller from Unity; Tom Gomola from Leesburg (Staff); Jane Bartholomew from Unity (Staff); and Marsha Parrish from Oak Grove (Staff).

You are Invited!

25th Wedding Anniversary Open House for Bud and Jennifer Green on Sunday, October 28th from 2-4 PM in the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church social hall.  (Elevator available for those who need it).  Given by Bud and Jennifer’s children.  Please call 724-654-1513 or 724-714-8645 to RSVP.

Elder Training is Coming to Greenville!

The Regional Elder Training (Elder 101) is coming to First Presbyterian, Greenville on Sunday, October 28th from 6-8 PM.  This is a great training event for the whole Session or for the up-and-coming elder you just elected.  Rev. Tod Custer at Christ Church said, “Both my rookie elders and my veteran elders found value in attending this event”.  Questions?  Call Teresa Kendall at 724-758-5977.

“Shroud Encounter” at Westminster College

Coming to: Westminster College on Wednesday, November 7th at 7:00 PM in the Wallace Memorial Chapel.  Admission is Free.  Could an ancient Jewish linen cloth be the actual burial shroud of Jesus?  Could the Shroud of Turin be a document of the crucifixion?  Is that even possible? Or is it nothing more than a medieval hoax?  For hundreds of years this ancient linen cloth etched with the faint image of a crucified man has mystified millions.  It continues to speak from centuries past challenging us to unlock its many secrets.  Nearly every scientific regimen has been employed to unravel the mystery and yet it remains unsolved.   Shroud Encounter is a dramatic big-screen experience.  Each clue is revealed and examined like a CSI Investigation leading deeper into its maze of mystery and intrigue.   Explore this profound enigma with Russ Breault, one of the world’s leading experts captivating audiences coast to coast and seen in numerous documentaries including The History Channel, Discovery and CBS.   Don’t miss Shroud Encounter!

Special Chapel to Honor and Celebrate America’s Veterans

Join us on Friday, November 9^th at 11:40 AM in Orr Auditorium, Westminster College, as we honor and celebrate our veterans with a concert of patriotic music from the Westminster Wind Ensemble and Combined Choirs, and special guest speaker, Iraq Veteran, SFC Raymond Corvino, HHB 1-107 FA.  Admission is Free.

News from the Churches

Open Meeting with Dr. Laura Smit

There will be an open meeting for pastors, elders, and anyone else interested in attending on Sunday evening, October 21st beginning at 5:30 PM in the McKelvey Center at Westminster College.  Dr. Smit will be leading the Pastor Retreat on Oct. 22-23, and will speak on the topic “Why Reformed Theology Matters in the 21st Century”.

Meeting Notice

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry will be meeting this Friday, October 19th at 12:30 PM at the Presbytery Office.

This Week:

• October 16- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
  7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
• October 18- 12:00 PM Mission, Communication, & Stewardship, New Wilmington PC
• October 22-23 – Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Retreat Center

MISSION YEARBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED.  YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR RESERVED COPIES AT THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE.  WE ALSO HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF EXTRA COPIES AVAILABLE AT $16.00 EACH.

Corrections Coming on 2013 Per Capita

The letter you recently received for the 2013 Per Capita has incorrect numbers.  An update will be coming soon.  If you have questions, please call the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610.

Correction on Email Address

Joanne Miller reports a correction in Sylvia Graham Araujo’s (Grace Memorial Hospital) email address.  It should be sylviagaraujo@bol.com.br.

You are Invited!

25th Wedding Anniversary Open House for Bud and Jennifer Green on Sunday, October 28th from 2-4 PM in the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church social hall.  (Elevator available for those who need it).  Given by Bud and Jennifer’s children.  Please call 724-654-1513 or 724-714-8645 to RSVP.

Pastor Retreat Speaker To Preach at Shenango PC

Dr. Laura Smit (Guest Speaker at the Pastor Retreat) will preach on Sunday, October 21st at 10:30 AM.  A coffee hour will follow worship with a time of Q+A about ECO with Dr. Smit.

Elder Training is Coming to Greenville!

The Regional Elder Training (Elder 101) is coming to First Presbyterian, Greenville on Sunday, October 28th from 6-8 PM.  This is a great training event for the whole Session or for the up-and-coming elder you just elected.  Rev. Tod Custer at Christ Church said, “Both my rookie elders and my veteran elders found value in attending this event”.  Questions?  Call Teresa Kendall at 724-758-5977.

News from the Churches

Corrections Coming on 2013 Per Capita

The letter you recently received for the 2013 Per Capita has incorrect numbers.  An update will be coming soon.  If you have questions, please call the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610.

This Week:

• October 10- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
• October 11- 9:30 AM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
  1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
• October 16- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
  7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

MISSION YEARBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED.  YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR RESERVED COPIES AT THE PRESBYTERY OFFICE.  WE ALSO HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF EXTRA COPIES AVAILABLE AT $16.00 EACH.

New Hospital Chaplain

Marsha Parrish (Oak Grove) has been hired through the Greater New Castle Christian Ministerial Fellowship as the new part-time Chaplain at Jameson Hospital in New Castle.  Her primary ministry will be to visit those who register as unchurched or no affiliation.

Temporary Housing Need

A very allergic person (no pets) would like to rent a room as temporary housing near the center of the Presbytery while she is seeking a permanent residence.  If you know of a possibility, please contact the Presbytery Office.

Committee on Ministry Recommendation for 2013 Minimum Salary

The COM is recommending to Presbytery (September 25) that the minimum salary/housing for 2013 be $46,725.  This is an increase of 1.5% from 2012.  All new calls must meet and maintain minimum.  The 1.5% is a guideline for increases for those pastors who are above minimum.  The Board of Pensions dues in 2013 will be 33%.  The dues have been increased 3/4% in 2012 and 2013.  This is not related to the domestic partners provisions.  The salary/housing and pension/major medical increases add approximately $1,000 to the minimum cost for a full-time pastor.

Tut Kony Visiting From The Sudan Again This Week

Many of you may remember Tut as the guest speaker at Celebrate Sudan and the Pastor Retreat last fall.  He will be at Miriam Gwin’s home on Sunday evening, October 14th, from 6-9 PM.  Please contact Miriam to confirm your visit and get directions at 724-667-8321.

Rev. Kony will also be at Panera’s in Sharon on Monday evening, October 15th at 7:oo PM.

New DVD Series by Ken Bailey

Ken Bailey, with the support of the Synod of the Trinity, has produced a new DVD series on “Christian Leadership in the New Testament”.  Click herehttp://www.syntrinity.org/182/Ken_Bailey_Video_Leadership_Series.html to find them on YouTube.  We will also have copies in the Resource Center.

Events at Shenango Church – The Presbytery is Invited

• Rev. Tut Kony from the Sudan will preach on Sunday, October 14th at 10:30 AM.  A light lunch will follow.
• Dr. Laura Smit (Guest Speaker at the Pastor Retreat) will preach on Sunday, October 21st at 10:30 AM.  A coffee hour will follow worship with a time of Q+A about ECO with Dr. Smit.

Elder Training is Coming to Greenville!

The Regional Elder Training (Elder 101) is coming to First Presbyterian, Greenville on Sunday, October 28th from 6-8 PM.  This is a great training event for the whole Session or for the up-and-coming elder you just elected.  Rev. Tod Custer at Christ Church said, “Both my rookie elders and my veteran elders found value in attending this event”.  Questions?  Call Teresa Kendall at 724-758-5977.

News from the Churches

Coming up in the next week:

• Saturday, October 6th – ENGAGE Evangelism Workshop – registration begins at 8:15 AM, workshop at 9 AM…Leesburg Presbyterian Church
• Sunday, October 7th – Celebrate Sudan Event – 7:00 PM…East Main Presbyterian Church.  (Open Choir rehearsal at 5:30 PM.)
• Sunday, October 7th – New Wilmington Area Ministerium Church Leadership Summit with Rev. Jim Walker, former co-pastor of Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community – 7:00 PM…New Wilmington United Methodist Church
• Tuesday, October 9th – “Staying In” lunch and discussion- 11:30-1:30 PM…Something’s Brewing Coffee House, Shenango Valley Mall
• Week of October 8th – Thomas Hoth and Tut Kony will be visiting from SPEC…watch eLink for details about opportunities to hear them speak.