EP on eLink

Making Decisions in Your Congregation

Last evening at the Presbytery meeting at Tower Church in Grove City, we dismissed the New Bedford and Covenant Churches to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  This was a sobering moment for us all.  I am grateful for the grace exhibited by those involved:  Council moderator, Glenn Hink;  Presbytery moderator, Amy Na;  New Bedford pastor (Doug Runyan) and elders;  Covenant pastor (Christopher Matthewson) and elders.  Doug has lead his congregation through this process in the past year.  Chris agreed to come as pastor knowing that Covenant was well down the road to this decision.

New Bedford (responding to the request “to honor its historic relationship” with Shenango Presbytery) has made a contribution of Presbytery per capita funds equal to the amount for 2012, 2013 and 2014 ($15,500).  Our thanks to the session of New Bedford.  This will help the Presbytery with the financial impact of their dismissal.

I also mentioned that I have prepared a paper [click here] of further reflections on issues involved for churches engaged in this discernment.  We have never been through anything like this before, so we are learning as we go.  I pray that this paper will be helpful.  I very much hope for your comments.

David Dawson

eLink News

Coming Events

April 24- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Tower PC
April 25- 9:00 AM Budget & Finance Committee, Presbytery Office
April 27-28 – PMC Cluster Event, Mt. Chestnut Presbyterian Church, Butler
April 27, 30 & May 2 – ANNUAL AUDIT, Conference Room unavailable for meetings
May 1– 7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Bethany
May 3- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster 

Special Prayers for Sudan

April marks an important time for our friends in the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC).  Easter brought a celebration of the resurrection, but it was also the deadline set by the government for all southerners to leave the north.  This will be very difficult.  SPEC also has important meetings this month culminating with the Synod Assembly (annual churchwide decision-making body) on April 26-27.  Please include SPEC in your personal and congregational prayers during April.

Violence at Gereif Bible School, Khartoum, Sudan

Please be in prayer for the church in the Sudan.  On Saturday a radical group severely damaged Gereif Bible School and Gereif Church.  Below is a link to a video of the incident and a call for prayer from the PC(USA).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DySjnwSSCRc&feature=share

http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/4/22/call-prayer-presbyterian-church-us-partners-sudan/

Coming Soon!  Regional Elder Training!

The Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee is sponsoring this great opportunity for every member of your Session to receive relevant and valuable training as Bell Memorial Church in Ellwood City hosts this gathering on Sunday, April 29, from 4-6 p.m. A DVD of Ralph Hawkins’ Leaderfest workshop “New Elder Training:  Some Tools and Theology for New Ruling Elders” will be presented. This seminar draws on the teaching of Acts 6:1-7 for insight. The first hour casts a fresh vision for shared authority between Presbyterian elders and pastors, while the second hour develops 10 practical tools that challenge you to be a good steward of your time in leadership.  There will also be time for questions and comments, facilitated by Rev. Tod Custer. Specifically for the Ellwood City area but open to everyone in the Presbytery. A regional training for the northern portion of the Presbytery is planned for this fall.

For All Educators!

All volunteer and professional educators are invited to a free lunch (order from the menu) at The Tavern Restaurant in New Wilmington on Tuesday, May 8, from 11-1. Guest speaker is Rev. Jason Santos, Associate Pastor at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Sponsored by the Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee. Reservations are appreciated. Make yours here, or by calling Westfield Church at 724.667.7045.

The New Testament and Reformed Theology Study Group will be discussing eschatology, end times, beginning Wednesday, April 25th.  Our primary text is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  We meet in the morning at Westminster College under the leadership of Professor Kang Na.  Contact Aaron Christy for more information at dyfmclenmoore@gmail.com.  All are invited, no long-term commitment is necessary.

Save the Dates – Session Records Reviews!

Pastors and Clerks of Session should have received a mailing last week  detailing information about the upcoming Session Records Review Dates.  Mercer County Churches are reviewed at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 1st at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mercer.  Lawrence County Churches are reviewed at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 3rd at Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle.

Pastors, Missionaries, and Church Leaders – Perspectives Intensive August 12-18, 2012 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary- See flyer

Perspectives is a discipleship training course about the reality of God’s worldwide movement and how we can be involved, no matter our location or vocation. Each lesson is taught by a different ministry expert. Students learn to find God’s perspective through the biblical foundations, historical evidence, and current cultural and strategic work of the expansion of the Church worldwide. Along the way, students are challenged to discover their role in God’s plan.  Perspectives is a program from the U.S. Center for World Mission and is taught worldwide. There are currently more than 70,000 alumni in North America alone!  Visit the Perspectives website for more information, or contact Jen Haddox, jhaddox@pts.edu WMI associate director and regional coordinator for Perspectives.

News From the Churches

Ham Loaf Dinner

Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be holding a Ham Loaf Dinner on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 5-7 PM.  Adults $8.00, Children 6-12 $4.00, Children 5 and under FREE.  Take Outs will be available!  Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the church office at 724-667-7255.  Limited number of tickets will be sold at the door!  All proceeds from this dinner benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church Building Fund.  Questions, call Beth Ann Nord at 724-667-7255 on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday mornings 9-12 noon.

Youth Director Wanted

Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director.  This position is a paid part-time position.  This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups.  The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith.  Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.

Cana’s Corner Hosts Dave Buchanan & Amanda Getway

On April 24, come and join us as Cana’s Corner hosts two of the area’s finest young people.  Dave Buchanan will be singing praise and worship music reminiscent of K-love radio.  Amanda Getway will be singing Celtic and Celtic-style music.  You won’t want to miss this concert.  Refreshments are free.  Free will offering will be taken.  Remember, we are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7-9 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Violence at Gereif Bible School, Khartoum, Sudan

Please be in prayer for the church in the Sudan.  On Saturday a radical group severely damaged Gereif Bible School and Gereif Church.  Below is a link to a video of the incident and a call for prayer from the PC(USA).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DySjnwSSCRc&feature=share

http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/4/22/call-prayer-presbyterian-church-us-partners-sudan/

Official Call to the April 24, 2012 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City. 

Highlights of the meeting include:

  • Report from the Special Committee on Denominational Issues during the General Council report

Tower Presbyterian Church is located 248 S. Broad Street, Grove City, PA 16127.  Parking is available in several downtown lots.

Get the docket and Council minutes at:  http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm

eLink News

Coming Events

April 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
April 18- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
April 19- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
April 20- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
1:00 PM GA Delegate Orientation,  New Wilmington PC
April 21- 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM ENGAGE Evangelism Workshop, 1st Sharon
April 24- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Tower PC 

Special Prayers for Sudan

April marks an important time for our friends in the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC).  Easter brought a celebration of the resurrection, but it was also the deadline set by the government for all southerners to leave the north.  This will be very difficult.  SPEC also has important meetings this month culminating with the Synod Assembly (annual churchwide decision-making body) on April 26-27.  Please include SPEC in your personal and congregational prayers during April.

PW Spring Gathering

Presbyterian Women will have their Spring Gathering at Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City on April 19 with registration at 9:00 AM and closing with lunch at 12:30 PM.  $6.00 registration.  Call Vickie White at 724-924-2127 for reservations.
Coming Soon!  Regional Elder Training!

The Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee is sponsoring this great opportunity for every member of your Session to receive relevant and valuable training as Bell Memorial Church in Ellwood City hosts this gathering on Sunday, April 29, from 4-6 p.m. A DVD of Ralph Hawkins’ Leaderfest workshop “New Elder Training:  Some Tools and Theology for New Ruling Elders” will be presented. This seminar draws on the teaching of Acts 6:1-7 for insight. The first hour casts a fresh vision for shared authority between Presbyterian elders and pastors, while the second hour develops 10 practical tools that challenge you to be a good steward of your time in leadership.  There will also be time for questions and comments, facilitated by Rev. Tod Custer. Specifically for the Ellwood City area but open to everyone in the Presbytery. A regional training for the northern portion of the Presbytery is planned for this fall.

For All Educators!

All volunteer and professional educators are invited to a free lunch (order from the menu) at The Tavern Restaurant in New Wilmington on Tuesday, May 8, from 11-1. Guest speaker is Rev. Jason Santos, Associate Pastor at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Sponsored by the Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee. Reservations are appreciated. Make yours here, or by calling Westfield Church at 724.667.7045.

The New Testament and Reformed Theology Study Group will be discussing eschatology, end times, beginning Wednesday, April 25th.  Our primary text is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  We meet in the morning at Westminster College under the leadership of Professor Kang Na.  Contact Aaron Christy for more information at dyfmclenmoore@gmail.com.  All are invited, no long-term commitment is necessary.

Save the Dates – Session Records Reviews!

Pastors and Clerks of Session should have received a mailing last week  detailing information about the upcoming Session Records Review Dates.  Mercer County Churches are reviewed at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 1st at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mercer.  Lawrence County Churches are reviewed at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 3rd at Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle.

Pastors, Missionaries, and Church Leaders – Perspectives Intensive August 12-18, 2012 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary- See flyer

Perspectives is a discipleship training course about the reality of God’s worldwide movement and how we can be involved, no matter our location or vocation. Each lesson is taught by a different ministry expert. Students learn to find God’s perspective through the biblical foundations, historical evidence, and current cultural and strategic work of the expansion of the Church worldwide. Along the way, students are challenged to discover their role in God’s plan.  Perspectives is a program from the U.S. Center for World Mission and is taught worldwide. There are currently more than 70,000 alumni in North America alone!  Visit the Perspectives website for more information, or contact Jen Haddox, jhaddox@pts.edu WMI associate director and regional coordinator for Perspectives.

News From the Churches

Youth Director Wanted

Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director.  This position is a paid part-time position.  This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups.  The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith.  Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.

Annual Flea Market at Northminster

Annual Flea Market at Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) on Saturday, April 21 from 9 AM – 2 PM.  All proceeds benefit mission projects.

Cana’s Corner Hosts Dave Buchanan & Amanda Getway

On April 24, come and join us as Cana’s Corner hosts two of the area’s finest young people.  Dave Buchanan will be singing praise and worship music reminiscent of K-love radio.  Amanda Getway will be singing Celtic and Celtic-style music.  You won’t want to miss this concert.  Refreshments are free.  Free will offering will be taken.  Remember, we are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7-9 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA.

eLink News

Coming Events

April 10- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
3:15 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
April 13- Pastor Retreat Registration Deadline!
April 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW 

Register for the Spring Pastor Retreat!

May 14-15 at the Villa Maria Conference Center with special guest speaker Dr. Ron Scates, pastor of Highland Park Church (Dallas).  This coming Friday, April 13th will be the last day to submit your registration!

Special Prayers for Sudan

April marks an important time for our friends in the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC).  Easter brought a celebration of the resurrection, but it was also the deadline set by the government for all southerners to leave the north.  This will be very difficult.  SPEC also has important meetings this month culminating with the Synod Assembly (annual churchwide decision-making body) on April 26-27.  Please include SPEC in your personal and congregational prayers during April.

25th Annual Christy Lectures at Westminster College

Craig Schweiger, founder of Federated Mortgage Corporation and Executive Director of Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh, will present the Christy Lectures at Wallace Memorial Chapel at 7 PM on Sunday, April 15.

Evangelism Training Conference – ENGAGE

Ray Jones is the leader, and he has been very effective across the country with this event.  Ray is an accomplished new church development pastor from Georgia.  If this is to be effective for your churches, the pastor and a team of leaders will need to attend together.  Click here for more information.
PW Spring Gathering
Presbyterian Women will have their Spring Gathering at Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City on April 19 with registration at 9:00 AM and closing with lunch at 12:30 PM.  $6.00 registration.  Call Vickie White at 724-924-2127 for reservations.
News From the Churches

Youth Director Wanted

Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director.  This position is a paid part-time position.  This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups.  The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith.  Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.

Indoor Yard Sale

The Presbyterian Women of Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer W. Middlesex Road, Rte. 318, are holding an “Indoor Yard Sale” on Friday & Saturday, April 13 & 14, 2012.  Lunch will be available.  Proceeds go toward mission projects.

Annual Flea Market at Northminster

Annual Flea Market at Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) on Saturday, April 21 from 9 AM – 2 PM.  All proceeds benefit mission projects.

“Divine Delay”, “The Guthries” to appear at Cana’s

Cana’s welcomes back “Divine Delay” to the coffeehouse from Greenville, PA along with the father/daughter duo “The Guthries” on April 10th.  Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA.  The coffeehouse is open from 7-9 PM the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.  Refreshments are free.

eLink News

Coming Events

April 6- OFFICE CLOSED, GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY
April 10- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
3:15 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office 

Prayers

  • Mickey Bailey (wife of Ken) in UPMC Farrell for test
  • David Trautman (husband of Margaret, former moderator) in process for kidney transplant
  • Sue Allen (Commissioned Ruling Elder at Bethany) is recovering at home from surgery
  • Bonnie Dobi (wife of David, 1st Greenville) at home recovering from surgery
  • Howard Moss (Presbytery treasurer) – father passed away on Monday
  • Sally Kaiser (registrar at pastors retreat) – husband Bruce passed away last week

Register for the Spring Pastor Retreat!

May 14-15 at the Villa Maria Conference Center with special guest speaker Dr. Ron Scates, pastor of Highland Park Church (Dallas).

Evangelism Training Conference – ENGAGE

Ray Jones is the leader, and he has been very effective across the country with this event.  Ray is an accomplished new church development pastor from Georgia.  If this is to be effective for your churches, the pastor and a team of leaders will need to attend together.  Click here for more information.
Homeruns for Hunger

We are just days away from the opening of Pirate baseball!  Presbyterians will give $100 or more each time a Pirate player hits a home run to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to help our neighbors who are hungry.  A special evening will be Tuesday, July 3rd when Presbyterians and their friends who bring a non-perishable food item(s) to the ballpark, for the food bank, will receive a $1 discount on their ticket for the game.  This will be in conjunction with Pittsburgh hosting the national meeting of the “220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.” at  the David L. Lawrence Convention Center June 30 – July 7.  Your church can contribute $100 or more to add your name to churches helping to battle hunger via “Home Runs for Hunger” that will appear on the www.homerunsforhunger.com website.  This season, help us hit hunger out of the park so that no child or person goes to bed hungry!  For more information contact Pittsburgh Presbytery 412-323-1400 ext 310 or e-mail Gregg Hartung at ghartung@consolidated.net

News From the Churches

Youth Director Wanted

Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director.  This position is a paid part-time position.  This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups.  The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith.  Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.

Free Curriculum

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon has a box of free curriculum that they would like to give to someone who needs it.  It’s children’s sample curriculum materials from several different publishing  houses.   All you have to do is pick it up.  Contact Debbie Derrenbacher at 724-981-2211 ext. 3 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

Indoor Yard Sale

The Presbyterian Women of Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer W. Middlesex Road, Rte. 318, are holding an “Indoor Yard Sale” on Friday & Saturday, April 13 & 14, 2012.  Lunch will be available.  Proceeds go toward mission projects.

Annual Flea Market at Northminster

Annual Flea Market at Northminster Presbyterian Church (2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle) on Saturday, April 21 from 9 AM – 2 PM.  All proceeds benefit mission projects.

“Divine Delay”, “The Guthries” to appear at Cana’s

Cana’s welcomes back “Divine Delay” to the coffeehouse from Greenville, PA along with the father/daughter duo “The Guthries” on April 10th.  Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA.  The coffeehouse is open from 7-9 PM the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.  Refreshments are free.

eLink News

Coming Events

March 30- 1:00 PM Personnel Committee, Presbytery Office
April 3- 9:30 AM  Council Meeting, Presbytery Office
April 6- OFFICE CLOSED, GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY 

Please Pray for the Sudan and South Sudan

Click here to link to the Mission Yearbook for South Sudan on Saturday and here for the Sudan next Monday.  Please ask your congregation to pray for our partner, the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church and the missionaries serving in the South Sudan.

Evangelism Training Conference – ENGAGE

Ray Jones is the leader, and he has been very effective across the country with this event.  Ray is an accomplished new church development pastor from Georgia.  If this is to be effective for your churches, the pastor and a team of leaders will need to attend together.  Click here for more information.
Work Camp Building Project in Mozambique
Teams are being recruited for two-week segments between August 1 and September 9 to build a church in Mozambique. Further information is available from Penny McFarland (jdmcfarland@comcast.net).
Travel Expenses for Ingrid Reneau
Ingrid Reneau is doing research on south Sudan cattle camps at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute (ACI) in Ghana.  Influencing this culture is a critical task for the Sudanese Church.  Ingrid will travel to Ghana four times in the next year ($1,000 per trip).  We are receiving contributions for “Ingrid Reneau, ACI travel assistance” at the Presbytery Office.
Report on Visit to Khartoum, Sudan
Steve and Brenda Stelle, Dave Dawson, and Sylvia Carlson (Redstone Presbytery) joined by Michael Weller, our Regional Liason for Sudan and Ethiopia, have returned from a one-week trip visiting our partner, the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church.  A brief report from Rev. Dawson is posted on the Presbytery website.  Steve and Brenda Stelle will also give a report at the April 24 Presbytery meeting.
News From the Churches

Youth Director Wanted

Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director.  This position is a paid part-time position.  This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups.  The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith.  Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.

Free Curriculum

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon has a box of free curriculum that they would like to give to someone who needs it.  It’s children’s sample curriculum materials from several different publishing  houses.   All you have to do is pick it up.  Contact Debbie Derrenbacher at 724-981-2211 ext. 3 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

“His Own”, “Which Way Down” to appear at Cana’s

Duet team of “His Own” as well as trio “Which Way Down” will appear at the coffeehouse on March 27th.  Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA.  The coffeehouse is open from 7-9pm the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. A free will offering will be taken.  Refreshments are free.

Indoor Yard Sale

The Presbyterian Women of Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer W. Middlesex Road, Rte. 318, are holding an “Indoor Yard Sale” on Friday & Saturday, April 13 & 14, 2012.  Lunch will be available.  Proceeds go toward mission projects.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Evangelism Training Conference – ENGAGE

Click here for the details on a very special evangelism event provided by your Presbytery committee.  Ray Jones is the leader, and he has been very effective across the country with this event.  Ray is an accomplished new church development pastor from Georgia.  If this is to be effective for your churches, the pastor and a team of leaders will need to attend together.

Report on Visit to Khartoum, Sudan

Steve and Brenda Stelle, Dave Dawson and Sylvia Carlson (Redstone Presbytery) joined Michael Weller, our Regional Liaison for Sudan and Ethiopia, have returned from a one-week visiting our partner, the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church.  A brief report from Dave Dawson can be found here.  Steve and Brenda Stelle will also give a report at the April 24 Presbytery meeting.

Spaghetti Dinner at Shenango Presbyterian Church

A tavola!  Venite a mangiare!  Buon appetito!  Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 4-7 PM.  Seniors (60+): $7, Adults (11-59): $8; Youth (8-10): $5, 3-under: FREE.  Proceeds benefit general fund and missions.  Take-outs available!

eLink News

Coming Events

March 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
March 27- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office 

FOP/ECO

What is the Fellowship?  What is ECO?  What options do they offer for ministry and mission for churches?  Shenango Presbytery?  Come and learn more.  There will be another special discussion on FOP and ECO:

  • Thursday, March 22, 7:00 PM, 1st Presbyterian Church, Sharon

The focus of this meeting will be information and discussion.  All Presbyterian members, elders and pastors are welcome.  The meetings will be similar to the event this past Sunday evening at Northminster, just repeated in a different location so more people might be encouraged to attend.  Contact Glenn Hink (724-981-2211, ext. 2 or pastor@1stpcs.org) or Bill Hoffman (724-458-8270 or bhoffman@eastmainpc.org) with any questions.

Prayers

  • Donna Heard’s father passed away last week.  Donna is Commissioned Ruling Elder at Word Centered Church.
  • Bob and Joyce Bardeen’s (Westfield) daughter-in-law went into labor with twins.  She has been confined to bed rest and Bob & Joyce will be helping them in Los Angeles.

Learn About Christians in Vietnam

Paul Friesen, Regional Liason for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam will be speaking at Tower Church on Sunday, March 25  at the 8:30 and 11:00 services, and Tuesday, March 27th at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church for dinner at 5:30-7:00 PM (please RSVP for the dinner at 724-946-3541 or office@nwpresby.org).  You are invited to lunch with Paul on Monday the 25th (contact office@shenango.org for details and reservations.)
Evangelism Training Conference – ENGAGE
Look for a special eLink later this week detailing a very special evangelism event provided by your Presbytery committee.  Ray Jones is the leader, and he has been very effective across the country with this event.  Ray is an accomplished new church development pastor from Georgia.  If this is to be effective for your churches, the pastor and a team of leaders will need to attend together.
Work Camp Building Project in Mozambique
Teams are being recruited for two-week segments between August 1 and September 9 to build a church in Mozambique. Further information is available from Penny McFarland (jdmcfarland@comcast.net).
Travel Expenses for Ingrid Reneau
Ingrid Reneau is doing research on south Sudan cattle camps at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute (ACI) in Ghana.  Influencing this culture is a critical task for the Sudanese Church.  Ingrid will travel to Ghana four times in the next year ($1,000 per trip).  We are receiving contributions for “Ingrid Reneau, ACI travel assistance” at the Presbytery Office.
Dominican Republic Trip
A team of 30 from several churches, led by the Clen-Moore and New Wilmington Churches, have just returned from the Dominican Republic where they have a long-term partnership.  Would you like to join next year?  http://sabanetadeyasica.blogspot.com/. There will also be a report at the April 24 Presbytery meeting.
World Mission Initiative Conference at Pittsburgh Seminary
You can still attend the WMI Conference this Friday and Saturday through Pittsburgh Seminary.  http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/.
Report on Visit to Khartoum, Sudan
Steve and Brenda Stelle, Dave Dawson, and Sylvia Carlson (Redstone Presbytery) joined by Michael Weller, our Regional Liason for Sudan and Ethiopia, have returned from a one-week trip visiting our partner, the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church.  A brief report from Rev. Dawson will be posted on the Presbytery website later this week.  Steve and Brenda Stelle will also give a report at the April 24 Presbytery meeting.
Introductory Course in Christian Education
The Eastern Region of APCE is offering an introductory course in Christian Education entitled “Jump Start” for Directors of CE, new pastors, and elders responsible for the education program of their church.  The course will enable participants to articulate their philosophy of CE and to plan an program year for children, youth, and adults.  The overnight course will begin at 7 PM on Sunday, April 22 and conclude at noon on Monday, April 23 at Rhodes Grove Camp & Conference Center just outside Chambersburg, PA.  Cost is $50.  For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Beverly Cushman at cushmabw@westminster.edu.

News From the Churches

Youth Director Wanted

Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director.  This position is a paid part-time position.  This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups.  The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith.  Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.

Free Curriculum

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon has a box of free curriculum that they would like to give to someone who needs it.  It’s children’s sample curriculum materials from several different publishing  houses.   All you have to do is pick it up.  Contact Debbie Derrenbacher at 724-981-2211 ext. 3 or dcm@1stpcs.org.

“His Own”, “Which Way Down” to appear at Cana’s

Duet team of “His Own” as well as trio “Which Way Down” will appear at the coffeehouse on March 27th.  Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA.  The coffeehouse is open from 7-9pm the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. A free will offering will be taken.  Refreshments are free.