Register for the Spring 2012 Pastor Retreat

The Spring 2012 Pastor Retreat will be held on May 14-15, 2012 at the Villa Maria Conference Center.  Our guest speaker will be Dr. Ron Scates, pastor of Highland Park Church in Dallas. You can learn more about Dr. Scates, here.

Cost will again by $75 to stay overnight, or $40 to commute.  Please register by April 13th!

Click here to register online.

eLink News

Coming Events

March 13- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee Meeting, Presbytery Office
March 15- 12:00 PM Mission, Communication & Stewardship, New Wilmington PC
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
6:30 PM Economic Improvement Projected Event, 1st Sharon
March 16- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
March 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW 

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.

PDA Responding to Storms and Tornadoes

A powerful storm system spawning multiple tornadoes moved through the Midwest down to the southern parts of the United States from February 28 to March 3, 2012. Hundreds of homes were destroyed or damaged, and at least 50 people died from the storms.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding by providing One Great Hour of Sharing funds to several of the affected presbyteries as they respond within their communities.  How can you help?  Give…send monetary donations to the Presbytery of Shenango office and mark “DR000015″ in the memo portion of the check.  Act…Contact PDA at 866-732-6121 to let them know of your interest in volunteering to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.  Pray…pray for those in the storm-stricken communities, pray for strength for those offering assistance, and for those who will participate in recovery efforts in the coming days and months.

Economic Growth Projected

The economic winds are blowing in a new direction in Lawrence and Mercer counties for the first time in 50 years.  How does this affect your church?  What do you need to do because of the economic growth from gas and race track infusion of capital?  What are the demographic impacts?  For more information come to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 15.  If members of your church are planning to attend, please contact office@shenango.org to indicate your attendance (we want to have enough seating for everyone).   Read the flyer.
Hear What God is Doing in Vietnam and How You May Join Him
Opportunities to meet Paul Friesen, Regional Liason for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam…Sunday, March 25 at Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City 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).
A Reformed New Testament Theology Group
with Professor Kang Na of Westminster College is forming to study New Testament theological themes and how these themes are informed by Scripture including the Greek New Testament.  This group will be picking themes to study and the New Testament passages that inform these themes.  Prior Greek knowledge is not necessary.  History of Biblical interpretation will be part of this study.  Beginning with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and studying eschatology (last things), the group will meet every other week, starting March 21st, on Wednesday mornings at Westminster College.  Then we will move into 1 Corinthians 15 studying Christology, soteriology (salvation), and current “hot topics”.  All are welcome to attend.  No commitment is necessary.  Contact Aaron Christy at Clen-Moore Church to sign-up or with any questions at dyfmclenmoore@gmail.com.
In addition…in response to the February Presbytery meeting’s introduction of ECO and their Essential Tenets which were given, this group would like to explore this historical and theological meaning of the use of the term “Infallibility of Scripture”.  The use of the term “infallibility” has meant different things to different people through the church’s history.  We want to begin to discuss this by looking at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as part of our opening 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

Messiah College Concert Choir

Faith Presbyterian Church is hosting the Messiah College Concert Choir.  The 44-voice choir will present sacred and secular musical selections on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 PM.  The concert is free and everyone is invited.  Faith Church is holding the concert as part of their 175th anniversary of the founding of their church.  The church is located at 2370 North Hermitage Road in Hermitage.

Director of Choirs Wanted

Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs.  The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website,http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.

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.

Greetings from the Mission Team of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church

We are hoping to return to one of our mission partnerships by going to Hardrock, AZ to help the Navajo nation with another building project. We are somewhat short of younger men at our church that are able to goto complete our team. Therefore we are looking for help from other interested churches. We are in need of 6 to 8 more Christian men that are ready, willing and able to serve God in the capacity of carpentry, plumbing or electrical projects.   We are planning to go from May 5th thru May 12th.  If this is something you feel called to do, please contact us as follows: Jill at 724-992-1226 or Mark at 814-657-0128 if you are unable to reach either of us. You may call the church office 724-376-2630 for more information.  Ask for Beth, our pastor.

2012 Mission Trip to Slovakia

Join Dave and Anne Dayton on a mission trip to Slovakia June 10-25, 2012.  The trip, which is sponsored by East Main Presbyterian Church and Slovak Folk Crafts includes a two week work camp in Hermanovce, Slovakia and costs approximately $2,895 per person.  If interested, please contact anne@daytons.org or call 724-458-9215 for more information.

Rick Bruning, “Divine Delay” at Cana’s

Rick Bruning, singer/guitarist will be appearing along with “Divine Delay” ( a male trio from the Jamestown area) at the coffeehouse on March 13th.  We will be having special St. Patrick’s Day treats for you.  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.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Attendance Numbers Requested – Economic Growth Projected

The economic winds are blowing in a new direction in Lawrence and Mercer counties for the first time in 50 years.  How does this affect your church?  What do you need to do because of the economic growth from gas and race track infusion of capital?  What are the demographic impacts?  For more information come to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 15.  If members of your church are planning to attend, please contact office@shenango.org to indicate your attendance (we want to have enough seating for everyone).  Read the flyer.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Rev. Dawson’s Email

Some of you may have received error messages recently if you tried to email Rev. Dawson.  He is not able to check his email in the Sudan, and his mailbox has filled up very quickly.  We apologize for the inconvenience, and ask that you try emailing again in a few days once he has returned home and has had a chance to download all of his messages.

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 special discussions on FOP and ECO:

  • Sunday, March 11, 7:00 PM, Northminster Presbyterian Church, New Castle
  • Thursday, March 22, 7:00 PM, 1st Presbyterian Church, Sharon

The focus of these meetings will be information and discussion.  All Presbyterian members, elders and pastors are welcome.  The meetings will be similar, just repeated in different locations 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.

A Reformed New Testament Theology Group – UPDATED!
with Professor Kang Na of Westminster College is forming to study New Testament theological themes and how these themes are informed by Scripture including the Greek New Testament.  This group will be picking themes to study and the New Testament passages that inform these themes.  Prior Greek knowledge is not necessary.  History of Biblical interpretation will be part of this study.  Beginning with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and studying eschatology (last things), the group will meet every other week, starting March 21st, on Wednesday mornings at Westminster College.  Then we will move into 1 Corinthians 15 studying Christology, soteriology (salvation), and current “hot topics”.  All are welcome to attend.  No commitment is necessary.  Contact Aaron Christy at Clen-Moore Church to sign-up or with any questions at dyfmclenmoore@gmail.com.
In addition…in response to the February Presbytery meeting’s introduction of ECO and their Essential Tenets which were given, this group would like to explore this historical and theological meaning of the use of the term “Infallibility of Scripture”.  The use of the term “infallibility” has meant different things to different people through the church’s history.  We want to begin to discuss this by looking at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as part of our opening meeting.

eLink News

Coming Events

March 8- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee Meeting, Presbytery Office
March 13- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee Meeting, Presbytery Office

PDA Responding to Storms and Tornadoes

A powerful storm system spawning multiple tornadoes moved through the Midwest down to the southern parts of the United States from February 28 to March 3, 2012. Hundreds of homes were destroyed or damaged, and at least 50 people died from the storms.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding by providing One Great Hour of Sharing funds to several of the affected presbyteries as they respond within their communities.  How can you help?  Give…send monetary donations to the Presbytery of Shenango office and mark “DR000015” in the memo portion of the check.  Act…Contact PDA at 866-732-6121 to let them know of your interest in volunteering to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.  Pray…pray for those in the storm-stricken communities, pray for strength for those offering assistance, and for those who will participate in recovery efforts in the coming days and months.

Shenango Presbytery in the Mission Yearbook

Our Presbytery will be featured in the Mission Yearbook tomorrow…read the article here.

Economic Growth Projected

The economic winds are blowing in a new direction in Lawrence and Mercer counties for the first time in 50 years.  How does this affect your church?  What do you need to do because of the economic growth from gas and race track infusion of capital?  What are the demographic impacts?  For more information come to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 15.  Contact office@shenango.org to indicate your attendance.  Read the flyer.
Hear What God is Doing in Vietnam and How You May Join Him
Opportunities to meet Paul Friesen, Regional Liason for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam…Sunday, March 25 at Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City 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).
A Reformed New Testament Theology Group
with Professor Kang Na of Westminster College is forming to study New Testament theological themes and how these themes are informed by Scripture including the Greek New Testament.  This group will be picking themes to study and the New Testament passages that inform these themes.  Prior Greek knowledge is not necessary.  History of Biblical interpretation will be part of this study.  Beginning with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and studying eschatology (last things), the group will meet every other week, starting March 21st, on Wednesday mornings at Westminster College.  Then we will move into 1 Corinthians 15 studying Christology, soteriology (salvation), and current “hot topics”.  All are welcome to attend.  No commitment is necessary.  Contact Aaron Christy at Clen-Moore Church to sign-up or with any questions at dyfmclenmoore@gmail.com.
Spring Clean-up Days at Westminster Highlands and Camp Lambec

Spring Volunteer Work Days have been set for both sites. The dates are as follows: Westminster Highlands, Saturday, May 5 and Camp Lambec, Saturday, May 12. Works may arrive beginning at 9 a.m. at both sites and can work as many hours as they like. Volunteers able to spend an hour or two are just as welcome as those who are able to stay all day. Individuals as well as large groups participate. There is sure to be something for everyone to do!  A list of jobs will be available from the facility manager at each site. Choose any item(s) that fit with your time frame and skill set. Jobs range from clearing trails and cleaning cabins to cutting down trees or repairing roofs.  Workers will be treated to lunch on both work days as a thank you from CAPNWP for all their hard work.  Please join us in helping get YOUR camps ready for summer!

News From the Churches

Messiah College Concert Choir

Faith Presbyterian Church is hosting the Messiah College Concert Choir.  The 44-voice choir will present sacred and secular musical selections on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 PM.  The concert is free and everyone is invited.  Faith Church is holding the concert as part of their 175th anniversary of the founding of their church.  The church is located at 2370 North Hermitage Road in Hermitage.

Director of Choirs Wanted

Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs.  The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website,http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.

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.

Greetings from the Mission Team of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church

We are hoping to return to one of our mission partnerships by going to Hardrock, AZ to help the Navajo nation with another building project. We are somewhat short of younger men at our church that are able to goto complete our team. Therefore we are looking for help from other interested churches. We are in need of 6 to 8 more Christian men that are ready, willing and able to serve God in the capacity of carpentry, plumbing or electrical projects.   We are planning to go from May 5th thru May 12th.  If this is something you feel called to do, please contact us as follows: Jill at 724-992-1226 or Mark at 814-657-0128 if you are unable to reach either of us. You may call the church office 724-376-2630 for more information.  Ask for Beth, our pastor.

2012 Mission Trip to Slovakia

Join Dave and Anne Dayton on a mission trip to Slovakia June 10-25, 2012.  The trip, which is sponsored by East Main Presbyterian Church and Slovak Folk Crafts includes a two week work camp in Hermanovce, Slovakia and costs approximately $2,895 per person.  If interested, please contact anne@daytons.org or call 724-458-9215 for more information.

Rick Bruning, “Divine Delay” at Cana’s

Rick Bruning, singer/guitarist will be appearing along with “Divine Delay” ( a male trio from the Jamestown area) at the coffeehouse on March 13th.  We will be having special St. Patrick’s Day treats for you.  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.

eLink News

Coming Events

March 6- 10:00 AM Synod Meeting Webinar, Presbytery Office

Prayers

  • Rev. Jim Wigley (Honorably Retired) died this morning.  Calling hours will be from 4-6 PM this Friday, March 2nd at the Smith Funeral Home in New Wimington, with the funeral immediately following.
Document From Last Evening’s Meeting Now Online
The documents featured in last evening’s special packet, as well as Rev. Na’s “Musings From Your Moderator” and Rev. Dawson’s presentation, are now available as PDF documents on the Special Committee page of our website.
Economic Growth Projected
The economic winds are blowing in a new direction in Lawrence and Mercer counties for the first time in 50 years.  How does this affect your church?  What do you need to do because of the economic growth from gas and race track infusion of capital?  What are the demographic impacts?  For more information come to First Presbyterian Church of Sharon at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 15.  Contact office@shenango.org to indicate your attendance.  Read the flyer.
Teach English This Summer in Ethiopia
If you are trained as a teacher you are needed to teach English in Ethiopia this summer for 4 weeks.  Presbyterian missionary, Rich Hansen, has sent an appeal for this help.  Contact the Presbytery office for more information.  Deadline is April 15.
Relevant Church in a Changing World
is the theme of this year’s World Mission Initiative Conference.  Participants will have three Keynote speakers (Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell of the PCUSA World Missions Division, Dr. John Azumah a specialist in Christian-Islam relations, and Chris Shaw co-author of Jesus for President) and 18 workshops to choose from March 23-24 on the campus of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Registration is $35 (meals are extra) and the deadline is March 9th.  As a sponsor church, pay $140 and send an unlimited number of members from your church – a great value!  For more information, visit http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org or pick up a flyer at the Presbytery Office.
A Reformed New Testament Theology Group
with Professor Kang Na of Westminster College is forming to study New Testament theological themes and how these themes are informed by Scripture including the Greek New Testament.  This group will be picking themes to study and the New Testament passages that inform these themes.  Prior Greek knowledge is not necessary.  History of Biblical interpretation will be part of this study.  Beginning with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and studying eschatology (last things), the group will meet every other week, starting March 21st, on Wednesday mornings at Westminster College.  Then we will move into 1 Corinthians 15 studying Christology, soteriology (salvation), and current “hot topics”.  All are welcome to attend.  No commitment is necessary.  Contact Aaron Christy at Clen-Moore Church to sign-up or with any questions at dyfmclenmoore@gmail.com.
Spring Clean-up Days at Westminster Highlands and Camp Lambec

Spring Volunteer Work Days have been set for both sites. The dates are as follows: Westminster Highlands, Saturday, May 5 and Camp Lambec, Saturday, May 12. Works may arrive beginning at 9 a.m. at both sites and can work as many hours as they like. Volunteers able to spend an hour or two are just as welcome as those who are able to stay all day. Individuals as well as large groups participate. There is sure to be something for everyone to do!  A list of jobs will be available from the facility manager at each site. Choose any item(s) that fit with your time frame and skill set. Jobs range from clearing trails and cleaning cabins to cutting down trees or repairing roofs.  Workers will be treated to lunch on both work days as a thank you from CAPNWP for all their hard work.  Please join us in helping get YOUR camps ready for summer!

News From the Churches

Messiah College Concert Choir

Faith Presbyterian Church is hosting the Messiah College Concert Choir.  The 44-voice choir will present sacred and secular musical selections on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 PM.  The concert is free and everyone is invited.  Faith Church is holding the concert as part of their 175th anniversary of the founding of their church.  The church is located at 2370 North Hermitage Road in Hermitage.

Women’s Retreat at East Main

Dr. Alice Palmer Mathews, a contributor to RBC ministry and the daily radio program Discover the Word, and current Academic Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Women’s Retreat at East Main Presbyterian Church on March 16-17.  Registration and details are available onEast Main’s website under Ministries and Women’s Ministries or contact Amy Biddle at 724-458-8270.

Director of Choirs Wanted

Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs.  The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website,http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.

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.

Greetings from the Mission Team of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church

We are hoping to return to one of our mission partnerships by going to Hardrock, AZ to help the Navajo nation with another building project. We are somewhat short of younger men at our church that are able to goto complete our team. Therefore we are looking for help from other interested churches. We are in need of 6 to 8 more Christian men that are ready, willing and able to serve God in the capacity of carpentry, plumbing or electrical projects.   We are planning to go from May 5th thru May 12th.  If this is something you feel called to do, please contact us as follows: Jill at 724-992-1226 or Mark at 814-657-0128 if you are unable to reach either of us. You may call the church office 724-376-2630 for more information.  Ask for Beth, our pastor.

2012 Mission Trip to Slovakia

Join Dave and Anne Dayton on a mission trip to Slovakia June 10-25, 2012.  The trip, which is sponsored by East Main Presbyterian Church and Slovak Folk Crafts includes a two week work camp in Hermanovce, Slovakia and costs approximately $2,895 per person.  If interested, please contact anne@daytons.org or call 724-458-9215 for more information.

eLink News

Coming Events

February 21- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
February 22- 3:00 PM Vietnam Group Conference Call, Presbytery Office
February 28- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Grove City College 

Prayers

Doris Stanley’s (Jamestown) father passed away.

Annual Report Deadline Tomorrow!

GA Online Statistics need to be completed by midnight tomorrow night, February 22nd!  So far, 68% of our 68 churches have completed those reports.  We are also still missing Presbytery reports from more than half of our churches — they were due on January 31st — please submit them as soon as possible.  NOTE: If you have not submitted a report, but want your elders included in the necrology list at next week’s Presbytery meeting, please submit the names to Autumn at office@shenango.org before Friday of this week!

Review of Ministerial Ethics

We need to pause occasionally and reflect on the ethical issues that we face everyday.  There will be an opportunity to do that in cooperation with Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Issues like boundaries, confidentiality, safety for children and youth, finances, etc. will be considered.  Please click on this link to indicate what would most interest you:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z7V6QTZ.
Teach English This Summer in Ethiopia
If you are trained as a teacher you are needed to teach English in Ethiopia this summer for 4 weeks.  Presbyterian missionary, Rich Hansen, has sent an appeal for this help.  Contact the Presbytery office for more information.  Deadline is April 15.
Relevant Church in a Changing World
is the theme of this year’s World Mission Initiative Conference.  Participants will have three Keynote speakers (Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell of the PCUSA World Missions Division, Dr. John Azumah a specialist in Christian-Islam relations, and Chris Shaw co-author of Jesus for President) and 18 workshops to choose from March 23-24 on the campus of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Registration is $35 (meals are extra) and the deadline is March 9th.  As a sponsor church, pay $140 and send an unlimited number of members from your church – a great value!  For more information, visit http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org or pick up a flyer at the Presbytery Office.
Spring Clean-up Days at Westminster Highlands and Camp Lambec

Spring Volunteer Work Days have been set for both sites. The dates are as follows: Westminster Highlands, Saturday, May 5 and Camp Lambec, Saturday, May 12. Works may arrive beginning at 9 a.m. at both sites and can work as many hours as they like. Volunteers able to spend an hour or two are just as welcome as those who are able to stay all day. Individuals as well as large groups participate. There is sure to be something for everyone to do!  A list of jobs will be available from the facility manager at each site. Choose any item(s) that fit with your time frame and skill set. Jobs range from clearing trails and cleaning cabins to cutting down trees or repairing roofs.  Workers will be treated to lunch on both work days as a thank you from CAPNWP for all their hard work.  Please join us in helping get YOUR camps ready for summer!

News From the Churches

Women’s Retreat at East Main

Dr. Alice Palmer Mathews, a contributor to RBC ministry and the daily radio program Discover the Word, and current Academic Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Women’s Retreat at East Main Presbyterian Church on March 16-17.  Registration and details are available onEast Main’s website under Ministries and Women’s Ministries or contact Amy Biddle at 724-458-8270.

Greetings from the Mission Team of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church.
We are hoping to return to one of our mission partnerships by going to Hardrock, AZ to help the Navajo nation with another building project. We are somewhat short of younger men at our church that are able to goto complete our team. Therefore we are looking for help from other interested churches. We are in need of 6 to 8 more Christian men that are ready, willing and able to serve God in the capacity of carpentry, plumbing or electrical projects.   We are planning to go from May 5th thru May 12th.  If this is something you feel called to do, please contact us as follows: Jill at 724-992-1226 or Mark at 814-657-0128 if you are unable to reach either of us. You may call the church office 724-376-2630 for more information.  Ask for Beth, our pastor.

Director of Choirs Wanted

Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs.  The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website,http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.

Gary Tierno, “2 For One” at Cana’s

Gary Tierno, singer/guitarist will be appearing along with “2 For One” (a gospel/pop duo) at the coffeehouse on February 28th.  Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 East 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.


Official Call to the February 28, 2012 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Grove City College. 

The meeting will take place in Crawford Hall (see map).  Parking is available in the upper and lower lots by the building, across the street from the main entrance to the college (corner of East Main Street and Rt. 173) and by the Physical Learning Center (with a walk across campus).

Highlights of the meeting include:

  • Worship with the Grove City College Glee Club providing music
  • Summer Camp brochures for Westminster Highlands and Camp Lambec
  • Information on volunteering at the General Assembly in Pittsburgh on June 30 – July 6
  • Report from the Special Committee on Denominational Issues
    • Beginning at approximately 8:30 PM there will be a report on the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting held in Orlando in January.  All are welcome, whether you are a commissioner from your church or not.  Copies of materials will be provided, but you are encouraged to review print and video material at http://www.fellowship-pres.org/ and http://www.shenango.org/Committees/scmdi.htm.

Grove City College is located at 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127.

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

eLink News – EXTRA!

February 15 Report to Shenango Presbytery from David Dawson, Executive Presbyter

The Presbytery Council (meeting February 7) agreed that David Dawson should post this paper on the Presbytery website.  This, along with several items listed on the Special Committee page, are preparation for the February 28 Presbytery meeting.  Dave welcomes your comments.

(Note: If the link to the document doesn’t work, you can find it on both the “Special Committee” page and the “Presbytery meeting” page of the Presbytery website.)

eLink News

Coming Events

February 15- 10:00 AM Conference Room reserved, Presbytery Office
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
February 16- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington Church
February 17- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
February 21- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW 

Review of Ministerial Ethics

We need to pause occasionally and reflect on the ethical issues that we face everyday.  There will be an opportunity to do that in cooperation with Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Issues like boundaries, confidentiality, safety for children and youth, finances, etc. will be considered.  Please click on this link to indicate what would most interest you:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z7V6QTZ.
Teach English This Summer in Ethiopia
If you are trained as a teacher you are needed to teach English in Ethiopia this summer for 4 weeks.  Presbyterian missionary, Rich Hansen, has sent an appeal for this help.  Contact the Presbytery office for more information.  Deadline is April 15.
Relevant Church in a Changing World
is the theme of this year’s World Mission Initiative Conference.  Participants will have three Keynote speakers (Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell of the PCUSA World Missions Division, Dr. John Azumah a specialist in Christian-Islam relations, and Chris Shaw co-author of Jesus for President) and 18 workshops to choose from March 23-24 on the campus of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Registration is $35 (meals are extra) and the deadline is March 9th.  As a sponsor church, pay $140 and send an unlimited number of members from your church – a great value!  For more information, visit http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org or pick up a flyer at the Presbytery Office.

News From the Churches

Women’s Retreat at East Main

Dr. Alice Palmer Mathews, a contributor to RBC ministry and the daily radio program Discover the Word, and current Academic Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Women’s Retreat at East Main Presbyterian Church on March 16-17.  Registration and details are available on East Main’s website under Ministries and Women’s Ministries or contact Amy Biddle at 724-458-8270.

Director of Choirs Wanted

Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs.  The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website, http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.

VBS Curriculum for Sale

Two complete Vacation Bible School Curriculum boxes for sale, all from Group Publishing: Egyptian Marketplace: Joseph, from Prison to Palace; and Nazareth Marketplace: When Jesus was a Kid.  These normally cost about $125-$140 each, but First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering them for $50 each (willing to take offers).  Please contact Debbie Derrenbacher at 724-981-2211 ext. 3 or dcm@1stpcs.org for more information.

Cana’s Corner Special Valentine Concert

Come and join in a night filled with good music on February 14th from 7-9 PM at the Coffeehouse.  ”Grace Notes”, a female barbershop quartet, Art and Jan Reichenfeld, violinists who play with the Greenville Symphony, and “Treasured Hymns Ministry” who have been with us before will all be in concert.  There will be special goodies to celebrate this event and day.  We are located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street).  A free will offering will be taken.