eLink News EXTRA!

Shenango Presbytery Council Response (February 7)
to the
Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in Orlando (January 18 – 20) 

 The Presbytery Council realizes that there is much interest in our churches regarding what the Presbytery will do in response to the denominational situation.  Council’s meeting on February 7 included a discussion with some of those who attended the meeting of the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting inOrlando.  The Council took action on the following (recommended by the Special Committee on Denominational issues):

 

  1. The February 28 Presbytery meeting at Grove City College (Crawford Hall) will have a short worship and business meeting. After the break (approximately 8:30 pm) we will have 90 minutes for a presentation from those who attended the Orlandomeeting.  Discussion will be limited, but unanswered questions will be especially solicited for use in future conversations.  All are welcome to attend all or part of the Presbytery meeting.

 

  1. The same presentation (slightly shorter) will be offered two more times, along with time for discussion.
    1. Sunday, March 11 at Northminster Church (New Castle) from 7 – 8:45 pm.
    2. Thursday, March 22 at First Church (Sharon) from 7 – 8:45 pm

 

  1. The Special Committee on Denominational Issues will lead a conversation over the next few months on the question:  “Shall the Presbytery of Shenango affiliate with the Fellowship of Presbyterians?”

 

  1. The Council instructed the Clerk and Executive to send a letter to the Clerk of the General Assembly asking for clarity on issues of Presbytery’s authority with property.  This is intended to confirm that there will be no challenge to our policy allowing churches to leave with their property.

 

David Dawson, Presbytery Executive, will be providing a paper next week describing the situation and his recommendations for our churches and the Presbytery.  Watch for it on eLink.

 

It is highly recommended that you watch and/or read the following at http://www.fellowship-pres.org/.  This is important and necessary preparation for February 28, March 11 and 22.

  • John Ortberg video (January 22 entry)
  • Fellowship of Presbyterians Covenant (January 20 entry)
  • Evangelical Covenant Order, Polity, and Theology papers (January 19 entry)
  • and much more on the Fellowship of Presbyterians page

 

(Note: Several of these items are also linked from the Special Committee page on the Presbytery web site for your convenience.)

 

 

 

eLink News

Coming Events

February 7- 9:30 AM Council, Shenango Presbyterian Church
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
February 9- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office 

**Watch for a special eLink tomorrow from Presbytery Council!**

New Pastors Installed

  • Rev. Christopher Matthewson was installed as pastor at Covenant Church in Sharon on January 29.
  • Rev. Augie Hurst was installed as pastor at Lebanon Church on February 5.
Prayer for Group Going to the Sudan
Three Sudanese leaders (Tut, Ismail and Alizabeth) spent time with us this past fall.  We heard of the huge challenges faced by the Sudanese church in both the Sudan (north) and the new Republic of the South Sudan.  Steve and Brenda Stelle (Faith Church), Dave Dawson, and Sylvia Carlson (Redstone Presbytery) will join Michael Weller (Regional Liason) who will come from Ethiopia for a visit in Khartoum during the first week of March.  Please pray for the visit of “presence” with Sudanese sisters and brothers.
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.
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

Attention Youth Leaders:

Winter Weekend 2012: Olympic Faith is coming up on February 24-26 at Seneca Hills Bible Camp.  This is a retreat for youth 7th grade and up.  This year’s main speaker is Ben Murray from Logos Academy in York, PA.  Worship will be led by Grove City’s Vince Anastasi.  For more information email Jason Dunn atjasondunn@zoominternet.net or call 724-992-3693.  Check us out on Facebook as well, https://m.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_273435596051123&slog=1935347165&seq=1536064230&fbtype=69&refid=46&m_sess=1okJHSREDQStMA.

VBS Curriculum for Sale

Four complete Vacation Bible School Curriculum boxes for sale, all from Group Publishing: Crocodile Dock; Egyptian Marketplace: Joseph, from Prison to Palace; Nazareth Marketplace: When Jesus was a Kid; Power Lab.  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.

eLink News EXTRA!

Prayers

Fern Winter (mother of Joyce Bardeen), mother-in-law of Bob Bardeen (Westfield Church), died on February 1.

An Anniversary to Celebrate This Sunday

The first foreign missions society in the United States was formed in 1810 by Presbyterians and Congregationalists.  200 years ago this Sunday (February 5) this American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission ordained its first missionaries.  Two weeks later (February 19) they sailed for Burma.

In those days we thought of missionaries as going from the “west to the rest”.  Today missionaries go from “everywhere to everywhere”.  The second largest missionary-sending country today (after the US) is Korea with over 20,000.  Most of our churches in Shenango Presbytery are involved in supporting missionaries in the Nile Valley (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia).  A total of $42,588.83 was given in 2011.

While you are remembering the events of 200 years ago, please continue to pray for the Sudan.  Yesterday the government of Sudan bombed Heiban Bible School.  This is not the one supported by our churches (Kumo Bible School), but it is in the same area of the Nuba Mountains.  Missionary work, in the Sudan and even in our backyard, can still be dangerous.

eLink News EXTRA!

Next Steps in the Orlando (Fellowship of Presbyterians) Conversation

The Special Committee on Denominational Issues met yesterday, as did several of those who attended the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in Orlando on January 18-20.  The following will be reported/proposed to Presbytery Council next Tuesday:

  • Recommendations that half of the February 28 Presbytery meeting be committed to a report from those who were in Orlando.
  • Shortly after the February 28 Presbytery meeting, two evening conversations will be held, one in Mercer county and one in Lawrence county.

It is highly recommended that you watch and/or read the following at http://www.fellowship-pres.org/.  This is important preparation for February 28.

  • John Ortberg video (January 22 entry)
  • Fellowship Covenant (January 20 entry)
  • Evangelical Covenant Order; Polity; Theology (January 19 entry)
  • and much more on the Fellowship of Presbyterians page

(Note: Several of these items are also linked from the Special Committee page on the Presbytery web site for your convenience.)

After the Council meeting next Tuesday, eLink will include another update from Council action.

eLink News

Coming Events

January 31- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
10:00 AM Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues, Presbytery Office
February 1- 9:00 AM PMC Continuing Covenant, Presbytery Office
 February 6- 4:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
February 7- 9:30 AM Council, Shenango Presbyterian Church
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office 

What Happened in Orlando (Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering)?

Many of the 19 participants from Shenango Presbytery, that participated in the Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering in Orlando, met this afternoon to debrief the experience.  There will be a special eLink tomorrow announcing plans to hear from them.

Prayers

  • Bud Green is in Jameson Hospital with pneumonia.
  • Jim Wigley is in Jameson Hospital, anticipating a move to Shenango SeniorCare.
Joys
  • Mahoning Church honored Bob Dayton’s retirement with a luncheon after worship on Sunday, January 29th.
Prayer for Group Going to the Sudan
Three Sudanese leaders (Tut, Ismail and Alizabeth) spent time with us this past fall.  We heard of the huge challenges faced by the Sudanese church in both the Sudan (north) and the new Republic of the South Sudan.  Steve and Brenda Stelle (Faith Church), Dave Dawson, and Sylvia Carlson (Redstone Presbytery) will join Michael Weller (Regional Liason) who will come from Ethiopia for a visit in Khartoum during the first week of March.  Please pray for the visit of “presence” with Sudanese sisters and brothers.

News From the Churches


Attention Youth Leaders:

Winter Weekend 2012: Olympic Faith is coming up on February 24-26 at Seneca Hills Bible Camp.  This is a retreat for youth 7th grade and up.  This year’s main speaker is Ben Murray from Logos Academy in York, PA.  Worship will be led by Grove City’s Vince Anastasi.  For more information email Jason Dunn atjasondunn@zoominternet.net or call 724-992-3693.  Check us out on Facebook as well, https://m.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_273435596051123&slog=1935347165&seq=1536064230&fbtype=69&refid=46&m_sess=1okJHSREDQStMA.

Part-Time Youth Director

Bethany Church is seeking a Part Time Youth Director who will provide leadership of the 7th through 12th grade youth programs by working with the Session and Christian Education Committee to provide plans, organization, resources and direction for the Christian Education programs for the youth ministry and training for lay persons for the task of teaching and leading Christian Education in a shared capacity.  This is a a part-time 20 hours per week position that requires the candidate to work Sunday evenings.  A job description is available at the church office.  Please submit by end of business on Wednesday, January 31, 2012 a cover letter, resume and names of two references to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Attention Diana Eperthener, 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.

VBS Curriculum for Sale

Four complete Vacation Bible School Curriculum boxes for sale, all from Group Publishing: Crocodile Dock; Egyptian Marketplace: Joseph, from Prison to Palace; Nazareth Marketplace: When Jesus was a Kid; Power Lab.  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.


eLink News

Coming Events

January 25- 2:00 PM Nile Valley Team, Presbytery Office
January 31- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
10:00 AM Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues, Presbytery Office 

Fellowship Gathering in Orlando

The group that attended the Fellowship Gathering last week has returned.  Information on opportunities to hear about their experience will follow in future eLinks.

Shenango Women Clergy:

Including members-at-large, seminary students, commissioned lay pastors, and pastors – are welcome to a brunch and conversation on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 10-noon in the Community Room at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare (238 S. Market St., New Wilmington).  You may contact Amy Na (724-654-2322 AmyLNa@yahoo.com) or Teresa Kendall (724-799-9931 teresakendall@mac.com) with questions.  Please make your reservation with either Teresa or Amy by January 25th.  The menu will include baked egg casserole, bacon & sausage, home fries, Belgian waffles w/ toppings, cinnamon rolls and danish, coffee/tea/water/OJ.  The cost is $5.99 per person.

The End of Sexual Identity?  A Seminar with anthropologist Jenell Williams Paris

Saturday, January 28th from 10 AM – 3:30 PM at the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community (2700 Jane St., Pittsburgh, PA  15203), sponsored by the Upper Room New Church Development of Pittsburgh.  Suggested donation is $10.  Register athttp://www.endofsexualidentity.eventbrite.com.

News from the Churches

Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey coming to Shenango Presbyterian Church

Make plans now to join Shenango Presbyterian Church for a financial seminar (DVD lectures) that lasts 13 weeks (January 29 – May 20).  The class is $93 per family and includes all materials and a lifetime membership in Dave Ramsey’s school.  More information is available on the News & Events page of the Presbytery website.

Attention Youth Leaders:

Winter Weekend 2012: Olympic Faith is coming up on February 24-26 at Seneca Hills Bible Camp.  This is a retreat for youth 7th grade and up.  This year’s main speaker is Ben Murray from Logos Academy in York, PA.  Worship will be led by Grove City’s Vince Anastasi.  For more information email Jason Dunn atjasondunn@zoominternet.net or call 724-992-3693.  Check us out on Facebook as well, https://m.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_273435596051123&slog=1935347165&seq=1536064230&fbtype=69&refid=46&m_sess=1okJHSREDQStMA.

Red Cross Blood Drive – date change

Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, January 25th from 1-6 PM.  Those who would like to volunteer can contact Joanna Barr at 724-667-7188 or the church office at 724-667-7258.

Part-Time Youth Director

Bethany Church is seeking a Part Time Youth Director who will provide leadership of the 7th through 12th grade youth programs by working with the Session and Christian Education Committee to provide plans, organization, resources and direction for the Christian Education programs for the youth ministry and training for lay persons for the task of teaching and leading Christian Education in a shared capacity.  This is a a part-time 20 hours per week position that requires the candidate to work Sunday evenings.  A job description is available at the church office.  Please submit by end of business on Wednesday, January 31, 2012 a cover letter, resume and names of two references to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Attention Diana Eperthener, 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.

Terry Leonard/Rev. Rick Nelson to appear at Cana’s Corner

On January 24, 2012, we welcome you to Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, located at 600 E. State Street, from 7-9 pM.  Our musicians will be Terry Leonard, who has appeared before at the coffeehouse, and we welcome Rev. Rick Nelson from the White Chapel United Methodist Church.  A free will offering will be taken to cover the cost of our musicians and the food.  We look forward to an exciting year of the Lord blessing us with music once again.

Position Opening: Director of Outdoor Ministries, Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania

The CAPNWP is seeking a fulltime director of Camping Ministries. The Director will be directly responsible to the Board of Directors, representing four presbyteries of the PC, (U.S.A.) The successful candidate will possess skills in Administration, Human Resources, Financial Management, Program Development, Communication, Marketing and Fund Development. A proven track record in managing and redeveloping a Christian camping Program, is strongly preferred. A Christian commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a working knowledge and appreciation of Presbyterian Tradition and reformed theology and a Bachelor’s degree or related experience in a field related to the position, are required.  A competitive compensation package will be provided commensurate with the skills of the candidate and the demands of the position.

Additional information is available thru the association web site at:www.capnwp.org  Interested candidates may send resumes to:  david@pbylakeerie.org  Deadline for application: January 31, 2012

eLink News

Coming Events

January 19- 12:00 PM MCS Committee, New Wilmington PC
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
January 20- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
January 25- 2:00 PM Nile Valley Team, Presbytery Office 

Fellowship Gathering in Orlando

The following people are attending the Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering in Orlando, FL from January 18-20, 2012…Amy Na, Gary and Cheryl Waguespack, Jason Schepp, Evan Ernst, Chuck Alborn, Jim and Doreen Latta, Glenn and Jeanne Hink, Bob Bardeen, Virginia Phillips, Ralph Hawkins, Bill and Amy Hoffman, Mike Jackson, Van Campbell, & Dave and Joan Dawson.  Please be in prayer for this group as they meet over the next few days.

Help With Your Taxes: Pastors and Church Treasurers

While taxes may be one of the few certainties in life, the same can’t be said of tax laws – they can, and often do change.  The Board of Pensions provides help. Visit the online Tax Resource Center for members or treasurers and administrators athttp://www.pensions.org and refer to the Tax Tips Webcast.  Also look for Tax Guide for Ministers and the Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches in the 2011 tax year.

Shenango Women Clergy:

Including members-at-large, seminary students, commissioned lay pastors, and pastors – are welcome to a brunch and conversation on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 10-noon in the Community Room at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare (238 S. Market St., New Wilmington).  You may contact Amy Na (724-654-2322 AmyLNa@yahoo.com) or Teresa Kendall (724-799-9931 teresakendall@mac.com) with questions.  Please make your reservation with either Teresa or Amy by January 25th.  The menu will include baked egg casserole, bacon & sausage, home fries, Belgian waffles w/ toppings, cinnamon rolls and danish, coffee/tea/water/OJ.  The cost is $5.99 per person.

The End of Sexual Identity?  A Seminar with anthropologist Jenell Williams Paris

Saturday, January 28th from 10 AM – 3:30 PM at the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community (2700 Jane St., Pittsburgh, PA  15203), sponsored by the Upper Room New Church Development of Pittsburgh.  Suggested donation is $10.  Register at http://www.endofsexualidentity.eventbrite.com.

News from the Churches

Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey coming to Shenango Presbyterian Church

Make plans now to join Shenango Presbyterian Church for a financial seminar (DVD lectures) that lasts 13 weeks (January 29 – May 20).  The class is $93 per family and includes all materials and a lifetime membership in Dave Ramsey’s school.  More information is available on the News & Events page of the Presbytery website.

Attention Youth Leaders:

Winter Weekend 2012: Olympic Faith is coming up on February 24-26 at Seneca Hills Bible Camp.  This is a retreat for youth 7th grade and up.  This year’s main speaker is Ben Murray from Logos Academy in York, PA.  Worship will be led by Grove City’s Vince Anastasi.  For more information email Jason Dunn atjasondunn@zoominternet.net or call 724-992-3693.  Check us out on Facebook as well, https://m.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_273435596051123&slog=1935347165&seq=1536064230&fbtype=69&refid=46&m_sess=1okJHSREDQStMA.

Red Cross Blood Drive – date change

Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, January 25th from 1-6 PM.  Those who would like to volunteer can contact Joanna Barr at 724-667-7188 or the church office at 724-667-7258.

Part-Time Youth Director

Bethany Church is seeking a Part Time Youth Director who will provide leadership of the 7th through 12th grade youth programs by working with the Session and Christian Education Committee to provide plans, organization, resources and direction for the Christian Education programs for the youth ministry and training for lay persons for the task of teaching and leading Christian Education in a shared capacity.  This is a a part-time 20 hours per week position that requires the candidate to work Sunday evenings.  A job description is available at the church office.  Please submit by end of business on Wednesday, January 31, 2012 a cover letter, resume and names of two references to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Attention Diana Eperthener, 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.

Terry Leonard/Rev. Rick Nelson to appear at Cana’s Corner

On January 24, 2012, we welcome you to Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, located at 600 E. State Street, from 7-9 pM.  Our musicians will be Terry Leonard, who has appeared before at the coffeehouse, and we welcome Rev. Rick Nelson from the White Chapel United Methodist Church.  A free will offering will be taken to cover the cost of our musicians and the food.  We look forward to an exciting year of the Lord blessing us with music once again.

Position Opening: Director of Outdoor Ministries, Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania

The CAPNWP is seeking a fulltime director of Camping Ministries. The Director will be directly responsible to the Board of Directors, representing four presbyteries of the PC, (U.S.A.) The successful candidate will possess skills in Administration, Human Resources, Financial Management, Program Development, Communication, Marketing and Fund Development. A proven track record in managing and redeveloping a Christian camping Program, is strongly preferred. A Christian commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a working knowledge and appreciation of Presbyterian Tradition and reformed theology and a Bachelor’s degree or related experience in a field related to the position, are required.  A competitive compensation package will be provided commensurate with the skills of the candidate and the demands of the position.

Additional information is available thru the association web site at:www.capnwp.org  Interested candidates may send resumes to:  david@pbylakeerie.org  Deadline for application: January 31, 2012

eLink News

Coming Events

January 12 – 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
January 13- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
January 14- LeaderFest, New Wilmington PC & Westminster College
January 16- OFFICE CLOSED, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW 

Fellowship Gathering in Orlando

The following people are attending the Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering in Orlando, FL from January 18-20, 2012…Amy Na, Gary and Cheryl Waguespack, Jason Schepp, Evan Ernst, Jim and Doreen Latta, Glenn and Jeanne Hink, Bob Bardeen, Virginia Phillips, Ralph Hawkins, & Dave and Joan Dawson.  If you are planning to attend this event, please be in contact with Rev. Dawson (david.dawson@shenango.org or 724-528-1610).

Prayers

Edna Henderson, an elder at Highland Presbyterian Church in New Castle and the first woman moderator of Shenango Presbytery (1972) died last week.

Annual Reports

Letters were mailed to Clerks of Session on Friday containing the “user name” and “password” for accessing the GA online statistical program.  Please note the the password now contains an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The statistical program has also moved to a new address, http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 22, 2012.    Don’t forget that there is a workshop for Clerks of Session at LeaderFest this Saturday that will offer assistance with completing these reports.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn atoffice@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2011.

Update from Board of Pensions re: Your Medical Insurance

UPMC hospitals and physicians will be available to Highmark Inc. insurance customers at in-network rates through June 30, 2013 under a new agreement the warring companies announced on December 22.  (The rest of the article may be read at: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11356/1198673-100.stm#ixzz1hIE959CO.)

You can still register ONLINE for LeaderFest!

Register online for LeaderFest (January 14, 2012) – it’s fast and easy!  Click here, or click on the red button on the Presbytery homepage to complete the registration form.  Your registration fee can either be mailed to the Presbytery office, or you can bring it with you to LeaderFest on Saturday.  Online registration will remain open until Friday at NOON- afterwards you will need to register at the door on Saturday.  Note: Registration is now closed for the Elder Training Seminar during the first session as we have reached capacity.  All of the other workshops are still available.

“Beyond the Basics”: A Teacher Training Seminar (At LeaderFest, January 14th)

What do we expect from those teaching in our churches?  The Seminar “Beyond the Basics” at LeaderFest is designed for everyone teaching in the church.  Participants will look at a list of minimum expectations and then consider ways they might go beyond these to fulfill their calling to the ministry of teaching.  If your church has been wanting to provide training for your teachers, this seminar is what you’ve been looking for.  The seminar is led by Dr. Margaret Trautman.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Remembrance and Celebration Breakfast

Join Westminster College (in the Witherspoon Rooms of McKelvey Student Center) on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 8 – 9:15 AM for the celebration featuring guest speaker Rev. Angel De La Cruz of Word Centered Fellowship.  There is a $5.00 fee for breakfast, and reservations are required for food preparation (gabriedl@westminter.edu).    Everyone is invited!

Congratulations to Ken Bailey and Gary Smith

The recent issue of Christianity Today recognized Ken Bailey’s Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes (IVP Academic) as the top book in Biblical studies for 2011.  Gary Smith’s (Grove City College) Heaven in the American Imagination (Oxford University Press) received the Award of Merit in history.  http://www.christianitytoday.com/et/2012/january/2012-book-awards.html.  Gary was also interviewed about his previous book, Faith and the Presidency from George Washington to George W. Bush.  Congratulations to Ken and Gary for outstanding academic contributions!

Mission Yearbook – Dominican Republic

Several churches in Shenango Presbytery are involved in a partnership in the Dominican Republic.  Jo Ella Holman is the Regional Liason who assists in the partnership.  On Friday, January 13, we are praying for the Dominican Republic in the Mission Yearbook http://game.pcusa.org/yearbook/january-13/  If you would like more information on the partnership and how your church could be involved, please contact Ralph Hawkins at ralph@nwpresby.org or Chris Weichman atchrisweichman@clen-moore.org.

Vietnam Partnership

John Culp, pastor at Tower Church, Grove City, left last week for a mission study trip to Vietnam.  If you would like more information about this emerging partnership, please contact John at jjculp@zoominternet.net or Carolyn Moss at cfmoss@mail.com.

Help With Your Taxes: Pastors and Church Treasurers

While taxes may be one of the few certainties in life, the same can’t be said of tax laws – they can, and often do change.  The Board of Pensions provides help. Visit the online Tax Resource Center for members or treasurers and administrators at http://www.pensions.org and refer to the Tax Tips Webcast.  Also look for Tax Guide for Ministers and the Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches in the 2011 tax year.

Shenango Women Clergy:

Including members-at-large, seminary students, commissioned lay pastors, and pastors – are welcome to a brunch and conversation on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 10-noon at Shenango SeniorCare (238 S. Market St., New Wilmington).  You may contact Amy Na (724-654-2322 AmyLNa@yahoo.com) or Teresa Kendall (724-799-9931 teresakendall@mac.com) with questions.  Please make your reservation with either Teresa or Amy by January 25th.

News from the Churches

Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey coming to Shenango Presbyterian Church

Make plans now to join Shenango Presbyterian Church for a financial seminar (DVD lectures) that lasts 13 weeks (January 29 – May 20).  The class is $93 per family and includes all materials and a lifetime membership in Dave Ramsey’s school.  More information is available on the News & Events page of the Presbytery website.

Attention Youth Leaders:

Winter Weekend 2012: Olympic Faith is coming up on February 24-26 at Seneca Hills Bible Camp.  This is a retreat for youth 7th grade and up.  This year’s main speaker is Ben Murray from Logos Academy in York, PA.  Worship will be led by Grove City’s Vince Anastasi.  For more information email Jason Dunn at jasondunn@zoominternet.net or call 724-992-3693.  Check us out on Facebook as well, https://m.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_273435596051123&slog=1935347165&seq=1536064230&fbtype=69&refid=46&m_sess=1okJHSREDQStMA.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 24th from 1-6 PM.  Those who would like to volunteer can contact Joanna Barr at 724-667-7188 or the church office at 724-667-7258.

Part-Time Youth Director

Bethany Church is seeking a Part Time Youth Director who will provide leadership of the 7th through 12th grade youth programs by working with the Session and Christian Education Committee to provide plans, organization, resources and direction for the Christian Education programs for the youth ministry and training for lay persons for the task of teaching and leading Christian Education in a shared capacity.  This is a a part-time 20 hours per week position that requires the candidate to work Sunday evenings.  A job description is available at the church office.  Please submit by end of business on Wednesday, January 31, 2012 a cover letter, resume and names of two references to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Attention Diana Eperthener, 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.

Missa Eaton / Jordan Biel to appear at Cana’s Corner Grand Re-opening

On January 10, 2012, we welcome you to Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse’s new location at First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, located at 600 E. State Street, from 7-9 pM.  Appearing will be Missa Eaton from Sharon, PA and Jordan Biel from Kinsman, OH.  Missa has sung at the coffeehouse before and Jordan is well known to folks who have gone to the “Valley Alive” crusade this past summer.  A free will offering will be taken to cover the cost of our musicians and the food.  We look forward to an exciting year of the Lord blessing us with music once again.

Spaghetti Benefit Dinner for Cathy Fox (friend of Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare)

On Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 12-4 pM at Pulaski Station #2, Evergreen Road, New Bedford, PA.  Large: $7.00, Small $4.00, take out available.  Bake Sale, Chinese Auction, 50/50 raffle.  Cathy was severely injured in a car crash and requires round the clock care.  Her medical expenses are accumulating.  Proceeds go to the Cathy Fox Donation Fund, and donations can also be made at all of the local Huntingdon Banks.

Position Opening: Director of Outdoor Ministries, Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania

The CAPNWP is seeking a fulltime director of Camping Ministries. The Director will be directly responsible to the Board of Directors, representing four presbyteries of the PC, (U.S.A.) The successful candidate will possess skills in Administration, Human Resources, Financial Management, Program Development, Communication, Marketing and Fund Development. A proven track record in managing and redeveloping a Christian camping Program, is strongly preferred. A Christian commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a working knowledge and appreciation of Presbyterian Tradition and reformed theology and a Bachelor’s degree or related experience in a field related to the position, are required.  A competitive compensation package will be provided commensurate with the skills of the candidate and the demands of the position.

Additional information is available thru the association web site at: www.capnwp.org  Interested candidates may send resumes to:  david@pbylakeerie.org  Deadline for application: January 31, 2012


eLink News – EXTRA!

Annual Reports

Letters were mailed to Clerks of Session this morning containing the “user name” and “password” for accessing the GA online statistical program.  Please note the the password now contains an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The statistical program has also moved to a new address, http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 22, 2012.    Don’t forget that there is a workshop for Clerks of Session at LeaderFest next Saturday that will offer assistance with completing these reports.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Publications & Information” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2011.