Online Registration for LeaderFest Now Open!

Register online for LeaderFest – it’s fast, easy, and will help you be among the first registered for those classes offering free books to the first 50 registrants.  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 in January.

Living Nativity

Westfield Church (Rt. 108 just west of Mt. Jackson) will host a living nativity on Saturday, December 3rd from 6-8 PM.  This holiday drive-through experience features carolers, live actors and animals, and over 1000 luminaries.  Invite your neighbors, friends, and relatives to attend this free gift to the community. Questions?  Contact us at 724-667-7045 or office@westfieldchurch.org.

This Week:

November 17- 7:00 PM Dismissal Teams Orientation, Presbytery Office
November 18- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
November 22- 10:00 AM Dismissal Teams Orientation (Alternate Date), Presbytery Office
November 24-25 OFFICE CLOSED, Thanksgiving Holiday 

Joys

• Nathan Leslie (Bessemer) got engaged over the weekend
• Jim and Pam Leuenberger (North Liberty) welcomed their first grandchild, Evelyn Noel, on Saturday night.

Ismail and Alizabeth, our friends from Sudan, are finally coming!

News from the Churches

Mission Auction

Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church is hosting its annual mission auction on November 16th at 6 PM.  This is an auction to raise funding for the regular mission projects that include local and international mission.  Donations include: treasure baskets, gift certificates, donations from local businesses as well as homemade baked goods, etc.  all donated by members of the congregation and friends.  Doors open at 5 PM.  Refreshments will be served.  Auctioneer: Chuck Mowry.  Call the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church office with questions: 724-376-2630.

“Blue Christmas Service”

For many people, the approaching Christmas holidays do not bring with them the joy and merriment that is advertised on television or in greeting cards.  Some persons are experiencing losses of various kinds, and may be grieving.  New Wilmington Presbyterian Church will be offering a “Blue Christmas Service” on Sunday, December 4th at 5:30 PM.  This service will offer an opportunity to gather for a quiet time of hope and celebration in the midst of any experiences of sadness or stress.  This time is less about colored lights, and more about Jesus, the Light who shines into our darkness.  This worship is less about sparkling holiday cheer and more about finding stillness and divine strength.  Open to the community, we encourage you to invite any family or friends who may find Christmas a difficult season.

Treasured Hymns Ministry to Appear at Cana’s Corner

“Treasured Hymns Ministry”, father and son group from East Palestine, OH will be with us singing medleys of your favorite hymns on Tuesday, November 22nd.  The coffeehouse meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 7-9 PM.  We are located at 710 Carnegie Street, Sharon, across from the Wengler baseball field.  For more information, call 724-866-3061 and ask for Robyn.  Hope to see you all there!

Church Musician Available

Robyn Ruth is a church musician who is available for service in congregations.  She has been a worship director, solo artist, substitute pianist, choir director, and speaker for church groups.  Contact her at 724-866-3061 or office@1stpcs.org.

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon will be hosting South Sudan missionary Nancy McGaughey on Monday, November 14th from 7-8 PM for a dessert and coffee conversation on mission in South Sudan.  Everyone is welcome!

This Week:

November 9- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
November 10- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
November 15- 5:30 PM Committee on Ministry, New Wilmington PC
6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, New Wilmington PC

Prayers

• Jim Bibza (Grove City College & Center Church, NC) is recovering at home from back surgery
• Jim Cossin (Seneca Hills) is recovering at home from bypass surgery

Nancy McGaughey a Mission Co-Worker in South Sudan Will be Visiting Our Presbytery This Weekend!

News from the Churches

Special Taize Worship Service

You’re invited to come to a special meditative service of Christian worship including scripture, song and prayer that was first developed by an ecumenical group of fellowship in Taize, France.  It is Sunday evening, November 13 at Lovelight Boutique, 116 East Washington St., downtown New Castle.  The service is sponsored by the Missional Church Fellowship (part of the Partnership for the Missional Church challenge of Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church).

Retirement Dinner

Coolspring Church will be holding a retirement dinner to honor Phil Chalfant on Saturday, December 17th at 5:30 PM.  Meat, drink and table service are provided.  Each family is asked to bring a dish to share.  Reservations are required and seating is limited.  To place reservations, call Linda Kellogg at 724-475-4574.  Deadlines for reservations is Friday, November 10.

Braised Steak Dinner

Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be holding a braised steak dinner on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 5 PM – 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 or Janice Young at 724-667-8825.  All proceeds from this dinner will benefit the church’s General Fund.

Help Wanted

Coolspring Church has positions open for an Administrative Assitant and a Treasurer.  Both positions are paid and part-time.  Job descriptions are available.  These positions may be considered separately or be combined.

Additionally, Coolspring Church has a position open for a part-time Youth Leader.   This is a paid position.

Interested parties may contact Phil Chalfant at 724-376-6040 or leave a message at the church office at 724-475-3712.

Copier and Laminator Wanted

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Butler County is looking for a good free copier and laminator.  If you know of one, please contact Don Hurray at donhurray@gmail.com.

Parenting Seminar

Dr. Missa Eaton will lead a free two-day Parenting Seminar at First Presbyterian Church on November 11 & 12, 2011 for parents/grandparents/guardians of young children and elementary age children.  Dr. Eaton is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Penn State Shenango and has done research in the area of developmental psychology with a focus on parent-child relationships.

The parenting seminar is free to the public and will be held on Friday, November 11 from 6-9 p.m and Saturday morning, November 12 from 9-12 a.m. Light snacks will be provided on Friday night and a light breakfast on Saturday morning. A children’s program called “A Firm Foundation” will be held for children ages 4-5^th grade. Nursery for children 3 and under will only be available upon request with an RSVP.  This event is open to the public — all are welcome with an RSVP by calling Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children at the church 724/981-2211, x 3 or email dcm@1stpcs.org by November 9.

Spiritual Formation and Fellowship

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering several free opportunities for spiritual formation and fellowship in October and November. The Overview of the Bible class continues on Tuesday nights till November 22nd from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 206 of the church located at 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA. The focus this fall is on Acts and Paul’s Letters. This class is for adults who want to learn more about the Bible and is in a college lecture format taught by Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, Pastor of the church.

The church also offers four small groups for women.  Mom’s On The Town is a new fellowship opportunity geared toward Mom’s of all ages. The group will meet at Hickory Grill on Monday, October 24^th at 8:00 p.m.  If you would like to do old time crafts and have dessert after learning about women in the Bible, the new YoYo Sisterhood  Group meets every other Thursday  at 7 p.m. outside the church. Call for directions.  The Lonely Hearts Cardmaking Class will be held on Saturday, November 19^th at the Church from 9-11 a.m. Learn how to make homemade cards and then send them to people who have lonely hearts during the holidays or keep some for yourself.  Mary/Martha Class is studying the Beatitudes on the second Monday of every month from 12-2 p.m.  All are welcome. All classes are free. If you would like to know more about these classes, call Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children: 724/981-2211 x3 or emaildcm@1stpcs.org.

Gospel Music Concert

SLIM Brothers 4th Anniversary Concert.  The SLIM Brothers (Serving the Lord in Music) a southern gospel singing group from the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church, will be having their 4th Anniversary concert on Sunday, November 13th at the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church (just north of Sandy Lake on Rt. 173).  There is no admission charge, but a love offering will be taken.  Members of the SLIM Brothers are: Chuck Mowry, Marm Snyder and Tom Eidenmuller.

Mission Auction

Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church is hosting its annual mission auction on November 16th at 6 PM.  This is an auction to raise funding for the regular mission projects that include local and international mission.  Donations include: treasure baskets, gift certificates, donations from local businesses as well as homemade baked goods, etc.  all donated by members of the congregation and friends.  Doors open at 5 PM.  Refreshments will be served.  Auctioneer: Chuck Mowry.  Call the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church office with questions: 724-376-2630.

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.

Highlights of the meeting include:

– JoElla Holman, liason for the Dominican Republic will be speaking

– Millenium Plan Review Committee presents its report for action

– Gracious Dismissal Policy (as edited) comes for Presbytery action.

– We will be commissioning Evelyn Beebe as a Commissioned Ruling Elder for Scotch Hill Presbyterian Church

– We will recognize the Honorable Retirements of Bob Dayton and Phil Chalfant

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church is located at 229 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Get the docket, Council minutes, Millenium Policy Review Committee Report, and Draft Proposal for Gracious Dismissal online at:  http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm

Sudanese Visitors Arriving November 19th

Rev. Ismail Kanani and his wife, Alizabeth Koko were supposed to be with us when Rev. Tut Kony visited earlier this fall.  Due to visa problems, they were not able to come at that time.  We are happy to report they have received visas and are scheduled to be in our presbytery from Saturday, November 19th – Monday, November 28th, and then again on December 7th-8th.  They are already scheduled for both Sunday mornings they are here, but the Sudan Partnership Team is asking churches or individuals to consider hosting Ismail or Alizabeth for small gatherings (10-15 persons) in homes for informal coffees, teas or desserts that would provide times for people to connect with these Sudanese friends.  Those hosting these events would be encouraged to invite others to their event, but members of the partnership team can be present to guide the conversation if the hosts so desire.  Please promote this opportunity in your church and ask those who would like to host an event to call Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295) or Denise Sciuto (724-946-2360), soon so the events can be scheduled.  As Ismail and Alizabeth’s itinerary fills in, news about events to meet them will be shared with the presbytery.  Biographical information about Rev. Ismail and Alizabeth Koko can be found on the presbytery website.

Sudan Partnership – Opportunities for Giving

The Sudan Partnership Team thanks all those churches who have given gifts through the Celebrate Sudan Event.  Another need facing our partners in Sudan was brought to our attention by Rev. Tut Kony during his time with us this fall.  Rev. Kony addressed the dire situations faced by children recently orphaned because of warfare in contested border areas between the north and the south, and also through continued intertribal violence in the south.  In particular, Rev. Kony drew attention to the plight of displaced and orphaned children from the Nuba Mountains and the 162 children left with no one to care for them after mass killings in Rev. Tut’s hometown of Fierre in the South.

Several individuals who heard Rev. Tut speak about the needs of these children have inquired about the means for giving a gift to aid them.  Individuals who wish to do so can send gifts through their church, or directly to the presbytery office.  Simply designate these gifts: “For displaced Sudanese Children”.  We would like to collect all such gifts by November 20th.  Thanks!

Chris Weichman Visiting Christians in Iraq

Christians in Iraq have been under a lot of pressure and danger, and most have emigrated.  The Outreach Foundation is leading a trip November 8-17 to visit them and Chris Weichman, pastor at Clen-Moore Church, will be part of that group.  Please pray for them and their efforts to encourage the Christian community there.

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

The Perspectives course http://www.perspectives.org/ is continuing at Westminster College on Tuesday evenings throughout this fall.  18 of the 27 participants are from our churches in Shenango Presbytery.  Two other Perspectives classes meet in Franklin and at Pittsburgh Seminary.

News from the Churches

Retirement Dinner

Coolspring Church will be holding a retirement dinner to honor Phil Chalfant on Saturday, December 17th at 5:30 PM.  Meat, drink and table service are provided.  Each family is asked to bring a dish to share.  Reservations are required and seating is limited.  To place reservations, call Linda Kellogg at 724-475-4574.  Deadlines for reservations is Friday, November 10.

It’s Spaghetti Dinner Time Again!

Northminster Session’s Annual Fall Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held Saturday, November 5 from 4:30 – 7:00 PM.  The dinner includes: Salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Dessert, & beverage all for $8.00!!  Children 3-10 are $3.00, under 3 are free.  Takeouts are available.  Invite your friends to dine with you at this worthwhile and delicious event.

All-Aboard Christmas Bazaar

Tower Presbyterian Church will hold its All-Aboard Christmas Bazaar on November 5, 2011 from 9 AM until 3 PM.  Crafts, children’s holiday clothing, jewelry, plants, books, pies, Grandma’s attic, Deacons bake sale and a large model train display for you to enjoy watching as the engineers operate them.  Our youth will sell freshly popped popcorn.  The Whistle Stop Cafe will be open to serve you also.  Come and enjoy yourself.

A Mission Fund Raiser

Saturday, November 5th from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 7152 Old Rt. 422 in Portersville, PA.  Featuring sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw, homemade pie and cake with ice cream and toppings.  Cost is $6.00 for Adults or $2.00 for children under 8.  Take-out is available.

Braised Steak Dinner

Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be holding a braised steak dinner on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 5 PM – 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 or Janice Young at 724-667-8825.  All proceeds from this dinner will benefit the church’s General Fund.

Help Wanted

Coolspring Church has positions open for an Administrative Assitant and a Treasurer.  Both positions are paid and part-time.  Job descriptions are available.  These positions may be considered separately or be combined.

Additionally, Coolspring Church has a position open for a part-time Youth Leader.   This is a paid position.

Interested parties may contact Phil Chalfant at 724-376-6040 or leave a message at the church office at 724-475-3712.

Copier and Laminator Wanted

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Butler County is looking for a good free copier and laminator.  If you know of one, please contact Don Hurray at donhurray@gmail.com.

Parenting Seminar

Dr. Missa Eaton will lead a free two-day Parenting Seminar at First Presbyterian Church on November 11 & 12, 2011 for parents/grandparents/guardians of young children and elementary age children.  Dr. Eaton is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Penn State Shenango and has done research in the area of developmental psychology with a focus on parent-child relationships.

The parenting seminar is free to the public and will be held on Friday, November 11 from 6-9 p.m and Saturday morning, November 12 from 9-12 a.m. Light snacks will be provided on Friday night and a light breakfast on Saturday morning. A children’s program called “A Firm Foundation” will be held for children ages 4-5^th grade. Nursery for children 3 and under will only be available upon request with an RSVP.  This event is open to the public — all are welcome with an RSVP by calling Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children at the church 724/981-2211, x 3 or email dcm@1stpcs.org by November 9.

Spiritual Formation and Fellowship

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering several free opportunities for spiritual formation and fellowship in October and November. The Overview of the Bible class continues on Tuesday nights till November 22nd from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 206 of the church located at 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA. The focus this fall is on Acts and Paul’s Letters. This class is for adults who want to learn more about the Bible and is in a college lecture format taught by Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, Pastor of the church.

The church also offers four small groups for women.  Mom’s On The Town is a new fellowship opportunity geared toward Mom’s of all ages. The group will meet at Hickory Grill on Monday, October 24^th at 8:00 p.m.  If you would like to do old time crafts and have dessert after learning about women in the Bible, the new YoYo Sisterhood  Group meets every other Thursday  at 7 p.m. outside the church. Call for directions.  The Lonely Hearts Cardmaking Class will be held on Saturday, November 19^th at the Church from 9-11 a.m. Learn how to make homemade cards and then send them to people who have lonely hearts during the holidays or keep some for yourself.  Mary/Martha Class is studying the Beatitudes on the second Monday of every month from 12-2 p.m.  All are welcome. All classes are free. If you would like to know more about these classes, call Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children: 724/981-2211 x3 or emaildcm@1stpcs.org.

Prayer Concerns

• Jim Bibza (Grove City College and Center Church, New Castle) had back surgery last week and is recovering at home.  It takes time for the pain to subside.  Please remember him in prayer.
• Jim Cossin (Seneca Hills Bible Conference) had by-pass surgery yesterday.  He is recovering in Butler Hospital

Presbytery Council has approved an edited version of the Gracious Dismissal Policy.  There are no substantive changes to the policy.  Click here to read the edited version.

This Week:

October 25- 9:30 AM Council, Mountville PC 

Educational Opportunity

Dr. Carolyn Osiek, Charles Fischer Professor of New Testament Emerita, Brite Divinity School and past President of both the Society for Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Society, will speak on Biblical Community: How Do We Live It? on Friday, October 28th at 7 PM and on Living New Testament Faith on Saturday, October 29th, 9 AM – 1 PM.  Both events will be in the John Knox Room at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Additional information and registration can be found athttp://www.pts.edu/Pneuma_News.

Sudanese Visitors Arriving November 19th

Rev. Ismail Kanani and his wife, Alizabeth Koko were supposed to be with us when Rev. Tut Kony visited earlier this fall.  Due to visa problems, they were not able to come at that time.  We are happy to report they have received visas and are scheduled to be in our presbytery from Saturday, November 19th – Monday, November 28th, and then again on December 7th-8th.  They are already scheduled for both Sunday mornings they are here, but the Sudan Partnership Team is asking churches or individuals to consider hosting Ismail or Alizabeth for small gatherings (10-15 persons) in homes for informal coffees, teas or desserts that would provide times for people to connect with these Sudanese friends.  Those hosting these events would be encouraged to invite others to their event, but members of the partnership team can be present to guide the conversation if the hosts so desire.  Please promote this opportunity in your church and ask those who would like to host an event to call Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295) or Denise Sciuto (724-946-2360), soon so the events can be scheduled.  As Ismail and Alizabeth’s itinerary fills in, news about events to meet them will be shared with the presbytery.  Biographical information about Rev. Ismail and Alizabeth Koko can be found on the presbytery website.

Sudan Partnership – Opportunities for Giving

The Sudan Partnership Team thanks all those churches who have given gifts through the Celebrate Sudan Event.  These gifts, all of which will be used to support the work of Nile Theological College, can still be given throughout the month of October.

Another need facing our partners in Sudan was brought to our attention by Rev. Tut Kony during his time with us this fall.  Rev. Kony addressed the dire situations faced by children recently orphaned because of warfare in contested border areas between the north and the south, and also through continued intertribal violence in the south.  In particular, Rev. Kony drew attention to the plight of displaced and orphaned children from the Nuba Mountains and the 162 children left with no one to care for them after mass killings in Rev. Tut’s hometown of Fierre in the South.

Several individuals who heard Rev. Tut speak about the needs of these children have inquired about the means for giving a gift to aid them.  Individuals who wish to do so can send gifts through their church, or directly to the presbytery office.  Simply designate these gifts: “For displaced Sudanese Children”.  We would like to collect all such gifts by November 20th.  Thanks!

News from the Churches

Retirement Dinner

Coolspring Church will be holding a retirement dinner to honor Phil Chalfant on Saturday, December 17th at 5:30 PM.  Meat, drink and table service are provided.  Each family is asked to bring a dish to share.  Reservations are required and seating is limited.  To place reservations, call Linda Kellogg at 724-475-4574.  Deadlines for reservations is Friday, November 10.

It’s Spaghetti Dinner Time Again!

Northminster Session’s Annual Fall Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held Saturday, November 5 from 4:30 – 7:00 PM.  The dinner includes: Salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Dessert, & beverage all for $8.00!!  Children 3-10 are $3.00, under 3 are free.  Takeouts are available.  Invite your friends to dine with you at this worthwhile and delicious event.

All-Aboard Christmas Bazaar

Tower Presbyterian Church will hold its All-Aboard Christmas Bazaar on November 5, 2011 from 9 AM until 3 PM.  Crafts, children’s holiday clothing, jewelry, plants, books, pies, Grandma’s attic, Deacons bake sale and a large model train display for you to enjoy watching as the engineers operate them.  Our youth will sell freshly popped popcorn.  The Whistle Stop Cafe will be open to serve you also.  Come and enjoy yourself.

A Mission Fund Raiser

Saturday, November 5th from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 7152 Old Rt. 422 in Portersville, PA.  Featuring sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw, homemade pie and cake with ice cream and toppings.  Cost is $6.00 for Adults or $2.00 for children under 8.  Take-out is available.

Braised Steak Dinner

Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be holding a braised steak dinner on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 5 PM – 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 or Janice Young at 724-667-8825.  All proceeds from this dinner will benefit the church’s General Fund.

Help Wanted

Coolspring Church has positions open for an Administrative Assitant and a Treasurer.  Both positions are paid and part-time.  Job descriptions are available.  These positions may be considered separately or be combined.

Additionally, Coolspring Church has a position open for a part-time Youth Leader.   This is a paid position.

Interested parties may contact Phil Chalfant at 724-376-6040 or leave a message at the church office at 724-475-3712.

Copier and Laminator Wanted

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Butler County is looking for a good free copier and laminator.  If you know of one, please contact Don Hurray at donhurray@gmail.com.

Parenting Seminar

Dr. Missa Eaton will lead a free two-day Parenting Seminar at First Presbyterian Church on November 11 & 12, 2011 for parents/grandparents/guardians of young children and elementary age children.  Dr. Eaton is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Penn State Shenango and has done research in the area of developmental psychology with a focus on parent-child relationships.

The parenting seminar is free to the public and will be held on Friday, November 11 from 6-9 p.m and Saturday morning, November 12 from 9-12 a.m. Light snacks will be provided on Friday night and a light breakfast on Saturday morning. A children’s program called “A Firm Foundation” will be held for children ages 4-5^th grade. Nursery for children 3 and under will only be available upon request with an RSVP.  This event is open to the public — all are welcome with an RSVP by calling Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children at the church 724/981-2211, x 3 or email dcm@1stpcs.org by November 9.

Spiritual Formation and Fellowship

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering several free opportunities for spiritual formation and fellowship in October and November. The Overview of the Bible class continues on Tuesday nights till November 22nd from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 206 of the church located at 600 E. State St., Sharon, PA. The focus this fall is on Acts and Paul’s Letters. This class is for adults who want to learn more about the Bible and is in a college lecture format taught by Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, Pastor of the church.

The church also offers four small groups for women.  Mom’s On The Town is a new fellowship opportunity geared toward Mom’s of all ages. The group will meet at Hickory Grill on Monday, October 24^th at 8:00 p.m.  If you would like to do old time crafts and have dessert after learning about women in the Bible, the new YoYo Sisterhood  Group meets every other Thursday  at 7 p.m. outside the church. Call for directions.  The Lonely Hearts Cardmaking Class will be held on Saturday, November 19^th at the Church from 9-11 a.m. Learn how to make homemade cards and then send them to people who have lonely hearts during the holidays or keep some for yourself.  Mary/Martha Class is studying the Beatitudes on the second Monday of every month from 12-2 p.m.  All are welcome. All classes are free. If you would like to know more about these classes, call Debbie Derrenbacher, Director of Discipleship for Adults and Children: 724/981-2211 x3 or email dcm@1stpcs.org.

This Week:

October 18- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, New Wilmington
October 22- Mission Workshop Event, New Wilmington PC
October 25- 9:30 AM Council, Mountville PC 

Prayers

Jim Bibza (Center, NC and Grove City College) had back surgery at UPMC on Monday.

Request from the Financial Secretary

Please remember to use the remittance forms when submitting checks to the Presbytery Office.  It helps us to know what purpose the money is intended for, and including your church PIN makes the processing of funds much faster.

Conversation About the Fellowship of Presbyterians

This Sunday evening in the Lakeside Room at McKelvey Center (Westminster College) at 7:00 PM there will be a conversation about the Fellowship of Presbyterians.  Many of those who attended the Minneapolis meeting will be present to reflect with you on these developments.

D.R. Featured

The Dominican Republic will be featured in the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study on Thursday.  Click here to read the article.

Celebrate Sudan Held at East Main 

The Celebrate Sudan event was held at East Main Church on World Communion Sunday with approximately 140 in attendance.  Rev. Tut Kony was the speaker, reporting on the importance of the partnership of 15+ years.  The Church in the Sudan has grown from 8 to 150 pastors and is now 4 presbyteries.  Music was led by Jane Bartholomew.  Jim Leuenberger, Sudan Team leader, was moderator for a wonderful evening of reflection on our partnership with the Sudan.  Churches brought offerings for Nile Theological College which now has campuses in Khartoum and Malakal.  Contributions will continue to be received through October.  Our churches have been giving approximately $150,000 per year for Sudan-related mission.

Fellowship of Presbyterians Regional Meeting

A regional meeting of the Fellowship of Presbyterians (Minneapolis) will be held on Wednesday, October 19 at the Hampton Presbyterian Church, 2942 East Hardies Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 (close to the Rt. 8 – PA Turnpike intersection).  Rev. John Crosby of Christ Church, Minneapolis (one of seven core leaders of the Fellowship) will be the speaker.  For more information call 724 443-3201.

especially have a long history there, including with the seminary in Cairo.

It’s a New Day for Followers of Jesus.  God Has a Vision for Your Church!  Let’s Get Started!

Come this Saturday, October 22, from 9 AM to NOON, to the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church for a wonderful program designed to help you and your church think about God’s vision for your church.

Elmarie Parker from Ohio has some great ideas and will do worship and the keynote.  She is based in prayer and listening for God’s leading.  She is from a smaller church (60 in worship each week), and is a Perspectives alumni.  She has been doing amazing things in her church family, with the local community churches together, and even reaching out into their community and beyond.  She will lead us in worship in imagining God’s dream for the world and help us do some visioning.

Denise Sciuto of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship will then share nuts and bolts from a talk she did in another Presbytery that was very well received.  We’ll have time for sharing and displays in an area set up for browsing.

Lunch will be at noon for anyone who can stay.  Please let the Presbytery office know so we can prepare enough handouts and food.   724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org.

Educational Opportunity

Dr. Carolyn Osiek, Charles Fischer Professor of New Testament Emerita, Brite Divinity School and past President of both the Society for Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Society, will speak on Biblical Community: How Do We Live It? on Friday, October 28th at 7 PM and on Living New Testament Faith on Saturday, October 29th, 9 AM – 1 PM.  Both events will be in the John Knox Room at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Additional information and registration can be found at http://www.pts.edu/Pneuma_News.

Save the Date!

WEE KIRK is just over…and about 125 people from small churches were gathered together for praise, learning and worship…This year there were only 7 from Shenango Presbytery…This conference benefits all those from “wee kirks” and so the dates for next year are — Wee Kirk at Laurelville Conf. Center —October 15-16-17, 2012.

News from the Churches

Ordination Celebration

First Presbyterian Church of Sharon will be celebrating Pam Maloney’s 40th year of ordination on October 23rd.  If you are able to attend, you are more than welcome.

Retirement Dinner

Coolspring Church will be holding a retirement dinner to honor Phil Chalfant on Saturday, December 17th at 5:30 PM.  Meat, drink and table service are provided.  Each family is asked to bring a dish to share.  Reservations are required and seating is limited.  To place reservations, call Linda Kellogg at 724-475-4575.  Deadlines for reservations is Friday, November 10.

Brent Vernon Concert at Bessemer

Brent Vernon will present a free concert sponsored by Bessemer Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM.  Brent is a singer, songwriter, author, illustrator, and ventriloquist who hails from sunny Florida.  Join Bessemer for a special time of laughter, Worship and reflection with Brent and his pal Sam.  A love offering will be collected for Brent’s travel and ministry expenses.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, October 25th at Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church.  Please contact the church at 724-667-7258 if you wish to volunteer.

Braised Steak Dinner

Bessemer Presbyterian Church (29 N. Main St., Bessemer, PA) will be holding a braised steak dinner on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 5 PM – 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 or Janice Young at 724-667-8825.  All proceeds from this dinner will benefit the church’s General Fund.

Divine Delay to Sing at Cana’s Corner

Divine Delay, Southern gospel male trio, from the Greenville area will appear at Cana’s Corner coffeehouse on Tuesday, October 25th.  The coffeehouse meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 7 PM – 9 PM.  We are located at 710 Carnegie Street in Sharon, across from the Wengler baseball field.  For more information, call 724-983-0194 and ask for Pastor Robbie or 724-866-3061 and ask for Robyn.  Hope to see you all there!

Help Wanted

Coolspring Church has positions open for an Administrative Assitant and a Treasurer.  Both positions are paid and part-time.  Job descriptions are available.  These positions may be considered separately or be combined.

Additionally, Coolspring Church has a position open for a part-time Youth Leader.   This is a paid position.

Interested parties may contact Phil Chalfant at 724-376-6040 or leave a message at the church office at 724-475-3712.