eLink News

This Week:

August 15 – 4:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office

Watch for a special eLink tomorrow with upcoming events presented by the Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues!

Schedule Sudanese Visitors at Your Church

Rev. Ismail Kanani and his wife Elizabeth, and the Rev. Tut Kony are expected from the Sudan this September.  Ismail has served as the Executive Secretary of SPEC and in the same leadership role in Sudan Bible Society. He has also taught at the Nile Theological College. His wife, Elizabeth knows much about women’s ministry in the Sudan. Rev. Tut Kony is the Executive Secretary of the newly formed presbytery in the new nation of South Sudan. He has been active in SPEC’s work in Darfur. He is a very strong, younger leader in SPEC.

When could your church host a visit…large or small?  We are also looking for a church with an active youth group to host an ALL Shenango Youth Event with our visitors.  The dates they are available are to preach are Sept. 18 – for one church;  Oct. 2 – for 2 churches.  Other open dates:

Saturday, Sept 17th, Wednesday Sep. 28 in the afternoon and evening, Thursday the 29th thru Saturday Oct 1…morning, afternoon evening.

Contact Denise Sciuto for scheduling:  DeniseS@pff.net  (724)946-2360.

News from the Churches

Youth Leader Wanted (Part-time, flexible hours)

Coolspring Church is a 170 member Presbyterian Church in a rural setting and has members from three school districts.  This position includes working with junior and senior high youth and also provides a component of leadership for 4th-6th grade youth.  We are looking for a person with a faithful commitment to Jesus Christ and love for young people.  Also, this leader needs to have the ability and desire to teach and disciple youth in the Christian faith.  As a mentor to youth, this leader’s life should be a consistent demonstration of their faith.  Positive leadership skills, self-motivation, and reliability are essential to this position.  Please send resumes to: Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or email to: coolspringpc@windstream.net.  For questions and information: 724-475-3712.  Office hours Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 – 12:00 noon or leave a message with call back number.

Stair Glide for Sale

Bethlehem Church, Sharon, has a used stair glide for sale.  The chair goes up and down 8 stairs, has a safety stop, seat belt, and a lock.  The seat is leather and folds up against the wall..  This equipment is for home use.  $250.  Call Pastor Robbie at 724-983-0194 for more information.

Indoor Yard Sale

Bethlehem Church, 710 Carnegie, Sharon is holding an Indoor Yard Sale, Friday, September 2, and Saturday, September 3, from 9 AM – 4 PM each day.  All items are priced at only $1 and includes furniture, clothing, shoes and purses, blankets, backpacks kitchen items, toys, books, etc.  Don’t miss this great chance to SAVE!

Cana’s Corner Welcomes Michalee Christy and Gary Tierno

Come and join us on August 9th from 7 – 9 PM.  Michalee Christy gospel singer, will be opening for Gary Tierno, contemporary musician.  The Cana’s Corner is located at 710 Carnegie Street, 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!

eLink News

This Week:

August 5 – 6:00 PM Retired Ministers, Missionaries and Spouses Picnic, Dawson Residence

Schedule Sudanese Visitors at Your Church

Rev. Ismail Kanani and his wife Elizabeth, and the Rev. Tut Kony are expected from the Sudan this September.  Ismail has served as the Executive Secretary of SPEC and in the same leadership role in Sudan Bible Society. He has also taught at the Nile Theological College. His wife, Elizabeth knows much about women’s ministry in the Sudan. Rev. Tut Kony is the Executive Secretary of the newly formed presbytery in the new nation of South Sudan. He has been active in SPEC’s work in Darfur. He is a very strong, younger leader in SPEC.

When could your church host a visit…large or small?  We are also looking for a church with an active youth group to host an ALL Shenango Youth Event with our visitors.  The dates they are available are to preach are Sept. 18 – for one church;  Oct. 2 – for 2 churches.  Other open dates:

Saturday, Sept 17th, Wednesday Sep. 28 in the afternoon and evening, Thursday the 29th thru Saturday Oct 1…morning, afternoon evening.

Contact Denise Sciuto for scheduling:  DeniseS@pff.net  (724)946-2360.

News from the Churches

Youth Leader Wanted (Part-time, flexible hours)

Coolspring Church is a 170 member Presbyterian Church in a rural setting and has members from three school districts.  This position includes working with junior and senior high youth and also provides a component of leadership for 4th-6th grade youth.  We are looking for a person with a faithful commitment to Jesus Christ and love for young people.  Also, this leader needs to have the ability and desire to teach and disciple youth in the Christian faith.  As a mentor to youth, this leader’s life should be a consistent demonstration of their faith.  Positive leadership skills, self-motivation, and reliability are essential to this position.  Please send resumes to: Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or email to: coolspringpc@windstream.net.  For questions and information: 724-475-3712.  Office hours Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 – 12:00 noon or leave a message with call back number.


eLink News

This Week:

July 23-30 – New Wilmington Mission Conference, Westminster College Campus  (Note: Presbytery Staff will be attending portions of conference, so office hours will be sporadic.  Come join us at NWMC!)

IRS Mileage Rate

The IRS has increased the mileage rate for July 1 – December 31, 2011 to 55.5 cents per mile.

Online Skills for Ministers and Elders

The Board of Pensions offers some excellent and accessible online courses for ministers and elders.  Click here for more information.

News from the Churches

Youth Leader Wanted (Part-time, flexible hours)

Coolspring Church is a 170 member Presbyterian Church in a rural setting and has members from three school districts.  This position includes working with junior and senior high youth and also provides a component of leadership for 4th-6th grade youth.  We are looking for a person with a faithful commitment to Jesus Christ and love for young people.  Also, this leader needs to have the ability and desire to teach and disciple youth in the Christian faith.  As a mentor to youth, this leader’s life should be a consistent demonstration of their faith.  Positive leadership skills, self-motivation, and reliability are essential to this position.  Please send resumes to: Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA  16137 or email to: coolspringpc@windstream.net.  For questions and information: 724-475-3712.  Office hours Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 – 12:00 noon or leave a message with call back number.

Manse For Rent

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a Manse for rent available August 1, 2011.  Description: Approximately 2500 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, and living room.  Attached 2 car garage.  Call Church Secretary for further details: 724-528-3662.

Terry Leonard, Local Gospel Folk Artist at Cana’s Corner  

On July 26, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is welcome back Terry Leonard, local gospel folk artist.  There is no cover charge and coffee and ice cream sundaes are free.      We are located at the corner of the Wengler baseball field and Carnegie Street in Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.  We are open the 2ndand 4th Tuesdays of the month.   A free will offering will be taken.
Summer Festival at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse
Plan to join us on July 31, 2011 from 4-9 PM at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse.  This is our first summer festival featuring 9 musical groups, including David Hamilton and Mark and Cindy Maynard.  From 4-5 there will be a corn hole tournament, hillbilly horseshoes tournament, and games and face painting for children.  At 5:00 the festival moves inside to fellowship hall where there will be a full menu of picnic foods at old-fashioned prices and music of all styles from 5-9 PM.  If you have been to any of our coffeehouses you won’t want to miss this for sure.  And, if you haven’t been here yet, why not make this a first!  You won’t be disappointed.

eLink News – EXTRA!

Meet ourMissionPartners

NewWilmingtonMissionConference – July 23 -29

Caroline Kurtz – Daily Mission Study 10am Mueller Theater (McKelvey)

S & B (Central Asia) Monday Vespers  6:45  NewWilmington Presbyterian Church

Larry and Barbara Moir (Ethiopia) Wednesday Vespers 6:45 NewWilmington Presbyterian Church

Ingrid Reneau (Sudan) Wednesday Vespers 6:45 Mueller Theater (McKelvey)

Donald Marsdon (PFF) Wednesday Children and Mission 3:30 Mueller Theater (McKelvey)

Debbie Blane (Sudan) Thursday Vespers 6:45 NewWilmington Presbyterian Church

Cody Watson (PFF/India) FridayMission Lunch 12:45 Mueller Theater (McKelvey)

Sudan Network Meeting – Thursday, 2:00 – 3:30 Thompson Clark Room 315

Check elinks for possible schedule changes.

Additional Opportunities to Meet With Debbie Blane

  • Wednesday, July 20 atBessemerLibrary – 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 21 at Shenango on the Green, NW – 7:00 pm
    • UPDATE –  An evening with Missionary Debbie Blane will be in the Community Room of Shenango-on-the-Green this evening July 21st at 7:00 p.m.  It will not be outside due to the extreme heat and humidity.  Please come and join us for a nice evening.  To locate the Community Room at Shenango-on-the-Green, please use the Market St. entrance of Shenango Home, walk through the lobby and down the hall straight ahead and the Community Room will be the first room on the left.  Thank you!!
News from the Churches

Multi-Church Youth-Led Worship Service – CANCELLED!

The service scheduled for this weekend,  July 24th at 6 PM in the Covenant Presbyterian Church has been cancelled due to schedule conflicts.

eLink News

This Week:

July 23-30 – New Wilmington Mission Conference, Westminster College Campus  (Note: Presbytery Staff will be attending portions of conference, so office hours will be sporadic.  Come join us at NWMC!)

IRS Mileage Rate

The IRS has increased the mileage rate for July 1 – December 31, 2011 to 55.5 cents per mile.

The world is coming to New Wilmington!

Over 30 mission workers and their families from around the world will be sharing stories of what God is doing throughout the world.  Our church memberships are declining but the rest of the world is seeing exciting explosions of believers!

Hundreds of high school, junior high and young adults will be on campus attending sessions, participating in service projects, worshiping and making new friends. Hundreds of adults and kids also.

YOU are welcome to come too.   All of the programs are free and open to the public. Come Saturday evening, July 23 at 7:45 pm and hear what’s happening in China. Join us for worship Sunday at 11:00 am to hearHunter Farrell the director of World Missions of the PC(USA). Come early, at 8:45 am, and hear the beginning of Dr Bailey’s week-long Bible study.  Sunday evening bring your youth to hear York Moore the Inter Varsity speaker whose specialty is motivating young people. Check out the schedule for the whole week to see locations, times and other great speakers.

www.nwmcmission.org/News-NWMC-2011/2011-Speakers. Or, if you want to register, eat in the dining halls, and spend the whole day, contact the office at 724-946-9770 for info.

Come Hear a Report from Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterian for Renewal

Ideas & Conversation to Initiate Christ-Honoring Change in the PC(USA) will be presented for pastors, elders and lay people on Monday, July 25 at 2:00 PM in Orr Auditorium of Westminster College.  Hear a report from Paul Detterman on “What is the Fellowship PC(USA)? How is it responding to Amendment 10-A?  What will happen at the August 25-26 meeting in Minneapolis?”

Online Skills for Ministers and Elders

The Board of Pensions offers some excellent and accessible online courses for ministers and elders.  Click here for more information.

Missionary Debbie Blane

The Sudan Partnership Committee is hosting an evening with Debbie Blane, this Thursday, July 21st at 7 PM on the patio at Shenango-on-the-Green in New Wilmington.  Everyone is invited to come and visit with Debbie and learn about her work at Nile Theological College and her plans to go the new campus of NTC in Malakal.  (Note: The breakfast with Debbie that had previously been advertised on eLink has been cancelled due to lack of reservations.  Look for a special eLink later this week with a schedule of when you can meet Debbie and Shenango’s other missionaries at NWMC.)

News from the Churches

Thank You!

Dear Friends and Family, We want to thank you for your generous donation to the stair-lift fund, the lift is used everyday and it makes going up and down the stairs so much safer.  The outpouring from so many people touched our hearts deeply.  We feel very blessed by God that we live in a caring community but did not realize just how many of you there are until we undertook this endeavor.  Once again, we thank you for your display of Christ’s love to us through your prayers and your support.  May God bless you equally as He has blessed us through you.  In Him, Chris and Terry Greenlee

Manse For Rent

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a Manse for rent available August 1, 2011.  Description: Approximately 2500 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, and living room.  Attached 2 car garage.  Call Church Secretary for further details: 724-528-3662.

Multi-Church Youth-Led Worship Service

On July 24th at 6 PM in the Covenant Presbyterian Church sanctuary.  Youth with musical talents are still needed, so if you know someone who might be interested in participating, contact Jon Dennis at 724-981-3535.

Terry Leonard, Local Gospel Folk Artist at Cana’s Corner  

On July 26, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is welcome back Terry Leonard, local gospel folk artist.  There is no cover charge and coffee and ice cream sundaes are free.      We are located at the corner of the Wengler baseball field and Carnegie Street in Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.  We are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.   A free will offering will be taken.
Summer Festival at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse
Plan to join us on July 31, 2011 from 4-9 PM at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse.  This is our first summer festival featuring 9 musical groups, including David Hamilton and Mark and Cindy Maynard.  From 4-5 there will be a corn hole tournament, hillbilly horseshoes tournament, and games and face painting for children.  At 5:00 the festival moves inside to fellowship hall where there will be a full menu of picnic foods at old-fashioned prices and music of all styles from 5-9 PM.  If you have been to any of our coffeehouses you won’t want to miss this for sure.  And, if you haven’t been here yet, why not make this a first!  You won’t be disappointed.

eLink News

This Week:

July 14- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office

Conversation for Elders and Ministers on General Assembly Issues

The Special Issues Committee will hold a conversation on Tuesday, July 12 from 7-8:30 PM at the East Main Church in Grove City on denominational issues.  There will be two parts:

  1. A presentation by Dr. John Burgess and discussion of what we believe about Jesus Christ and how this relates to denominational issues.
  2. A review of “frequently asked questions” so that everyone has accurate information on what is happening in the denomination.


Are You Going to Minneapolis?
Several people are going to the Fellowship PC(USA) http://www.fellowship-pcusa.org/ on August 25-26.  Please be in touch with Dave Dawson if you are going at david.dawson@pcusa.org so that we can keep in touch.
Lifeguards Needed
New Wilmington Mission Conference needs card-carrying lifeguards for Sunday-Friday of the week of Conference (July 23-30) from 2-5 PM.  Call Dan at 724-971-3448 or the NWMC office at 724-946-9770.

News from the Churches

Thank You!

Dear Friends and Family, We want to thank you for your generous donation to the stair-lift fund, the lift is used everyday and it makes going up and down the stairs so much safer.  The outpouring from so many people touched our hearts deeply.  We feel very blessed by God that we live in a caring community but did not realize just how many of you there are until we undertook this endeavor.  Once again, we thank you for your display of Christ’s love to us through your prayers and your support.  May God bless you equally as He has blessed us through you.  In Him, Chris and Terry Greenlee

Manse For Rent

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a Manse for rent available August 1, 2011.  Description: Approximately 2500 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, and living room.  Attached 2 car garage.  Call Church Secretary for further details: 724-528-3662.

Bill and Katie Guthrie Appearing at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse

On July 12, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse (Bethlehem Presbyterian Church) is proud to present Bill and Katie Guthrie, contemporary Christian music artists from Sharon, PA.  There is no cover charge and coffee and ice cream sundaes are free.  They are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.

Multi-Church Youth-Led Worship Service

On July 24th at 6 PM in the Covenant Presbyterian Church sanctuary.  Youth with musical talents are still needed, so if you know someone who might be interested in participating, contact Jon Dennis at 724-981-3535.

eLink News

This Week:

July 6- Annual Audit, Conference room will not be available for meetings
July 7- 7:00 PM Sudan Prayer Service, Shenango-on-the-Green, New Wilmington 

Conversation for Elders and Ministers on General Assembly Issues

The Special Issues Committee will hold a conversation on Tuesday, July 12 from 7-8:30 PM at the East Main Church in Grove City on denominational issues.  There will be two parts:

  1. A presentation by Dr. John Burgess and discussion of what we believe about Jesus Christ and how this relates to denominational issues.
  2. A review of “frequently asked questions” so that everyone has accurate information on what is happening in the denomination.

URGENT! Now Is a Critical Moment for Prayer for the Sudan
Our friends in the south Sudan have voted overwhelmingly to form a new nation of the South Sudan on July 9.  However, the government in the north is doing everything it can to disrupt that event.  Presently there are atrocities occurring daily in the Nuba Mountains town of Kadugli.  This is near the north-south border and a place where a team from Shenango Presbytery (including Jere Donovan) visited in 2004.  Please pray for the U.S. special convoy to Sudan, Princeton Lyman, and all in positions of power that another tragedy like Darfur does not happen.
Are You Going to Minneapolis?
Several people are going to the Fellowship PC(USA) http://www.fellowship-pcusa.org/ on August 25-26.  Please be in touch with Dave Dawson if you are going at david.dawson@pcusa.org so that we can keep in touch.
Lifeguards Needed
New Wilmington Mission Conference needs card-carrying lifeguards for Sunday-Friday of the week of Conference (July 23-30) from 2-5 PM.  Call Dan at 724-971-3448 or the NWMC office at 724-946-9770.

News from the Churches

Donations Needed

A member of Word Centered lost everything in a house fire last weekend.  They have a place to stay, but need everything else, from toothbrushes to furniture.  If your church can help, please call Word Centered at 330-448-4060.

Manse For Rent

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a Manse for rent available August 1, 2011.  Description: Approximately 2500 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, and living room.  Attached 2 car garage.  Call Church Secretary for further details: 724-528-3662.

Bill and Katie Guthrie Appearing at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse

On July 12, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse (Bethlehem Presbyterian Church) is proud to present Bill and Katie Guthrie, contemporary Christian music artists from Sharon, PA.  There is no cover charge and coffee and ice cream sundaes are free.  They are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.

eLink News

This Week:

June 28- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Shenango, NC
June 29, July 1 & 6- Annual Audit, Conference room will not be available for meetings
July 4- OFFICE CLOSED, Independence Day
July 7- 7:00 PM Sudan Prayer Service, Shenango-on-the-Green, New Wilmington 

**Extra Parking for Tonight’s Presbytery Meeting**

If you aren’t able to find a parking spot in the Shenango Church lot this evening for the Presbytery meeting, you may park in the bank lot across from the church – off Shenango Road.

Conversation for Elders and Ministers on General Assembly Issues

The Special Issues Committee will hold a conversation on Tuesday, July 12 from 7-8:30 PM at the East Main Church in Grove City on denominational issues.  There will be two parts:

  1. A presentation by Dr. John Burges and discussion of what we believe about Jesus Christ and how this relates to denominational issues.
  2. A review of “frequently asked questions” so that everyone has accurate information on what is happening in the denomination.
Scholarships Available from the Evangelism Committee
The Evangelism Committee is offering a limited number of scholarships to cover the registration cost for the Evangelism and Church Growth Conference at the Big Tent Event, Indianapolis, IN, July 30 — July 2, 2011 (http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/big-tent/), or for the Engage Conference, St. Pete Beach, August 8-11, 2011 (http://www.pcusa.org/events/12358/engage-conference/ ).  Registration deadline for The Big Tent is June 15; for the Engage Conference, regular rate, it’s June 30.  For more information about these events, please see their websites.  For further information about the scholarships contact the moderator of the Evangelism Committee, Jim Latta, via email topiperjim@zoominternet.net , or by phone, 724-816-9550.
URGENT! Now Is a Critical Moment for Prayer for the Sudan
Our friends in the south Sudan have voted overwhelmingly to form a new nation of the South Sudan on July 9.  However, the government in the north is doing everything it can to disrupt that event.  Presently there are atrocities occurring daily in the Nuba Mountains town of Kadugli.  This is near the north-south border and a place where a team from Shenango Presbytery (including Jere Donovan) visited in 2004.  Please pray for the U.S. special convoy to Sudan, Princeton Lyman, and all in positions of power that another tragedy like Darfur does not happen.

Christian Speakers

A great line-up of Christian speakers will be coming to New Wilmington, July 23-30.  Take a look at the schedule and add the dates to your calendar.  2011 NWMC Speakers and Schedule.  All of the programs at the New Wilmington Mission Conference are free and open to the public, and you are welcome to attend as many as you are able.

It is NOT too late to register to stay on campus.  Are there junior high, high school, or young adults in your congregation that might like to spend a week on the Westminster campus meeting other youth from all over the country and hearing about what God is doing in the world?  The cost is $340 and includes food, housing, program costs and registration.  Offer them a church scholarship and register by June 30 to save the late fee.  Your church will be blessed by their experience.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity right in our backyard.  For more information, visit http://www.NWMCmission.org.

Perspectives

Perhaps you’ve heard about this internationally taught course? Westminster College is hosting the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course for 14 weeks Tuesday nights this Fall.  What a great opportunity to take it so close to home. One of the things that makes this course unique is that each week a different instructor will present the lesson incorporating his/her experience. The course costs $275 for the certificate level which includes weekly reading, homework and a final project. ($550 for 3 undergraduate credits) It may be used for Act 48 and CEU credit for teachers, continuing education for pastors and just a great way to learn more about the Bible and God’s Plan for the world for everyone else. The Shenango Presbytery is offering some scholarships.  Send a team of 3 or 4 from your church and see what happens as they learn together about God’s unfolding purpose for His people. Visit the website www.perspectives.org to learn more or to register. It will also be offered in Franklin on Sunday evenings and at PTS in Pittsburgh on Monday evenings in case you have to miss a Tuesday class. Save $25 by registering before August 12. Contact Pam Pope Courtney if you have questions. (724-748-3217 or  mail@dcourtney.net)

Partner with ROOT International to Help Tornado Victims

ROOT International invites you to partner with them in helping tornado victims in Choctaw County, Mississippi.  Please visit the “NEWS” page of the Presbytery website to read the full list of items requested and other information.

News from the Churches

Donations Needed

A member of Word Centered lost everything in a house fire over the weekend.  They have a place to stay, but need everything else, from toothbrushes to furniture.  If your church can help, please call Word Centered at 330-448-4060.

Job Opportunity

Camp Lambec is in need of a Kitchen Assistant.  There will be work from June 24th – August 2nd.  If you are interested in a summer job opportunity, please contact Bill Mills at 724-738-0058 or 724-372-9340.

Electronic Organ – Free for the Haulin’

Kahn Electronic Organ, 2 full keyboard, full pedal board and bench.  Free for the haulin’ (must pick-up, no deliveries).  Contact John Sloat at 724-667-0553.

Randy Veccia Appearing at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse

On June 28, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse (Bethlehem Presbyterian Church) is proud to present Randy Veccia, a contemporary Christian music artist from Campus Crusade for Christ.  There is no cover charge and coffee and ice cream sundaes are free.  They are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.