This Week:

June 21- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
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 

Prayers

Jim Wigley’s (Honorably Retired) wife died on Sunday.  Calling hours are tomorrow from 2-4 and 7-9, and the funeral is Thursday at Smith Funeral Home in New Wilmington.

Revised Resolution from the Bethel Church Session

This revised resolution will be considered at the June 28 meeting of Presbytery. Click here to read it.

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.

Start Planning to Attend the 2nd Annual Celebrate Sudan Event

The 2^nd annual “Celebrate Sudan” event will be held on World Communion Sunday, October 2^nd, 7PM, at East Main Presbyterian Church, Grove City. This will be an exciting time for all the churches in Shenango Presbytery to come together, worship God, and Celebrate our Partnership with the Sudan PresbyterianEvangelical Church.

This year we are honored to have guests from the Sudan– Rev.Tut Kony and Rev. and Mrs. Ismail Kanani.

The special offerings collected this year will be used to assist NileTheologicalCollegeas they move the English tract to Malakal in South Sudanand deal with the ongoing challenges the college faces in supporting the Arab tract in the North.  We encourage churches to take up this offering at their World Communion Sunday worship services.

Mark your calendars and join us for a time of music, fellowship, and authentic Sudanese food.

Pastors and all session moderators, please ask you sessions soon for permission to take up a special “CelebrateSudan” offering.  Over $13,100 was raised last year in our first “CelebrateSudan” event.

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

Folding Machine For Sale

First Sharon has a Pitney Bowes FD60 folding machine for sale.  It can accommodate all standard folds, paper sizes from 6″x5.75″ wide to 8.5″x14″ long.  Great for smaller churches.  Call Robyn at 724-981-2211 ext. 1 for more info.

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.

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Shenango Presbyterian Church in New Castle.

Highlights of the meeting include:

– Bethel resolution (a PDF is available for download on the “Meeting” page with the docket and council minutes)

– Rev. Jim Mohr nomination for Vice Moderator

– 3 candidates and 2 inquirers scheduled for examination

Shenango Presbyterian Church is located at 3144 Wilmington Road in New Castle.

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

This Week:

June 17- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
June 21- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW 

Joys

Shenango Church celebrated Amy Na’s 20th ordination anniversary this past Sunday.

Revised Resolution from the Bethel Church Session

This revised resolution will be considered at the June 28 meeting of Presbytery. Click here to read it.

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 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.

Special Request from Debbie Blane

Debbie will be moving to Malakal to start teaching at the new home for the English tract of Nile Theological College.  Her home will be on the Sudanese Interior Ministry compound.  The good news is that the area has electricity for about 12 hours a day in the evening hours.  The bad news is there is no power for about 12 hours in the hottest part of the day.

Debbie has been investigating solar systems capable of powering a fan and computer.  Much of Debbie’s work is done at home when she is not teaching and it will be difficult to work and live in the even hotter temperatures  of Malakal, as much as 10 degrees more than Khartoum.

There are solar systems which can be purchased in Nairobi or Addis Ababa for just under $2000.00.

If you would like to help Debbie with purchasing a solar system to assist in her ministry, please send your contributions to Shari at the Presbytery office.  Any extra funds will go towards Debbie’s mission support.

Start Planning to Attend the 2nd Annual Celebrate Sudan Event

The 2^nd annual “Celebrate Sudan” event will be held on World Communion Sunday, October 2^nd, 7PM, at East Main Presbyterian Church, Grove City. This will be an exciting time for all the churches in Shenango Presbytery to come together, worship God, and Celebrate our Partnership with the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church.

This year we are honored to have guests from the Sudan– Rev.Tut Kony and Rev. and Mrs. Ismail Kanani.

The special offerings collected this year will be used to assist NileTheologicalCollegeas they move the English tract to Malakal in South Sudanand deal with the ongoing challenges the college faces in supporting the Arab tract in the North.  We encourage churches to take up this offering at their World Communion Sunday worship services.

Mark your calendars and join us for a time of music, fellowship, and authentic Sudanese food.

Pastors and all session moderators, please ask you sessions soon for permission to take up a special “CelebrateSudan” offering.  Over $13,100 was raised last year in our first “CelebrateSudan” event.

News from the Churches

For All Children Finishing 3rd-6th Grade…

We’d like to invite your children to join us for a week of camp in Lake Erie during July 3rd-8th.  Camp Lambec is a week full of games, hikes, songs, food, wonderful Bible stories and worship services, nightly news featuring the kids, swimming, giant “slip n slide”, and just having a fun time with friends and leaders learning more about Jesus.  Bethany takes our own adults and teens to make sure we have a fun and safe week.  The cost is $350.  Because the cut-0ff date is June 24th, you need to register for camp as soon as possible.  Please go online towww.capnwp.org.  Questions??? Call Nancy Thompson (Bethany Pres. Children’s Ministries Director) 724-662-5369.

Stair Glide for Sale

Used Stair Glide for home.  Works well, inspected yearly, easy install, electric.  Rail spans 8 stairs.  $270.  Contact Pastor Robbie Arnold, 724-983-0194.

Folding Machine For Sale

First Sharon has a Pitney Bowes FD60 folding machine for sale.  It can accommodate all standard folds, paper sizes from 6″x5.75″ wide to 8.5″x14″ long.  Great for smaller churches.  Call Robyn at 724-981-2211 ext. 1 for more info.

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.

Executive Director Wanted

Pregnancy Services of Western Pennsylvania, a non-profit, pro-life Christian pregnancy resource center located in Sharon, PA is seeking to hire an Executive Director.  This person would be responsible for all aspects of center management, including working with a nurse manager, a client services director, and an administrative assistant to provide services and support for women and men in the Shenango Valley area.  Applicants should send a cover letter detailing interest in the position, a professional resume with at least three references and a statement of Christian faith by June 30th to: Executive Director search committee, Pregnancy Services of Western Pennsylvania, 74 North Oakland Avenue, Sharon, PA  16146 or by email to pswpasearch@verizon.net.

Ministers: Don’t forget the Moderator’s Forum!

Moderator’s Forum on Monday, June 13th, 7:00-8:30 PM in the Berlin Lounge at Westminster College (in McKelvey Student Center).  Note: This forum is for clergy only.

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 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.

This Week:

June 8- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
June 9- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
June 10- 12:30 PM Special Meeting of Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
June 14- 7:30 PM CLPs and Mentors, Presbytery Office 

Global Day of Prayer

June 12th is the Global Day of Prayer.  If your church would like to participate in praying with churches around the world, please click here for a link to the prayer for this year and a power point version that could be used in worship,http://www.globaldayofprayer.com/prayer.html.

Relief for Joplin,MO

Curt Savage and his son (1st, New Castle) left today for relief work in Joplin, MO with over $8,000 in donations (including items, gift cards and money) from the churches of Shenango Presbytery.  A report will be given at the June Presbytery meeting.

Revised Resolution from the Bethel Church Session

This revised resolution will be considered at the June 28 meeting of Presbytery.  Click here to read it.

Prayers

Prayers of thanks for the report from Jack Patterson (Stated Supply at Millbrook) that he is free of cancer.

Pastors, Save the Date!!!

The Fall 2011 Pastor Retreat will be held on September 19-20 and will feature leaders from Sudan as our special guest speakers.

News from the Churches

For All Children Finishing 3rd-6th Grade…

We’d like to invite your children to join us for a week of camp in Lake Erie during July 3rd-8th.  Camp Lambec is a week full of games, hikes, songs, food, wonderful Bible stories and worship services, nightly news featuring the kids, swimming, giant “slip n slide”, and just having a fun time with friends and leaders learning more about Jesus.  Bethany takes our own adults and teens to make sure we have a fun and safe week.  The cost is $350.  Because the cut-0ff date is June 24th, you need to register for camp as soon as possible.  Please go online towww.capnwp.org.  Questions??? Call Nancy Thompson (Bethany Pres. Children’s Ministries Director) 724-662-5369.

Secretary Wanted

Neshannock Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington is seeking a church secretary.  This is a part-time position.  Inquiries are welcome at 724-946-2081, or 330 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Wanted

Passionate, committed Christian Student Ministry Leader wanted for part-time position at Center Presbyterian Church, Grove City.  We’re looking for a youth leader who wants to make a difference for Jesus in the life of students!  The successful candidate will be a responsible and mature Christian adult with a genuine interest and demonstrated ability in working with youth of all ages.  Primary responsibility will be for a relationally-based ministry with teens.  Center Church is a dynamic, evangelical small-church located in a college town in Western PA.  Email resume and letter of interest to centerchurch@zoominternet.net c/o Pastor Bill Woodman.

Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church seeks a clergy or layperson to serve as a half-time Children’s Ministry Facilitator.  The position works closely with a ministry team of pastors, elders, members and college students to lead children (Pre-K through 4th grade) toward a stronger relationship with our Lord.  Key activities are Sunday School, weekly after-school program and vacation bible school.  Interested individuals should contact Tim Sherwood (724-946-3214 orsherwota@westminster.edu), chair of the NWPC Personnel Committee by June 4, 2011.

“2 For One” Appearing at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse

On June 14, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse (Bethlehem Presbyterian Church) is proud to present “2 For One” contemporary Christian music artists blending tunes from Gospel, 60’s, 70’s, and country.  There is no cover charge and coffee and doughnuts are free.  We are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.

Stair Glide for Sale

Used Stair Glide for home.  Works well, inspected yearly, easy install, electric.  Rail spans 8 stairs.  $270.  Contact Pastor Robbie Arnold, 724-983-0194.

Folding Machine For Sale

First Sharon has a Pitney Bowes FD60 folding machine for sale.  It can accommodate all standard folds, paper sizes from 6″x5.75″ wide to 8.5″x14″ long.  Great for smaller churches.  Call Robyn at 724-981-2211 ext. 1 for more info.

Executive Director Wanted

Pregnancy Services of Western Pennsylvania, a non-profit, pro-life Christian pregnancy resource center located in Sharon, PA is seeking to hire an Executive Director.  This person would be responsible for all aspects of center management, including working with a nurse manager, a client services director, and an administrative assistant to provide services and support for women and men in the Shenango Valley area.  Applicants should send a cover letter detailing interest in the position, a professional resume with at least three references and a statement of Christian faith by June 30th to: Executive Director search committee, Pregnancy Services of Western Pennsylvania, 74 North Oakland Avenue, Sharon, PA  16146 or by email to pswpasearch@verizon.net.

This Week:

June 6- 9:00 AM Steering Team, Presbytery Office
June 7- 9:30 AM Council, Mahoning PC
June 8- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, location TBA
1:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office 

Global Day of Prayer

June 12th is the Global Day of Prayer.  If your church would like to participate in praying with churches around the world, please click here for a link to the prayer for this year and a power point version that could be used in worship, http://www.globaldayofprayer.com/prayer.html.

Relief for Joplin,MO

Curt Savage from First Presbyterian Church of New Castle is organizing relief for Joplin, MO.  Along with the lives lost and homes destroyed, there is massive damage to the telecom infrastructure in Joplin and the surrounding area.  Calls and emails are not getting through.

First Presbyterian Church of New Castle is coordinating and dispatching teams to leave June 4.

We will keep you updated as information comes in.  Please only donate the listed items.

All donations can be brought to First Presbyterian of New Castle, 125 N. Jefferson Street from 9:30 – 4:00.  For information call the Church at 724-652-7706.

Items needed:

Volunteers to help pack vans on June 3.

Volunteers to go to Joplin,Mo June 4 – 10.

Cash donations for rental vehicles capable of transporting personnel and donated items.

Gift cards for Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart for $5 – $10.

Individual first aid items OR a kit like Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit(bar code 3 8137-008123 4)   This kit includes 170 items contained in a 6”x 9” packable and weather-proof clear plastic box.  $10 for this kit at Giant Eagle orAmazon.com is the best on-line price at $10. These will be very helpful.

Baby wipes, disinfecting/sanitizing wipes, sunscreen, skin moisturizing cream, hand sanitizer, lip balm, Kleenex.

Trash Bags, Duct Tape, 3M dust masks, Safety glasses/goggles, Blue Nitrile gloves, work gloves, rope, extension cords, LED flash lights/lanterns, back packs, stuff (duffle) bags, two way short range radios, rechargeable batteries with chargers.

Pet food for the area animal shelters would also be helpful as hundreds, or possibly more than a thousand, domestic animals and pets were recovered and placed in shelters.
Thank you SO much for your help in this effort.  To God be the glory as we say “Yes Lord” and allow Him to move through His body, the church!

News from the Churches

For All Children Finishing 3rd-6th Grade…

We’d like to invite your children to join us for a week of camp in Lake Erie during July 3rd-8th.  Camp Lambec is a week full of games, hikes, songs, food, wonderful Bible stories and worship services, nightly news featuring the kids, swimming, giant “slip n slide”, and just having a fun time with friends and leaders learning more about Jesus.  Bethany takes our own adults and teens to make sure we have a fun and safe week.  The cost is $350.  Because the cut-0ff date is June 24th, you need to register for camp as soon as possible.  Please go online to www.capnwp.org.  Questions??? Call Nancy Thompson (Bethany Pres. Children’s Ministries Director) 724-662-5369.

Secretary Wanted

Neshannock Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington is seeking a church secretary.  This is a part-time position.  Inquiries are welcome at 724-946-2081, or 330 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Wanted

Passionate, committed Christian Student Ministry Leader wanted for part-time position at Center Presbyterian Church, Grove City.  We’re looking for a youth leader who wants to make a difference for Jesus in the life of students!  The successful candidate will be a responsible and mature Christian adult with a genuine interest and demonstrated ability in working with youth of all ages.  Primary responsibility will be for a relationally-based ministry with teens.  Center Church is a dynamic, evangelical small-church located in a college town in Western PA.  Email resume and letter of interest to centerchurch@zoominternet.net c/o Pastor Bill Woodman.

Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church seeks a clergy or layperson to serve as a half-time Children’s Ministry Facilitator.  The position works closely with a ministry team of pastors, elders, members and college students to lead children (Pre-K through 4th grade) toward a stronger relationship with our Lord.  Key activities are Sunday School, weekly after-school program and vacation bible school.  Interested individuals should contact Tim Sherwood (724-946-3214 orsherwota@westminster.edu), chair of the NWPC Personnel Committee by June 4, 2011.

Relief for Joplin,MO

Curt Savage from First Presbyterian Church of New Castle is organizing relief for Joplin, MO.  Along with the lives lost and homes destroyed, there is massive damage to the telecom infrastructure in Joplin and the surrounding area.  Calls and emails are not getting through.

First Presbyterian Church of New Castle is coordinating and dispatching teams to leave June 4.

We will keep you updated as information comes in.  Please only donate the listed items.

All donations can be brought to First Presbyterian of New Castle, 125 N. Jefferson Street from 9:30 – 4:00.  For information call the Church at 724-652-7706.

Items needed:

Volunteers to help pack vans on June 3.

Volunteers to go to Joplin,Mo June 4 – 10.

Cash donations for rental vehicles capable of transporting personnel and donated items.

Gift cards for Lowes, Home Depot or Walmart for $5 – $10.

Individual first aid items OR a kit like Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit (bar code 3 8137-008123 4)   This kit includes 170 items contained in a 6”x 9” packable and weather-proof clear plastic box.  $10 for this kit at Giant Eagle or Amazon.com is the best on-line price at $10. These will be very helpful.

Baby wipes, disinfecting/sanitizing wipes, sunscreen, skin moisturizing cream, hand sanitizer, lip balm, Kleenex.

Trash Bags, Duct Tape, 3M dust masks, Safety glasses/goggles, Blue Nitrile gloves, work gloves, rope, extension cords, LED flash lights/lanterns, back packs, stuff (duffle) bags, two way short range radios, rechargeable batteries with chargers.

Pet food for the area animal shelters would also be helpful as hundreds, or possibly more than a thousand, domestic animals and pets were recovered and placed in shelters.
Thank you SO much for your help in this effort.  To God be the glory as we say “Yes Lord” and allow Him to move through His body, the church!

This Week:

May 24- 7:00 PM Millenium Team, Presbytery Office
May 27- Office Closes at 1 PM for carpet cleaning
May 30- OFFICE CLOSED, Memorial Day Observed 

Prayers

– Joe Hopkins (honorably retired) is in Jameson Hospital with a broken hip.

Grove City College Professor Gary Smith Publishes a New Book

In addition to serving as part-time pastor in Shenango churches, Gary Smith is a highly respected historian of American Christianity.  Mark Noll, Notre Dame University world-renowned historian, writes the following about Gary’s new bookHeaven in the American Imagination (Oxford University Press): “This rich account of speculations about heaven is chock full of the sophisticated and the crass, the sublime and the ridiculous, the mystical and the maudlin.  The book reveals a great deal about eternal life as conceived by Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, Jews, and others – but perhaps even more about the American circumstances in which these conceptions have been expressed.”

News from the Churches

Secretary Wanted

Neshannock Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington is seeking a church secretary.  This is a part-time position.  Inquiries are welcome at 724-946-2081, or 330 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Wanted

Passionate, committed Christian Student Ministry Leader wanted for part-time position at Center Presbyterian Church, Grove City.  We’re looking for a youth leader who wants to make a difference for Jesus in the life of students!  The successful candidate will be a responsible and mature Christian adult with a genuine interest and demonstrated ability in working with youth of all ages.  Primary responsibility will be for a relationally-based ministry with teens.  Center Church is a dynamic, evangelical small-church located in a college town in Western PA.  Email resume and letter of interest to centerchurch@zoominternet.net c/o Pastor Bill Woodman.

Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church seeks a clergy or layperson to serve as a half-time Children’s Ministry Facilitator.  The position works closely with a ministry team of pastors, elders, members and college students to lead children (Pre-K through 4th grade) toward a stronger relationship with our Lord.  Key activities are Sunday School, weekly after-school program and vacation bible school.  Interested individuals should contact Tim Sherwood (724-946-3214 or sherwota@westminster.edu), chair of the NWPC Personnel Committee by June 4, 2011.

Contemporary Gospel Singers at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse

On May 24, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is proud to present Missa Eaton and P.J. Nespor.  If you enjoy Contemporary Gospel music, then plan to attend.  There is no cover charge and coffee & doughnuts are free.  We are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.  (Located at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Sharon.)

The Presbytery of Shenango met in a special meeting Tuesday evening, May 17, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon to vote on the amendments from the 2010 General Assembly.  The presbytery listened to presentations about the New Form of Government (NFOG) and the Belhar Confession and then proceeded to vote on each amendment.  The NFOG was not approved by the presbytery nor was the Belhar Confession.

After those votes the presbyters voted on Amendment 10A which would remove the requirements of G6.0106b from the Book of Order.  After comments on the amendment the vote was taken by a voice vote and was overwhelmingly against the amendment.  This negative vote affirms the decisions handed down by presbyteries in three prior votes against similar amendments.  Although Shenango Presbytery cast its vote to stand firmly against such a change, the necessary number of presbyteries did vote to approve the amendment, therefore it will change in the Book of Order.

The rest of the amendments 10B-10N were approved with the only one voted against being amendment 10-O.  All of the amendments B thru O were already approved by the requisite number of presbyteries and therefore will take effect on July 10, 2011.

This Week:

May 17- 6:30 PM Special Presbytery Meeting, 1st Sharon
7:30 PM Special Forum on Denominational Issues, 1st Sharon
7:30 PM Committee on Ministry, 1st Sharon
May 18- 1:00 PM Budget & Finance Committee, Presbytery Office
May 19- 12:00 PM MCS Committee, New Wilmington PC
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
May 20- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
May 23- 4:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office

Special Committee to Monitor Denominational Issues

The Special Committee will be providing forums for the discussion of a variety of developments in the Presbyterian Church (USA) that merit our prayerful and careful attention.  The committee has also received a referral of a resolution from the Bethel session.  A recommendation will be brought to the June 28 Presbytery meeting.  You are invited to meet with the Committee immediately following the Special Presbytery Meeting on May 17 (6:30 PM at First Church, Sharon) for information and to share your concerns.  Click here for further information.

Grove City College Professor Gary Smith Publishes a New Book

In addition to serving as part-time pastor in Shenango churches, Gary Smith is a highly respected historian of American Christianity.  Mark Noll, Notre Dame University world-renowned historian, writes the following about Gary’s new book Heaven in the American Imagination (Oxford University Press): “This rich account of speculations about heaven is chock full of the sophisticated and the crass, the sublime and the ridiculous, the mystical and the maudlin.  The book reveals a great deal about eternal life as conceived by Protestants, Catholics, Mormons, Jews, and others – but perhaps even more about the American circumstances in which these conceptions have been expressed.”

News from the Churches

Secretary Wanted

Neshannock Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington is seeking a church secretary.  This is a part-time position.  Inquiries are welcome at 724-946-2081, or 330 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington, PA  16142.

Contemporary Gospel Singers at Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse

On May 24, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is proud to present Missa Eaton and P.J. Nespor.  If you enjoy Contemporary Gospel music, then plan to attend.  There is no cover charge and coffee & doughnuts are free.  We are open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  A free will offering will be taken.

Help ROOT International at Grove City College

It’s that time of year when ROOT International returns to the GCC campus.  We are looking for volunteers from the churches, (youth, men & or women, groups, and individuals) that can help us sort pack and label boxes.  This will all take place during the next two weeks, May 9-27.  We will need people to help us in the morning and another group can come in the afternoon.  The big day will be when we collect on the campus, Saturday, May 16.  We are on campus from 1:00 – 6:00.  For more details, call Vicki Narlee at 724-662-4288 or Becky Vogan at 724-699-1182.  If you can come and sort and pack during the week, call and we can let you know what days that would be and times.  This all depends on what we receive and when.  Thank you for your support.

Want to learn some basic Spanish?

A group of people who recently traveled to the Dominican Republic came back with a desire to learn Spanish.  So, a class has been organized and Michelle Shaffer has agreed to teach a basic course to anyone who wants to learn conversational Spanish.  These summer classes are open to everyone and will be from 6:30 – 8:30 on Sunday evenings starting June 5th at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  Contact Bruce Curfman (curfmaneng@comcast.net) for more information or to register.  A small fee of $25 per person will be charged to cover course expense.