This Week:

January 13- 9:00 AM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
11:30 AM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
January 14- 8:30 AM LeaderFest, Westminster College and New Wilmington PC
January 16- OFFICE CLOSED, Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
9:00 AM PW CT, Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare
January 17- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC

 

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be presenting a workshop for Ruling Elders at our annual LeaderFest event (Jan 14).  He is chairing an Advisory Board meeting for World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Seminary (Jan 7), welcoming Rev. Hunter Farrell as the new WMI director.  He is leading officer training for elders and deacons at First Presbyterian Church, Oil City (Jan 28). Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.

 

Stated Clerk Updates

– TE Max Muska (Harlansburg, Rich Hill) has accepted a call to First Presbyterian Church of Manchester, Iowa.

– TE Steve Stelle, having finished his term of missionary service in Ethiopia, is now serving as Interim Pastor of Champion Presbyterian Church, Ohio, in neighboring Eastminster presbytery.

– TE Don Stanley (Jamestown) was granted Honorable Retirement by the presbytery at our November stated meeting.

– An Administrative Commission has been appointed by the presbytery, at the request of the congregation, to steward the process of closing the Kennard congregation in Mercer County.

 

2017 Standard Mileage Rates

Beginning on January 1, 2017, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car will be 53.5 cents per business mile driven.  The rate for medical or moving purposes will be 17 cents per mile driven, and the rate for the service of charitable organizations will be 14 cents per mile.  Read more on http://www.irs.gov.

 

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.  Click here for more information, a link to online registration, and to download this year’s brochure and bulletin insert.

 

It’s time for Annual Reports again!  

The GA online statistical program is located at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as they have used the past few years.  Please note the the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 22, 2017 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office. (Note: If you changed your password from what was assigned by the denomination, we will not have that new password.)  There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” page available to help with most common questions.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Resources” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2017.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 10th!

 

Arc Encounter Bus Trip

Dotty Mariner is putting together a coach bus trip to see the Ark Replica  in Williamsville, Ky. The dates are March 23-24, as an overnight trip. Cost depends on number staying in a room. A person staying as a double is $275.00 each, other prices available. Cost includes room, one lunch, one breakfast, a ticket to see the Arc and also a visit to The Creation Museum the next day. All reservations and money must be in to Dotty by February first. 724-475-4100 to contact her.

 

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is not just a course. It’s an experience. It’s a movement. 250,000 people have taken the class. Many from our Presbytery. It is now being taught in 46 countries in 7 languages and we can take it right here on the Grove City College campus.

Take a look at the Grove City Class page at www.perspectives.org. Look at the lesson descriptions and the instructor bios. (Each week a different expert.) You can even read the first lesson materials online. If you’re still not sure you want to commit to the 15 weeks, come to the orientation night Tuesday, January 17^th at 6:30 pm. Rev. Jen Haddox will share stories that show the hope of the Gospel in difficult places along with a brief orientation to the class.  Attend the first 2 classes Jan 24 and 31 and check it out before you decide. We encourage the public to come hear the first speakers, not because we want large classes, but because we are committed to sharing the experience we have found so useful.

It has changed the way we read the Bible. The emphasis is different. The stories aren’t just isolated moral teachings, they connect to one another and help us to see God’s big plan and that we each have an important part in it. The class will emphasize the importance of prayer. We will be exposed to great resources to enhance our prayer times and to help them be more God-centered and kingdom-oriented. In the history section we’ll see how God uses the good times and the bad times for His glory. The cultural section helps us to see how God loves all peoples and we can learn from one another and our differences. In the last section we’ll hear stories of how God is working in the world today and how we can use our talents and resources to be involved.

It’s guaranteed to take your mind off cold and snow and encourage you to spend more time growing your faith. Bring a group from your church or Invite a friend to come with you.

 

News From the Churches

GriefShare Program

No matter what the circumstances, grief recovery is a painful process.  A GriefShare seminar/support group is being hosted and sponsored by Calvin Church.  The program will be facilitated by Ginny Brest.  The first session is scheduled for Sunday, January 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the church parlor.  The group will meet each Sunday afternoon for 13 weeks.  Participants are encouraged to complete the 13-week program if possible.  Calvin will cover the cost of the program because we understand how deeply grief and loss hurts people and families.  This is a place where many people have found they can begin to put their lives back together again.  The program is open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to help them through the grief process.  If you, or someone you know, would benefit from this program, please contact Ginny Brest at 724-758-3838 or Calvin’s church office at 724-758-4258.

 

The Ninth Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival will be held this coming Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 3:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 600 East State Street, in Sharon.  This beautiful Epiphany celebration takes place in Medieval England, and the cast wears costumes depicting a Festival in a castle.  The music and costumes are wonderful, and the congregation is invited to sing along on several Christmas carols.  Following the Festival, there will be a “Meet and Greet the Cast” reception in Fellowship Hall.  There is no admission charge.  Bring your Advent/Christmas/Epiphany celebrations to a glorious conclusion by attending and participating in the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on Sunday.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Please continue to pray for Claire Zuhosky, mission coworker to Niger.  She has stabilized but still requires medical treatment that will most likely need to happen here in the states.  Claire’s ministry in Niger is supported by several Shenango congregations.

 

Year End Mission Giving Deadline

In order to receive credit for the calendar year ending December 31, 2016, all checks must be received or postmarked by Friday, January 6, 2017.

 

2017 Standard Mileage Rates

Beginning on January 1, 2017, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car will be 53.5 cents per business mile driven.  The rate for medical or moving purposes will be 17 cents per mile driven, and the rate for the service of charitable organizations will be 14 cents per mile.  Read more on http://www.irs.gov.

 

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest – Earlybird Ends Today!
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.  Click here for more information, a link to online registration, and to download this year’s brochure and bulletin insert.

 

It’s time for Annual Reports again!  

The GA online statistical program is located at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as they have used the past few years.  Please note the the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 22, 2017 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office. (Note: If you changed your password from what was assigned by the denomination, we will not have that new password.)  There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” page available to help with most common questions.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Resources” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2017.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 10th!

 

News From the Churches

GriefShare Program

No matter what the circumstances, grief recovery is a painful process.  A GriefShare seminar/support group is being hosted and sponsored by Calvin Church.  The program will be facilitated by Ginny Brest.  The first session is scheduled for Sunday, January 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the church parlor.  The group will meet each Sunday afternoon for 13 weeks.  Participants are encouraged to complete the 13-week program if possible.  Calvin will cover the cost of the program because we understand how deeply grief and loss hurts people and families.  This is a place where many people have found they can begin to put their lives back together again.  The program is open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to help them through the grief process.  If you, or someone you know, would benefit from this program, please contact Ginny Brest at 724-758-3838 or Calvin’s church office at 724-758-4258.

LeaderFest Earlybird Deadline Is Tuesday!

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest
Saturday, January 14, 2017
8:30 am-1:30 pm
Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church

All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.

Byron Borger, along with his wife, Beth, own and operate Hearts & Minds, an independent Christian bookstore in Dallastown, PA, which they have run for 33 years.  Before opening the bookstore, they worked in campus ministry for the Coalition for Christian Outreach in McKeesport and Pittsburgh, and he served as associate director of the Thomas Merton Center in Pittsburgh.  Byron graduated from IUP with an MA in speech pathology in 1976 and later earned a Masters in Higher Education from Geneva College. He was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Geneva College.

All relevant information, including costs, can be found in our brochure.

• Full Color Brochure
• BW Brochure
• Bulletin Insert

 

A Few Notes on Registration:

* Pay online! Individuals and Groups may now pay their registration fees online using the same form!  Individuals must use the coupon code “earlybird” to receive their discount (expires 1-3-2017).  Want to pay online for 2 regular registrations and 1 young leader?  It’s easy…just enter the numbers in the “pay online” section and click the buttons beside each choice to add multiple types of registrations to your shopping cart!

* Group discount! Churches may send as many leaders as they’d like for only $100 (but all must be registered by January 3…it will be $20 per person after that).  If you are registering a group from your church, simply upload a file (ex. Excel Spreadsheet) with a list each individual’s registration information, and mail a check to the office or select “Church Registration” to pay online before the discount deadline.  After January 3rd, simply enter the number of individuals under the “Regular Registration” option to pay for the group online.

* Young leaders! Once again, we are encouraging churches to send young leaders (ages 14-22) to LeaderFest. Cost is only $5/person and there will be a special workshop geared toward these individuals.

Click here to register online!

 

For more information, please e-mail Andrea Hall, moderator of the Christian Education committee, at andreabhall@gmail.com or contact the presbytery office at office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for Claire Zuhosky, PCUSA mission co-worker in Niger, who is very sick this week and in need of our intercessions.  She has communicated with members of our presbytery mission committee.  Claire’s ministry in Niger is supported by several Shenango congregations.

Note: The Presbytery Office will be closed from December 23-January 2 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  Have a blessed holiday season!

 

Year End Mission Giving Deadline

In order to receive credit for the calendar year ending December 31, 2016, all checks must be received or postmarked by Friday, January 6, 2017.

 

2017 Standard Mileage Rates

Beginning on January 1, 2017, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car will be 53.5 cents per business mile driven.  The rate for medical or moving purposes will be 17 cents per mile driven, and the rate for the service of charitable organizations will be 14 cents per mile.  Read more on http://www.irs.gov.

 

Stated Clerk Updates

– TE Joe Tagliaferre (Ebenezer) resigned earlier this year from a part-time director position with camps Westminster Highlands and Lambec.  The camping program is in a period of assessment about the future viability of the two properties.

– TE Don Stanley (Jamestown) was granted Honorable Retirement by the presbytery at our November stated meeting.

– TE Brad Walters has been received into our presbytery, transferring from Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Brad is a pastoral counselor and psychotherapist who is now practicing out of the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute office at our Northminster church in New Castle.

– A three-person Administrative Commission has been formed by the presbytery, at the request of the congregation, to steward the process of closing the Kennard congregation in Mercer County.=

 

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.  Click here for more information, a link to online registration, and to download this year’s brochure and bulletin insert.

 

Young Leaders @ LeaderFest

Churches are encouraged to send high school students and young adults to LeaderFest again this year.  Their registration fee is only $5 per person (or include them in your church group fee of $100).  There is a special workshop in each time slot specifically geared toward young leaders (marked with YL in the brochure) led by Mike Haddox, who was the Morning Meeting speaker at the 2015 New Wilmington Mission Conference.  Use the link in the above ad to register your Young Leaders today!

 

South Sudan Christmas Challenge

The Presbytery Mission Team challenges individuals to give 5% of money spent on Christmas (gifts, food, decorations) to help starving and persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in South Sudan.  100% of the money will go directly to our partner churches who are distributing the food and aid – no overhead, no administrative costs.  Checks can be made payable to: The Presbytery of Shenango, 4197 New Castle Road, Pulaski, PA  16143.  Please list “South Sudan Christmas Project” in the memo.  You can also donate by credit card by clicking the “Donate” button at the bottom of this page.

 

It’s time for Annual Reports again!  

The GA online statistical program is located at http://oga.pcusa.org/stats.  Clerks will use the same “user name” and “password” as they have used the past few years.  Please note the the password should contain an “!” and is case-sensitive.  The deadline for entering your statistical information is February 22, 2017 at midnight.    If you have forgotten your user name and password, please call or email the Presbytery office. (Note: If you changed your password from what was assigned by the denomination, we will not have that new password.)  There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” page available to help with most common questions.

Presbytery annual reports are available on the “Resources” page of the Presbytery website.  They are downloadable as WORD and EXCEL files and the completed forms can either be mailed to the office or emailed to Autumn at office@shenango.org.  The deadline for completing these forms is January 31, 2017.  Several churches have not been able to complete their reports by the January deadline in the past, please note that in order for your deceased elders to be included in the special service at the February presbytery meeting, your Necrology form MUST be received at the office by February 10th!

 

News From the Churches

Knox and Christ Churches Spend Year Harmonizing Traditions, Congregations

Read the recent article from the Ellwood City Ledger about the congregations.

 

Discovering Jesus in the Sharing of Food

Read the recent Sharon Herald article by Rev. Adam Rodgers (Stoneboro) about his yearly tradition distributing Thanksgiving food baskets.

This Week:

December 15- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office

Note: The Presbytery Office will be closed from December 23-January 2 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

 

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, preached at Trinity church in Mercer on December 11.  Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.
Year End Mission Giving Deadline

In order to receive credit for the calendar year ending December 31, 2016, all checks must be received or postmarked by Friday, January 6, 2017.

 

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.  Click here for more information, a link to online registration, and to download this year’s brochure and bulletin insert.

 

Young Leaders @ LeaderFest

Churches are encouraged to send high school students and young adults to LeaderFest again this year.  Their registration fee is only $5 per person (or include them in your church group fee of $100).  There is a special workshop in each time slot specifically geared toward young leaders (marked with YL in the brochure) led by Mike Haddox, who was the Morning Meeting speaker at the 2015 New Wilmington Mission Conference.

 

South Sudan Christmas Challenge

The Presbytery Mission Team challenges individuals to give 5% of money spent on Christmas (gifts, food, decorations) to help starving and persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in South Sudan.  100% of the money will go directly to our partner churches who are distributing the food and aid – no overhead, no administrative costs.  Checks can be made payable to: The Presbytery of Shenango, 4197 New Castle Road, Pulaski, PA  16143.  Please list “South Sudan Christmas Project” in the memo.  You can also donate by credit card by clicking the “Donate” button at the bottom of this page.

 

News From the Churches

Benefit Concert

First Presbyterian Church, Sharon will host singer Dan Byerly on Monday, December 19^that 7:00 PM in a concert of American Songs & Christmas Classics to benefit Kyle Lindey, a 2004 graduate of Hickory High School who has been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica.  Admission is FREE.  Donations are encouraged and are tax deductible.

 

This Week:

December 7- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

 

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at Trinity church in Mercer on December 11.  Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.

 
Stated Clerk Updates

– TE Don Stanley (Jamestown) was granted Honorable Retirement by the presbytery at our November stated meeting.

– TE Brad Walters has been received into our presbytery, transferring from Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Brad is a pastoral counselor and psychotherapist who is now practicing out of the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute office at our Northminster church in New Castle.

– A three-person Administrative Commission has been formed by the presbytery, at the request of the congregation, to steward the process of closing the Kennard congregation in Mercer County.

(TE = Teaching Elder; RE = Ruling Elder; CRE = Commissioned Ruling Elder; MAL = Member at Large; HR = Honorably Retired)

 

Year End Mission Giving Deadline

In order to receive credit for the calendar year ending December 31, 2016, all checks must be received or postmarked by Friday, January 6, 2017.

 

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.  Click here for more information, a link to online registration, and to download this year’s brochure.

 

News From the Churches

FREE Christmas Concert

Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church is hosting The Circle of Friends Choirs for a free Christmas concert on Friday, December 9 at 7:30 PM. The concert will benefit the Lawrence County Backpacking Program through a free will offering.  This program provides a backpack full of nutritious and non-perishable food for over 490 Lawrence County school children to take home each weekend.  For some children, this will be the only food they will have to eat until they return to school.  A Circle of Friends Choirs brings together over 50 singers and musicians of all denominations who share their faith in God with others through Christian and secular music.   The 90 minute concert will feature traditional Christmas and secular holiday music.  Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church is located at 220 Clen-Moore Blvd, New Castle.  More information is available atwww.clenmoore.org or 724-654-6657.

 

Benefit Concert

First Presbyterian Church, Sharon will host singer Dan Byerly on Monday, December 19^th at 7:00 PM in a concert of American Songs & Christmas Classics to benefit Kyle Lindey, a 2004 graduate of Hickory High School who has been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica.  Admission is FREE.  Donations are encouraged and are tax deductible.

 

This Week:

December 7- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office

 

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching at Trinity church in Mercer on December 11.  Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.

 
Stated Clerk Updates

– TE Don Stanley (Jamestown) was granted Honorable Retirement by the presbytery at our November stated meeting.

– TE Brad Walters has been received into our presbytery, transferring from Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Brad is a pastoral counselor and psychotherapist who is now practicing out of the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute office at our Northminster church in New Castle.

– A three-person Administrative Commission has been formed by the presbytery, at the request of the congregation, to steward the process of closing the Kennard congregation in Mercer County.

(TE = Teaching Elder; RE = Ruling Elder; CRE = Commissioned Ruling Elder; MAL = Member at Large; HR = Honorably Retired)

 

Year End Mission Giving Deadline

In order to receive credit for the calendar year ending December 31, 2016, all checks must be received or postmarked by Friday, January 6, 2017.

 

Shenango Presbytery’s Annual LeaderFest
Saturday, January 14, 2017, 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Westminster College and New Wilmington Presbyterian Church.  All leaders in the church are welcome to join us as we hear keynoter Byron Borger speak to us about “Seeking the Peace of the City (or Small Town): Living in Hope with God’s Heart for Western Pennsylvania”.  Click here for more information, a link to online registration, and to download this year’s brochure.

 

News From the Churches

FREE Christmas Concert

Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church is hosting The Circle of Friends Choirs for a free Christmas concert on Friday, December 9 at 7:30 PM. The concert will benefit the Lawrence County Backpacking Program through a free will offering.  This program provides a backpack full of nutritious and non-perishable food for over 490 Lawrence County school children to take home each weekend.  For some children, this will be the only food they will have to eat until they return to school.  A Circle of Friends Choirs brings together over 50 singers and musicians of all denominations who share their faith in God with others through Christian and secular music.   The 90 minute concert will feature traditional Christmas and secular holiday music.  Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church is located at 220 Clen-Moore Blvd, New Castle.  More information is available atwww.clenmoore.org or 724-654-6657.

 

Benefit Concert

First Presbyterian Church, Sharon will host singer Dan Byerly on Monday, December 19^th at 7:00 PM in a concert of American Songs & Christmas Classics to benefit Kyle Lindey, a 2004 graduate of Hickory High School who has been diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica.  Admission is FREE.  Donations are encouraged and are tax deductible.