This Week:

March 8- 1:30 PM Nile Valley Missionaries Support Team, Presbytery Office
March 9- 10:00 AM Bills & Overtures Committee, Tower Church
March 10- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
March 14- 4:30 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
March 15– 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

The Bills & Overtures Committee welcomes anyone who wants to be part of their discussion to attend the meeting tomorrow morning ( Wednesday) at 10 AM at Tower Church in Grove City.

Seminar at PTS

Howard Gray, S.J., Special Assistant to the President, Georgetown University, will address the topic: Communal Discernment: A Marriage of Freedom and Patience on March 18th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  Advanced registration before March 15th is $15 per person or $25 for two persons.  You can register online athttp://www.pts.edu/Pneuma_News.

Classes Offered for Commissioned Lay Pastor Candidates

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be offering the Commissioned Lay Pastor training beginning in September.  It is a combination of weekend retreats and online training.  Visit our News page for more information and an application.

Recent Letters from Debbie Blane and Jacob & Aliamma George

Letters have been received from Debbie from Ethiopia and the Georges in Malakal, Sudan.  Copies have been sent to supporting churches.  Click here for copies.

Tax Guide for Ministers

The Tax Guide for Ministers for 2010 Returns is now available in the “Tax Resource Center” on http:/www.pensions.org.  It will also be mailed to active and retired ministers in mid-March.  This year’s guide was delayed because of the late arrival of clarifications from the federal government for the tax changes that impact your 2010 tax returns.

ACMC Conference

Is it time to rethink your church mission vision?  Looking for ways to better support missionaries or improve short-term trips?  Need help?  Bring the Mission Committee or send a representative to the ACMC Conference (Advancing Churches in Mission Commitment) at the Pittsburgh Seminary hosted by WMI.  Select a pre-conference speaker on Friday, March 25 and/or workshops and keynote speakers Saturday, March 26.  Late fee date is March 7th.  If five attend from your church or organization, take 25% OFF the conference fee.  Check out the website for more information: http://www.acmc.org/conferences.

NWMC 2011

Planning your summer vacation?  New Wilmington Mission Conference will be July 23-30, 2011.  Consider spending a week learning about what God is doing in the world, hearing great speakers, worshiping every day, participating in service projects and enjoying all the facilities (no meals to cook!).  There are special activities for children, youth and adults of all ages.  Stay close to home this year and experience a vacation with a purpose.  Don’t miss the New Wilmington Mission Conference.  Visit http://www.NWMCmission.org for more information.

News from the Churches

Save The Date!!!

“It’s About Time” will be presented by the Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex on April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2011.  Dinner at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are available on or after February 28 (Adults $16, Children $8, Show only $8).  Call the church for more information, 724-931-5389.

Organ Wanted

Word Centered Fellowship is looking for a Hammond B3 Organ with Leslie speakers.  If you have one to give away or sell, please contact the church at 330-448-4060.

Ham Loaf Dinner

North Liberty Presbyterian Church will be holding a Ham Loaf Dinner on Saturday, March 19 from 4 PM to 7 PM.  Eat-in or Carry-Out.  $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 10 and under.  Dinner features Gahr Ham Loaf, Baked Potato, choice of Green Beans or Corn, Applesauce or Cole Slaw, Roll, Beverage and Cake.  Reservations can be made by leaving a message at the church at 724-794-4383.  Proceeds benefit the North Liberty in Action Mission Fund.

Spaghetti Dinner

Shenango Presbyterian Church will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 26th from 4-7 PM.  Come and mangia and enjoy!  Adults $7, Seniors-60 $6, 10 and under $5, 3-under Free.  Tickets and take-0uts available.  Call or email your reservation today!  724-654-2322.  Proceeds benefit the general fund and missions.

Wanted

New Wilmington Presbyterian Church seeks a clergy or layperson to serve as a half-time Adult Discipleship Facilitator.  The position is part of a ministry team of pastors and elders that encourages stronger relationships with our Lord through deeper scripture engagement and wider opportunities for service.  Interested individuals should contact Tim Sherwood (724-946-3214 or sherwota@westminster.edu), chair of the NWPC Personnel Committee, by March 11, 2011.

This Week:

March 8- 1:30 PM Nile Valley Missionaries Support Team, Presbytery Office

Reversing the Decline Workshop II – The Sequel

Forty-three folks representing fifteen of the congregations of Shenango Presbytery gathered in the fellowship hall of East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City to continue the evangelism and church growth conversation begun at the original Reversing the Decline Workshop with Rev. Dr. Scott Sunquist in November.  Scott had laid that church growth is the responsibility of every church member and that Christ’s assignment to “make disciples is for every Christian”.  Your Evangelism Committee will be reviewing the feedback forms and planning another gathering in about three months.  We hope to see you there!

Seminar at PTS

Howard Gray, S.J., Special Assistant to the President, Georgetown University, will address the topic: Communal Discernment: A Marriage of Freedom and Patience on March 18th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  Advanced registration before March 15th is $15 per person or $25 for two persons.  You can register online at http://www.pts.edu/Pneuma_News.

ACMC Conference

Is it time to rethink your church mission vision?  Looking for ways to better support missionaries or improve short-term trips?  Need help?  Bring the Mission Committee or send a representative to the ACMC Conference (Advancing Churches in Mission Commitment) at the Pittsburgh Seminary hosted by WMI.  Select a pre-conference speaker on Friday, March 25 and/or workshops and keynote speakers Saturday, March 26.  Late fee date is March 7th.  If five attend from your church or organization, take 25% OFF the conference fee.  Check out the website for more information: http://www.acmc.org/conferences.

NWMC 2011

Planning your summer vacation?  New Wilmington Mission Conference will be July 23-30, 2011.  Consider spending a week learning about what God is doing in the world, hearing great speakers, worshiping every day, participating in service projects and enjoying all the facilities (no meals to cook!).  There are special activities for children, youth and adults of all ages.  Stay close to home this year and experience a vacation with a purpose.  Don’t miss the New Wilmington Mission Conference.  Visit http://www.NWMCmission.org for more information.

News from the Churches

Indoor Yard Sale

The Presbyterian Women’s group of Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Rt. 318, will hold an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 8 AM to 3 PM.  Hot dogs, coffee, and pie (by the piece and whole) will be available.  Proceeds will support missions.

Stationary Bike Wanted

Terry Greenlee (member at large) is looking for a stationary bike to help with his Parkinson’s therapy.  If you can help, please call 724-992-8465.

Save The Date!!!

“It’s About Time” will be presented by the Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex on April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2011.  Dinner at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are available on or after February 28 (Adults $16, Children $8, Show only $8).  Call the church for more information, 724-931-5389.

Organ Wanted

Word Centered Fellowship is looking for a Hammond B3 Organ with Leslie speakers.  If you have one to give away or sell, please contact the church at 330-448-4060.

Cana’s Corner Presents Dave Buchanan, Praise and Worship Musician

On March 8th from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is proud to present Dave Buchanan, local gospel artist, in concert.  He will be singing a variety of songs that will inspire your soul and make you want to sing along with some familiar tunes as well.  Opening for Dave will be “Straight from the Heart”.  Come and enjoy a time of fellowship with friends while enjoying refreshments and listening to good music for the evening.  The Coffeehouse is open the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  There is no cover charge and refreshments are free, however a free will offering will be taken.

The Presbytery Office will be closed today due to local weather and road conditions.

This Week:

February 23- 9:00 AM PMC Continuing Covenant Pastors, Presbytery Office
February 26- 8:30 AM Reversing the Decline Evangelism Event, East Main

Reversing the Decline Workshop II – “The Sequel”

The Evangelism Committee of Shenango Presbytery will be sponsoring this follow-up to their successful November workshop on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 9-11 AM at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.

It will include worship, a brief keynote address by Executive Presbyter David Dawson based on his experience at the centennial observance of the watershed 1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference; a time to check in on what commitments we each made at the first workshop and how we are doing them (provision will be made for first time attenders); small group discussion of the keynote and development of a basic plan for next steps in “making disciples”.

Download the registration information here, or on the Presbytery website, http://www.shenango.org.

Christy Lecture This Sunday at WC

The annual Wayne Christy Lecture will be held this Sunday, February 27th at 7:00 PM in Wallace Memorial Chapel on the Westminster College Campus.  The featured speaker will be John Kolb, former Pittsburgh Steeler.

Paid and Volunteer Workers Needed at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) is now accepting applications for both paid and volunteer work at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands to assist with our summer 2011 programs of outdoor ministry.  Applications for both paid staff and volunteers, as well as job descriptions for the positions they are seeking, can be found on the CAPNWP website at http://www.capnwp.org or can be obtained by calling the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

“Spring Cleaning” Work Dates at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) announces the dates for its 2011 Spring Volunteer Work Days at our campsites.  Those interested in assisting with “spring cleaning”, both indoors and out, can do so at Westminster Highlands, near Emlenton on Saturday, May 7 and at Camp Lambec, west of Erie, PA on Saturday, May 21.

On the work days, volunteers can arrive at camp anytime after 9 AM and stay through the afternoon or just a few hours; whatever time they spend will be appreciated.  Upon arrival at either site, check in with the site/facilities manager and choose your job(s) for the day from a list of “chores” that need to be done ranging from cleaning cabins, washing windows, clearing the beach and/or trails of winter’s debris, cutting and stacking firewood, etc.  If you have questions, need directions to the camps or just want more information, call the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058.

News from the Churches

Indoor Yard Sale

The Presbyterian Women’s group of Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Rt. 318, will hold an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 8 AM to 3 PM.  Hot dogs, coffee, and pie (by the piece and whole) will be available.  Proceeds will support missions.

Inactive Member Letters

Those Clerks of Session that attended LeaderFest and are looking for the sample letters for inactive members, please email Jeff Black, Clerk of North Liberty’s Session for those samples.  jeffreypblack@yahoo.com.

Stationary Bike Wanted

Terry Greenlee (member at large) is looking for a stationary bike to help with his Parkinson’s therapy.  If you can help, please call 724-992-8465.

Save The Date!!!

“It’s About Time” will be presented by the Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex on April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2011.  Dinner at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are available on or after February 28 (Adults $16, Children $8, Show only $8).  Call the church for more information, 724-931-5389.

This Week:

February 15- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
February 16- 7:00 PM Millenium Team, Presbytery Office
February 17- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
February 18- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
February 22- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Westminster College

GA Statistics Deadline Next Wednesday

The deadline for entering your GA Annual report is Wednesday, February 23rd.  The closer you get to that deadline, the slower the system will be and the longer it will take to complete your report.

Presbytery forms were due January 31st…please send in your information ASAP.  This is especially important for the necrology report, as those names have to be compiled into a report to be read at the February Presbytery meeting (please send by this Thursday,  February 17th).  Also of great importance is the Elder Report, especially if you have a new Clerk of Session.

Retired Ministers

Please note that Rev. Ernesto Badillo from the Board of Pensions will be speaking at the February 22 Presbytery meeting, which will be held at Westminster College.  Please come and meet him and visit over the pie break.  The Board of Pensions provides good support for retirees.

Reversing the Decline Workshop II – “The Sequel”

The Evangelism Committee of Shenango Presbytery will be sponsoring this follow-up to their successful November workshop on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 9-11 AM at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.

It will include worship, a brief keynote address by Executive Presbyter David Dawson based on his experience at the centennial observance of the watershed 1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference; a time to check in on what commitments we each made at the first workshop and how we are doing them (provision will be made for first time attenders); small group discussion of the keynote and development of a basic plan for next steps in “making disciples”.

Download the registration information here, or on the Presbytery website,http://www.shenango.org.

Paid and Volunteer Workers Needed at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) is now accepting applications for both paid and volunteer work at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands to assist with our summer 2011 programs of outdoor ministry.  Applications for both paid staff and volunteers, as well as job descriptions for the positions they are seeking, can be found on the CAPNWP website at http://www.capnwp.org or can be obtained by calling the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

“Spring Cleaning” Work Dates at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) announces the dates for its 2011 Spring Volunteer Work Days at our campsites.  Those interested in assisting with “spring cleaning”, both indoors and out, can do so at Westminster Highlands, near Emlenton on Saturday, May 7 and at Camp Lambec, west of Erie, PA on Saturday, May 21.

On the work days, volunteers can arrive at camp anytime after 9 AM and stay through the afternoon or just a few hours; whatever time they spend will be appreciated.  Upon arrival at either site, check in with the site/facilities manager and choose your job(s) for the day from a list of “chores” that need to be done ranging from cleaning cabins, washing windows, clearing the beach and/or trails of winter’s debris, cutting and stacking firewood, etc.  If you have questions, need directions to the camps or just want more information, call the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058.

News from the Churches

Indoor Yard Sale

The Presbyterian Women’s group of Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Rt. 318, will hold an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 8 AM to 3 PM.  Hot dogs, coffee, and pie (by the piece and whole) will be available.  Proceeds will support missions.

Inactive Member Letters

Those Clerks of Session that attended LeaderFest and are looking for the sample letters for inactive members, please email Jeff Black, Clerk of North Liberty’s Session for those samples.  jeffreypblack@yahoo.com.

Stationary Bike Wanted

Terry Greenlee (member at large) is looking for a stationary bike to help with his Parkinson’s therapy.  If you can help, please call 724-992-8465.

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Westminster College in New Wilmington.

Highlights of the meeting include:

– Ernesto Badillo will be speaking from the Board of Pensions

– Update on the election in the Sudan

– Adam Soliz will be visiting from the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca in New Mexico.

Get the docket online at: http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm

We will be meeting in the Witherspoon Rooms of the McKelvey Campus Center (where the LeaderFest luncheon is held).  Get directions and a map online at http://www.westminster.edu.

Reversing the Decline Workshop II – “The Sequel”

The Evangelism Committee of Shenango Presbytery will be sponsoring this follow-up to their successful November workshop on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 9-11 AM at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.

It will include worship, a brief keynote address by Executive Presbyter David Dawson based on his experience at the centennial observance of the watershed 1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference; a time to check in on what commitments we each made at the first workshop and how we are doing them (provision will be made for first time attenders); small group discussion of the keynote and development of a basic plan for next steps in “making disciples”.

Download the registration information here, or on the Presbytery website, http://www.shenango.org.

News from the Office

This Week:

February 10– 1:00 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington
1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
February 11- 9:00 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office
February 14- 4:30 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
February 15- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

GA Statistics Deadline Coming Soon

The deadline for entering your GA Annual report is Wednesday, February 23rd.  The closer you get to that deadline, the slower the system will be and the longer it will take to complete your report.

Presbytery forms were due last Monday…please send in your information ASAP.  This is especially important for the necrology report, as those names have to be compiled into a report to be read at the February Presbytery meeting (please send by February 17th).  Also of great importance is the Elder Report, especially if you have a new Clerk of Session.

Did You Miss the Tax Tips Webinar?

Visit the Tax Resource Center on http://www.pensions.org for access to the recorded webinar.  The replay is available in two formats: an audiovisual presentation and an audio-only MP3 file.  Included in this webinar are recent tax law changes that affect ministers and churches, expenses that are deductible and those that are not, and common clergy housing allowance issues.  Also available in mid-February is the Tax Guide for Minister & Churches, which includes end-of-2010 tax code changes.

Paid and Volunteer Workers Needed at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) is now accepting applications for both paid and volunteer work at Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands to assist with our summer 2011 programs of outdoor ministry.  Applications for both paid staff and volunteers, as well as job descriptions for the positions they are seeking, can be found on the CAPNWP website at http://www.capnwp.org or can be obtained by calling the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

“Spring Cleaning” Work Dates at Camps

The Camping Association of the Presbyteries of Northwestern Pennsylvania (CAPNWP) announces the dates for its 2011 Spring Volunteer Work Days at our campsites.  Those interested in assisting with “spring cleaning”, both indoors and out, can do so at Westminster Highlands, near Emlenton on Saturday, May 7 and at Camp Lambec, west of Erie, PA on Saturday, May 21.

On the work days, volunteers can arrive at camp anytime after 9 AM and stay through the afternoon or just a few hours; whatever time they spend will be appreciated.  Upon arrival at either site, check in with the site/facilities manager and choose your job(s) for the day from a list of “chores” that need to be done ranging from cleaning cabins, washing windows, clearing the beach and/or trails of winter’s debris, cutting and stacking firewood, etc.  If you have questions, need directions to the camps or just want more information, call the central Camping Office at 724-738-0058.

News from the Churches

Winter Weekend for Youth Groups

Looking for a way to end the winter blues, join us at Seneca Hills for this year’s Winter Weekend “Faithbook”.  The weekend features speaker Jeremy Coyer along with faith building workshops, games and fellowship.  If you have not been to Winter Weekend with your youth group, check out our Facebook page to see what you are missing.  It is a great opportunity to build relationships and enjoy fellowship between our teenagers.  If you have any questions, please contact Jason Schepp at 724-866-9213 or jason_schepp@hotmail.com.  The retreat is for students grades 7-12 and is held February 25-27.  The cost per students is $85.  For forms and more information, visit http://www.cemidatlantic.org/west-pa/2011_Winter_Weekend.html or on Facebook at “Winter Weekend”.

Help North Liberty Celebrate Jerry Mahaffey’s Ministry

As many of you know, Jerry has announced his retirement after 38 years and 8 months of ministry at North Liberty, effective February 28, 2011.  North Liberty is planning a celebration dinner for Saturday, February 26 at 5 PM at the Legacy, Rt. 58, Grove City.  ($15 adults, $7 children, under age 2 are FREE).  They are also compiling a scrapbook of memories for the Mahaffeys, and you are invited to contribute a page, card, or photo.  You can drop your contribution off at the Presbytery Office by February 14th.  For more information on the celebration, please see the full letter on the Presbytery’s News page.

A Legal Defense Fund

is being set up for Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Castle.  One of their buildings was suddenly and without explanation assessed and taxed during 2010.  They appealed and were turned down, and now have to employ a lawyer and go to the Court of Common Pleas.  Apparently any church with a separate Fellowship building could be vulnerable.  Interested parties and persons are invited to donate to Neshannock’s “Defense Fund”.  The parameters are that all funds will be exclusively used for legal fees, and any funds over their expenses will be returned to the Presbytery’s General Missions.  Donations can be mailed to the church at 154 Fairground Road, New Castle, PA  16101.

FREE! Looking for a good home for some special books

(1) full set of the Biblical Illustrator, 23 volumes, the most complete commentary of the Bible from hundreds of the greatest scholars (about $150 on Amazon).  (2) 8 Volumes of Kittel’s Theo. Dict. of the NT ALSO FREE (cost over $500 on Amazon), other assorted theo. books available as well.  Call and make arrangements: 724-714-1854.

Free to a Good Home

Third Presbyterian Church has a heavy duty rolling grand piano dolly for any church needing one.  The dolly is adjustable for any size grand piano.   Remember…first come first served…and the best part is that its FREE.  Call Third Presbyterian Church at 724-658-6683 for information.

Cana’s Corner Presents Terry Leonard in Concert

On February 8, 2011 from 7-9 PM Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse (Bethlehem Presbyterian Church) is proud to present Terry Leonard, local Christian pop/folk singer, in concert.  Opening for Terry will be “Straight from the Heart”.

Annual Reports to Presbytery were due last Monday…we’ve only received reports from less than half of our churches.  While it is important to submit all of the forms, there are two that are of immediate importance:

• The Necrology report…if your church has any elder deaths to report, we need to know before next Thursday, February 17th in order to list them in the power point presentation during worship at the February Presbytery meeting.
• The Elder Report…this is especially important if your clerk of session has changed – we don’t want to send important mail to the wrong person (or in some cases to a person who is no longer part of your congregation).

If you have any questions, please contact Autumn at the Presbytery Office office@shenango.org or 724-528-1610.

Conference at PTS

An Advancing Churches in Mission Commitment (ACMC) conference is being hosted by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary  Saturday, March 26, 2011.  Twenty-five workshops will be offered on topics including developing a mission vision, engaging the next generation in mission, short term mission trips, caring for missionaries, business as mission and unconventional prayer.  Steve Moore head of  Mission Exchange will be one of the plenary speakers.

A Pre-Conference will be offered Friday evening.  Participants may select:  Business As Mission with Mike Baer-Jholdas, Developing a Mission Strategy That Fits Your Church with David Mays, Reaching Muslims For Christ with Brother Christoph or Nation Changing Prayer For Missions by Mark Geppert.

Everyone is invited- -Mission Committees, pastors, church leaders and other interested laypersons.  See the brochure at http://www.acmc.org/Portals/0/ACMCMotivityPitt_final.pdf .   Special discounts for students or a group of 5 from the same church. Early bird fee if register by March 7.