Reversing the Decline…Can Our Church Grow?

 

For more than 40 years the membership in the Presbyterian Church (USA) has been in decline.  The same is true in Shenango Presbytery for almost every church.  Only the following have grown since 1972,  (Ebenezer 131/142;  Bethel 296/347; Faith 281/309) although membership numbers compared to attendance were definitely inflated in 1972.  Comparing attendance numbers would be more revealing.  See http://christiancentury.org/article/2010-09/no-shows

 

There are several reasons why churches grow or don’t grow in membership.  Two of them are:

 

1. Having babies who grow up and stay in the church.  That explains much of our decline.
2. Evangelizing unbelievers followed by their conversion by the Holy Spirit

 

We don’t have much control over the first one anymore.  We’re too old and even if we do a good job of nurturing our children in the faith, many of them move away for better vocational and economic opportunities because Presbyterian kids are educated to a higher level than the almost every other group.

 

We don’t do well on the second one because (I fear) we do not really believe that it is important to introduce people to Jesus and invite them to become his followers.  That is a hard thing to say but I believe that’s why more than 90% of the world’s Christians were in Europe and the Americas a hundred years ago and now 2/3 of the world’s Christians are in Asia, Africa and Latin America.  The birth rates are higher there, but that does not fully explain their dramatic growth in the past century.  Evangelization is actually much harder in many of those places.

 

Many more Christians in those countries believe deeply that people need Jesus…and they live as his evangelists.  There is a sign on the edge of Ellwood City that says, “You will either be a missionary or a mission field.”  That’s true!  The dramatic changes in worldwide Christian numbers confirms it.

 

The Evangelism Committee is offering you an opportunity to reflect on these matters at an event with Dr. Scott Sunquist on November 6 at East Main Church.  It is called “Reversing the Decline.”  There is no guarantee that this will happen in your church, but business as usual will guarantee continued decline.  I encourage you to come join the conversation.

 

Remember, this is not about the survival of your congregation.  It is about, “Go therefore and make disciples…”

 

David Dawson

Presbytery Executive

 

News from the Presbytery Office

This Week:

October 14- 12:00 PM MCS, New Wilmington PC
1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
2:00 PM COM sub-group (Interview), Presbytery Office

October 19 – 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

Prayers

Teresa Kendall’s mother died at 12:45 AM Tuesday, October 12^th under care of hospice at home with her husband and Teresa present.  The memorial service will be the weekend of the 25^th in Oregon.

 

Meeting Date Change

The Council Meeting originally scheduled for October 26^th has been changed to Tuesday, November 9^th.  It will take place at 9:30 AM at Shenango Presbyterian Church in New Castle.

GA Discussion

Thirty members from our churches and four pastors were present at Leesburg for the discussion this past Sunday evening.

 

Need a Coach?

Pastors, if you are going through some kind of transition in your church or even if you just want to step back and reflect on your leadership, you have an excellent resource available in our Synod Executive, Bruce Stevens.  Bruce spent a number of years as a pastor, redeveloping three churches.  He also has extensive experience as a presbytery and synod executive.  He is presently in a training program for coaching certification and needs to accumulate some hours coaching…which makes this free to the pastor!  Please be in touch with Dave Dawson for more information or directly with BruceBStevens@syntrinity.org (717)364-8879.

Shenango Presbytery Fall Mission Bus Trip

Thanks to Tom Kaufman and Robbie Arnold for arranging the annual (not every year, but it began c. 1970) trip to Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA.  http://www.massanettasprings.org.  The group of eleven did light maintenance, repair and painting from September 26 – October 1.

Evolution Today: The New Challenge to Christian Faith…a series on Theology and Science / A Broadcast Program

Ronald S. Cole-Turner, H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology and Ethics, PTS The theory of evolution presents Christianity with its most profound challenge ever, going right to the heart of what we believe about Scripture, God, human nature, and the meaning of salvation. The challenge is even more difficult because the theory of evolution itself keeps evolving, raising new insights and new questions. This course will sort through the main claims of evolution from Darwin to today and ask how Christians can affirm a rich faith while living in an age of evolutionary biology. / Wednesday evenings, Oct. 20, 27, and Nov. 3, 2010 / 7:00-8:30 p.m. / $35 / 0.5 CEUs at Westminster College, Old Main 213.

Is God Calling You to Mission Work?

All kinds of Christians are being called to all kinds of mission work.  Maybe the Holy Spirit is prodding you.  One place to listen more closely to God is at the event at Pittsburgh Seminary.  Click here for more details.

News from the Churches

Part-Time Choir Director

Bethany Presbyterian in Mercer is searching for a part-time choir director.  This will involve approximately 20-30 hours per month paid at an hourly rate commensurate with experience.  Primary responsibilities will be to direct Bethany’s adult choir, selecting and acquiring music, working with pastor and worship leader/music coordinator in scheduling choir performances.  Those interested should submit a letter of interest and resume to Bethany Presbyterian Church’s Personnel Committee by October 20^th.  The church’s address is 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.  Inquiries about the position can be made to Bethany’s Senior Pastor, Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295).

Ministry Assistant Wanted

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a full time opening for a Ministry Assistant.  The Ministry Assistant, alongside the pastor, will be responsible for leadership development among our community of faith, creating visions and helping ministry teams carry them out; providing ministry support and guidance where needed as our teams engage our community of faith and the broader community with the love, witness, and action of Jesus Christ.  A Bachelor’s or other equal degree is preferred but experience in ministry will also be considered.  For a full position description please stop by the church office or email: revjwh@yahoo.com and give our name, address, email and phone and a copy of the position will be sent to you.

Wanted

First Church, Sharon, is interested in purchasing or borrowing the 5^th octave of handbells (C3 through F#3; and G#7 through C8).  If your church has the 5^thoctave of handbells and you are not currently using them, would you be willing to sell the 5^th octave to First Church, or let First Church borrow those bells?  If so, please contact Rev. Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 x.5.

 

219th General Assembly Conversations

What happened at GA?  Come to Leesburg Church on Sunday, October 10th at 7 PM to discuss and respond.  Open to pastors, elders, members.  Leesburg Presbyterian Church is located at 1831 Perry Highway (Rt. 19), Volant, PA  16156-1521.  (724) 748-4670.

Prayers

Bob McCreight’s (former Interim at West Middlesex) mother passed away Wednesday morning in South Carolina.  She had the rare distinction of being the wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, and mother of Presbyterian ministers.

News from the Presbytery Office

david bailey

A memorial service for david bailey will be held in Charlottesville, VA at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 19.  Plans are developing to remember david during the New Wilmington Mission Conference next July.

Need a Coach?

Pastors, if you are going through some kind of transition in your church or even if you just want to step back and reflect on your leadership, you have an excellent resource available in our Synod Executive, Bruce Stevens.  Bruce spent a number of years as a pastor, redeveloping three churches.  He also has extensive experience as a presbytery and synod executive.  He is presently in a training program for coaching certification and needs to accumulate some hours coaching…which makes this free to the pastor!  Please be in touch with Dave Dawson for more information or directly with Bruce BStevens@syntrinity.org (717)364-8879.

Pastors Retreat

40 pastors (supported by 3 elders from the Leadership Development Team) enjoyed a wonderful retreat at Villa Maria on Monday and Tuesday.  Paul Detterman (Executive Director of Presbyterians for Renewal) led our time on the topic of worship.  The next retreat is with Ken Bailey on May 9-10.

Celebrate Sudan 2010

More than 100 folks gathered at East Main Church this past Sunday (World Communion) evening to celebrate our vital relationship with the church in the Sudan.  The special choir was led by Jane Bartholomew and gifts and pledges were received for over $10,000.00 (a final report will be given later).  This offering will be used for the Salama Church building and Nile Theological College.

…A special  thank you to all who helped with music for the event…those who sang in the choir…those who were instrumentalists…and to Chris Lewis for setting up sound.

Is God Calling You to Mission Work?

All kinds of Christians are being called to all kinds of mission work.  Maybe the Holy Spirit is prodding you.  One place to listen more closely to God is at the event at Pittsburgh Seminary.  Click here for more details.

News from the Churches

Roundtable with Dominican Republic Partners

Rev. Miguel Cancu (General Secretary of the Evangelical Church of the Dominican Republic) and his wife Altagracia will be visiting Shenango Presbytery for a short time in October.  Several congregations in Shenango Presbytery have shared a mission partnership with a congregation in the Dominican Republic.  Elder, Deacons, and anyone else interested, are invited to join New Wilmington and Clen-Moore Churches for a roundtable discussion with Rev. Cancu on Sunday evening, October 10 at 7 PM in the Social Hall of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church (dessert provided).  Topics will include: importance of taking the long view in local ministry, discovering and serving the real needs of a community, raising up leadership for ministry in every generation, accountability and prudence in ministry, and the promise of cross-cultural mission partnerships.  Contact Rev. Ralph Hawkins for more information atRalph@nwpresby.org.

All Women!  Come to the salad dinner for Altagracia Cancu at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church

LADIES: Do you remember the Christmas Salad Suppers the Women’s Circles of our church used to have?  Well, we’re reviving the Salad Supper for Women to be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 6:00 PM!!!  Bring your favorite salad, your table setting, and your welcoming smile.  We will be hosting and hearing from Altagracia Cancu, wife of Pastor Miguel Cancu, General Secretary of the Evangelical Church of the Dominican Republic, who hosts our mission group each spring in Sabaneta de Yasica.  She is coming to share about her life, her involvement in the church in the village where her husband has been pastor for more than 25 years, as well as the secrets to feeding our groups of 25-45 people every meal for that week!!! Clear your calendar and join us.  It’ll be an evening you won’t soon forget!  For more information, please contact the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church office at 724-946-3541 or office@nwpresby.org.

Braised Steak Dinner

The Bessemer Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Braised Steak Dinner on Saturday, October 9^th from 5-7 PM.  All proceeds will benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church’s General Fund.  Cost is $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for children 6-12, and FREE for children 5 and under.  Take-outs are available!  For advanced ticket purchases, call 724-667-7255.  A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.  Call 724-667-7255 for more information (Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 9 AM – 12 PM).

Part-Time Choir Director

Bethany Presbyterian in Mercer is searching for a part-time choir director.  This will involve approximately 20-30 hours per month paid at an hourly rate commensurate with experience.  Primary responsibilities will be to direct Bethany’s adult choir, selecting and acquiring music, working with pastor and worship leader/music coordinator in scheduling choir performances.  Those interested should submit a letter of interest and resume to Bethany Presbyterian Church’s Personnel Committee by October 20^th.  The church’s address is 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.  Inquiries about the position can be made to Bethany’s Senior Pastor, Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295).

Ministry Assistant Wanted

The Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex has a full time opening for a Ministry Assistant.  The Ministry Assistant, alongside the pastor, will be responsible for leadership development among our community of faith, creating visions and helping ministry teams carry them out; providing ministry support and guidance where needed as our teams engage our community of faith and the broader community with the love, witness, and action of Jesus Christ.  A Bachelor’s or other equal degree is preferred but experience in ministry will also be considered.  For a full position description please stop by the church office or email: revjwh@yahoo.com and give our name, address, email and phone and a copy of the position will be sent to you.

Wanted

First Church, Sharon, is interested in purchasing or borrowing the 5^th octave of handbells (C3 through F#3; and G#7 through C8).  If your church has the 5^thoctave of handbells and you are not currently using them, would you be willing to sell the 5^th octave to First Church, or let First Church borrow those bells?  If so, please contact Rev. Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 x.5.

Other News

“Shop for the Cause”

ROOT International is participating in the “Shop for the Cause” fundraiser sponsored by Macy’s Dept. stores.  They are selling tickets that give extra discounts up to 20% on some store items.  Each ticket costs $5.00 and all proceeds will go to ROOT International.  By buying a ticket, you are not only eligible for discounts, but can also enter to win a $500 shopping spree.  All Macy’s stores will hold this event on Saturday, October 16^th.  To purchase a ticket, contact Ariel Thompson at 724-699-2351.  Thank you all for your support on this project.

Prayers

david bailey passed away Saturday morning.  Please keep his family in your prayers in the coming days. A memorial service will follow at a later date.  We will send more information as we receive it.

News from the Presbytery Office

Upcoming Meetings:

• · October 3, 2010 7:00 PM Celebrate Sudan Event, East Main Presbyterian, Grove City
• · October 4-5, 2010 Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Retreat Center

Pray for the World During Worship This Week

□ Ingrid Reneau’s surgery has been successful and she is recuperating with her family in Oakland, CA.  She hopes to return to the Sudan in mid-October.  Please pray for her full recovery.

2011 Per Capita

Letters have been sent to the Pastor, Clerk and Treasurer of each church with the amounts for the 2011 Per Capita.  The breakdown is as follows: GA $6.50, Synod $2.20, Presbytery $19.19 with a total of $27.89.

Celebrate Sudan 2010

The Sudan Partnership team is excited to announce the first annual, “Celebrate Sudan” event. It will take place on the evening of World Communion Sunday, October 3^rd, 7PM at East Main Presbyterian Church. The purpose of this event will be to celebrate our partnership with the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) and to raise funds for two special projects that will go beyond our regular giving to the partnership.  These projects have been chosen with input from SPEC’s leadership.  The first project involves helping the Salaama congregation in Khartoum build 2 kindergarten classrooms and to construct a wall that is needed to keep others from encroaching on their property rights.  The Salaama church building was constructed in January, 2006 with funds raised by our presbytery.  A team from Shenango helped with the actual construction of the building.  The second project is directed at raising much needed funds for Nile Theological College.  NTC does an excellent job in training SPEC pastors and church leaders and the partnership committee feels it important this year to supplement Shenango’s normal giving to NTC.

Peacemaking Speaker At Westminster

Rev. Oruzo, a church leader from South Sudan will be speaking at 11:40 AM tomorrow morning, October 1^st, in the Westminster College Chapel.  You can also hear him during Sunday morning worship at Mt. Jackson on October 3^rd, and at evening vespers (7:00 PM) on October 3^rd in the Westminster College Chapel.

News from the Churches

Roundtable with Dominican Republic Partners

Rev. Miguel Cancu (General Secretary of the Evangelical Church of the Dominican Republic) and his wife Altagracia will be visiting Shenango Presbytery for a short time in October.  Several congregations in Shenango Presbytery have shared a mission partnership with a congregation in the Dominican Republic.  Elder, Deacons, and anyone else interested, are invited to join New Wilmington and Clen-Moore Churches for a roundtable discussion with Rev. Cancu on Sunday evening, October 10 at 7 PM in the Social Hall of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church (dessert provided).  Topics will include: importance of taking the long view in local ministry, discovering and serving the real needs of a community, raising up leadership for ministry in every generation, accountability and prudence in ministry, and the promise of cross-cultural mission partnerships.  Contact Rev. Ralph Hawkins for more information at Ralph@nwpresby.org.

Braised Steak Dinner

The Bessemer Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Braised Steak Dinner on Saturday, October 9^th from 5-7 PM.  All proceeds will benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church’s General Fund.  Cost is $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for children 6-12, and FREE for children 5 and under.  Take-outs are available!  For advanced ticket purchases, call 724-667-7255.  A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.  Call 724-667-7255 for more information (Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 9 AM – 12 PM).

Part-Time Choir Director

Bethany Presbyterian in Mercer is searching for a part-time choir director.  This will involve approximately 20-30 hours per month paid at an hourly rate commensurate with experience.  Primary responsibilities will be to direct Bethany’s adult choir, selecting and acquiring music, working with pastor and worship leader/music coordinator in scheduling choir performances.  Those interested should submit a letter of interest and resume to Bethany Presbyterian Church’s Personnel Committee by October 20^th.  The church’s address is 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA  16137.  Inquiries about the position can be made to Bethany’s Senior Pastor, Jim Leuenberger (724-813-1295).

Wanted

First Church, Sharon, is interested in purchasing or borrowing the 5^th octave of handbells (C3 through F#3; and G#7 through C8).  If your church has the 5^th octave of handbells and you are not currently using them, would you be willing to sell the 5^th octave to First Church, or let First Church borrow those bells?  If so, please contact Rev. Pam Maloney at 724-981-2211 x.5.

Other News

“Shop for the Cause”

ROOT International is participating in the “Shop for the Cause” fundraiser sponsored by Macy’s Dept. stores.  They are selling tickets that give extra discounts up to 20% on some store items.  Each ticket costs $5.00 and all proceeds will go to ROOT International.  By buying a ticket, you are not only eligible for discounts, but can also enter to win a $500 shopping spree.  All Macy’s stores will hold this event on Saturday, October 16^th.  To purchase a ticket, contact Ariel Thompson at 724-699-2351.  Thank you all for your support on this project.

“CELEBRATE SUDAN” Choir will rehearse this Sunday

Just a reminder that Jane Bartholomew of Unity Presbyterian Church will be directing a choir to sing an African inspired anthem at the “Celebrate Sudan 2010” event (East Main Presb. Church, Grove City, October 3^rd, 7PM).  She hopes many people from Shenango Presbytery churches will join her at Unity Presb. Church this Sunday, September 26^th, at 7PM to rehearse this anthem.  Unity is located on Rt. 318 between Mercer and West Middlesex.  It would be appreciated if pastors, or others, can announce this, and other details concerning the “Celebrate Sudan” event to their churches this Sunday. Call Jim Leuenberger with any questions at 724-813-1295.

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City.

– The Evangelism Committee will report on an upcoming event “Reversing the Decline” featuring Rev. Scott Sundquist from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

– Two Inquirers will be presented by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry

– A special guest from the Crisis Shelter in New Castle will make a presentation during the MCS report

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

News from the Presbytery Office

Upcoming Meetings:

□ September 24-25- PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College

□        September 26-October 1 Autumn Mission Adventure to Massanetta Springs

□        September 28- Presbytery Meeting, Calvin Church

• The Official Call will go out tomorrow, but if you would like to view or print the docket ahead of time, please visit http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm.

Prayers

□        Betty Lingle had open-heart surgery on Tuesday.  The surgery went smoothly and quickly, and Betty is recovering well.

2011 Per Capita

Letters have been sent to the Pastor, Clerk and Treasurer of each church with the amounts for the 2011 Per Capita.  The breakdown is as follows: GA $6.50, Synod $2.20, Presbytery $19.19 with a total of $27.89.

Alternative Christmas Options for Mission

The Medical Benevolence Foundation (for which Barry Almy is our area staff person) is providing a way for you to give alternative Christmas gifts in support of medical mission.  Check their web site http://www.mbfoundation.org or contact Barry balmy@mbfoundation.org.

Celebrate Sudan 2010

The Sudan Partnership team is excited to announce the first annual, “Celebrate Sudan” event. It will take place on the evening of World Communion Sunday, October 3^rd, 7PM at East Main Presbyterian Church. The purpose of this event will be to celebrate our partnership with the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) and to raise funds for two special projects that will go beyond our regular giving to the partnership.  These projects have been chosen with input from SPEC’s leadership.  The first project involves helping the Salaama congregation in Khartoum build 2 kindergarten classrooms and to construct a wall that is needed to keep others from encroaching on their property rights.  The Salaama church building was constructed in January, 2006 with funds raised by our presbytery.  A team from Shenango helped with the actual construction of the building.  The second project is directed at raising much needed funds for Nile Theological College.  NTC does an excellent job in training SPEC pastors and church leaders and the partnership committee feels it important this year to supplement Shenango’s normal giving to NTC.

Don McClure Lectures at Pittsburgh Seminary

“Christian Faith in a Post-Christendom World” is the theme for the 2010 W. Don McClure Lectures September 27-28^th at Pittsburgh Seminary.  Dr. Jonathan Bonk, executive director of the Overseas Ministries Study Center and editor of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research is the speaker.  The lectures are free and open to all.  Reservations are needed for the World Mission Initiative dinner September 27 at 6 PM.  Seehttp://www.pts.edu/Jonathan_Bonk_Addresses_Christian_Faith_During_McClure_Lecturesfor full information.

News from the Churches

Braised Steak Dinner

The Bessemer Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Braised Steak Dinner on Saturday, October 9^th from 5-7 PM.  All proceeds will benefit the Bessemer Presbyterian Church’s General Fund.  Cost is $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for children 6-12, and FREE for children 5 and under.  Take-outs are available!  For advanced ticket purchases, call 724-667-7255.  A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.  Call 724-667-7255 for more information (Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 9 AM – 12 PM).

News from the Presbytery Office

Upcoming Meetings:

□ September 17- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office

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

□         September 24-25- PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College

Pray for the World During Worship This Week

□        Darren and Elizabeth Kennedy are beginning their 12^th year teaching at Cairo Seminary.  Please remember them and their two sons, Calvin and Sammy who are in an Arabic-language elementary school.

Prayers

□         Ingrid Reneau had surgery this past Monday in Oakland, CA.  If you would like to send Ingrid a card, the address is: 2423 E. 24^th Street, Oakland, CA  94601.  She hopes to be back in Africa by mid-October.

Celebrate Sudan 2010

The Sudan Partnership team is excited to announce the first annual, “Celebrate Sudan” event. It will take place on the evening of World Communion Sunday, October 3^rd, 7PM at East Main Presbyterian Church. The purpose of this event will be to celebrate our partnership with the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) and to raise funds for two special projects that will go beyond our regular giving to the partnership.  These projects have been chosen with input from SPEC’s leadership.  The first project involves helping the Salaama congregation in Khartoum build 2 kindergarten classrooms and to construct a wall that is needed to keep others from encroaching on their property rights.  The Salaama church building was constructed in January, 2006 with funds raised by our presbytery.  A team from Shenango helped with the actual construction of the building.  The second project is directed at raising much needed funds for Nile Theological College.  NTC does an excellent job in training SPEC pastors and church leaders and the partnership committee feels it important this year to supplement Shenango’s normal giving to NTC.

Join the “Celebrate Sudan 2010″ Choir

Jane Bartholomew of Unity Presbyterian Church will be directing a choir to sing an African inspired anthem at the “Celebrate Sudan 2010″ event (East Main Presbyterian Church, Grove City, October 3rd, 7 PM).  She hopes many people from Shenango Presbytery churches will join her at Unity Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 26th at 7 PM to rehearse this anthem.  Unity is located on Rt. 318 between Mercer and West Middlesex.  You may call Jane with any questions at 724-981-2377.

Speaker Available

Intervarsity Mission Fellowship at Grove City College is hosting Mr. Richard Sharpe (http://www.omusa.org/resources/speakers/richard-sharp) from Operation Mobilization for the IFV Missions Conference.  Mr. Sharp is a dynamic speaker and is available to speak on Sunday morning or evening, September 26.  If you would like to use him that day, please contact Dr. Stan Keehlwetter at Grove City College,fskeehlwetter@gcc.edu.

Grove City Evangelical Scholarship Conference

Grove City College will be hosting their annual series beginning on September 22^nd with an evening lecture featuring Dr. James G. Dixon, Chair of the Department of English at 7:00 PM in the Sticht Hall, Hall of Arts and Letters.  Dr. Dixon will present a lecture regarding the relationship of Christianity and the great literary bard, William Shakespeare.  For more information, contact Sean G. Morris at sgmorris@evangelicalconference.org or visit http://www.evangelicalconference.org.

Don McClure Lectures at Pittsburgh Seminary

“Christian Faith in a Post-Christendom World” is the theme for the 2010 W. Don McClure Lectures September 27-28^th at Pittsburgh Seminary.  Dr. Jonathan Bonk, executive director of the Overseas Ministries Study Center and editor of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research is the speaker.  The lectures are free and open to all.  Reservations are needed for the World Mission Initiative dinner September 27 at 6 PM.  See http://www.pts.edu/Jonathan_Bonk_Addresses_Christian_Faith_During_McClure_Lectures for full information.

News from the Churches

Available

East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City has many student desks available for $15 each.  They also have, free to any church in the Presbytery, two cassette duplicators, a laser printer, many copies of “Hymns for the Family of God,” Book of Confessions, Purpose Driven Life and Purpose Driven Church, and miscellaneous songbooks and Bibles.  Call the church office for more information 724-458-8270.

In Search Of…

Mount Jackson Presbyterian Church is in search of a choir director and/or organist.  Will be expected to play for Sunday services and special services.  Will discuss salary and hours at interview.  Send resume to Mount Jackson Presbyterian Church; 129 Mount Air Road, New Castle, PA  16102.

Other Requests

Request for Information

Rev. Patrick Ewing at the Ardara Presbyterian Church (Redstone Presbytery) is looking for samples of sensitively-written and well-received letters that churches have sent to inactive members that they are removing from the church roll.  Information can be emailed to him at pastorewing@comcast.net.