…a community of Presbyterian congregations in western Pennsylvania
The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church.
– Presentation of an Inquirer by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry.
– 10-year statistical reports and terms of call reports in packet
– A prayer for the Sudan
Get the docket online at: http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm
Just a reminder that Session Records Reviews happen next week:
April 13– 3:00 PM Special Funds Distribution Group, Presbytery Office
4:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
April 15- 1:00 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
April 16- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
April 19- 1:30 PM Mission Giving SubCommittee, Presbytery Office
April 20- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC
Meet Nancy McGaughey
Click here to see the latest news letter from Nancy McGaughey, health missionary in the Sudan. http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/mcgaugheyn/mcgaugheyn_1003.htm. Watch for details on Nancy’s visit next month.
Recognition from I Care House
When Second Presbyterian Church closed a year ago, the session asked that $49,500 of their assets go to I Care House which is a community agency just a few blocks from the church. The Presbytery approved that proposal. On April 21 at its annual banquet, I Care House will recognize Second Church and the Presbytery for their support. Elder Arnie Morris (moderator) will represent the Presbytery and Elaine Confer and John Grieve (former elders at Second) have been asked to represent the congregation.
Last Minute Opportunity for Help on Planned Giving in Your Church
Pittsburgh Presbytery has an event this Saturday. Click here for the brochure http://www.pghpresbytery.org/calendar/cal_files/pdfs/legacy_workshop_040110.pdf. Even though the deadline has passed you can still get in by calling 412-323-1400.
Request from the Resource Center
If your congregation would be interested in a group rate CVLI license, please contact Debbie in the Resource Center at 724-528-1610 or resource@shenango.org.
Idea for Summer Sunday School
Churches that want to continue their Sunday School program through the summer often want to combine their classes. Awesome Adventures: God’s People on the Move makes it easy for a congregation to do this. It has 13 easy-to-use, kid-friendly lesson plans, reproducible resource sheets and “for the home” pages, as well as take-home comic book pages. Children will explore Old and New Testament stories of God’s people on the move. (Note that this resource could also be used for Vacation Bible School.) You can see a sample copy of Awesome Adventures in the Presbytery Resource Center. Information about the resource is online at http://www.pcusa.org/webelieve. It can be purchased for $44.95 fromhttp://www.pcusa.org/marketplace or by calling Presbyterian Distribution Service at 1-800-524-2612. The resource number is #674400.
Dinner & Musical Show at West Middlesex Presbyterian Church
“Ordinary Miracles” will be presented at West Middlesex Presbyterian Church on April 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 (dinner at 6:30/show at 7:30). Dinner & Show: Adults $15, children 12 & under $7.50. Show only: Adults & Children $7.50. Reservations call 724-931-4169.
Indoor Yard Sale
The Presbyterian Women of Unity Presbyterian Church are holding an “Indoor Yard Sale” on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 8 AM to 3 PM. Lunch will be available. Pies will be sold by the slice and whole. Proceeds benefit their mission projects.
Part-Time Youth Director (Jr. High and Sr. High School Youth Leader)
Westfield Presbyterian Church is actively searching for a self-motivated, dynamic individual who loves working with 12-18 yr. olds in a Christian setting. The responsibilities of this position include leading the weekly youth group meetings on Sunday evenings; planning, organizing, and developing creative programs that keep our youth interested and involved; and discipling youth to become fully committed followers of Christ. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest along with a current resume to office@westfieldchurch.org. Please visit the church’s website at http://www.westfieldchurch.org.
Worship Leader / Music Coordinator Sought
Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mercer is searching for a Worship Leader/Music Coordinator. This will be a part-time position (20-30 hours per week) paid at an hourly rate commensurate with the person’s experience. The congregation is committed to a blended style of worship and is seeking an individual who will help the church congregation grow in its use of contemporary worship music. This staff person will work closely with the Senior Pastor to plan worship and will work in a collegial relationship with the Church Organist/Choir Director. Those interested in this position should submit a letter of interest and resume by May 1st to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Personnel Committee, 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA 16137. A more complete description of this position may be viewed at Bethany’s website at http://www.bethany-presbyterian.org.
Coming Soon…
Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women starting at 9 AM on Thursday, April 15th at Westfield Presbyterian Church. “Patterns for Living” will be presented by Martie Woolcock, Synod of the Trinity Representative on the Churchwide Coordinating Team and Amanda McDowell, Bridal Fashion Designer. Personal Care items will be collected for VA Butler Healthcare and manufacturer’s coupons will be sent to military bases. To register, please send your name, address, phone number and check for $6 for lunch (payable to PW in Shenango) by April 12 to Nancy McMillan, 1841 Moravia Road, Enon Valley, PA 16120.
Vote for Root International
Root International is competing for a $250,000 grant and they need your help to win. Go to http://www.refresheverything.com, click $250,000 and a the top in the blank bar enter “Root International Warehouse”. When their name appears, click “VOTE”. You will need to sign-in and then go back and vote. They are asking everyone to vote once a day until April 30th – your vote counts and only everyone working together can make this happen. Thank you for your support and keep Root International in your prayers.
April 9- Registrations Due for Pastor’s Retreat!
April 13– 3:00 PM Special Funds Distribution Group, Presbytery Office
4:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
Rev. Philip Akway Obang asks for Prayers for the Sudan
Very important national elections begin the following week in Sudan. These elections are expected to be very difficult and there is great fear that violence will follow. Please pray.
Register for the Pastor’s Retreat- FRIDAY IS THE DEADLINE
Our special guest for the Spring 2010 Pastor’s Retreat will be Rev. Rob Weingartner, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation. ”Living (Leading) With Joy in an Anxious Age” will be held on May 3-4 at Villa Maria Conference Center. $75 to stay overnight, $40 to commute. Registrations are due to the Presbytery Office by this Friday, April 9th!
Request from the Resource Center
If your congregation would be interested in a group rate CVLI license, please contact Debbie in the Resource Center at 724-528-1610 orresource@shenango.org.
Dr. Gary Smith on What the Founding Fathers Believed
Rev. Gary Smith, member of Shenango Presbytery and chair of the history department at Grove City College is a recognized scholar on US Presidents. Here is an example regarding what the founding fathers believed: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11628213/page0/
Idea for Summer Sunday School
Churches that want to continue their Sunday School program through the summer often want to combine their classes. Awesome Adventures: God’s People on the Move makes it easy for a congregation to do this. It has 13 easy-to-use, kid-friendly lesson plans, reproducible resource sheets and “for the home” pages, as well as take-home comic book pages. Children will explore Old and New Testament stories of God’s people on the move. (Note that this resource could also be used for Vacation Bible School.) You can see a sample copy of Awesome Adventures in the Presbytery Resource Center. Information about the resource is online at http://www.pcusa.org/webelieve. It can be purchased for $44.95 from http://www.pcusa.org/marketplace or by calling Presbyterian Distribution Service at 1-800-524-2612. The resource number is #674400.
“An Easter Carol” at Bethlehem
“An Easter Carol”, a special worship service of music and drama, will be presented on April 11th at 2:00 PM at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. The church is located on 710 Carnegie Avenue, Sharon, PA. Come and celebrate the passion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! For more information call Robyn Ruth at 724-342-7304 or Pastor Robbie Arnold at 724-983-0194. Hope to see you there!
Dinner & Musical Show at West Middlesex Presbyterian Church
“Ordinary Miracles” will be presented at West Middlesex Presbyterian Church on April 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 (dinner at 6:30/show at 7:30). Dinner & Show: Adults $15, children 12 & under $7.50. Show only: Adults & Children $7.50. Reservations call 724-931-4169.
Part-Time Youth Director (Jr. High and Sr. High School Youth Leader)
Westfield Presbyterian Church is actively searching for a self-motivated, dynamic individual who loves working with 12-18 yr. olds in a Christian setting. The responsibilities of this position include leading the weekly youth group meetings on Sunday evenings; planning, organizing, and developing creative programs that keep our youth interested and involved; and discipling youth to become fully committed followers of Christ. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest along with a current resume to office@westfieldchurch.org. Please visit the church’s website at http://www.westfieldchurch.org.
Worship Leader / Music Coordinator Sought
Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mercer is searching for a Worship Leader/Music Coordinator. This will be a part-time position (20-30 hours per week) paid at an hourly rate commensurate with the person’s experience. The congregation is committed to a blended style of worship and is seeking an individual who will help the church congregation grow in its use of contemporary worship music. This staff person will work closely with the Senior Pastor to plan worship and will work in a collegial relationship with the Church Organist/Choir Director. Those interested in this position should submit a letter of interest and resume by May 1st to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Personnel Committee, 100 West Venango Street, Mercer, PA 16137. A more complete description of this position may be viewed at Bethany’s website at http://www.bethany-presbyterian.org.
Coming Soon…
Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women starting at 9 AM on Thursday, April 15th at Westfield Presbyterian Church. “Patterns for Living” will be presented by Martie Woolcock, Synod of the Trinity Representative on the Churchwide Coordinating Team and Amanda McDowell, Bridal Fashion Designer. Personal Care items will be collected for VA Butler Healthcare and manufacturer’s coupons will be sent to military bases. To register, please send your name, address, phone number and check for $6 for lunch (payable to PW in Shenango) by April 12 to Nancy McMillan, 1841 Moravia Road, Enon Valley, PA 16120.
Grove City College Evangelical Scholarship Conference
Dr. Carl R. Trueman will speak at GCC on the topic “Hard Pressed, Yet Not Crushed: The Glories, Sorrows, and Threats to Evangelicalism Today” on April 12 (7:00 PM, Harbison Chapel) and April 13 (9:30 AM, 11;30 AM, 2:30 PM). ContactVanDykeEG1@gcc.edu for more information and lunch reservation.
Calling All Women of the Cloth:
You are invited to a Clergy Women’s Breakfast: April 16th at 9:00 AM in the Alcove of Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare: (1) Meat Quiche, (1) Veggie/Cheese Quiche, Sweet Rolls, Fruit, Beverages. Price will be $7-10 per person depending on the number of reservations. Reservation deadline call or email Amy Na (724-654-2322 OR amylna@yahoo.com) by April 7th. Thanks!
Camps to Host Work Days
Saturday, May 1 has been chosen as the annual Spring Work Day at Westminster Highlands. Saturday, May 22 has been chosen as the Spring Work Day at Camp Lambec on the shores of Lake Erie. Arrive anytime beginning at 9 AM and work as long as you like until 3 or 4 PM. Bring your own lunch and drinks. Click here for more information.
Vote for Root International
Root International is competing for a $250,000 grant and they need your help to win. Go to http://www.refresheverything.com, click $250,000 and a the top in the blank bar enter “Root International Warehouse”. When their name appears, click “VOTE”. You will need to sign-in and then go back and vote. They are asking everyone to vote once a day until April 30th – your vote counts and only everyone working together can make this happen. Thank you for your support and keep Root International in your prayers.
March 31- 10:00 AM Church & Community Committee, Pres. Office
April 2– OFFICE CLOSED, Good Friday
April 6- 9:30 AM Council, Leesburg Church
Rev. Philip Akway Obang asks for Prayers for the Sudan
Please include prayers for the Sudan in your Easter services. Very important national elections begin the following week in Sudan. These elections are expected to be very difficult and there is great fear that violence will follow. Please pray.
Register for the Pastor’s Retreat
Our special guest for the Spring 2010 Pastor’s Retreat will be Rev. Rob Weingartner, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation. ”Living (Leading) With Joy in an Anxious Age” will be held on May 3-4 at Villa Maria Conference Center. $75 to stay overnight, $40 to commute. Registrations are due to the Presbytery Office by next Friday, April 9th!
Reminder From the Financial Secretary
Please use the remittance form when sending mission moneys. It is the best way to make sure that your money is going where you want it to.
Request from the Resource Center
If your congregation would be interested in a group rate CVLI license, please contact Debbie in the Resource Center at 724-528-1610 or resource@shenango.org.
News from the Churches
Joys
– Andrew Jillson was honored at Northminster Church on March 21 on the occasion of his 30th ordination anniversary.
“An Easter Carol” at Bethlehem
“An Easter Carol”, a special worship service of music and drama, will be presented on April 11th at 2:00 PM at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. The church is located on 710 Carnegie Avenue, Sharon, PA. Come and celebrate the passion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! For more information call Robyn Ruth at 724-342-7304 or Pastor Robbie Arnold at 724-983-0194. Hope to see you there!
Anniversary Celebration
The Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. They would like others to join them on Saturday, April 10th for the celebration at 4:00 PM. A catered meal will be served at 5:00 PM followed by a time of sharing memories in the sanctuary. Reservations are needed for the meal by Sunday, March 21st, call Cindy Rosaci at 724-758-6785 or email jrosaci@zoominternet.net. The celebration will continue the next day when former pastor Mike Louden will deliver the sermon at the 11:00 AM communion service, followed by a light luncheon. No reservations are needed for the luncheon.
Dinner Theater @ First
The Covenant Players will be appearing at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon on Sunday, March 28. Dinner at 6 PM; Play at 7 PM. Dinner & Theater tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Dinner tickets are limited to first come basis. Play only $5. For tickets, call 724-342-3551.
Free Piano
Bell Memorial has a baby grand piano free to any church. Church must provide own hauling. Can contact Bell at 724-758-3458 or at bellmemorial@verizon.net if interested.
Part-Time Youth Director (Jr. High and Sr. High School Youth Leader)
Westfield Presbyterian Church is actively searching for a self-motivated, dynamic individual who loves working with 12-18 yr. olds in a Christian setting. The responsibilities of this position include leading the weekly youth group meetings on Sunday evenings; planning, organizing, and developing creative programs that keep our youth interested and involved; and discipling youth to become fully committed followers of Christ. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest along with a current resume to office@westfieldchurch.org. Please visit the church’s website at http://www.westfieldchurch.org.
Good Friday Breakfast and Healthy Kids Day Events at New Castle YMCA
You’re invited to Good Friday Breakfast at the YMCA downtown, New Castle on Friday, April 2 at 8:00 AM. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, special message, and music while reflecting on the miracle of Easter. Call 724-658-4766 for more information. Also, join the YMCA for Healthy Kids Day on April 17 at Ben Franklin Early Learning Center. This is a fun, free and active play day for youth and their families. Includes games, activities, healthy food samples and lots of prizes. Transportation is provided. Go to http://www.ncymca.org for more information.
Coming Soon…
Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women starting at 9 AM on Thursday, April 15th at Westfield Presbyterian Church. “Patterns for Living” will be presented by Martie Woolcock, Synod of the Trinity Representative on the Churchwide Coordinating Team and Amanda McDowell, Bridal Fashion Designer. Personal Care items will be collected for VA Butler Healthcare and manufacturer’s coupons will be sent to military bases. To register, please send your name, address, phone number and check for $6 for lunch (payable to PW in Shenango) by April 12 to Nancy McMillan, 1841 Moravia Road, Enon Valley, PA 16120.
Grove City College Evangelical Scholarship Conference
Dr. Carl R. Trueman will speak at GCC on the topic “Hard Pressed, Yet Not Crushed: The Glories, Sorrows, and Threats to Evangelicalism Today” on April 12 (7:00 PM, Harbison Chapel) and April 13 (9:30 AM, 11;30 AM, 2:30 PM). Contact VanDykeEG1@gcc.edu for more information and lunch reservation.
Calling All Women of the Cloth:
You are invited to a Clergy Women’s Breakfast: April 16th at 9:00 AM in the Alcove of Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare: (1) Meat Quiche, (1) Veggie/Cheese Quiche, Sweet Rolls, Fruit, Beverages. Price will be $7-10 per person depending on the number of reservations. Reservation deadline call or email Amy Na (724-654-2322 OR amylna@yahoo.com) by April 7th. Thanks!
Camps to Host Work Days
Saturday, May 1 has been chosen as the annual Spring Work Day at Westminster Highlands. Saturday, May 22 has been chosen as the Spring Work Day at Camp Lambec on the shores of Lake Erie. Arrive anytime beginning at 9 AM and work as long as you like until 3 or 4 PM. Bring your own lunch and drinks. Click here for more information.
March 23- 12:00 PM MCS Committee, New Wilmington Church
March 25– 1:00 PM Sudan Team, Presbytery Office
Register for the Pastor’s Retreat
Our special guest for the Spring 2010 Pastor’s Retreat will be Rev. Rob Weingartner, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation. ”Living (Leading) With Joy in an Anxious Age” will be held on May 3-4 at Villa Maria Conference Center. $75 to stay overnight, $40 to commute. Registrations are due to the Presbytery Office by April 9th!
Reminder From the Financial Secretary
Please use the remittance form when sending mission moneys. It is the best way to make sure that your money is going where you want it to.
“Music People”
Worship Committee of Council would like to have a list of the current “music people” of our churches (those who lead and play for worship). Contact Jane Bartholomew jraysing@verizon.net.
Available for Loan-Out (for concerts, etc.)
4 sections of Wengler 3 Step Risers…contact Jane Bartholomew 724-981-2377jraysing@verizon.net. Also available Baldwin piano $500 (worth $3,000).
Anniversary Celebration
The Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. They would like others to join them on Saturday, April 10th for the celebration at 4:00 PM. A catered meal will be served at 5:00 PM followed by a time of sharing memories in the sanctuary. Reservations are needed for the meal by Sunday, March 21st, call Cindy Rosaci at 724-758-6785 or email jrosaci@zoominternet.net. The celebration will continue the next day when former pastor Mike Louden will deliver the sermon at the 11:00 AM communion service, followed by a light luncheon. No reservations are needed for the luncheon.
Dinner Theater @ First
The Covenant Players will be appearing at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon on Sunday, March 28. Dinner at 6 PM; Play at 7 PM. Dinner & Theater tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Dinner tickets are limited to first come basis. Play only $5. For tickets, call 724-342-3551.
Free Piano
Bell Memorial has a baby grand piano free to any church. Church must provide own hauling. Can contact Bell at 724-758-3458 or at bellmemorial@verizon.net if interested.
Thank You
On behalf of the board members of ROOT International, we thank all the churches and individuals that participated in our school supply project. 205 packages were prepared by our volunteers and sent on to El Paso. Three dining facilities in Mexico received the packages. Two more dining facilities will be started and we have enough packages to supply one dining facility and part of the other one. We would like to continue this project to meet the needs of the new children. In Torreon, Mexico we have about 100 children attending on a regular basis. I plan to train the teachers there and leave Bible lessons and activity sheets so they will be following the same lessons as in Juarez. I want to acknowledge Ariel Thompson (my daughter), Karen Bennington (a board member) and Marylin Isoldi (a friend) for their hard work and dedication to serving the Lord in any way they can. God bless you all. You have made all of this possible. -Rebecca Vogan
Coming Soon…
Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women starting at 9 AM on Thursday, April 15th at Westfield Presbyterian Church. “Patterns for Living” will be presented by Martie Woolcock, Synod of the Trinity Representative on the Churchwide Coordinating Team and Amanda McDowell, Bridal Fashion Designer. Personal Care items will be collected for VA Butler Healthcare and manufacturer’s coupons will be sent to military bases. To register, please send your name, address, phone number and check for $6 for lunch (payable to PW in Shenango) by April 12 to Nancy McMillan, 1841 Moravia Road, Enon Valley, PA 16120.
Calling All Women of the Cloth:
You are invited to a Clergy Women’s Breakfast: April 16th at 9:00 AM in the Alcove of Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare: (1) Meat Quiche, (1) Veggie/Cheese Quiche, Sweet Rolls, Fruit, Beverages. Price will be $7-10 per person depending on the number of reservations. Reservation deadline call or email Amy Na (724-654-2322 OR amylna@yahoo.com) by April 7th. Thanks!
Churches Targeted by Local Couple
Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church would like to warn other local churches of a couple (last names Thomas and Jones) who are targeting churches asking for money. They are running a scam, so please be on the alert.
This Week:
March 16– 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
March 17- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
March 18- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
March 22- 1:00 PM Budget & Finance Committee, Presbytery Office
News From The Presbytery Office
Prayers
Jim Bibza (Center, NC) had a heart attack on February 27th. He had a stent put in, but is at home recovering now and doing well.
Correction:
Special Invitation and Opportunity to Hear About Medical Mission Work in Haiti and Beyond. Rev. Will Browne, director of the Medical Benevolence Foundation www.mbfoundation.org will be speaking at a 1:00 PM lunch at Mt. Jackson this Sunday, March 21st. All are invited. Please contact Barry Almy balmy@mbfoundation.org (412) 600-5220 to make a reservation. No cost.
Register for the Pastor’s Retreat
Our special guest for the Spring 2010 Pastor’s Retreat will be Rev. Rob Weingartner, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation. “Living (Leading) With Joy in an Anxious Age” will be held on May 3-4 at Villa Maria Conference Center. $75 to stay overnight, $40 to commute. Registrations are due to the Presbytery Office by April 9th!
“Music People”
Worship Committee of Council would like to have a list of the current “music people” of our churches (those who lead and play for worship). Contact Jane Bartholomew jraysing@verizon.net.
News from the Churches
Available for Loan-Out (for concerts, etc.)
4 sections of Wengler 3 Step Risers…contact Jane Bartholomew 724-981-2377 jraysing@verizon.net. Also available Baldwin piano $500 (worth $3,000).
Anniversary Celebration
The Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. They would like others to join them on Saturday, April 10th for the celebration at 4:00 PM. A catered meal will be served at 5:00 PM followed by a time of sharing memories in the sanctuary. Reservations are needed for the meal by Sunday, March 21st, call Cindy Rosaci at 724-758-6785 or email jrosaci@zoominternet.net. The celebration will continue the next day when former pastor Mike Louden will deliver the sermon at the 11:00 AM communion service, followed by a light luncheon. No reservations are needed for the luncheon.
Dinner Theater @ First
The Covenant Players will be appearing at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon on Sunday, March 28. Dinner at 6 PM; Play at 7 PM. Dinner & Theater tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Dinner tickets are limited to first come basis. Play only $5. For tickets, call 724-342-3551.
Help Needed with Special Project
A son of Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Wilmington, was very recently deployed to Yosef Khel, Afghanistan. One of his missions is to build positive relationships between the American/NATO presence and the local population. Towards this end, he is leading an effort to supply the local school with basic school supplies. Neshannock Church is asking for your help in this effort in the form of contributing basic school supplies, new or gently used, that will be sent for distribution to the school in Yosef Khel. You may drop off your contributions at Neshannock Presbyterian Church, the New Wilmington Borough Office, or the Smith Funeral Home in New Wilmington (a box on the side porch under the carport). Contributions are being received through the end of March.
Thank You
On behalf of the board members of ROOT International, we thank all the churches and individuals that participated in our school supply project. 205 packages were prepared by our volunteers and sent on to El Paso. Three dining facilities in Mexico received the packages. Two more dining facilities will be started and we have enough packages to supply one dining facility and part of the other one. We would like to continue this project to meet the needs of the new children. In Torreon, Mexico we have about 100 children attending on a regular basis. I plan to train the teachers there and leave Bible lessons and activity sheets so they will be following the same lessons as in Juarez. I want to acknowledge Ariel Thompson (my daughter), Karen Bennington (a board member) and Marylin Isoldi (a friend) for their hard work and dedication to serving the Lord in any way they can. God bless you all. You have made all of this possible. -Rebecca Vogan
Local Workshops, Events
Calling All Women of the Cloth:
You are invited to a Clergy Women’s Breakfast: April 16th at 9:00 AM in the Alcove of Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare: (1) Meat Quiche, (1) Veggie/Cheese Quiche, Sweet Rolls, Fruit, Beverages. Price will be $7-10 per person depending on the number of reservations. Reservation deadline call or email Amy Na (724-654-2322 OR amylna@yahoo.com) by April 7th. Thanks!
Lectures at First Presbyterian, Youngstown
Dr. Daniel Aleshire, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools, will speak at First Presbyterian Church, Youngstown on March 23 with the following topics:
Call for reservation information: 330-744-4307
Special Invitation and Opportunity to Hear about Medical Mission Work in Haiti and Beyond
Rev. Will Browne, director of the Medical Benevolence Foundation www.mbfoundation.org will be speaking at a 1:00 pm lunch at Mt. Jackson this Sunday, March 12. All are invited. Please contact Barry Almy balmy@mbfoundation.org (412) 600-5220 to make a reservation. No cost.
This Week:
March 10- 9:30 AM Personnel Reviews, Presbytery Office
March 12-13– New PMC Cluster, Westminster College
March 15– 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
News From The Presbytery Office
Chile Earthquake
Every time there is a natural disaster in the US or internationally, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is involved on your behalf, to provide both immediate and long term assistance. You can send funds through the Presbytery Office. Simply mark them for the cause that you or your church wishes to support (Haiti, Chili, etc.). Your “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering this Easter includes support for PDA.
For long term recovery efforts (as we have seen with Katrina and which will follow in Haiti), there are several ways to respond:
How Do We Deal With Muslims?
There is a wonderful opportunity to hear a Muslim convert to Christianity speak on this topic. He was at the New Wilmington Mission Conference last summer and he will be at the World Mission Initiative Conference at Pittsburgh Seminary on March 19-20. You can go Friday and Saturday, or just Saturday. Denise Sciuto, Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship staff person (724-946-2360) can connect you with other travelers. There are many good speakers. For more information: http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/WMI%20Conference.htm.
News from the Churches
2010 Ukraine-Slovakia Mission Trip
This trip is sponsored by East Main Presbyterian Church and Slovak Folk Crafts. It is led by Anne and Dave Dayton. The trip will take place from June 14-27, and they need at least one more person (but could take up to 6) to make the trip possible. Contact the Daytons for more details anne@daytons.org.
Needed
Organist or Pianist for Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church for Sunday morning choir practice and worship service. Reply to wpresbyterian@zoominternet.net or PO Box 709, Ellwood City, PA 16117.
Dinner Theater @ First
The Covenant Players will be appearing at First Presbyterian Church, Sharon on Sunday, March 28. Dinner at 6 PM; Play at 7 PM. Dinner & Theater tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Dinner tickets are limited to first come basis. Play only $5. For tickets, call 724-342-3551.
Help Needed with Special Project
A son of Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Wilmington, was very recently deployed to Yosef Khel, Afghanistan. One of his missions is to build positive relationships between the American/NATO presence and the local population. Towards this end, he is leading an effort to supply the local school with basic school supplies. Neshannock Church is asking for your help in this effort in the form of contributing basic school supplies, new or gently used, that will be sent for distribution to the school in Yosef Khel. You may drop off your contributions at Neshannock Presbyterian Church, the New Wilmington Borough Office, or the Smith Funeral Home in New Wilmington (a box on the side porch under the carport). Contributions are being received through the end of March.
Local Workshops, Events
Peace Studies Coffeehouse and Poster Exhibition
“The artistic fight against Holocaust denial” : speaker Dr. Ronit Fisher from Western Galilee College, Israel will be presented on Wednesday, March 10th, 7:00 PM in Mueller Theater, McKelvey Campus Center, Westminster College. Dr. Fisher is a Jewish history scholar and the daughter of Holocaust survivors from Eastern Europe. The event is free and open to the public. A dessert reception will follow the talk. All are welcome to attend.
Calling All Women of the Cloth:
You are invited to a Clergy Women’s Breakfast: April 16th at 9:00 AM in the Alcove of Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare: (1) Meat Quiche, (1) Veggie/Cheese Quiche, Sweet Rolls, Fruit, Beverages. Price will be $7-10 per person depending on the number of reservations. Reservation deadline call or email Amy Na (724-654-2322 OR amylna@yahoo.com) by April 7th. Thanks!
Lectures at First Presbyterian, Youngstown
Dr. Daniel Aleshire, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools, will speak at First Presbyterian Church, Youngstown on March 23 with the following topics:
Call for reservation information: 330-744-4307
The Presbytery of Shenango