Official Call to the September 22, 2009 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

Official Call to the September 22, 2009 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 6:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville.

Highlights of the meeting include:
-Recommendations on the use of the assets from Second Church, New Castle. Information is on the web site in the Council report.

– Recommendation to enroll the Rev. Dr. John Flett who is from New Zealand and teaching in Korea. Information is available by contacting the Presbytery office.
– Examination of a candidate for ordination.
– Visit from Leslie Shoup, Stated Clerk of the Synod of the Trinity (formerly interim pastor at Mt. Jackson).
– Information of the effort to provide support for “Missionaries of the Nile Valley”.


Get the docket, council minutes, and other materials at http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm. (The docket will be posted in the next 24 hours.)

eLink News – EXTRA

    COMING TO WESTMINSTER COLLEGE — Please share with your congregation(s).
    Dr. Donald Kraybill “The Riddle of the Amish Culture”
    Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 7:30 PM
    Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College
    New Wilmington, PA
    Free and open to the public.
    Dr. Kraybill is the Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies and Senior Fellow at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College.
    Dr. Kraybill has written more than 20 books and numerous scholarly articles on the Amish and other Anabaptist communities. His recent book, “Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy,” describes how the Amish practiced forgiveness after the Nickel Mines school shootings in 2006. His talk will focus on how the Amish not only survive but also thrive in a rapidly-changing world.
    Sponsored by Department of Political Science and Sociology, the First Year Program, the Heinz Lecture Series, the Peace Studies Program, the Office of Diversity Services, and the Chapel Office.
    Information call (724) 946-7251

eLink News

This Week

  • September 8- 9:30 AM Council, Leesburg Presbyterian Church
    7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
  • September 9- 12:00 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
  • September 10- 12:00 PM Mission, Communication & Stewardship, East Main
    1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office

News from the Presbytery Office

More Opportunities to Meet Ingrid Reneau (Please include this announcement in your church bulletin.)

Ingrid Reneau, our missionary to South Sudan, and Debbie Blane (a new missionary to Sudan, who’ll be heading over to Nile Theological Seminary to replace Barry Almy in a few weeks) will be here in Shenango Presbytery starting next week. Below are some places you could come to encourage them and hear them speak:
  • September 17th at 7 PM – New Wilmington Presbyterian Church
  • September 18th at 7:30 PM – Dessert at Miriam Gwin’s house. Call for directions 724-667-8321
  • September 19th 9 AM – 11 AM – Breakfast at Ellport Family Restaurant in Ellwood City
  • September 19th at 6:30 PM – Jamestown Presbyterian Church
  • September 20th at 10:45 AM worship at Word Centered Fellowship in Masury, OH (Ingrid)
    at 10:45 AM worship at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mercer (Debbie)
    at 7:30 PM reception at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City

Do you have trouble getting your Sunday School teachers to attend training sessions? Have you given up even thinking about the idea of helping SS teachers do a better job? Are you just happy that people have agreed to teach, without asking anything more of them?
Well, you are not alone. This same situation exists across our Presbytery (and the country). In response to this reality a new resource is now available that allows teachers to go online and in their own home and at their own pace learn ways they can improve their important ministries to children, youth and adults. This resource, called “Opening Doors to Discipleship” is a free, innovative, online educational program that is now accessible to five denominations including our own. It has three courses: Teaching Skills, Bible Background, and Presbyterian/Reformed faith. To learn more about this program, call Margaret Trautman at the Presbytery Office (M-W 10AM -12PM) or plan to attend an introductory session for educators, teachers, and others on September 29th (more info to follow). Phone 724-528-1610 or e-mail ched@shenango.org.

Needed / Offered

The Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time youth director to work with Jr. and Sr. Highs. Job description and application form are avaialble under the “Youth Ministry” tab on the church’s website: http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.

Part Time Christian Education Director and Part Time Youth Leader
Faith Presbyterian Church (Hermitage) is looking for a part time (15 hour/week) staff person as a Christian Educator Director and also a part time (15 hour/week) Youth Leader. If you are interested in either position, please contact the church office at 724-962-4155 or e-mail us at office@faithpc.net. Also please forward this message to anyone you may know who would be interested in either of these positions. Full job description available upon request.

Want to Read-Up on John Calvin and Other Reformed Theologians? Here’s the Way:
Lectures on the Theology of Martin Luther, John Calvin, Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth by the Yale Professor Robert C. Johnson. Includes brief biographies, glossary, select bibliographies, appendices; 551 pp.; hardcover; $29.95. Order from Dave Davis (Calvin editor), 106 Second St., Ellwood City, PA 16117; 724-758-5208.

eLink News

This Week

  • September 1- 1:00 PM Steering Committee, Villa Maria Conference Center
  • September 7- OFFICE CLOSED, Labor Day
  • September 8- 9:30 AM Council, Leesburg Presbyterian Church
    7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office

News from the Presbytery Office

One More Change to Meet Darren Kennedy

Darren teaches at Cairo Seminary and just led our pastors retreat. If you are interested in mission you will want to meet him. There is one more important opportunity for your misison committee and others:
  • Tuesday, September 1, 7:00 PM at Clen-Moore Church, New Castle

Meet Ingrid Reneau (Please include this announcement in your church bulletin.)

Presbyterian Missionary in the Sudan, Ingrid Reneau will be visiting Ellwood City on Saturday, September 19. Everyone who is interested in mission or learning more of what our denomination is doing in the Sudan are invited to come to the Ellport Family Restaurant (212 Portersville Rd., Ellwood City, 16117) from 9-11 AM on Saturday, September 19. You will buy your own breakfast, but come even if you don’t plan to eat. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Drop by to eat or just to meet her and learn about her ministry. Please support our Presbyterian missionaries by joining Ingrid for breakfast on Saturday, September 19 at 9 AM.

Educators – Save This Date!
On Tuesday, September 29 at 11:30 AM educators in the Presbytery will meet for a catered lunch to share ideas and see a demonstration of a new online teacher training program called http://www.openingdoorstodiscipleship.com. More information will be sent soon.

Needed / Offered

Part Time Christian Education Director and Part Time Youth Leader
Faith Presbyterian Church (Hermitage) is looking for a part time (15 hour/week) staff person as a Christian Educator Director and also a part time (15 hour/week) Youth Leader. If you are interested in either position, please contact the church office at 724-962-4155 or e-mail us at office@faithpc.net. Also please forward this message to anyone you may know who would be interested in either of these positions. Full job description available upon request.

Want to Read-Up on John Calvin and Other Reformed Theologians? Here’s the Way:
Lectures on the Theology of Martin Luther, John Calvin, Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth by the Yale Professor Robert C. Johnson. Includes brief biographies, glossary, select bibliographies, appendices; 551 pp.; hardcover; $29.95. Order from Dave Davis (Calvin editor), 106 Second St., Ellwood City, PA 16117; 724-758-5208.

eLink News

This Week

  • August 31-September 1- Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Conference Center
  • September 1- 1:00 PM Steering Committee, Villa Maria Conference Center

News from the Presbytery Office

Meet Darren, Elizabeth, Calvin and Sammy Kennedy (Please include this annoucement in your church bulletin.)

Darren and Elizabeth teach at Cairo Seminary and will be leading our pastors retreat. If you are interested in mission you will want to meet them. Here are two important opportunities for your misison committee and others:
  • Sunday, August 30, 7:00 PM at First Church, Sharon
  • Tuesday, September 1, 7:00 PM at Clen-Moore Church, New Castle

Meet Ingrid Reneau (Please include this announcement in your church bulletin.)

Presbyterian Missionary in the Sudan, Ingrid Reneau will be visiting Ellwood City on Saturday, September 19. Everyone who is interested in mission or learning more of what our denomination is doing in the Sudan are invited to come to the Ellport Family Restaurant (212 Portersville Rd., Ellwood City, 16117) from 9-11 AM on Saturday, September 19. You will buy your own breakfast, but come even if you don’t plan to eat. You don’t need to stay for the whole time. Drop by to eat or just to meet her and learn about her ministry. Please support our Presbyterian missionaries by joining Ingrid for breakfast on Saturday, September 19 at 9 AM.

Carpenter’s Project Noted by Presbyterian News Service
Presbyterian News Service has posted this story on the Carpenter’s Project which has been functioning among Ellwood City Churches for many years. Click here: http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09706.htm.

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

Wee Kirk Northeast Conference – October 12-14, 2009

Register now for the Wee Kirk Northeast Conference at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA. This conference exists to inspire, equip, motivate and encourage small PCUSA churches and provide rest and refreshment for the clergy and lay leaders of those congregations. This year’s plenary speakers include Phil Olson, Edith Humphrey and Graham Standish. Registration are due ASAP and fees are determined by church size. Brochures are available at the Presbytery Office.

Needed / Offered

Part Time Christian Education Director and Part Time Youth Leader
Faith Presbyterian Church (Hermitage) is looking for a part time (15 hour/week) staff person as a Christian Educator Director and also a part time (15 hour/week) Youth Leader. If you are interested in either position, please contact the church office at 724-962-4155 or e-mail us at office@faithpc.net. Also please forward this message to anyone you may know who would be interested in either of these positions. Full job description available upon request.

Director of Children’s Ministry at 1st Sharon
Candidate will provide leadership and love to children (preschool to 5th grade) in the children’s ministry program, so that they are invited to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and celebrate the grace of God. This position requires 25 hours/week (on average) and regular office hours. Candidates need solid Christian faith, high energy, good organization and communication skills, and love of kids. Previous experience is a “big plus”. Contact Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink with any questions and for a complete job description (pastor@1stpcs.org, 724-981-2211, ext. 2).

Church Secretary Needed at Center, Grove City
Candidate will serve as a member of the church staff team by providing secretarial and administrative services to the pastor, professional staff and church ministries. Must be a professing Christian, high school graduate, flexible, able to work with and relate to people, possess good composition and writing skills, proficient in use of Microsoft Word, Publisher, and general computer operations. Hourly position with no benefits averaging 15 hours per week. Contact Rev. Bill Woodman with questions or for a complete job description at bwoodman.2@gmail.com or 724-748-4118.

eLink News – EXTRA

CORRECTION – Meet Darren, Elizabeth, Calvin and Sammy Kennedy
(Please include this annoucement in your church bulletin.)

Darren and Elizabeth teach at Cairo Seminary and will be leading our pastors retreat. If you are interested in mission you will want to meet them. Here are two important opportunities for your misison committee and others:
  • Sunday, August 30, 7:00 PM at First Church, Sharon
  • Tuesday, September 1, 7:00 PM at Clen-Moore Church, New Castle

eLink News- EXTRA

News from the Presbytery Office

Evangelism Committee Encourages You to Check Into “Back to Church Sunday”

How many people do you know that “used to go” to church, but just don’t anymore? Back to Church Sunday is designed to reach out to those who have left the church – and encourages them to return. National Back to Church Sunday is September 13. Download information and materials, including a plannin guide, at http://www.backtochurch.com.

eLink News – EXTRA

EP on eLink

In 2008 we made the transition to exclusive electronic communication, replacing Shenango Showcase which had been published regularly for many years. I wrote a brief article for those newsletters. This electronic note is intended to continue this vehicle of communication with leaders of our churches. I will generally make a brief comment and then provide a link to and article that I think will help you as leaders of your churches. It will come to you via eLink which you can access through the Presbytery Homepage www.shenango.org

09.08.12 So Much Is Changing…What Can We Do?

I like to (half-jokingly) say, “I’m not very smart, but I try to hang out with people who are.” Alan Roxburgh, who some of you know from our missional church work, is one of those people. He is very smart, insightful about the church provocative and sometimes irritating! But I learn a lot from him.

Here is a note written by John McLaverty which Alan published on his website. It includes a YouTube video about change. How does a pastor or elder lead a church in a time of “discontinuous change?” It takes a high level of courage and honesty. Take a look.

http://www.roxburghmissionalnet.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101:why-are-you-in-ministry&catid=45:leadership&Itemid=89

eLink News

This Week

  • August 17- 9:00 AM – Missionary Support Team, Presbytery Office
  • August 18– 7:00 PM – Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

Prayers

  • Will Kearns is home, but making a slow recovery from his recent lung surgery.
  • Jim Bibza is home and recovering from his recent lung surgery.

News from the Presbytery Office

Join the Mission Bus Trip to Stony Point

There is still space available if you would like to participate in the upcoming Mission Bus Trip, Sept. 27-Oct. 2, to Stony Point Center in New York. The total cost of the trip is $225.00. Please contact Tom Kaufman if you are interested at tek114@zoominternet.net or 724-651-4323.

“Youth Ministry GPS: Leadership Tools for the Journey” will be offered on five Thursday evenings in Pittsburgh Presbytery starting August 20. The five weeks will include:

  • Developing a faithful vision
  • communicating the vision
  • choosing resources for a faithful future
  • leading with a professional and playful presence
  • being missional
The cost for the five weeks training is $40.00 per church and our Presbytery C.Ed. Committee will cover the cost for any youth leaders who want to attend. Anyone interested should contact the Shenango Presbytery Office and we will send them the information. To learn more, e-mail Sharon Stewart at sstewart@pghpresbytery.org.

News from our Congregations

Wanted- Director of Children‘s Ministry at 1st Presbyterian Church–Sharon
Provide leadership and love to children (preschool-5th grade) in our children’s ministry program, so that they are invited to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and celebrate the grace of God. Primary responsibilities include: Leading Sunday morning “Children in Worship,” leading VBS, resourcing our children’s Sunday School program, and planning 4-6 special events/trips per year. Candidates need solid Christian faith, high energy, good organization and communication skills, and love of kids. Previous experience a “big plus”. The position requires 25 hours/week (on average) and regular office hours. Compensation will range between $17,500-$20,000, depending on experience. Contact Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink with any questions, and for a complete job description (pastor@1stpcs.org), 724-981-2211 ext. 2). Send resume and references to Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, 1st Presbyterian Church-Sharon, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA 16146. Position will remain open through August 30, 2009.

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

Presbyterian Mission Conference – October 22-24

The “World Mission Celebration” will be held in Cincinnati this October 22-24. We anticipate a group attending from Shenango Presbytery. http://www.pcusa.org/missioncelebration. Please note that September 15 is the registration deadline for the best rate. Please inform the Presbytery Office when you register so that we might coordinate transportation.

It’s time to register for the Perspectives class sponsored by World Mission Initiative! Mark your calendar’s now to come to the FIRST NIGHT FREE!

  • Monday, August 31 at Grove City Alliance Church, 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 6:30 pm in Room 4 of Long Hall.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (Upper St. Clair), 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Come and hear how Perspectives might awaken you to God’s global purposes for the church and challenge you with a fresh look at God’s missional heart. Learn more at www.perspectives.org or contact Area Coordinator, Jen Haddox for more info. jhaddox@pts.edu

Wee Kirk Northeast Conference – October 12-14, 2009
Register now for the Wee Kirk Northeast Conference at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA. This conference exists to inspire, equip, motivate and encourage small PCUSA churches and provide rest and refreshment for the clergy and lay leaders of those congregations. This year’s plenary speakers include Phil Olson, Edith Humphrey and Graham Standish. Registration are due ASAP and fees are determined by church size. Brochures are available at the Presbytery Office.

Music Workshops
The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Choristers Guild will present a day of workshops and reading sessions on Saturday, August 29 from 8:30 – 3:30 at the Northmont United Presbyterian Church (8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229). Registration and $40 is due by August 15th. Contact the Presbytery Office if you need a registration form.

Alpine Adventure and Passion Play
Rev. Bill Meyer and his wife, Beth, will be hosting a 10- day Alpine Adventure to the world famous Oberammergau Passion Play departing June 16, 2010. The tour will feature Geneva, Lucerne, Munich and great sights of the Alps, as well as the Passion Play, which is performed only every ten years. As we visit Geneva and other Reformation sights, there will be optional discussions on Calvin, Knox and our Presbyterian heritage offered. For more information, brochures and to answer questions, call Bill or Beth at 724-946-8557. In July and August, call 716-789-5724 or e-mail froggypond.meyer@gmail.com.

Needed / Offered
Director of Children’s Ministry at 1st Sharon
Candidate will provide leadership and love to children (preschool to 5th grade) in the children’s ministry program, so that they are invited to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and celebrate the grace of God. This position requires 25 hours/week (on average) and regular office hours. Candidates need solid Christian faith, high energy, good organization and communication skills, and love of kids. Previous experience is a “big plus”. Contact Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink with any questions and for a complete job description (pastor@1stpcs.org, 724-981-2211, ext. 2).

Church Secretary Needed at Center, Grove City
Candidate will serve as a member of the church staff team by providing secretarial and administrative services to the pastor, professional staff and church ministries. Must be a professing Christian, high school graduate, flexible, able to work with and relate to people, possess good composition and writing skills, proficient in use of Microsoft Word, Publisher, and general computer operations. Hourly position with no benefits averaging 15 hours per week. Contact Rev. Bill Woodman with questions or for a complete job description at bwoodman.2@gmail.com or 724-748-4118.

eLink News

This Week

  • August 5- 10:30 AM – PMC Meeting – Bell Memorial Church

News from the Presbytery Office

“Youth Ministry GPS: Leadership Tools for the Journey” will be offered on five Thursday evenings in Pittsburgh Presbytery starting August 20. The five weeks will include:

  • Developing a faithful vision
  • communicating the vision
  • choosing resources for a faithful future
  • leading with a professional and playful presence
  • being missional
The cost for the five weeks training is $40.00 per church and our Presbytery C.Ed. Committee will cover the cost for any youth leaders who want to attend. Anyone interested should contact the Shenango Presbytery Office and we will send them the information. To learn more, e-mail Sharon Stewart at sstewart@pghpresbytery.org.

News from our Congregations

Wanted- Director of Children‘s Ministry at 1st Presbyterian Church– Sharon
Provide leadership and love to children (preschool-5th grade) in our children’s ministry program, so that they are invited to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and celebrate the grace of God. Primary responsibilities include: Leading Sunday morning “Children in Worship,” leading VBS, resourcing our children’s Sunday School program, and planning 4-6 special events/trips per year. Candidates need solid Christian faith, high energy, good organization and communication skills, and love of kids. Previous experience a “big plus”. The position requires 25 hours/week (on average) and regular office hours. Compensation will range between $17,500-$20,000, depending on experience. Contact Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink with any questions, and for a complete job description (pastor@1stpcs.org), 724-981-2211 ext. 2). Send resume and references to Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, 1st Presbyterian Church-Sharon, 600 E. State Street, Sharon, PA 16146. Position will remain open through August 30, 2009.

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

Music Workshops
The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Choristers Guild will present a day of workshops and reading sessions on Saturday, August 29 from 8:30 – 3:30 at the Northmont United Presbyterian Church (8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229). Registration and $40 is due by August 15th. Contact the Presbytery Office if you need a registration form.