e-Link News July 29, 2009

eLink News

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

This Week

  • August 5- 10:30 AM – PMC Meeting – East Main Church

Prayers

  • Jim Bibza – having lung surgery at Passavant Hospital on Wednesday, July 29.
  • Harold Greenway – Retired Methodist minister serving at Irwin, passed away Tuesday July 28.

News from the Presbytery Office

Reflections from the PW Churchwide Gathering

Six women from Shenango Presbytery attended the recent Churchwide Gathering in Louisville, KY. Their reflections from the Gathering will be posted on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website for you to read.

Pastor Retreat Registrations Due By July 31!
Darren and Elizabeth Kennedy will be leading the upcoming Pastor Retreat on August 31-September 1 at the Villa Maria Conference Center on “Calvin and Cairo: Reflections on Reformed Faith from the Middle East”. If you are planning to attend this retreat, the office must receive your registration information by Friday, July 31st. (Commuters $40; Lodgers $75).

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

An Opportunity to Study the Ancient Christian Tradition
Tim Becker and Mark Bell, recent Pittsburgh Seminary graduates and PhD candidates in study of the Church Fathers, are starting an Ancient Christian Faith Initiative. You can learn more about this at http://www.ancientchristianfaith.org or by contacting Tim at TBecker@pts.edu. This may be an excellent opportunity for study for both lay persons and ministers. Contact David Dawson david.dawson@presbynet.org if you have further questions.

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.

eLink News

This Week

  • July 18-25 The New Wilmington Mission Conference, Westminster College Campus
    Note: Presbytery staff will be attending portions of NWMC. If you stop by the office and find the door locked (return time will be posted), please come join us at Conference.
  • July 27- 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office

Prayers

  • Will Kearns (Mt. Hermon) will be having thoracic surgery on Wednesday to remove a section of the lung.

News from the Presbytery Office

Reflections from the PW Churchwide Gathering

Six women from Shenango Presbytery attended the recent Churchwide Gathering in Louisville, KY. Their reflections from the Gathering will be posted on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website for you to read.

Pastor Retreat Registrations Due By July 31!
Darren and Elizabeth Kennedy will be leading the upcoming Pastor Retreat on August 31-September 1 at the Villa Maria Conference Center on “Calvin and Cairo: Reflections on Reformed Faith from the Middle East”. If you are planning to attend this retreat, the office must receive your registration information by Friday, July 31st. (Commuters $40; Lodgers $75).

News from Our Churches

Anniversary Celebrated

First, Greenville honored Harry Wood on July 12th for the 50th anniversary of his ordination.

david m bailey in Concert at 1st Sharon
david will be performing at 1st Sharon in a coffee house style concert in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Starbucks coffee will be served, along with desserts. Admission is free, but a feee will offering will be taken.

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

An Opportunity to Study the Ancient Christian Tradition
Tim Becker and Mark Bell, recent Pittsburgh Seminary graduates and PhD candidates in study of the Church Fathers, are starting an Ancient Christian Faith Initiative. You can learn more about this at http://www.ancientchristianfaith.org or by contacting Tim at TBecker@pts.edu. This may be an excellent opportunity for study for both lay persons and ministers. Contact David Dawson david.dawson@presbynet.org if you have further questions.

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.

eLink News

This Week

  • July 18-25 The New Wilmington Mission Conference, Westminster College Campus
    Note: Presbytery staff will be attending portions of NWMC. If you stop by the office and find the door locked (return time will be posted), please come join us at Conference.

News from the Presbytery Office

“We Have Lots of Little Kids! What Shall We Do With Them?”

Those who attended the preschool event at New Wilmington last Saturday were introduced to Wee Believe, a new resource for teaching toddler and preschool children in the church. If you would like to learn more about these materials, contact Margaret at the Presbytery office. She has samples, catalogues, and information she can share with you.

Good News!!! No Board of Pensions Increase, but Enhanced Coverage
The Board of Pensions (medical, pension, disability, life insurance) has announced that there will be no increase in the dues that churches pay. This is the third straight year with no increase. For more details, click here:http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09563.

A Missional Idea
Some of the churches that have been involved in the Missional Church process have learned that you can take existing traditions from your church and try them in a completely new way. The following video has been floating around YouTube and shows a Slovakian vocal ensemble’s take on an 80’s hit. It may spark some ideas for your church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbpwlqp5Qw

Mercer County Church Needed to Host Missionary Reception
We are looking for a centrally-located Mercer County Church for hosting a reception to introduce Darren and Elizabeth Kennedy (missionaries in Cairo) to mission committees of our churches. If your church would like to host this reception on Sunday evening, August 30, please contact Ian Noyes (724-458-8270).


College Scholarship Winners Announced
The Higher Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery has announced the list of college scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. Abby Pherson (3rd, NC); Ryan King (East Main); Leah Hunter (New Wilmington); Samuel Leuenberger (Bethany); Samantha Clark (Covenant); Brett Glavey (1st Sharpsville); Katie Tomko (Lebanon); Nicole Grove (Amity); and Abigail Trotter (Westfield). Congratulations to all of the recipients!

News from Our Churches

Anniversary Celebrated

Plain Grove Church celebrated its 210th anniversary on June 28. It also recognized the 46 members who have been on the church roll for fifty years or more. Approximately 35 of them were present.

Christian Comedian Will McDaniel to Appear at Clen-Moore
Clen-Moore Presbyterian will be hosting Will McDaniel on Friday, July 17th at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5.00 each and are available by calling the church at 724-654-6657.

david m bailey in Concert at 1st Sharon
david will be performing at 1st Sharon in a coffee house style concert in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Starbucks coffee will be served, along with desserts. Admission is free, but a feee will offering will be taken.

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

An Opportunity to Study the Ancient Christian Tradition
Tim Becker and Mark Bell, recent Pittsburgh Seminary graduates and PhD candidates in study of the Church Fathers, are starting an Ancient Christian Faith Initiative. You can learn more about this at http://www.ancientchristianfaith.org or by contacting Tim at TBecker@pts.edu. This may be an excellent opportunity for study for both lay persons and ministers. Contact David Dawson david.dawson@presbynet.org if you have further questions.

2009 Music Camp Concert at Camp Lambec
On Friday, July 17th , CAPNWP welcomes all church members and their guests to the sensational 2009 Music Camp Concert at Camp Lambec. The Band will perform at 7 PM and the Choir at 8 PM (rain or shine). The concert is free, although donations are welcome. For more information contact the Presbytery Office.

Needed / Wanted
Items Needed By Root International
Root International is in need of 250 crayon boxes, pencils, glue and scissors. They also need zip lock bags to place the items in. Each bag will go out to a child attending a dining facility in Juarez and in Torreon, Mexico. They are also in need of primary Sunday School material, even if it is in English. Arts and craft material are also welcomed. Thank you all for your help and prayers. Contact Becky Vogan at 724-699-1182. Items are needed no later than the third week of August.

eLink News

This Week

  • There are no scheduled events this week.

News from the Presbytery Office

“We Have Lots of Little Kids! What Shall We Do With Them?”

Find answers to this question this coming Saturday morning, July 11th, when we will have a special event to introduce the Wee Believe program to Sunday School teachers and Children’s Church leaders in our Presbytery. It will be from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Those attending will see and use the material, listen to the music, have refreshments, share ideas with other teachers, and take home lots of ideas and samples. Everyone attending will also have a chance to win a beautiful “Bible Storytellers” bag for teachers. Babysitting will be provided. Register by calling Margaret at the Presbytery office or e-mail her at ched@shenango.org to let us know if you are coming or need babysitting. There is no charge for this event.

Good News!!! No Board of Pensions Increase, but Enhanced Coverage
The Board of Pensions (medical, pension, disability, life insurance) has announced that there will be no increase in the dues that churches pay. This is the third straight year with no increase. For more details, click here: http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09563.

Mercer County Church Needed to Host Missionary Reception
We are looking for a centrally-located Mercer County Church for hosting a reception to introduce Darren and Elizabeth Kennedy (missionaries in Cairo) to mission committees of our churches. If your church would like to host this reception on Sunday evening, August 30, please contact Ian Noyes (724-458-8270).


College Scholarship Winners Announced
The Higher Education Committee of Shenango Presbytery has announced the list of college scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. Abby Pherson (3rd, NC); Ryan King (East Main); Leah Hunter (New Wilmington); Samuel Leuenberger (Bethany); Samantha Clark (Covenant); Brett Glavey (1st Sharpsville); Katie Tomko (Lebanon); Nicole Grove (Amity); and Abigail Trotter (Westfield). Congratulations to all of the recipients!

News from Our Churches

John Calvin 500th Birthday Celebration at Calvin Presbyterian Church

On July 12, Calvin Presbyterian Church, 615 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, will be celebrating the 500th Birthday of the Protestant Reformer John Calvin with a special 10:00 AM worship service including the Lord’s Supper with a birthday lunch following the service. Special guest preacher for the day will be the Rev. Dr. Charles B. Partee, recently retired from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary where he was P.C. Rossin Professor of Church History from 1978 to 2009. Most recently, Dr. Partee published a scholarly expostion of Calvin’s theology and examination of the development of later Calvinism entitled, The Theology of John Calvin. For more information, please contact Calvin Church at 724-758-4258.

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

Silk Road Collection
It’s that time of year again for the Silk Road Market sock and undie collection for the homeless youth in our area. Last year you brought in an amazing 496 pr of undies, 77 undershirts, and 442 pr of socks. I’d like to beat those numbers this year. The tight economy is hurting us all, but it’s especially frightening for those who are losing their homes or their jobs. This isn’t a big city problem. These are our neighbors and our friends in this situation. A pack of new socks or undies is such a small investment in our youth, but has a tremendous impact of love. So, here’s my wish list for this summer. In order to help the largest group of kids, I’m looking for boys sizes 4 to 20 and girls sizes 4 to 16. Also on the top of the list are beginner (training) bras. Won’t you help in this time of need. For more details or flyers contact Wendy at 724-946-8502 or e-mail wendy@silkroadmkt.com. Thanks, Wendy Farmerie.

Special Offer from PTS
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invites new evening students to take their first class at half price. Pick from Historical Studies or the Study of Prophets and Psalms. Classes meet one evening in a week from 6:30-9:00. Discern the ministries of preaching and teaching and experience theological study with seminary professors. Incoming students must complete the standard admissions process. Download the application online, visit http://www.pts.edu/application-request. Applications will be accepted until August 1. Contact the Seminary at 1-800-451-4194 or admissions@pts.edu. Learn more about the evening program online at http://www.pts.edu/evening.

Needed / Wanted
Items Needed By Root International
Root International is in need of 250 crayon boxes, pencils, glue and scissors. They also need zip lock bags to place the items in. Each bag will go out to a child attending a dining facility in Juarez and in Torreon, Mexico. They are also in need of primary Sunday School material, even if it is in English. Arts and craft material are also welcomed. Thank you all for your help and prayers. Contact Becky Vogan at 724-699-1182. Items are needed no later than the third week of August.

eLink News- EXTRA

Ingrid Reneau, our missionary in South Sudan, sent the following message yesterday. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Just a quick note to let you know my father passed away this morning after a long battle with bone cancer. Mom was by his side.
I will fly into Oakland, CA by Saturday.
Please pray that the Lord will embrace my mother with His loving arms, filling her heart with comfort and a peace that passes understanding. Also pray for my sisters and the rest of my family in their sorrow.
I also ask for your prayers regarding my trip home, that God will strengthen and sustain me as a torrent of emotions are swirling within. Pray that the Lord will use me as a channel of His love, comfort, and blessing while visiting my family.
I so much appreciate your prayers,
Ingrid

This Week

  • July 3- OFFICE CLOSED, Independence Day
  • July 6– 9:00 AM Missionary Support Team Meeting, Presbytery Office

News from the Presbytery Office

“We Have Lots of Little Kids! What Shall We Do With Them?”

Lots of churches have this exciting situation and we have an answer for them. Coming this fall, there is a new resource, Wee Believe, for those teaching toddlers and pre-school age children. Saturday morning, July 11th, there will be a special event to introduce Wee Believe to Sunday School teachers and Children’s Church leaders in our Presbytery. It will be from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Those attending will see and use the material, listen to the music, have refreshments, share ideas with other teachers, and take home lots of ideas and samples. Everyone attending will also have a chance to win a beautiful “Bible Storytellers” bag for teachers. Register by calling Margaret at the Presbytery office or e-mail her at ched@shenango.org. There is no charge for this event.

PW Churchwide Gathering
There are six from Shenango Presbytery going to the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, KY, July 11-15th. Ruth Marshall and Nancy McMillan will be serving as delegates. Also attending are Robbie Arnold, CLP of Bethlehem Church; Jane Braymer; Janice Good, Minister of Education at Tower Church; and Vickie White. The theme of the gathering is “God Will Do Wonders Among You”.

Rejoice with Fellow Christians in the Sudan
We have received word from the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church’s General Secretary Phillip Obang that the Eastern Presbytery will be established on Friday, July 3rd. When our partnership began 14 years ago SPEC had a few hundred members, mostly in the capital of Khartoum. Since then they have moved out from Khartoum Presbytery to establish Western Presbytery and now they will form the Eastern Presbytery. We expect to hear soon about a Southern Presbytery. Please join us in thanking God for the faithfulness of our Sudanese friends.


Workshops, Conferences and Local Events

Silk Road Collection
It’s that time of year again for the Silk Road Market sock and undie collection for the homeless youth in our area. Last year you brought in an amazing 496 pr of undies, 77 undershirts, and 442 pr of socks. I’d like to beat those numbers this year. The tight economy is hurting us all, but it’s especially frightening for those who are losing their homes or their jobs. This isn’t a big city problem. These are our neighbors and our friends in this situation. A pack of new socks or undies is such a small investment in our youth, but has a tremendous impact of love. So, here’s my wish list for this summer. In order to help the largest group of kids, I’m looking for boys sizes 4 to 20 and girls sizes 4 to 16. Also on the top of the list are beginner (training) bras. Won’t you help in this time of need. For more details or flyers contact Wendy at 724-946-8502 or e-mail wendy@silkroadmkt.com. Thanks, Wendy Farmerie.

Special Offer from PTS
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invites new evening students to take their first class at half price. Pick from Historical Studies or the Study of Prophets and Psalms. Classes meet one evening in a week from 6:30-9:00. Discern the ministries of preaching and teaching and experience theological study with seminary professors. Incoming students must complete the standard admissions process. Download the application online, visit http://www.pts.edu/application-request. Applications will be accepted until August 1. Contact the Seminary at 1-800-451-4194 or admissions@pts.edu. Learn more about the evening program online at http://www.pts.edu/evening.

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.

This Week

  • June 24 & 26- Annual Audit (Conference Room is unavailable for meetings)
  • July 3- OFFICE CLOSED, Independence Day

News from the Presbytery Office

NWMC scholarship Winners

Congratulations to Cassidy Tonks of Christ Presbyterian Church and Michelle Curfman of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. As our only applicants, each will receive a full scholarship to cover registration costs (a $310 value) to the New Wilmington Mission Conference.

What Are You Doing in Sunday School?
We now have exciting new materials for Sunday School and mid-week programs available at the Presbytery Office.
New- Wee Believe for PreSchool – Leader’s Guide including Resource Pages
Revised and Updated– We Believe for Elementary Students – Leader’s Guide and Resource CD
Brand New!– FAQ – Faithfully Asking Questions – for younger youth – Leader’s guide and Student’s Book (The We Believe Survey Courses for this age group are still available. These new materials are for churches that prefer a quarterly format.)
Also Brand New!– “Faith Questions” – a mini-course for older youth based on questions posed by youth around the Presbyterian Church (USA)
Margaret and Debbie will be happy to show these resources to anyone interested in improving their faith fomration programs.

PW Churchwide Gathering
There are six from Shenango Presbytery going to the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, KY, July 11-15th. Ruth Marshall and Nancy McMillan will be serving as delegates. Also attending are Robbie Arnold, CLP of Bethlehem Church; Jane Braymer; Janice Good, Minister of Education at Tower Church; and Vickie White. The theme of the gathering is “God Will Do Wonders Among You”.


News from Our Churches

Anniversary Celebration
The Hadley and Kennard Churches will celebrate Chuck VanDyne’s 50th ordination anniversary on Sunday,
June 28th.

Congratulations!
Lori Holstein (Sharpsville) recently became engaged to Rev. Ralph P. Cotten (Sharpsville United Methodist).

Workshops, Conferences and Local Events
Silk Road Collection
It’s that time of year again for the Silk Road Market sock and undie collection for the homeless youth in our area. Last year you brought in an amazing 496 pr of undies, 77 undershirts, and 442 pr of socks. I’d like to beat those numbers this year. The tight economy is hurting us all, but it’s especially frightening for those who are losing their homes or their jobs. This isn’t a big city problem. These are our neighbors and our friends in this situation. A pack of new socks or undies is such a small investment in our youth, but has a tremendous impact of love. So, here’s my wish list for this summer. In order to help the largest group of kids, I’m looking for boys sizes 4 to 20 and girls sizes 4 to 16. Also on the top of the list are beginner (training) bras. Won’t you help in this time of need. For more details or flyers contact Wendy at 724-946-8502 or e-mail wendy@silkroadmkt.com. Thanks, Wendy Farmerie.

Special Offer from PTS
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invites new evening students to take their first class at half price. Pick from Historical Studies or the Study of Prophets and Psalms. Classes meet one evening in a week from 6:30-9:00. Discern the ministries of preaching and teaching and experience theological study with seminary professors. Incoming students must complete the standard admissions process. Download the application online, visit http://www.pts.edu/application-request. Applications will be accepted until August 1. Contact the Seminary at 1-800-451-4194 or admissions@pts.edu. Learn more about the evening program online at http://www.pts.edu/evening.

Alpine Adventure and Passion Play
Rev. Bill Meyer and his wife, Beth, will be hosting a 1- day Alpine Adventure to the world famous Oberammergau Passion Play departing July 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.

eLink News

This Week

  • June 17- 10:00 AM Church & Community Committee, Presbytery Office
    1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
  • June 19- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
  • June 23- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, 1st New Castle


News from the Presbytery Office

2 Days Left to Apply for Youth NWMC scholarship

The scholarship that is being offered in lieu of this year’s Youth Event will enable a small number of junior and senior high students (who are first-time attendees) to attend the New Wilmington Mission Conference for FREE- we are covering the $310 registration fee! Applications were mailed to churches a few weeks ago, and are due to the Presbytery Office by this Friday, June 19th. This is an amazing opportunity to get your youth involved in the best thing happening in our backyard- encourage them to apply today!

What Are You Doing in Sunday School?
We now have exciting new materials for Sunday School and mid-week programs available at the Presbytery Office.
New- Wee Believe for PreSchool – Leader’s Guide including Resource Pages
Revised and Updated– We Believe for Elementary Students – Leader’s Guide and Resource CD
Brand New!– FAQ – Faithfully Asking Questions – for younger youth – Leader’s guide and Student’s Book (The We Believe Survey Courses for this age group are still available. These new materials are for churches that prefer a quarterly format.)
Also Brand New!– “Faith Questions” – a mini-course for older youth based on questions posed by youth around the Presbyterian Church (USA)
Margaret and Debbie will be happy to show these resources to anyone interested in improving their faith fomration programs.


News from Our Churches

5th Annual Community Yard Sale
Sat. June 27, 8:00-noon at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, 2426 Scrubgrass Rd, Grove City. Free to sellers. Coffee, pop, and hotdogs offered along with a youth bake sale. To reserve a free space call: 814-786-7004 or 814-786-7578. For sale by the church: 3′ x 4.5′ slate ($25) and 20′ Christmas tree ($50).

A Successful Book Sale
Third Church had a very successful Book Sale. We wish to thank all those who donated books and bought them. All proceeds go toward their Mission Projects.


Needed / Offered

CE/Youth Director Needed
Third Presbyterian Church in New Castle is looking to hire a part time CE/Youth Director. For more information call the church at 724-658-6683.

Director of Children & Youth Ministries – Highland, New Castle
Full time position with a local Presbyterian purpose-driven church. Experience and education required. Please request a full job description at hiprch@verizon.net.

First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, PA is seeking a Director of Children & Youth Ministries
Candidates must be committeed to Jesus Christ, possess a college degree, have a passion for children & youth & their spiritual development & possess the ability to communicate with kids & adults. This position will be responsible for developing and overseeing ministries/activities for students from Pre-K through college. Emial letter of application, resume with contact info for 3 references to fpcgreenville@verizon.net. Deadline is June 25, 2009. Any questions, please call the church office at 724-588-6520.