This Week:

Official Call to the April 28, 2009 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday,April 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM at North Liberty Presbyterian Church in Grove City.

Highlights of the meeting include:
– Introduction to MissionInsite – a new demographics website 

This Week:
April 21- 7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Bethany
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
April 23- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster
April 28- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, North Liberty (we’ll post the docket link in a special eLink tomorrow)

An Update from Ingrid Reneau
Ingrid is leaving from Nairobi for the South Sudan on April 24 for at least 6 weeks, if they don’t need to evacuate. Her laptop was stolen from her locked hotel room over Easter with all her work and pictures on it.

College Scholarship Applications Due Soon
Shenango Presbytery scholarship applications need to be postmarked by May 10th. Applications and guidelines can be found on our “Publications & Information” page, or by clicking the link in the box at the bottom of our homepage.

Planning a Mission Trip?
Shenango Presbytery offers a grant to individuals and groups to help with the cost of trips. Applications and guidelines can be found on our “Publications & Information” page, or by clicking the link in the box at the bottom of our homepage.

Training for Mission in Your Community
World Mission Initiative is offering “Crossing Cultures”- http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/events.htm. This is an eye-opening workshop that teaches how to reach out to and explore the cultures of local immigrants who live near you. This will open ministry opportunities to the people of different ethnicities who are beginning to settle in our communities.

The Emergency Darfur Relief – over $20,000
In response to the expulsion of 13 relief organizations over $20,000.00 has been received from the Presbytery and beyond. It has already been wired to the Sudan. We will be sending another wire this summer, if you missed this opportunity to contribute. Also, some members of our Presbytery went to the rally in Washington D.C. and had the following to say, “It was very impressive, many good, inspiring speakers. Music was super. It really was a combination of spiritual and political gathering, if that is possible. So, we have to remember to pray not only for the people of Darfur and Sudan, but the politicians who also must be involved. ” Photos from the rally will be featured on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website.

Faith, Freedom, and the Church in India
Dr. Timothy Mech will speak at 7 PM on April 29th in Sticht Lecture Hall (HAL 108) at Grove City College. The presentation will describe how first generation Indian Christians practice their faith. It will also explain impediments to the freedom of Indian Christians and outline how volunteers from this region are empowering churches and fighting poverty in India. Dr. Mech is a professor in the Entrepreneurship Department at Grove City College and President of Evangelical Fellowship International, a network of over 500 indigenous churches in India and Malaysia.

You Should Consider “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement”
The Fall 2009 Perspectives class will be at the Grove City Alliance Chuch. Classes bein Monday, August 31st at 6:30 PM. Mark your calendars now to come to the first week free! Begin praying about whether you should join the thousands of students, lay leaders, business professionals, mission committee members, an pastors who will be taking Perspectives somewhere this year! Check the flyer for more details. Learn more at http://www.perspectives.org or contact Area Coordinator, Jen Haddox for more info: jhaddox@pts.edu.

Missionary Speaker from Nigeria at Tower Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 PM in the Library/Lounge (second floor)
A co-worker of Call of Hope in Nigeria, Bro. Abdul will share about his mission work in this country called the Elephant of Africa. He works under very difficult conditions. Various times people wanted to kill him only because of his ministry. God has repeatedly saved him from death. Persecution is a fact in his workplace. Bro. Abdul is married; his wife’s name is Mary. They have four grown-up children.

Position at the City Rescue Mission
The City Rescue Mission in New Castle is looking for an Accounts Receivable Development Assistant. Applications accepted until April 24. For information, call 724-652-4321 or http://www.cityrescuemission.org/.

Riso Supplies Available
Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church has some old Risograph supplies that they would like to sell reasonably to any chuch that could use them. The supplies are for a Risograph CR1610 UI and include 3 digital master stencils, 1 black ink, 3 red ink, 1 blue ink. All supplies can be picked up for $5 each. Contact the church at 724-758-4709 for more information.

Church Organist Needed
8:30 AM and 10:50 AM Sunday services. Accompany adult choir, Wednesday evening rehearsals. Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 724-458-7260.

This Week:
April 15- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
April 16– PW Spring Gathering, Northminster
1:00 PM Sudan Team, Presbytery Office
1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office (back room of Resource Ctr.)
April 17-18– PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College
April 18- 11:00 AM Higher Education Luncheon, TBA
April 21- 7:00 PM Mercer County Session Records Review, Bethany
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Presbytery Office
April 23- 7:00 PM Lawrence County Session Records Review, Northminster

Note: The Meeting of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry scheduled for April 17th has been cancelled.

Prayers
– Janice Good (Associate at Tower) had surgery today and will be in Grove City Medical Center for a couple of days.

ESL Teachers Needed
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and the Ethiopian Network are looking for English as a Second Language teachers to go to Ethiopia. PFF will be offering English classes for elementary school teachers in the city of Shashemane, Ethiopia and we need 4 or 5 teachers and 1 or 2 aides. The ESL teachers would travel to Ethiopia on June 26th, 2009 and return the end of July. The estimated costs for lodging and food are $1,600 and the estimated cost for airfare is $2,500. If anyone is interested, please contact Denise Sciuto of PFF at 724-901-7004 or email at denises@pff.net. Please inquire by April 15th.

New Post on Ingrid’s Blog
Ingrid Reneau has posted an update on her blog, http://sudanseed.blogspot.com/ about a very tense situation she was involved in last month and the ever present help of God.

Training for Mission in Your Community
World Mission Initiative is offering “Crossing Cultures”- http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/events.htm. This is an eye-opening workshop that teaches how to reach out to and explore the cultures of local immigrants who live near you. This will open ministry opportunities to the people of different ethnicities who are beginning to settle in our communities.

Money Saver
We have learned that churches should not be paying sales tax on fuel oil and gas heat. You might check on this with your utility.

The Emergency Darfur Relief – over $20,000
In response to the expulsion of 13 relief organizations over $20,000.00 has been received from the Presbytery and beyond. It will be wired this Wednesday to the Sudan. Also, some members of our Presbytery will be going to the rally in Washington D.C.. If you are interested in joining them, please contact Tom Kaufman at 724-651-4323 or tek114@zoominternet.net.

Missionary Speaker from Nigeria at Tower Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 PM in the Library/Lounge (second floor)
A co-worker of Call of Hope in Nigeria, Bro. Abdul will share about his mission work in this country called the Elephant of Africa. He works under very difficult conditions. Various times people wanted to kill him only because of his ministry. God has repeatedly saved him from death. Persecution is a fact in his workplace. Bro. Abdul is married; his wife’s name is Mary. They have four grown-up children.

Position at the City Rescue Mission
The City Rescue Mission in New Castle is looking for an Accounts Receivable Development Assistant. Applications accepted until April 24. For information, call 724-652-4321 or http://www.cityrescuemission.org/.

Indoor Yard Sale at Unity
The Presbyterian Women of Unity Presbyterian Church will hold an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 8 AM to 3 PM. Hot dogs, soft drinks, coffee and pie will be available for lunch. Proceeds will support local and foreign missions.

Riso Supplies Available
Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church has some old Risograph supplies that they would like to sell reasonably to any chuch that could use them. The supplies are for a Risograph CR1610 UI and include 3 digital master stencils, 1 black ink, 3 red ink, 1 blue ink. All supplies can be picked up for $5 each. Contact the church at 724-758-4709 for more information.

Church Organist Needed
8:30 AM and 10:50 AM Sunday services. Accompany adult choir, Wednesday evening rehearsals. Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 724-458-7260.

This Week:
April 8- 10:00 AM Church & Community, Presbytery Office
April 10- OFFICE CLOSED, Good Friday

Prayers
– Don Hurray is in UPMC Pittsburgh for testing
– Former Moderator, Dorothy Ball’s husband died unexpectedly on Saturday.

ESL Teachers Needed
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship and the Ethiopian Network are looking for English as a Second Language teachers to go to Ethiopia. PFF will be offering English classes for elementary school teachers in the city of Shashemane, Ethiopia and we need 4 or 5 teachers and 1 or 2 aides. The ESL teachers would travel to Ethiopia on June 26th, 2009 and return the end of July. The estimated costs for lodging and food are $1,600 and the estimated cost for airfare is $2,500. If anyone is interested, please contact Denise Sciuto of PFF at 724-901-7004 or email at denises@pff.net. Please inquire by April 15th.

Invitation to Meet Darrell Guder
Dr. Darrell Guder, Dean of Princeton Theological Seminary, will be the speaker at the Pastors Retreat on May 4 – 5. Dr. Guder is probably the best known theologian on the subject of “missional church” which is central to the “Partnership for the Missional Church” project in which several of our congregations have been or will be participating. On Monday evening everyone is welcome to join the pastors at the Villa Maria Conference Center (left on Evergreen Road just before reaching the Ohio line on Rt. 422) at 6:30 pm. Please contact the Presbytery Office by April 13th indicating your plan to attend so that we may have space. We are inviting questions to be submitted ahead of time to organize the conversation.

New Post on Ingrid’s Blog
Ingrid Reneau has posted an update on her blog, http://sudanseed.blogspot.com about a very tense situation she was involved in last month and the ever present help of God.

Training for Mission in Your Community
World Mission Initiative is offering “Crossing Cultures”- http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/events.htm. This is an eye-opening workshop that teaches how to reach out to and explore the cultures of local immigrants who live near you. This will open ministry opportunities to the people of different ethnicities who are beginning to settle in our communities.

Money Saver
We have learned that churches should not be paying sales tax on fuel oil and gas heat. You might check on this with your utility.

The Emergency Darfur Relief – over $20,000
In response to the expulsion of 13 relief organizations over $20,000.00 has been received from the Presbytery and beyond. It will be wired this Wednesday to the Sudan. Also, some members of our Presbytery will be going to the rally in Washington D.C.. If you are interested in joining them, please contact Tom Kaufman at 724-651-4323 or tek114@zoominternet.net.

Spring Gathering to Focus on Missions
Thursday, April 16, is the Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women in Shenango Presbytery. All women are invited to attend this day of interesting speakers, great fellowship, and informative displays, with a focus on local and international mission opportunities. Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle will host this event, and reservations for lunch ($6.00) and child care are due by April 9th to Nancy McMillin at 724-336-5623. More information is available on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website.

Community YMCA Events in New Castle
Good Friday Breakfast – Friday, April 10 at the downtown YMCA. Jon Pickens, the Pastor of Student Ministries at First Baptist Church will be the featured speaker. Breakfast begins at 8 AM and reservations are requested, but not required at 724-658-4766.
Healthy Kids Day – Saturday, April 18 from 10 AM until 1 PM at Y-Zone in Neshannock Twp. Put play in your day at this fun interactive day for the entire family. All youth receive a t-shirt and you can sample free healthy foods. Call 724-658-4766 or visit http://www.ncymca.org or more info.

Indoor Yard Sale at Unity
The Presbyterian Women of Unity Presbyterian Church will hold an Indoor Yard Sale on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 8 AM to 3 PM. Hot dogs, soft drinks, coffee and pie will be available for lunch. Proceeds will support local and foreign missions.

Riso Supplies Available
Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church has some old Risograph supplies that they would like to sell reasonably to any chuch that could use them. The supplies are for a Risograph CR1610 UI and include 3 digital master stencils, 1 black ink, 3 red ink, 1 blue ink. All supplies can be picked up for $5 each. Contact the church at 724-758-4709 for more information.

Youth Minister
Neshannock Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington is seeking a youth minister to work with youth 7th – 12th grade. This is a paid, part-time position. Our youth pastor will experience a warm welcome and very supportive relationship with our congregation and our pastor. Please contact Rev. Bill Stone at 724-946-2081 or e-mail at wmailto:wjwcstone@nwboronet.com for further information and inquiries.

Secretary/Custodian
Second Presbyterian Church in New Castle is completing its 125 years of service on April 26. Their secretary/custodian, Leah DiLullo, will be out of work. Her resume is available from the Presbytery office or by calling Leah directly at 724-652-0541.

Church Organist Needed
8:30 AM and 10:50 AM Sunday services. Accompany adult choir, Wednesday evening rehearsals. Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 724-458-7260.

This Week:
April 1- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
April 2– 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
April 7- 9:30 AM Council, Shenango Church

Last Chance to Register for the Pastor’s Retreat!
Registrations are due by FRIDAY for the upcoming pastor retreat with Darrell Guder on May 4-5 at Villa Maria Retreat Center. He will be speaking on “Teaching Eldership for the Formation of Missional Communities”. Call or e-mail Autumn with your registration information at 724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org.

Prayers
– Bud Green’s sister, Liza, died on Sunday from heart problems.

Invitation to Meet Darrell Guder
Dr. Darrell Guder, Dean of Princeton Theological Seminary, will be the speaker at the Pastors Retreat on May 4 – 5. Dr. Guder is probably the best known theologian on the subject of “missional church” which is central to the “Partnership for the Missional Church” project in which several of our congregations have been or will be participating. On Monday evening everyone is welcome to join the pastors at the Villa Maria Conference Center (left on Evergreen Road just before reaching the Ohio line on Rt. 422) at 6:30 pm. Please contact the Presbytery Office by April 13th indicating your plan to attend so that we may have space. We are inviting questions to be submitted ahead of time to organize the conversation.

Spring Gathering to Focus on Missions
Thursday, April 16, is the Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women in Shenango Presbytery. All women are invited to attend this day of interesting speakers, great fellowship, and informative displays, with a focus on local and international mission opportunities. Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle will host this event, and reservations for lunch ($6.00) and child care are due by April 9th to Nancy McMillin at 724-336-5623. More information is available on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website.

Free Youth Ministry Workshop
East Brook Presbyterian Church will host Dr. David Coryell, executive director of Christian Endeavor – Mid Atlantic on Monday, April 6, 2009 from 7:00 PM until 8:59 PM. This event is open to all interested and involved in doing ministry to youth, as well as those who are student leaders in youth ministry. Church leaders are invited as well. Register on the CE website at http://www.pachristianendeavor.org, by calling the Mid Atlantic office at 610-369-0207 or by e-mailing pace@pachristianendeavor.org with your name, church, contact phone and number attending. Yes!!! It’s Free!

Work Camp/Tours to Slovakia
May 17-30, or June 8-22 traveling to Hermanovce, Slovakia with Dave and Anne Dayton. For more information, contact Anne at anne@daytons.org or call 724-458-9215.

Distinguished Speaker Series at Westminster College
Sociologist Dr. Robert Bullard will speak on “Race, Place, and Environmental Justice” on April 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Witherspoon Room. Dr. Bullard was named in 2007 by CNN as one of the “People You Should Know” and in 2008 by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Century’s Environmental Leaders.

Youth Minister
Neshannock Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington is seeking a youth minister to work with youth 7th – 12th grade. This is a paid, part-time position. Our youth pastor will experience a warm welcome and very supportive relationship with our congregation and our pastor. Please contact Rev. Bill Stone at 724-946-2081 or e-mail at wmailto:wjwcstone@nwboronet.com for further information and inquiries.

Secretary/Custodian
Second Presbyterian Church in New Castle is completing its 125 years of service on April 26. Their secretary/custodian, Leah DiLullo, will be out of work. Her resume is available from the Presbytery office or by calling Leah directly at 724-652-0541.

Church Organist Needed
8:30 AM and 10:50 AM Sunday services. Accompany adult choir, Wednesday evening rehearsals. Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 724-458-7260.

Just another reminder…

Situation Desperate in Darfur…Contributions will be Sent in April
The International Criminal Court has indicted President Bashir of the Sudan on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity because of the atrocities that perpetrated in Darfur. In retaliation Bashir has expelled all western relief agencies. Not only does this cut relief by more than half to these already desperate people, it means that there are fewer observers of the continuing brutalization of the people of Darfur.

A friend from Sudan [no specific identification for security purposes] who visited us in December continues to make monthly trips to Darfur serving the suffering. Last year $6,000 was sent from our churches, including special gifts which he took with him upon his return in December.

The Darfur Mission Committee just returned to Khartoum and sent a letter and pictures of the tragic situation. He has requested funds. If your church is able to contribute, please be sure that your check reaches the Presbytery Office by March 31 so that the money may be wired the first week of April. Click on the following link to see pictures and excerpts from the letter. http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm

This Week:
March 26- 12:00 PM Mission, Communication & Stewardship, East Main

You’re Invited
Richard Byerly will be ordained at 4:00 PM on March 29th at the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City.

Register for the Pastor’s Retreat
Darrell Guder will be our special guest for the Spring Pastor’s Retreat, May 4-5 at Villa Maria Retreat Center. He will be speaking on “Teaching Eldership for the Formation of Missional Communities”. Registrations are due by April 3rd! Forms were available in the February Presbytery packet, and can also be found online at http://www.shenango.org/News/retreat.htm, or you can e-mail your registration information to office@shenango.org.

Invitation to Meet Darrell Guder
Dr. Darrell Guder, Dean of Princeton Theological Seminary, will be the speaker at the Pastors Retreat on May 4 – 5. Dr. Guder is probably the best known theologian on the subject of “missional church” which is central to the “Partnership for the Missional Church” project in which several of our congregations have been or will be participating. On Monday evening everyone is welcome to join the pastors at the Villa Maria Conference Center (left on Evergreen Road just before reaching the Ohio line on Rt. 422) at 6:30 pm. Please contact the Presbytery Office by April 13th indicating your plan to attend so that we may have space. We are inviting questions to be submitted ahead of time to organize the conversation.

Update
The Session of Second, New Castle have given the bells to Neshannock, NW, and the chimes to Jamestown. There were 12 requests that were considered.

Special Service
On March 29, 2009 there will be a Sunday Joy Service at Word Centered Fellowship. This is a celebration of the blessings of God and will feature the New Jerusalem Flag Team from the church as well as ministers Greg and Kenny Austin. There will be a dinner from 2-4 PM (free will offering) with the service beginning at 5:00 PM. Any questions, please call WCF hospitality director, Connie Wright at 724-651-2031.

Synod Summer Conference
Many from our churches enjoyed the Synod Summer Conference last June at Westminster College. This June (10-12) this event will be held at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, another beautiful Presbyterian-related campus. Beau Weston is the main speaker. For all the details, click here: http://www.syntrinity.org/home/annoucments/Summer_Conference_2009/MainPage.htm.

Katrina Relief Update
at Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church on March 29th at 6:00 PM. Dessert included.

Work Camp/Tours to Slovakia
May 17-30, or June 8-22 traveling to Hermanovce, Slovakia with Dave and Anne Dayton. For more information, contact Anne at anne@daytons.org or call 724-458-9215.

Distinguished Speaker Series at Westminster College
Sociologist Dr. Robert Bullard will speak on “Race, Place, and Environmental Justice” on April 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Witherspoon Room. Dr. Bullard was named in 2007 by CNN as one of the “People You Should Know” and in 2008 by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Century’s Environmental Leaders.

Youth Minister
Neshannock Presbyterian Church in New Wilmington is seeking a youth minister to work with youth 7th – 12th grade. This is a paid, part-time position. Our youth pastor will experience a warm welcome and very supportive relationship with our congregation and our pastor. Please contact Rev. Bill Stone at 724-946-2081 or e-mail at wmailto:wjwcstone@nwboronet.com for further information and inquiries.

Secretary/Custodian
Second Presbyterian Church in New Castle is completing its 125 years of service on April 26. Their secretary/custodian, Leah DiLullo, will be out of work. Her resume is available from the Presbytery office or by calling Leah directly at 724-652-0541.

Church Organist Needed
8:30 AM and 10:50 AM Sunday services. Accompany adult choir, Wednesday evening rehearsals. Tower Church, 248 S. Broad St., Grove City, PA 724-458-7260.

Situation Desperate in Darfur…Contributions will be Sent in April

The International Criminal Court has indicted President Bashir of the Sudan on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity because of the atrocities that perpetrated in Darfur. In retaliation Bashir has expelled all western relief agencies. Not only does this cut relief by more than half to these already desperate people, it means that there are fewer observers of the continuing brutalization of the people of Darfur.

A friend from Sudan [no specific identification for security purposes] who visited us in December continues to make monthly trips to Darfur serving the suffering. Last year $6,000 was sent from our churches, including special gifts which he took with him upon his return in December.

The Darfur Mission Committee just returned to Khartoum and sent a letter and pictures of the tragic situation. He has requested funds. If your church is able to contribute, please be sure that your check reaches the Presbytery Office by March 31 so that the money may be wired the first week of April. Click on the following link to see pictures and excerpts from the letter. http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm

Just another reminder…

The Session of Second Church, New Castle is making the following items available:

• Baby Grand Piano
• Handbells (Malmark – 37 bells plus 53 chimes)
• Advent wreath on a floor stand

You can see these items by contacting Leah at Second Church at 724-652-0541.
All requests to be considered must come from churches or a church-related institution (not individuals) and must be received at the Presbytery Office by NOON on Friday, March 20. The recipients will be informed on that day and the item must be removed from the Second Church by Tuesday, March 24.