Prayer Vigil Calendar for this week
February:
9th Millbrook
10th Shenango
11th Westminster College (Jim Mohr)
12th Unity
13th Presbytery Office

Presbytery Annual Report Forms Were Due 2 weeks ago…
The Presbytery Office has only recieved annual report forms from 39 of our 69 churches. Most immediately, we need your Necrology reports so that we may compile a listing for the worship service at the Presbytery meeting on the 24th. If Autumn does not recieve your Necrology report by next Tuesday, the 17th, your elders will not be included in this remembrance.
Also, please note:
– Terms of Call worksheets were also due on January 31st – we’re missing several.
– the online report for GA must be completed by midnight on February 24th. (Note: the figures we receive from GA, which are compiled from these reports, help us to calculate things like per capita – if you do not complete this online report our records will not accurately reflect the numbers you may have. This is especially important if you have recently updated your rolls.)

This Week:
February 4- 12:00 PM Intro to PMC Luncheon for Pastors, West Middlesex
February 6- 9:00 AM PMC Planning Group, Presbytery Office

Special Opportunity
Philip Jenkins, professor at Penn State, is one of the most important writers on the dramatic emergence of the church in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 70% of the world’s Christians are now found on those continents. He will be speaking at 9:30 AM at the Grove City College Chapel on Thursday, February 12.

Interested in Carpooling to the Equipping Pastors Retreat next week?
There are interested parties in both Ellwood City and Grove City – if you would like to share a ride, please contact Rev. Teresa Kendall at 724-752-8892.

Mission Speaker Available
Michael Weller, PC(USA) missionary in Sudan and Ethiopia, will be living in Pittsburgh the next couple of years while his wife Rachel is pursuing a degree in nursing. He is our Liaison for the Sudan and will be visiting there in February. He is available to preach in your church and speak to Sunday School class and other groups about the Sudan. Contact him at mswelleret@gmail.com or (412) 728-1306. You can read about the Wellers and their family at http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/wellerm.htm

PW Churchwide Gathering
The prophet Joshua promised “God will do Wonders Among You!” You are invited to join thousands of women (and a few men) at the 2009 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women to see how this promise is ours today. Dynamic speakers, inspiring worship and Bible study, and workshops covering mission, leadership, personal spiritual growth and more will nurture and challenge us July 11-15 in Louisville, KY. Visit http://wwww.pcusa.org/pwgathering for details and registration forms or contact Ruth Marshall, 724-368-8589 for more information.

Secretary Wanted
Neshannock Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington is seeking a church secretary. This is a part-time position of 23 hours/week. Inquiries are welcome at 724-946-2081, or 330 W. Neshannock Avenue, New Wilmington, PA 16142.

Church Secretary Wanted
CHURCH SECRETARY needed to provide secretarial and administrative services to the pastor and professional church staff. Must be a professing Christian and possess good interpersonal, writing and computer skills. Hourly position with no benefits for 15 hours per week. Send resume by February 25 to: Center Presbyterian Church, 333 Center Church Road, Grove City, PA, 16127 or e-mail resume to: bwoodman.2@gmail.com.

Part-Time Music Director Wanted
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Grove City is looking for a part-time music director, stipend $25 a week. This person would pick out music and lead choir rehearsal. We have an accompanist and the choir numbers around ten. A person with conducting training would be a plus. Anyone intersted should contact Rev. Nicola Vitiello at 973-897-7813.

Summer Staff Wanted
The Camping Association is seeking summer staff for Camp Lambec and Westminster Highlands. For more information, please see the publications that are available on the News & Events Page of our website at http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm.

Handbells Wanted
The Bell Choir of Hillside Presbyterian Church in Greenville, is looking to complete a 3 octave set of handbells. The needed handbells are:F4, F#4, E4, D4, D#4, C4, C#4, B6, C7, C#7. We would prefer information on Schulmerich bells, but would consider other companies as well. Please contact Connie Greenfield, 724-588-6449, jwgreenfield@verizon.net.

Soup Supper
Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer W Middlesex Road, Mercer, PA 16137 is sponsoring a Soup Supper on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 2 PM to 5 PM to benefit the camp scholarship fund. Donations are adults $5.00; children 6-12 $2.50; children under 5 eat free. Bring your own soup mug or bowl and a spoon and enjoy. Dessert is included.

FAITH, FOOTBALL & FAMILY
Former Pittsburgh Steeler – Tunch Ilkin
Former Pittsburgh Steelers Lineman and current color commentator on the Steelers Radio Network Tunch Ilkin will be on campus on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Wallace Memorial Chapel, Westminster College. This event is free and open to the public.

Mr. Ilkin will share his experiences as a professional football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his up Muslim and his becoming a Christian. Mr. Ilkin was born in Istanbul, Turkey and emigrated to the United States with his parents when he was two and grew up in Chicago. He was grated an athletic scholarship to Indiana State University.

He was drafted in the 6th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a member of the team from 1980-1992 earning two Pro Bowl appearances. He retired from football in 1993 after playing for the Green Bay Packers.

Prayer Vigil Calendar for this week:
February
2nd Leesburg
3rd Jackson Center
4th First New Castle
5th Christ Church
6th Tower
7th Slippery Rock
8th Ebenezer
9th Millbrook
10th Shenango

This Week:
January 27– 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
January 29– 12:00 PM Mission, Communication & Stewardship, East Main
1:30 PM – Bills & Overture Committee, Presbytery Office
February 3– 9:30 AM Council, Leesburg

Prayer Vigil – This Week:
Wednesday – Highland
Thursday – Word Centered Fellowship
Friday – Plain Grove
Saturday – Northminster
Sunday – Clen-Moore
Monday – Leesburg
Tuesday – Jackson Center
Wednesday – First New Castle

CLP Meeting Cancelled
Due to predicted weather conditions this evening, the CLP Meeting set for 7 PM at the Presbytery Office has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

Mission Speaker Available
Michael Weller, PC(USA) missionary in Sudan and Ethiopia, will be living in Pittsburgh the next couple of years while his wife Rachel is pursuing a degree in nursing. He is our Liaison for the Sudan and will be visiting there in February. He is available to preach in your church and speak to Sunday School class and other groups about the Sudan. Contact him at mswelleret@gmail.com or (412) 728-1306. You can read about the Wellers and their family at http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/wellerm.htm

Secretary Wanted
Neshannock Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington is seeking a church secretary. This is a part-time position of 23 hours/week. Inquiries are welcome at 724-946-2081, or 330 W. Neshannock Avenue, New Wilmington, PA 16142.

Ingrid in the Mission Yearbook
Ingrid Reneau is listed in the Mission Yearbook on January 31. http://www.pcusa.org/missionyearbook/Jan/31.htm.

Missing Video – Please Help!
The Resource Center is missing a video (VHS) of an interview with Daniel Hamad during his visit to the Presbytery a few years ago. We have had several requests for this video, so if you find it in your stack of “items to return”, please bring it back to the Presbytery Office.

The office will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday.

Mission Trip
Area churches are going back to Pearlington, MS for hurricane relief February 21 – March 1. They will leave the evening of February 20. The cost is $140 for PDA camp & $150 for van transportation. There will be a meeting of all interested on Sunday, January 18 at 3 PM at Mt Jackson Presbyterian Church – 129 Mt Air Road, New Castle, PA. You can e-mail wlgwin@att.net or phone 724-667-8321 (Bill Gwin) or 724-651-4323 (Tom Kaufman).

Prayer for the Family of Penney Fujii
Penney Fujii died on Christmas Day after a long bout with cancer. In the mid-1980’s she and her husband Chris served as Directors of the Camping Association. They had been co-pastors in Conneaut since then.

This Week:
January 14 – 9:30 AM Church and Community Committee, Presbytery Office
12:00 PM PMC Luncheon for Pastors, West Middlesex
January 17- LeaderFest, Westminster College

Seminar for Clerks changed. CORRECTION
Because of a schedule conflict, Jerry Mahaffey will not be presenting his annual workshop for Clerks of Session at LeaderFest this year. Instead, he has offered to host an event for clerks at his church, North Liberty Presbyterian either Saturday, Jan. 24, or Monday evening, Jan. 19th. (or some other time that suits everyone). Clerks can contact Jerry at 724-794-4383 to find out more. Jerry also encourages clerks to call him at any time with their questions.

Prayer Vigil Begins Thursday
The churches of Shenango Presbytery are participating in a prayer vigil for 30 days leading up to the vote at the February meeting of Presbytery regarding the proposed changes to the Book of Order. There will be an article in the New Castle News tomorrow with more details, and the entire schedule will be available on the Presbytery website later this week.

• The vigil will begin on Thursday, January 15th at 12:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville.
• Friday, January 16th at Calvin Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City.
• Saturday, January 17th at LeaderFest
• Sunday, January 18th all churches are asked to participate

IRS Rate for 2009
The IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2009 will be 55 cents per mile.

There’s Still Time! – You can call in or e-mail your registrations for LeaderFest clear up until Friday. (In fact, you can show up Saturday morning without registering.) Don’t let this opportunity for inspiration, training, and sharing pass you by.

The Keynote Address at LeaderFest will be “Leadership in an Age of Choices”
Russ Crabtree, our LeaderFest speaker, wrote the following about his topic.
“We are living in an environment in which people have choices. This creates pressure on all organizations, including churches, to take seriously the quality of the experience that they are creating for those who live within them. Providing high quality experiences for people requires leadership skills that foster the development a spiritual “field” within the Body of Christ in which people are strengthened, healed and energized. For most churches, this requires a change from solving problems to shifting a culture. Churches have thousands of problems, but the solutions are few. This address will focus on those solutions.”

Don’t Forget to Read Your Mission Yearbook!
This period of the year features the presbyteries of the Synod of the Trinity, including Shenango Presbytery. Also, there is a special article by Miriam Gwin and the Mt. Jackson congregation featured in the Children’s Mission Yearbook this month.

Please Pray for Those Suffering in Israel/Palestine
Dr. Ken Bailey has suggested that we read the statement by church leaders in the Middle East and pray for those suffering in the present war. http://www.perth.anglican.org/web/News/World_News/?pageid+151&article=255.

Has Your Session Heard about the “Partnership for the Missional Church?”
Your Session faces important challenges as your lead your church. Thirteen of our churches have learned that “Partnership for the Missional Church” (PMC) can be a very important support in these difficult times. If you would like to learn more, please go to http://www.shenango.org/PMC/index.htm and call Dave Dawson about an opportunity for your session to hear the PMC story and how it can help your church.

First Church in Sharon, 600 East State Street, will present it’s first Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on Saturday, January 17th.
Prelude music will begin at 6:15 PM. There is no admission fee for the Festival, which celebrates Christ’s birth, His Epiphany, and His victory over evil and darkness. It is a reenactment of an ancient medieval Festival that is full of pageantry and music. The congregation participates in the Festival as well. If you have questions, please call 724-981-2211.

Director of Support Services
Full time managerial position available immediately to oversee maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, security and transportation operations in our beautiful Continuing Care Retirement Community. Construction experience and bachelor’s degree preferred. Competetive wages and benefits. Apply in person, fax cover letter and resume to 724-946-3412 or e-mail jobs@shenangopsc.org. Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare 238 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142. EOE.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance needs Presbyterian Volunteer Village (PVV) managers.
The position description is: to oversee the management and function of a PDA volunteer village in the Gulf Coast, including hospitality, administration, logistics, leadership, delegation and group facilitation. These are positions needed year-round. A small stipend and expenses are provided. A minimum 3 months is required. Complete information and an application can be found here:http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/villagemanagerneeded.htm.

Dates still open for Prayer Vigil
Pastors received a letter prior to Christmas detailing a Presbytery-wide prayer vigil leading up to the vote at the February presbytery meeting regarding the proposed changes to the Book of Order. This vigil will take place at 12:00 noon from January 15th – February 13th. There are still many dates open and your church is encouraged to participate. Please contact Arnie Morris at morrisae@comcast.net if you would like to participate. If you need another copy of the letter, please contact Autumn at the Presbytery Office.

IRS Rate for 2009
The IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2009 will be 55 cents per mile.

Dedication of Habitat House
Mercer County Habitat for Humanity will be dedicating a house at 435 E. Market Street, Mercer on Sunday, January 11th at 2:00 PM. You are invited to attend.

This Week:
January 9-10 – PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College

Attention LeaderFest Participants: “Early Bird” registration bargain ($10 instead of $15) expires Monday, Jan. 12th.

Seminar for Clerks changed.
Because of a schedule conflict, Jerry Mahaffey will not be presenting his annual workshop for Clerks of Session at LeaderFest this year. Instead, he has offered to host an event for clerks at his church, North Liberty Presbyterian either Saturday, Jan. 24, or Monday evening, Jan. 19th. (or some other time that suits everyone). Clerks can contact Jerry at 724-794-4384 to find out more. Jerry also encourages clerks to call him at any time with their questions.

Cokesbury at LeaderFest
Yes, Cokesbury has promised that they will be at LeaderFest this year. They have apologized for their mix-up last year and will be in the lobby of Orr auditorium with Books of Order, books suggested by the seminar leaders, books authored by people we know (such as Ken Bailey and Lisa Hickman) and books related to our seminar topics. They do accept charge cards, so come prepared to buy!

Please Pray for Those Suffering in Israel/Palestine
Dr. Ken Bailey has suggested that we read the statement by church leaders in the Middle East and pray for those suffering in the present war. http://www.perth.anglican.org/web/News/World_News/?pageid+151&article=255.

Has Your Session Heard about the “Partnership for the Missional Church?”
Your Session faces important challenges as your lead your church. Thirteen of our churches have learned that “Partnership for the Missional Church” (PMC) can be a very important support in these difficult times. If you would like to learn more, please go to http://www.shenango.org/PMC/index.htm and call Dave Dawson about an opportunity for your session to hear the PMC story and how it can help your church.

First Church in Sharon, 600 East State Street, will present it’s first Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on Saturday, January 17th. Prelude music will begin at 6:15 PM. There is no admission fee for the Festival, which celebrates Christ’s birth, His Epiphany, and His victory over evil and darkness. It is a reenactment of an ancient medieval Festival that is full of pageantry and music. The congregation participates in the Festival as well. If you have questions, please call 724-981-2211.

Mission Speakers
Michael and Rachel Weller have been serving in the Sudan and Ethiopia. They have returned to Pittsburgh for Rachel to complete a degree in nursing that will help in her work in the Sudan. Michael will continue as the Sudan Liaison while they are in Pittsburgh. You can contact them at mswelleret@gmail.com or wellerachel@gmail.com.

Director of Support Services
Full time managerial position available immediately to oversee maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, security and transportation operations in our beautiful Continuing Care Retirement Community. Construction experience and bachelor’s degree preferred. Competetive wages and benefits. Apply in person, fax cover letter and resume to 724-946-3412 or e-mail jobs@shenangopsc.org. Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare 238 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142. EOE.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance needs Presbyterian Volunteer Village (PVV) managers.
The position description is: to oversee the management and function of a PDA volunteer village in the Gulf Coast, including hospitality, administration, logistics, leadership, delegation and group facilitation. These are positions needed year-round. A small stipend and expenses are provided. A minimum 3 months is required. Complete information and an application can be found here:http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/villagemanagerneeded.htm.

Just a few short annoucments this week – Happy New Year!

LeaderFest
Many church leaders indicate they would like a deeper prayer life. At LeaderFest, January 17 at Westminster College, Mary Kathryn Crom, an ordained Presbyterian minister from Lake Erie Presbytery, will lead a seminar on Centering/Contemplative prayer. Rev. Crom received her certification in Spiritual Formation from Columbia seminary. She leads retreats and acts as a spiritual guide to individuals. Those attending her seminar will learn ways of prayer that will complement their other kinds of prayer.

Don’t forget to register for LeaderFest – the early bird deadline is almost here!

Mission Speakers
Michael and Rachel Weller have been serving in the Sudan and Ethiopia. They have returned to Pittsburgh for Rachel to complete a degree in nursing that will help in her work in the Sudan. Michael will continue as the Sudan Liaison while they are in Pittsburgh. You can contact them at mswelleret@gmail.com or wellerachel@gmail.com.

Director of Support Services
Full time managerial position available immediately to oversee maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, security and transportation operations in our beautiful Continuing Care Retirement Community. Construction experience and bachelor’s degree preferred. Competetive wages and benefits. Apply in person, fax cover letter and resume to 724-946-3412 or e-mail jobs@shenangopsc.org. Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare 238 South Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142. EOE.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance needs Presbyterian Volunteer Village (PVV) managers.
The position description is: to oversee the management and function of a PDA volunteer village in the Gulf Coast, including hospitality, administration, logistics, leadership, delegation and group facilitation. These are positions needed year-round. A small stipend and expenses are provided. A minimum 3 months is required.

Complete information and an application can be found here:
http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/usa/villagemanagerneeded.htm.

Coming Events:
December 24-26 – Office Closed, Christmas Holiday
January 1-2 – Office Closed, New Year’s Holiday

Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Spread the Warmth – collection for the area homeless youth at the Silk Road Market
– Calvin Symposium on Worship – January 29-31, 2009 Grand Rapids, MI

Prayers
Autumn Covert, Executive Secretary, had surgery on Monday and should be home today. She is doing well.

Deadline for Mission Giving
Contributions for the year 2008 must be postmarked by Monday, January 5, 2009.

Attention Church Boards and Committees
At your December meetings be sure to include information about the LeaderFest event coming January 17th at Westminster College. Registration brochures are being sent to all church secretaries, and also were included with the on-line issue of Shenango SHOWCASE. As an incentive to get your registrations in early, the “early bird” fee is just $10.00, if the registration is sent before January 12, 2009.

Remember the Sudan at Christmas
We have been deeply blessed with a brief visit with Rev. Daniel Hamad from the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. Last week we had two gatherings with 70 folks from our churches for Dr. Ken Bailey’s interview of Daniel. Over $3,100 has been collected so far for Daniel to buy food for those suffering in displacement camps in Darfur. He and other church leaders make the risky trip each month to serve them. All contributions received by the end of the year will be used for this Christmas gift to the people. Go to http://www.shenango.org/Sudan/index.htm for pictures and more information on the Sudan.

Lay Pastor Training
The next opportunity for training as a lay pastor begins in early 2009. Registration is due by the end of December. There are 3 persons from Shenango Presbytery planning to participate. You could share a ride with them to classes in Pittsburgh. Contact Jim Davison JDavison@pts.edu or contact the Presbytery Office for more details.

Want to Study the Bible in Greek?
Aaron Christy (Sharon) and Kang Na are organizing a group to read Greek. The group will move at a slower than academic class pace, decide on a workbook, and will meet no more than once every 2 weeks. Anyone interested could contact Aaron at dym@1stpcs.org or 724-981-2211 x4.

Preaching Events at PTS
Preaching as a Sacred Conversation: How to Give Sermons and How to Listen to Them will be offered on January 7, 14 and 21. This program will take place from 7:00 – 8:30 PM on these Wednesday evenings and will be broadcast live to three remote locations. It will focus on preparation and delivery of sermons, as well as how to make hearing sermons more inspirational and valuable. To register ($45/0.4 CEU), contact the Office of Continuing Education by calling 412-441-3304 ext. 2196 or e-mailing coned@pts.edu.