This Week:

October 3-4- Pastor Retreat, Villa Maria Conference Center

 

Per Capita

The 2017 Per Capita budget was approved last evening at the presbytery meeting and letters will be mailed shortly to churches.  Amounts for 2017 are as follows: GA: $7.50, Synod: $2.30, Presbytery: $28.06 = $37.86 TOTAL.

 

Terms of Call

Last evening the presbytery approved a 1% increase to the MINIMUM Terms of Call for full-time installed pastors, or $49,103 minimum effective salary.  The updated Terms of Call worksheet will be posted on our website by the end of this week.

 

South Sudan Matching Challenge
Two elders in one of our congregations have challenged our presbytery to match their $20,000 mission gift by September 27 for immediate food relief in South Sudan through our mission partners. Pastors and elders in our partner denomination SSPEC (South Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical Church) will use these funds to purchase wholesale food suitable for distribution through their congregations.  We hope to have a total soon to publish from the offering taken at last evening’s presbytery meeting along with previous donations to the challenge, but you can still participate.  Congregational offerings can be mailed to the presbytery office marked “South Sudan Match” or individuals can donate online at the Presbyterian Mission Exchange by choosing the fund SOUTH SUDAN HUNGER RELIEF MATCHING OFFERING.

 

Prison Bible Study

Consider joining a Bible study program in the Mercer County Jail, adding to the company of those who teach the scriptures and befriend prisoners who are seeking a better way. Celebrate Recovery Inside is held every Wednesday from 6-8 pm.  This is great opportunity to share the gospel and love of Christ, led by folks connected to our presbytery churches.  An orientation is offered and requested for new volunteers. If interested, contact Linda Porter or Rev. Brian Ennis (Fairfield & Milledgeville) at 724-992-2227.

 

Don Dawson to Retire

The Rev. Don Dawson will retire on October 31 as Director of the World Mission Initiative (WMI) at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the New Wilmington Mission Conference.  He has presided as director of both since 2000.  Read more. 

 

Westminster College to Inaugurate New President

On Friday, October 28, 2016, Westminster College will inaugurate Kathy Brittain Richardson, Ph.D., as its fifteenth President.

 

Store Closing
Grand Book & Bible in New Castle will be closing their doors on Friday, September 30th.  They have a lot of church supplies left, including robes, communion supplies, and more.  If your congregation is in need of any supplies, please contact the store at 724-658-1626 or grbobi@aol.com to see what is available.  If you call after Friday, please leave a message and someone will return your call.

 

News From the Churches

Musical Opportunity

A new chamber orchestra has been formed in the Shenango Valley, and their premiere concert will be held on October 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM in the Pierce Opera House, 100 N. Mercer Avenue, Shaprsville. The Pierce Theatre Players, under the direction of Dr. Stephen Barr, will perform Symphony No. 8 in F Major by Beethoven, and the Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major by Mozart, with Jerry Koziorynsky as the featured soloist.  Dr. Barr is a graduate of Hickory High School and Westminster College, and currently is the Director of Choral Activities at Slippery Rock University, and the Director of the Shenango Valley Chorale.  For more information you can find them on facebook or go to igg.me/at PT-players/x.

Store Closing

Grand Book & Bible in New Castle will be closing their doors on Friday, September 30th.  They have a lot of church supplies left, including robes, communion supplies, and more.  If your congregation is in need of any supplies, please contact the store at 724-658-1626 or grbobi@aol.com to see what is available.  If you call after Friday, please leave a message and someone will return your call.

Dinner at Tuesday’s Presbytery Meeting

Registration for the Presbytery meeting will begin at 4:30 PM on Tuesday at Camp Crestfield in Slippery Rock, then we will gather together to share a dinner with the folks from Beaver-Butler Presbytery at 5:15 PM.  The cost of the dinner is $7.00 per person payable at the registration table.  Come and enjoy a time of fellowship with our neighbors in a beautiful camp setting!

This Week:

September 15- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
September 20- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock PC

 

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching this month at Sheakleyville (Sep 11).  He will lead Nominating Committee training for all nominating committee chairs (Sep 11), will lead a day long retreat for regional Church of God pastors in Ellwood City (Sep 19), and will make a presentation at the annual World Mission Initiative dinner at Pittsburgh Seminary (Sep 26). Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.

 

Register for the Fall Pastor Retreat – REGISTRATION DEADLINE THIS WEEK!

Reading Poetry for Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Leadership, October 3-4, 2016 at Villa Maria Conference Center with Dr. Richard Haney (Executive Director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship).  Click here to register: https://shenango.org/committees-groups/pastor-retreat-registration/

 

South Sudan Matching Challenge

Two elders in one of our congregations have challenged our presbytery to match their $20,000 mission gift by September 27 for immediate food relief in South Sudan through our mission partners. Pastors and elders in the our partner denomination SSPEC (South Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical Church) will use these funds to purchase wholesale food suitable for distribution through their congregations.  Congregational offerings can be mailed to the presbytery office marked “South Sudan Match” or sent through your pastor or elder commissioner to the September 27 presbytery meeting at Camp Crestfield, Slippery Rock, Pa. Individuals can donate online at the Presbyterian Mission Exchange by choosing the fund SOUTH SUDAN HUNGER RELIEF MATCHING OFFERING.

 

Hear the Stelles

All are invited to hear PCUSA mission worker, Steve Stelle, share about their work in Ethiopia.  Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer will host a Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday, September 21^st at noon.  Bring a lunch if you like, beverages will be provided.  Steve will speak beginning at 12:15 PM.

 

International Peacemaker From Niger

The Honorable Issaka Moussa from Niger will be coming to Pittsburgh September 28^th – October 4^th as part of the PCUSA International Peacemaking Program.  Issaka is the secretary for global partnership for the Evangelical Church in Niger (EERN), and will speak in Chapel at PTS on Thursday, September 29^th.

 

Myers-Briggs and Leadership in the Church

Come join the presbytery’s Christian Education Committee and discover the unique personality and gifts that God has given to you and how you are called and equipped to use those gifts to serve the Lord more effectively.  Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 2:00-5:30 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, PA.  Cost: $8/person (includes a personality assessment and snacks).  Led by Michelle Snyder, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute  E-mail Andrea Hall at andreabhall@gmail.com with questions.  Click here to register by September 18.  Click here to download a bulletin insert.

 

Wee Kirk

Attend the upcoming Wee Kirk Conference, October 10-12 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  Be inspired, equipped, motivated, and encouraged as a small congregation by worship, workshops, and fellowship time.  Download a brochure or contact Jane Bartholomew for paper copies, and register today!  Churches with up to 125 members pay only $100 for a husband and wife, or $75 per single registrant.  Churches with 126-200 members pay $125 for a husband and wife, or $100 per single registrant.  EP Ralph Hawkins will be this year’s Communion Preacher and will also lead a workshop.

 

Cooking With a Mission

You are invited to join a five-week course in gastronomic delights starting Monday, September 19^th and running each Monday through October 17^th from 5;30 – 8:30 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer.  This hands-on class will feature a full array of menu items and tasting each evening led by instructor, local chef Mark Arnold.  The cost of $200 per person will go to support the mission work sponsored by Shenango Presbytery.  We can now announce that our special guest chefs will be Steve & Brenda Stelle, who will introduce us to a few dishes from Ethiopia.  Class size is limited, so contact the Presbytery office for a registration form.  Questions, call Don Stanley at 724-308-7251.

 

Sudan Celebration Choir

Singers are needed to share their voice in a one-time choir for the Celebrate Sudan Event on Sunday, September 25^th at 4 PM at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.  Those who are willing to sing in the choir – rehearsal will be at 2:45 PM at East Main.  (A one hour rehearsal with a break before the actual Celebration begins.)  No robes – music will be provided.  Come and share your voice with this special celebration of mission.

 

Prison Bible Study

Consider joining a Bible study program in the Mercer County Jail, adding to the company of those who teach the scriptures and befriend prisoners who are seeking a better way. Celebrate Recovery Inside is held every Wednesday from 6-8 pm.  This is great opportunity to share the gospel and love of Christ, led by folks connected to our presbytery churches.  An orientation is offered and requested for new volunteers. If interested, contact Linda Porter or Rev. Brian Ennis (Fairfield & Milledgeville) at 724-992-2227.

 

Westminster College Welcomes Anthony Griggs

The Office of Faith and Spirituality extends an invitation to you and your congregation to attend on Sunday evening, September 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM, as Westminster College welcomes Anthony Griggs as our evening speaker in Wallace Memorial Chapel.  Please share this opportunity with your congregation.  Mr. Griggs played football for the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns and worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers under Bill Cower serving as Player Development Director a position he held for 13 years Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach.  Currently, Anthony G. Griggs is Owner/President of AG Squared Networks, Inc. (AGGNET), a business and personal development company. AGGNET assists businesses, individuals, teams and organizations reach their optimal growth and development through the following programs: 1. Stepping Toward Success, assists clients with goal setting and action planning. 2. Life is a Sport…Train for it!, a nationally presented, high-achievement training and development seminar.  His title for the evening is: “Life is a Sport, Play It”.  He will look at the development of one’s body, mind and spirit.  For additional information or requests, contact the Office of Faith and spirituality at (724) 946-7117 or by email at gabriedl@westminster.edu.

 

Egypt Mission Network Events

• There are plans to take a team to Egypt in the fall to build partnerships with the Presbyterian Church in Egypt. Dates are October 26 – November 3 (with potential for adding on tourist trips pre and post).  Registration by Sept. 16.  For more information, http://www.egyptpartnershipnetwork.org/travel/2016/10/2/fall-2016-cairo-visit
• Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church (3461 Sandy Lake New Lebanon Road, Sandy Lake, PA) is hosting a dinner for 8 young Egyptian Church leaders and their hosts. Mark your calendar for a potluck dinner on September 14 from 6-8.  Bring a dish to pass and table service and come hear how the Spirit is moving amongst our brothers and sisters in Egypt.  (Questions: 724-376-2630 or TheOtherRevCreekpaum@gmail.com)

 

Westminster College to Inaugurate New President

On Friday, October 28, 2016, Westminster College will inaugurate Kathy Brittain Richardson, Ph.D., as its fifteenth President.

 

Continuing Education Opportunities and Events at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
For more information, click on the links, or go to www.pts.edu/CE for specific details…

• Language Over Lunch: Biblical Hebrew OR New Testament Greek, September 7-November 9
• Violence in Scripture, an online class with Jerome Creach, registration deadline September 12
• The Desert Abbas & Ammaswith Roberta Bondi, September 14-17
• Extending Hospitality, Conversations & Community Series, beginning September 14
• Change of Course: Navigating Christian Education Todaywith Paul Humphreys, September 24
• Transforming Mission, the McClure Lectures with Stephen Bevans, September 26-27
• The Place Where We Are Right: A Conversation between Friends about Israel & Palestine,September 29
• The Art of Transitional Ministry, Part 2, October 17-21
• The End of Adam & Eve: Theology & the Science of Human Origins, an online class with Ron Cole-Turner
• Are We There Yet? Safe Travels with Youth, aFREE WEBINARresource

 

News From the Churches

Wanted

Organist and/or pianist.  Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Wilmington, PA.  One Sunday service per week.  One choir rehearsal per week in season.  Pay commensurate with experience.  Reply to Neshannock Presbyterian Church at 724-946-2081 or emailadmin@neshpresby.org.

 

Evensong at Unity

Unity Presbyterian Church will host a Potluck and Hymn Sing this Sunday evening, September 18th.  The potluck will begin at 5:30 and hymn singing at 6:15.  Come lift your voice with us in singing the hymns of the faith.

 

Musical Opportunity

A new chamber orchestra has been formed in the Shenango Valley, and their premiere concert will be held on October 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM in the Pierce Opera House, 100 N. Mercer Avenue, Shaprsville. The Pierce Theatre Players, under the direction of Dr. Stephen Barr, will perform Symphony No. 8 in F Major by Beethoven, and the Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major by Mozart, with Jerry Koziorynsky as the featured soloist.  Dr. Barr is a graduate of Hickory High School and Westminster College, and currently is the Director of Choral Activities at Slippery Rock University, and the Director of the Shenango Valley Chorale.  For more information you can find them on facebook or go to igg.me/at PT-players/x.

 

This Week:

September 7- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
September 8- 1:oo PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington PC
September 9- 9:00 AM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
September 11- 6:30 PM Nominating Committee Training Event, Faith PC, Hermitage

 

EP Activity This Month

Our Executive Presbyter, Ralph Hawkins, will be preaching this month at Sheakleyville (Sep 11).  He will lead Nominating Committee training for all nominating committee chairs (Sep 11), will lead a day long retreat for regional Church of God pastors in Ellwood City (Sep 19), and will make a presentation at the annual World Mission Initiative dinner at Pittsburgh Seminary (Sep 26). Ralph welcomes opportunities to preach or bring greetings during a worship service, as well as opportunities to visit Session and Deacon meetings.   Schedule a Sunday or a meeting time by contacting him at 724-528-1610 or ralph@shenango.org.

 

Stated Clerk Updates

– TE Lisa Hickman began in June as part-time Director of Pastoral Care at First Sharon
– TE Anthony Kladitis was in May installed as pastor of Faith church, Hermitage
– TE Grace Basham concluded her service to two United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations in Mercer County
– The Jamestown church recently voted to request dismissal by our presbytery to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians
– TE Angel DeLaCruz has accepted a call to a Presbyerian congregation in Paulina, Iowa

(TE=Teaching Elder)

 

Nominating Committee Training

Do you serve on your congregation’s Nominating Committee?  Have you been elected by your session to chair that committee?  On Sunday, September 11^th (6:30 – 8:30 PM) at Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermitage, join EP Ralph Hawkins for practical training and helpful conversation about the sacred task of nominating elders, deacons, and trustees to serve the church and build up the body of Jesus.  Brought to you by the Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee.

 

Register for the Fall Pastor Retreat

Reading Poetry for Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Leadership, October 3-4, 2016 at Villa Maria Conference Center with Dr. Richard Haney (Executive Director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship).  Click here to register: https://shenango.org/committees-groups/pastor-retreat-registration/

 

South Sudan Matching Challenge

Two elders in one of our congregations have challenged our presbytery to match their $20,000 mission gift by September 27 for immediate food relief in South Sudan through our mission partners. Pastors and elders in the our partner denomination SSPEC (South Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical Church) will use these funds to purchase wholesale food suitable for distribution through their congregations.  Congregational offerings can be mailed to the presbytery office marked “South Sudan Match” or sent through your pastor or elder commissioner to the September 27 presbytery meeting at Camp Crestfield, Slippery Rock, Pa. Individuals can donate online at the Presbyterian Mission Exchange by choosing the fund SOUTH SUDAN HUNGER RELIEF MATCHING OFFERING.

 

Hear the Stelles

All are invited to hear PCUSA mission worker, Steve Stelle, share about their work in Ethiopia.  Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer will host a Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday, September 21^st at noon.  Bring a lunch if you like, beverages will be provided.  Steve will speak beginning at 12:15 PM.

 

 

International Peacemaker From Niger

The Honorable Issaka Moussa from Niger will be coming to Pittsburgh September 28^th – October 4^th as part of the PCUSA International Peacemaking Program.  Issaka is the secretary for global partnership for the Evangelical Church in Niger (EERN), and will speak in Chapel at PTS on Thursday, September 29^th.

 

Myers-Briggs and Leadership in the Church

Come join the presbytery’s Christian Education Committee and discover the unique personality and gifts that God has given to you and how you are called and equipped to use those gifts to serve the Lord more effectively.  Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 2:00-5:30 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, PA.  Cost: $8/person (includes a personality assessment and snacks).  Led by Michelle Snyder, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute  E-mail Andrea Hall at andreabhall@gmail.com with questions.  Click here to register by September 18.  Click here to download a bulletin insert.

 

Wee Kirk

Attend the upcoming Wee Kirk Conference, October 10-12 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  Be inspired, equipped, motivated, and encouraged as a small congregation by worship, workshops, and fellowship time.  Download a brochure or contact Jane Bartholomew for paper copies, and register today!  Churches with up to 125 members pay only $100 for a husband and wife, or $75 per single registrant.  Churches with 126-200 members pay $125 for a husband and wife, or $100 per single registrant.  EP Ralph Hawkins will be this year’s Communion Preacher and will also lead a workshop.

 

 

Cooking With a Mission

You are invited to join a five-week course in gastronomic delights starting Monday, September 19^th and running each Monday through October 17^th from 5;30 – 8:30 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer.  This hands-on class will feature a full array of menu items and tasting each evening led by instructor, local chef Mark Arnold.  The cost of $200 per person will go to support the mission work sponsored by Shenango Presbytery.  We can now announce that our special guest chefs will be Steve & Brenda Stelle, who will introduce us to a few dishes from Ethiopia.  Class size is limited, so contact the Presbytery office for a registration form.  Questions, call Don Stanley at 724-308-7251.

 

 

Sudan Celebration Choir

Singers are needed to share their voice in a one-time choir for the Celebrate Sudan Event on Sunday, September 25^th at 4 PM at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.  Those who are willing to sing in the choir – rehearsal will be at 2:45 PM at East Main.  (A one hour rehearsal with a break before the actual Celebration begins.)  No robes – music will be provided.  Come and share your voice with this special celebration of mission.

 

Egypt Mission Network Events

• There are plans to take a team to Egypt in the fall to build partnerships with the Presbyterian Church in Egypt. Dates are October 26 – November 3 (with potential for adding on tourist trips pre and post).  Registration by Sept. 16.  For more information, http://www.egyptpartnershipnetwork.org/travel/2016/10/2/fall-2016-cairo-visit
• Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church (3461 Sandy Lake New Lebanon Road, Sandy Lake, PA) is hosting a dinner for 8 young Egyptian Church leaders and their hosts. Mark your calendar for a potluck dinner on September 14 from 6-8.  Bring a dish to pass and table service and come hear how the Spirit is moving amongst our brothers and sisters in Egypt.  (Questions: 724-376-2630 or TheOtherRevCreekpaum@gmail.com)

 

Westminster College to Inaugurate New President

On Friday, October 28, 2016, Westminster College will inaugurate Kathy Brittain Richardson, Ph.D., as its fifteenth President.

 

Continuing Education Opportunities and Events at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
For more information, click on the links, or go to www.pts.edu/CE for specific details…

• Language Over Lunch: Biblical Hebrew OR New Testament Greek, September 7-November 9
• Violence in Scripture, an online class with Jerome Creach, registration deadline September 12
• The Desert Abbas & Ammaswith Roberta Bondi, September 14-17
• Extending Hospitality, Conversations & Community Series, beginning September 14
• Change of Course: Navigating Christian Education Todaywith Paul Humphreys, September 24
• Transforming Mission, the McClure Lectures with Stephen Bevans, September 26-27
• The Place Where We Are Right: A Conversation between Friends about Israel & Palestine,September 29
• The Art of Transitional Ministry, Part 2, October 17-21
• The End of Adam & Eve: Theology & the Science of Human Origins, an online class with Ron Cole-Turner
• Are We There Yet? Safe Travels with Youth, aFREE WEBINARresource

 

News From the Churches

Wanted

Organist and/or pianist.  Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Wilmington, PA.  One Sunday service per week.  One choir rehearsal per week in season.  Pay commensurate with experience.  Reply to Neshannock Presbyterian Church at 724-946-2081 or emailadmin@neshpresby.org.

 

Educator Wanted

Ready to make a (DiFF)erence?  Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon, Ohio is looking for an energetic and innovative full time Director of Faith Formation (DiFF).  Located on American’s North Coast in one of Ohio’s best school districts, our mid-sized congregation is dedicated to integrating children and youth into the life of the church, and to extending our faith into the community around us through works of mission.  The DiFF will provide vision for Faith Formation, Christian Education, and Youth Ministry.  See the posting in the Church Leadership Connection or email enc@pioneersolon.org for more information.

 

Musical Opportunity

A new chamber orchestra has been formed in the Shenango Valley, and their premiere concert will be held on October 8, 2016 at 7:30 PM in the Pierce Opera House, 100 N. Mercer Avenue, Shaprsville. The Pierce Theatre Players, under the direction of Dr. Stephen Barr, will perform Symphony No. 8 in F Major by Beethoven, and the Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major by Mozart, with Jerry Koziorynsky as the featured soloist.  Dr. Barr is a graduate of Hickory High School and Westminster College, and currently is the Director of Choral Activities at Slippery Rock University, and the Director of the Shenango Valley Chorale.  For more information you can find them on facebook or go to igg.me/at PT-players/x.

 

This Week:

September 1- 9:00 AM Fundraising Campaign Meeting, Presbytery Office
September 5- OFFICE CLOSED, Labor Day
September 6- 9:30 AM Council, Shenango PC, New Castle

 

Nominating Committee Training

Do you serve on your congregation’s Nominating Committee?  Have you been elected by your session to chair that committee?  On Sunday, September 11^th (6:30 – 8:30 PM) at Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermitage, join EP Ralph Hawkins for practical training and helpful conversation about the sacred task of nominating elders, deacons, and trustees to serve the church and build up the body of Jesus.  Brought to you by the Presbytery’s Christian Education Committee.

 

South Sudan Matching Challenge

Two elders in one of our congregations have challenged our presbytery to match their $20,000 mission gift by September 27 for immediate food relief in South Sudan through our mission partners. Pastors and elders in the our partner denomination SSPEC (South Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical Church) will use these funds to purchase wholesale food suitable for distribution through their congregations.  Congregational offerings can be mailed to the presbytery office marked “South Sudan Match” or sent through your pastor or elder commissioner to the September 27 presbytery meeting at Camp Crestfield, Slippery Rock, Pa. Individuals can donate online at the Presbyterian Mission Exchange by choosing the fund SOUTH SUDAN HUNGER RELIEF MATCHING OFFERING.

 

 

Myers-Briggs and Leadership in the Church

Come join the presbytery’s Christian Education Committee and discover the unique personality and gifts that God has given to you and how you are called and equipped to use those gifts to serve the Lord more effectively.  Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 2:00-5:30 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, PA.  Cost: $8/person (includes a personality assessment and snacks).  Led by Michelle Snyder, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute  E-mail Andrea Hall at andreabhall@gmail.com with questions.  Click here to register by September 18.  Click here to download a bulletin insert.

 

Wee Kirk

Attend the upcoming Wee Kirk Conference, October 10-12 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA.  Be inspired, equipped, motivated, and encouraged as a small congregation by worship, workshops, and fellowship time.  Download a brochure or contact Jane Bartholomew for paper copies, and register today!  Churches with up to 125 members pay only $100 for a husband and wife, or $75 per single registrant.  Churches with 126-200 members pay $125 for a husband and wife, or $100 per single registrant.  EP Ralph Hawkins will be this year’s Communion Preacher and will also lead a workshop.

 

Cooking With a Mission

You are invited to join a five-week course in gastronomic delights starting Monday, September 19^th and running each Monday through October 17^th from 5;30 – 8:30 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer.  This hands-on class will feature a full array of menu items and tasting each evening led by instructor, local chef Mark Arnold.  The cost of $200 per person will go to support the mission work sponsored by Shenango Presbytery.  We can now announce that our special guest chefs will be Steve & Brenda Stelle, who will introduce us to a few dishes from Ethiopia.  Class size is limited, so contact the Presbytery office for a registration form.  Questions, call Don Stanley at 724-308-7251.

 

Register for the Fall Pastor Retreat

Reading Poetry for Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Leadership, October 3-4, 2016 at Villa Maria Conference Center with Dr. Richard Haney (Executive Director of Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship).  Click here to register: https://shenango.org/committees-groups/pastor-retreat-registration/

 

Sudan Celebration Choir

Singers are needed to share their voice in a one-time choir for the Celebrate Sudan Event on Sunday, September 25^th at 4 PM at East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.  Those who are willing to sing in the choir – rehearsal will be at 2:45 PM at East Main.  (A one hour rehearsal with a break before the actual Celebration begins.)  No robes – music will be provided.  Come and share your voice with this special celebration of mission.

 

Egypt Mission Network Events

• There are plans to take a team to Egypt in the fall to build partnerships with the Presbyterian Church in Egypt. Dates are October 26 – November 3 (with potential for adding on tourist trips pre and post).  Registration by Sept. 16.  For more information, http://www.egyptpartnershipnetwork.org/travel/2016/10/2/fall-2016-cairo-visit
• Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church (3461 Sandy Lake New Lebanon Road, Sandy Lake, PA) is hosting a dinner for 8 young Egyptian Church leaders and their hosts. Mark your calendar for a potluck dinner on September 14 from 6-8.  Bring a dish to pass and table service and come hear how the Spirit is moving amongst our brothers and sisters in Egypt.  (Questions: 724-376-2630 or TheOtherRevCreekpaum@gmail.com)

 

Westminster College to Inaugurate New President

On Friday, October 28, 2016, Westminster College will inaugurate Kathy Brittain Richardson, Ph.D., as its fifteenth President.

 

Continuing Education Opportunities and Events at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
For more information, click on the links, or go to www.pts.edu/CE for specific details…

• Language Over Lunch: Biblical Hebrew OR New Testament Greek, September 7-November 9
• Violence in Scripture, an online class with Jerome Creach, registration deadline September 12
• The Desert Abbas & Ammaswith Roberta Bondi, September 14-17
• Extending Hospitality, Conversations & Community Series, beginning September 14
• Change of Course: Navigating Christian Education Todaywith Paul Humphreys, September 24
• Transforming Mission, the McClure Lectures with Stephen Bevans, September 26-27
• The Place Where We Are Right: A Conversation between Friends about Israel & Palestine,September 29
• The Art of Transitional Ministry, Part 2, October 17-21
• The End of Adam & Eve: Theology & the Science of Human Origins, an online class with Ron Cole-Turner
• Are We There Yet? Safe Travels with Youth, aFREE WEBINARresource

 

News From the Churches

Wanted

Organist and/or pianist.  Neshannock Presbyterian Church, New Wilmington, PA.  One Sunday service per week.  One choir rehearsal per week in season.  Pay commensurate with experience.  Reply to Neshannock Presbyterian Church at 724-946-2081 or emailadmin@neshpresby.org.

 

Educator Wanted

Ready to make a (DiFF)erence?  Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon, Ohio is looking for an energetic and innovative full time Director of Faith Formation (DiFF).  Located on American’s North Coast in one of Ohio’s best school districts, our mid-sized congregation is dedicated to integrating children and youth into the life of the church, and to extending our faith into the community around us through works of mission.  The DiFF will provide vision for Faith Formation, Christian Education, and Youth Ministry.  See the posting in the Church Leadership Connection or email enc@pioneersolon.org for more information.