Official Call to the November 18, 2008 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Sharon.

Highlights of the meeting include:
– A Prayer for the Sudan
– Annual Report from the Presbytery Women of Shenango Presbytery

Note: Annual Report forms and the new 2008-2009 Directories will be available at this meeting.

Get the docket, council minutes and driving directions at http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm.

This Week
November 5- 1:30 PM Bills & Overtures Committee, Presbytery Office
November 12- 10:00 AM Church & Community Committee, Presbytery Office
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office

Survey for LeaderFest
Last week you received a link via eLink for a survey to be completed online this month for LeaderFest. Pastors, please forward the link (for the general survey) to members of your Session.

The Last SHOWCASE
Many of you received the last print edition of SHOWCASE last week. Due to changing postal regulations and the fact that our local post office will no longer be handling bulk mailings we will no longer be mailing SHOWCASE out four times a year. We have plans to make it available online as a PDF, but we are asking each church to encourage their leaders and members to sign up for eLink – it is the best way to receive the news of the Presbytery since it comes out weekly. If you have leaders who do not use e-mail, please print a copy for them. Pastors will be recieving a letter later this week with further instructions for signing onto eLink.

Mission Yearbook and Children’s Mission Yearbooks are HERE!
We still have a few churches who haven’t picked up their orders, but we also have several copies of both available for purchase. Mission Yearbooks are $5.50 each, and the Children’s Mission Yearbook is $7.00. Stop by today! Just in case you don’t have one yet- we also have 3 copies left of the Presbyterian Planning Calendar at $8.50 each.

Barry Almy Raising Funds for Medical Mission
Barry Almy is a new staff member with the Medical Benevolence Foundation, http://www.mbfoundation.org/news/htm, where he will help connect churches to medical mission opportunities. Betsy is the interim pastor at Frostburg Presbyterian Church in Maryland.

Mission Networks
This good article, http://missional.info/?p=88 by the presbytery executive in Carlisle Presbytery is worth a read. The Sudan Mission Network (Shenango, Redstone, Trinity presbyteries) was the first network beginning 14 years ago. It will next meet in Louisville on December 1-2 with Jim Leuenberger, Miriam Gwin, Betsy Barr and Dave Dawson attending.

Tax Tips for Ministers and Churches Teleconference
December 11, 2008 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST.
Join the Board of Pensions for this web-enhanced teleconference, a free event that helps ministers and churches understand clergy taxes. You can register online or by phone at 800-355-4487. You can also submit your tax questions when you register for this conference. Space is limited, so sign up today. Registration ends November 21.

Do you think you have a difficult job?
Check out what Ingrid Reneau, our missionary in the Sudan, deals with on a daily basis. Go to http://sudanseed.blogspot.com to check out her blog. Send her some words of encouragement or just let her know your’re thinking about her. Remember we pledged to support her not only financially, but with prayers and encouragement. On Sunday November 23, lift Ingrid up with prayers in your churches.

Changed Lives – an update form Constructores para Cristo
Please read the full update on the News page of the Presbytery website. There are some exciting things happening with CPC – including the recent construction of house #599!

A Continuing Education Opportunity – 1 Week Leader’s Intensive
The annual 1-week Leader’s Intensive Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class of pastors, missionaries, and other Christian workers will be January 20-28, 2009 at Mt. Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. For information see http://www.perspecitives.org/atf/cf/%7B1EB5210-3B12-4790-9F8C-D025aE89B1A99%7D/Leaders_Intensive_Details-2009.pdf.

Free Concert at East Main
Please join us as we welcome the Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa to Grove City on Monday, November 10th. They will give a free concert combining traditional African song and dance with contemporary Christian music at 7 PM in the sanctuary of East Main Presbyterian Church. We are eager to join our hearts together in praise to the Lord of all peoples and nations. A free-will offering will be taken up during the concert for the ministry of Daraja Chidldren’s Choir of Africa. For more information, please visit: http://www.DarajaChidlrensChoir.com.

Iraqi Presbyterians Fleeing
Victor Makari, son-in-law of Ken and Ethel Bailey, presented a minute for mission in the New Wilmington Church on October 19. He told of a meeting in Damascus, Syria with Presbyterians who have fled Iraq. You can read more here, http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08773.htm.

Continuing Education Opportunity at WC
“The Brain Technique for Preaching Without Notes” presented by Dr. William J. Carl, President of PTS will by at Westminster College on Monday, November 17th from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM (concludes with lunch). Registration includes breakfast and lunch – $7.00 advanced, $10.00 at the door. Please register by November 10th with the Chapel office 724-946-7117 or gabriedl@westminster.edu. Please bring 2 or 3 sermons with you. Dr. Carl will be teaching you the technique of preaching without notes…using your own work.

WMI to Host Special Event
Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University in Beruit, Lebanon, will speak at PTS from 4:30 – 5:30 PM on Monday, November 10th. A pastor in the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, Dr. Haidostian will address the current crisis for Christians on the topic “The Future for Christians in the Troubled Middle East.” World Mission Initiative is sponsoring this event held in Room 2 of the Administration Building at the seminary.

Come In Out of the Cold
Presbyterian Media Mission is again offering resources for your use during the Advent season. You can find this information at http://www.pmm4u.org/ciotc.

Spread the Warmth – collection for the area homeless youth at the Silk Road Market
The Silk Road Market is trying to help the 1500 school-age children who are homeless in our area to have a warmer winter. Please bring your donations of hats, gloves, and scarves (child size medium and large and adult sizes are the best) to the Silk Road Market in New Wilmington between now and December 20th. Read the full ad on the “News” page of the Presbytery website.

Mission Fair at Jamestown
Join the Jamestown Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 16 from 1:00 – 3:30 and do your Christmas shopping early as representatives from Heifer International, the Sudan Partnership, Kenya Children’s Project, Greenville Downtown Ministries and other mission groups share information on the work they are doing throughout the world. A Greater Gift and Slovak Folk Crafts will have “wonderful goodies” for purchase. Purchase gifts that show the real meaning of Christmas and help people around the world to have a better life. A light lunch will be served in the dining room immediately following worship and there will be a silent auction and entertainment throughout the day.

Organist Wanted
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Sharon is looking for an organist. If you or someone you know is interested, please call Eleanore O’Hare at 330-448-8369.

Outdoor Nativity Set Wanted
Calvin Church, Ellwood City is looking for a large outdoor nativity scene/set. It could be up to life-size. Please contact Rev. Latta at 724-816-9550.

Prayer & Praise Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, November 15, 2008 4:30 – 6:30 PM at Bethel UP Church Fellowship Hall for Susan McDowell Krauss who will be having a bone marrow transplant November 25. Free will offering taken at the door with 100% going to Susan.

How About Liver and Onions???
A favorite of some, but not of others!!!! Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church will be having a liver and onions dinner on November 22 at 6 PM. The menu will include liver and onions, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, and Steve’s famous apple crisp for dessert. All proceeds will go to help in mission projects. Plan to come and enjoy the fellowship and great food. Tickets MUST be bought in advance or reservations made at the church office before November 18, 2008. See you there. Cost is $6.00.

Pastors, Elders, committee members and others interested in the churches of Shenango Presbytery,

Russ Crabtree, keynote speaker for Leaderfest in January and director of “Holy Cow! Consulting” has asked the Presbytery Council to offer a survey to leaders in our congregations and Presbytery. This survey will help him prepare for his presentation at Leaderfest in January. Council has approved asking you to complete this survey. We are sending this to everyone receiving eLink and all Presbytery committee members.

Russ will focus on matters of leadership in congregations in his Leaderfest presentation, but he will also prepare a report for the Presbytery Council on what he learns. This will help the Council give attention to how we support our churches as a Presbytery.

Please click on the link below and complete the survey at your leisure (before the end of November) so that the results can be compiled. There are no right or wrong answers to the questions. Russ would like to know your opinion.

Here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tN2JqCpvkD4x_2fwP2LiWJVw_3d_3d

The MCS meeting tomorrow is at 12:00 PM, not 1:00 PM as noted in eLink yesterday. The meeting is still at East Main and will include lunch.

The STATION retreat scheduled for this weekend at Westminster Highlands has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

This Week
October 28- 9:30 AM Council, Unity PC
October 30- 1:00 PM Mission, Communication & Stewardship Committee, East Main
November 5- 1:30 PM Bills & Overtures Committee, Presbytery Office

Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Sabbatical Opportunity for Pastors
–

Prayers
– Ingrid Reneau’s, mission worker in the Sudan, father is gravely ill with advanced bone cancer. Please keep Ingrid and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.
– Randy Stringer, Grove City College Faculty Member who is presently serving as an Interim in Cranberry, had successful heart surgery earlier this month and is recovering at home before returning to the classroom.
– Jim and Jill Mohr’s (Chaplain, Westminster College) daughter is a Young Adult Volunteer with families of death row inmates. For the story click here, http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/yav/yav_mohrk_0810.htm.

Joys
– On October 26 First Church, Sharon recognized 50-year members. The church has over 100 who have been members 50 years or more.

Tax Tips for Ministers and Churches Teleconference
December 11, 2008 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST. Join the Board of Pensions for this web-enhanced teleconference, a free event that helps ministers and churches understand clergy taxes. You can register online or by phone at 800-355-4487. You can also submit your tax questions when you register for this conference. Space is limited, so sign up today. Registration ends November 21.

Do you think you have a difficult job?
Check out what Ingrid Reneau, our missionary in the Sudan, deals with on a daily basis. Go to http://sudanseed.blogspot.com to check out her blog. Send her some words of encouragement or just let her know your’re thinking about her. Remember we pledged to support her not only financially, but with prayers and encouragement. On Sunday November 23, lift Ingrid up with prayers in your churches.

Iraqi Presbyterian Fleeing
Victor Makari, son-in-law of Ken and Ethel Bailey, presented a minute for mission in the New Wilmington Church on October 19. He told of a meeting in Damascus, Syria with Presbyterians who have fled Iraq. You can read more here, http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08773.htm.

Continuing Education Opportunity at WC
“The Brain Technique for Preaching Without Notes” presented by Dr. William J. Carl, President of PTS will by at Westminster College on Monday, November 17th from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM (concludes with lunch). Registration includes breakfast and lunch – $7.00 advanced, $10.00 at the door. Please register by November 10th with the Chapel office 724-946-7117 or gabriedl@westminster.edu. Please bring 2 or 3 sermons with you. Dr. Carl will be teaching you the technique of preaching without notes…using your own work.

WMI to Host Special Event
Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University in Beruit, Lebanon, will speak at PTS from 4:30 – 5:30 PM on Monday, November 10th. A pastor in the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, Dr. Haidostian will address the current crisis for Christians on the topic “The Future for Christians in the Troubled Middle East.” World Mission Initiative is sponsoring this event held in Room 2 of the Administration Building at the seminary.

Come In Out of the Cold
Presbyterian Media Mission is again offering resources for your use during the Advent season. You can find this information at http://www.pmm4u.org/ciotc.

Equipping Pastors
November 20-21 – Antiochian Village (Ligonier) – “Organizational Skills” – info & registration at 724-452-7515.

Soup Supper at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City to Benefit The Carpenter’s Project
on Friday, October 31, 2008, 4:00 – 6:30 PM. Adults $6.00, Children $3 (at the door). Soup, Bread/Crackers, Cake and Drink – – Chicken Noodle & Ham and Bean. Quarts @ $6 [containers provided].

Organist Wanted
Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Sharon is looking for an organist. If you or someone you know is interested, please call Eleanore O’Hare at 330-448-8369.

This Week
October 21- 9:00 AM – Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM CLPs, Chalfant Home
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
October 22- 1:00 PM Committee on Representation, Presbytery Office
October 23- 8:30 AM Equipping Pastors Event, Shenango SeniorCare
October 24- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
October 27- 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
October 28- 9:30 AM Council, Unity PC

Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Read the lastest letter from Ingrid Reneau
http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/reneaui/reneaui_0810.htm.
– Ingrid Reneau has a blog – read her updateshttp://sudanseed.blogspot.com/
– Discerning Your Call to Mission event at PTS on November 1.

STATION Retreat – All Young Adults Welcome
STATION (young adults in their 20s & 30s) will be having a fall retreat, October 31 – November 2 at Westminster Highlands Camp in Emlenton, PA. All young adults in the Presbytery are invited to participate, even if they’ve never attended a STATION meeting before. More information is available on the News & Events page of the Presbytery website. Registrations are due to the Presbytery Office by October 24.

Equipping Pastors
October 23- 8:30 – 10:00 AM at Shenango on the Green (New Wilmington) – Pastoral Care of Self (call/e-mail the office now)
November 20-21 – Antiochian Village (Ligonier) – “Organizational Skills” – info & registration at 724-452-7515.

Sabbatical Opportunity for Pastors
The Board of Pensions is providing a $3,000 sabbatical grant to one pastor in each presbytery in our Synod. You must be serving a church of less than 200 members and have been there 6 years. Other details at http://www.pensions.org/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=245&mode=2. For more information contact David Dawson. The application should include the following information: Sabbath Sabbatical purpose; Sabbatical description; Estimated total sabbatical cost, budget and funding sources; Expected dates of Sabbath Sabbatical; Benefits you expect to gain from the experience. A completed application must be in the Presbytery Office by December 1.

Tax Tips for Ministers and Churches Teleconference
December 11, 2008 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST. Join the Board of Pensions for this web-enhanced teleconference, a free event that helps ministers and churches understand clergy taxes. You can register online or by phone at 800-355-4487. You can also submit your tax questions when you register for this conference. Space is limited, so sign up today. Registration ends November 21.

Continuing Education Opportunity at WC
“The Brain Technique for Preaching Without Notes” presented by Dr. William J. Carl, President of PTS will by at Westminster College on Monday, November 17th from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM (concludes with lunch). Registration includes breakfast and lunch – $7.00 advanced, $10.00 at the door. Please register by November 10th with the Chapel office 724-946-7117 or gabriedl@westminster.edu. Please bring 2 or 3 sermons with you. Dr. Carl will be teaching you the technique of preaching without notes…using your own work.

Young Presbyterian Scholars Program Nomination Deadline Fast Approaching
If you are nominating a future Westminster College Student for the Young Presbyterian Scholars Program, please note that Pastor/Congregation Nominations are due by October 31 and student applications are due November 15 (student does not need to commit to the college until May 1, but does need to apply by Nov. 15). For more information on this program, visit http://www.westminster.edu/spiritlife/ups/ups_nominate.cfm.

Come In Out of the Cold
Presbyterian Media Mission is again offering resources for your use during the Advent season. You can find this information at http://www.pmm4u.org/ciotc.

Braised Steak Dinner @ Bessemer Presbyterian Church
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Adults $8.00, Children 6-12 $4.00, Children 5 and under – Free. Carry outs will be available. Tickets must be purchased in advance from any church member or by calling the church office at 724-667-7255.

Looking for Housing
Hi. My name is Ellen Keefer. I am a member of Covenant-Central Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, PA and a 2008 graduate of Grove City College. I recently accepted a position with Americorps and I am looking for an apartment or room to rent within a 30-minute commute of New Castle. I would consider house-sitting as well. If you think you might be able to help me or know someone who could, please call 570-916-9911. Thank you.

Volunteers Needed
Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare is looking for volunteers to work a weekend day a month at the front desk. For more information, please contact them at 724-946-3516.

Bob Bardeen’s (Westfield) surgery went well yesterday and he is expected to arrive home early this evening.

Prayers
Bob Bardeen (Westfield) will be having cardiac ablation tomorrow (Friday) morning at the Cleveland Clinic.

Continuing Education Opportunity at WC
“The Brain Technique for Preaching Without Notes” presented by Dr. William J. Carl, President of PTS will by at Westminster College on Monday, November 17th from 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM (concludes with lunch). Registration includes breakfast and lunch – $7.00 advanced, $10.00 at the door. Please register by November 10th with the Chapel office 724-946-7117 or gabriedl@westminster.edu.

Young Presbyterian Scholars Program Nomination Deadline Fast Approaching
If you are nominating a future Westminster College Student for the Young Presbyterian Scholars Program, please note that Pastor/Congregation Nominations are due by October 31 and student applications are due November 15 (student does not need to commit to the college until May 1, but does need to apply by Nov. 15). For more information on this program, visit http://www.westminster.edu/spiritlife/ups/ups_nominate.cfm.

This Week
October 15- 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
October 21- 9:00 AM – Steering Committee, Presbytery Office
7:00 PM CLPs, Chalfant Home
7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
October 22- 1:00 PM Committee on Representation, Presbytery Office

Joys
– Bethel Church celebrated 210 years over the weekend.
– North Liberty dedicated a new addition on Sunday.

Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– For updates on the Western Pennsylvania Table Project, visit http://www.westernpatableproject.org/Home.html.
– PW Fall GatheringFall Gathering will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Faith Presbyterian Church from 9 AM – 3 PM.
– Reflections of the meeting of the General Assembly Council (GAC) and executives from Middle Governing Bodies (MGB) (presbyteries and synods). can be read on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery web site.
– How Does the Financial Markets Crisis Affect Pensions? Read the letter from President Rob Maggs.

Read the lastest letter from Ingrid Reneau
http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/reneaui/reneaui_0810.htm.

Ingrid Reneau has a blog – read her updates
http://sudanseed.blogspot.com/

STATION Retreat – All Young Adults Welcome
STATION (young adults in their 20s & 30s) will be having a fall retreat, October 31 – November 2 at Westminster Highlands Camp in Emlenton, PA. All young adults in the Presbytery are invited to participate, even if they’ve never attended a STATION meeting before. More information is available on the News & Events page of the Presbytery website. Registrations are due to the Presbytery Office by October 24.

Discerning Your Call to Mission
The World Mission Initiative invites you to discern your call on Saturday, November 1 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Discerning Your Call to Mission event at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. This free event is designed to encourage and guide those who sense a call to missionary service. Not sure if you have a call? Come and explore the possibilities…and enjoy a free lunch! Contact Caitlin Rohrere (crohrer@pts.edu or 412-362-5610 x2189) or Don Dawson (ddawson@pts.edu or 412-362-5610 x2149) to register or for questions.

PAM Seminar at PTS
“History of Worship as Seen Through Art & Architecture” will be presented by Dr. William J. Carl, PTS President on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM and is $13.00 per person. Reservations are required by October 28th – call Lynne Williams at 724-274-0329.

Sabbatical Opportunity for Pastors
The Board of Pensions is providing a $3,000 sabbatical grant to one pastor in each presbytery in our Synod. You must be serving a church of less than 200 members and have been there 6 years. Other details at http://www.pensions.org/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=245&mode=2. For more information contact David Dawson. The application should include the following information: Sabbath Sabbatical purpose; Sabbatical description; Estimated total sabbatical cost, budget and funding sources; Expected dates of Sabbath Sabbatical; Benefits you expect to gain from the experience. A completed application must be in the Presbytery Office by December 1.

I Care House Senior Program
New Castle area residents age 55 and over are welcome to join the Slippery Rock I Care House Senior Program at 602 Court Street, New Castle. Meetings will be hold Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Activities will be determined by participants and volunteers, but currently include Movie Day on Wednesdays and Soup and Bingo Day on Fridays. If intersted in joining or getting more information, come to a meeting or contact Colleen at 724-658-8873.

Position Wanted
Pietro Vincenzi, friend of AmyNa and Italian national, is looking for a short-term job at your church. He is a contractor, but he will be your custodian or manager of special projects. He hopes to earn some money and to learn a little English. If you or your church is intersted, please call Amy Na 724-657-0147 or 724-654-2322.

Braised Steak Dinner @ Bessemer Presbyterian Church
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Adults $8.00, Children 6-12 $4.00, Children 5 and under – Free. Carry outs will be available. Tickets must be purchased in advance from any church member or by calling the church office at 724-667-7255.

Looking for Housing
Hi. My name is Ellen Keefer. I am a member of Covenant-Central Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, PA and a 2008 graduate of Grove City College. I recently accepted a position with Americorps and I am looking for an apartment or room to rent within a 30-minute commute of New Castle. I would consider house-sitting as well. If you think you might be able to help me or know someone who could, please call 570-916-9911. Thank you.

Volunteers Needed
Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare is looking for volunteers to wrk a weekend day a month at the front desk. For more information, please contact them at 724-946-3516.

Mt. Jackson PC has a Copier for Sale
Savin #2545 Series Copier and Stand – $750.00. 45 copies per minute, 2 sided copy capability, 2 paper trays, holds 8-1/2 x 11 or 8-1/2 x 14 paper, Serial Number H7637400439, 5 years old. Contact Mark Andrews at 724-667-9597.

Our phone lines have been down for the past two days. Time-Warner is working on the problem, which appears to be regional, but we do not know when the phones will be back up. Please use e-mail if you need to reach us.
Rev. Dawson – david.dawson@presbynet.org
Autumn – office@shenango.org
Debbie – resource@shenango.org
Shari – finance@shenango.org