The Presbytery of Shenango

eLink News – October 7, 2008

This Week
October 8- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office

Prayers
– Randy Stringer (former CLP at Amity) is recovering from heart valve surgery in UPMC Passavant. The surgery went well.

Charles Crane Stationed in Iraq
We have a corrected update on Chaplain Charlie Crane’s assignment in Iraq. He is stationed with a Navy construction battalion in Iraq. He anticipates being home in March.

Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Bethel Church Celebrating 210 years – October 11 & 12, 2008
– Fall Apple Festival at Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church, October 11th
– New david bailey CD for Pastors

You’re Invited
Janice Good will be ordained at Fairfield Presbyterian Church and installed as the Associate Pastor at Tower Presbyterian Church on October 12. (This is believed to be the first ordination ever to be celebrated by the Fairfield congregation in its 209 year history. More information and directions to Fairfield are avaialble on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website.)

Western Pennsylvania Table Project
Jim Moose gave an update on the project to build tables for Katrina victims at Presbytery in September. Requests have come for 2,000 more tables next year. For more information, go to http://www.westernpatableproject.org/Home.html.

PW Fall Gathering
Fall Gathering will be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Faith Presbyterian Church from 9 AM – 3 PM. Workshops on Bible study, nutrition, finances, spiritual fitness, music, physical fitness and women’s health issues will focus on the them “Healthy in Christ”. You can even check to see if you are smarter than a Sunday School 5th grader. Luncheon reservations ($6) for this Presbyterian Women sponsored event are due October 7th. For further information, call 724-336-4523.

Reflections of the meeting of the General Assembly Council (GAC) and executives from Middle Governing Bodies (MGB) (presbyteries and synods). September 28 – 30, 2008
A copy of this document is available for you to read on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery web site.

How Does the Financial Markets Crisis Affect Pensions?
The Board of Pensions (which also covers medical expenses) has had a long history of making very safe investments of pension funds. You will find this letter from President Rob Maggs encouraging. Also, please remember, if you have a medical procedure requiring pre-certification, you must call 800-237-3015. If you aren’t sure…CALL.

Paul Detterman to Speak in Pittsburgh
Some were not able to hear Paul Detterman (Pastors Retreat speaker) of Presbyterians for Renewal at East Main. He will be speaking again in Pittsburgh at the Hampton Presbyterian Church (near the Rt. 8 exit on the Turnpike) on Wednesday, October 15 from noon – 3:00 pm ($5 lunch). RSVP at 724 443-3201.

Continuing Education Event at Westminster College
“Being a High Touch Church in a High Tech World – How to use high tech tools in a loving and personal ministry” will be presented on October 14th by Mr. David Roberts of New Martinsville Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Media Mission. Registration and gathering will be at 5:30 PM in the Witherspoon Rooms, with a buffet dinner at 5:45 and the seminar from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Advance registration is $10.00 (due by October 6th), or you can pay $15.00 at the door. Contact the Chapel Office for more information at 724-946-7117.

Small Church Pastors
The Summer Collegium: a Project in Support of Small Congregations is an ecumenical project. The theme for 2009 is Body, Mind and Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening and Sustaining Clergy Wholeness in Small Congregations. Spouses are invited to attend the first half of the nine-day conference to strengthen their support of their spouse’s ministry. All expenses for the 25 participants chosen, including travel, meals, lodging, books, pulpit supply and child care at home, are paid by the grant. There is no cost for participants. Single clergy and commissioned lay pastors are encouraged to apply. The dates of the conference ar June 24-July 2, 2009. The application is rather lengthy and due by December 15, 2008. http://www.vts.edu/education/collegium.

2009 Sudan Trip Application Deadline October 15
The Sudan Leadership Team is planning a trip to the Sudan in early 2009. Interested persons should click here for a copy of the application form and more details. The completed form should be mailed to the Presbytery Office and arrive by October 15.

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.

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.

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.

eLink EXTRA – October 2, 2008

eLink EXTRA – October 1, 2008

Barry Almy in the new Development Officer for the Medical Benevolence Foundation
Barry began October 1 as the Development Officer for the Great Lakes and Northeast regions of the US for the Medical Benevolence Foundation. MBF raises mission support for Presbyterian-related medical mission in the US and around the world. http://www.mbfoundation.org/

Ice Cream with STATION
The “young adults” of the Presbytery will be gathering for ice cream and conversation this Friday evening, October 3rd at 7:00 PM at Kings Restaurant in Grove City (across from the outlets) for discussion and fellowship. All young adults are welcome – discussion will include plans for a retreat later this fall.

eLink News – September 30, 2008

This Week
September 30- 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office
October 2- 8:30 AM Equipping Pastors Event, Shenango on the Green (more information is available here.)

Prayers
Randy Stringer (former CLP at Amity) will be having heart valve surgery tomorrow at Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Featured Headlines from Previous Weeks
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html
– Rev. Yousif Matar Kodi, from Sudan, coming as an International Peacemaker to Shenango Presbytery – October 3-6
– Bethel Church Celebrating 210 years – October 11 & 12, 2008
– Fall Apple Festival at Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church, October 11th
– Volunteer with AmeriCorps

New Pastors
– Nicola Vitiello was ordained and installed as Pastor at Ebenezer this past Sunday.
– Janice Good will be ordained at Fairfield Presbyterian Church and installed as the Associate Pastor at Tower Presbyterian Church on October 12. (This is believed to be the first ordination ever to be celebrated by the Fairfield congregation in its 209 year history. More information and directions to Fairfield are avaialble on the “News & Events” page of the Presbytery website.)

Western Pennsylvania Table Project
Thank you for your prayers, participation, and support of the table project. In July, 100 tables were delivered to GNODRP, and in August 75 benches and 150 folding chairs. We are starting our Fall Fund Drive to build 500 tables and 1000 benches. The cost is $150 per table and $50 per bench. Donations should be sent to New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, earmarked Table Project. For more information, go to our website: http://www.westernpatableproject.org/ and be sure to watch the video from PDA linked on the “affiliates” page: “Three years of faithful witness and relationships”. An organizational meeting will be held at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church on October 15th at 7:00 PM for anyone interested in joining in.

Invite a Mission Speaker
Cody Watson from PFF will be attending the New Wilmington Mission Conference board meeting on October 11th. He is available to preach in your church on October 12th. If you are interested, please contact him as soon as possible at 205-824-4659 or CodyW@pff.net.

New david bailey CD for Pastors
Rev. Stephen McCutchan has worked with david bailey to produce a collection of david’s songs that have a focus on “tending to the weary heart of a pastor”. Steve wrote and recorded short meditations to introduce them. The collection has been produced on a CD called “A Deep Well for the Pastor”. The CD consists of 28 tracks that lead the pastor through reflection on the meaning of the call and the stresses in the ministry. The artwork on the CD is a beautiful collection of original peaceful watercolors done by another pastor friend of david’s. If you would lke a pre-released signed copy, please send a check to PO Box 453, Earlysville, VA 22936. $12 for one, $20 for two. Don’t forget to include information on how you want it signed and where you want it mailed. You can also check out tracks from the CD and order it online at http://cdbaby.com/cd/dmbailey9

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.

Peppi Puppets of Enon Presbyterian Church
Peppi Puppets, a ministry that uses puppets to preach the Word of God to children of all ages, would like the opportunity to share their unique ministry with your church. They have several songs and messages from which you can choose. If you are interested in finding out more about the ministry or allowing them to come to worship with you, please feel free to call 724-738-0975 and speak to their director, Joy Holland.

Mt. Jackson PC has a Copier for Sale- CORRECTION
Savin #2545 Series Copier and Stand – $750. 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.

e-Link News – September 24, 2008

This week, in an effort to reduce the length of e-Link, we will be trying out a new format. Items re-listed from previous weeks will be featured as bulleted headlines with a link back to our News Blog where the full listing can be read. New items will be listed below the featured headlines.

This Week

September 30- 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office

Prayers

Randy Stringer (former CLP at Amity) will be having heart valve surgery next Wednesday at Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Featured Headlines
Full text available on our blog at http://www.shenango.org/spnews.html

McClure Lectures on World Mission and Evangelism – Sept. 29-30 at PTS
Young Presbyterian Scholars Program at Westminster College
Rev. Yousif Matar Kodi, from Sudan, coming as an International Peacemaker to Shenango Presbytery – October 3-6
Mission Opportunity in Egypt
Events for “First Call” Pastors, CLPs, and others
Choir Music Available
Prayer Partners Plus at Jamestown Presbyterian Church
Young at Heart Retreat at Westminster Highlands
Bethel Church Celebrating 210 years – October 11 & 12, 2008
Fall Apple Festival at Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church, October 11th
Volunteer with AmeriCorps

Western Pennsylvania Table Project
Thank you for your prayers, participation, and support of the table project. In July, 100 tables were delivered to GNODRP, and in August 75 benches and 150 folding chairs. We are starting our Fall Fund Drive to build 500 tables and 1000 benches. The cost is $150 per table and $50 per bench. Donations should be sent to New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, earmarked Table Project. For more information, go to our website: http://www.westernpatableproject.org/ and be sure to watch the video from PDA linked on the “affiliates” page: “Three years of faithful witness and relationships”. An organizational meeting will be held at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church on October 15th at 7:00 PM for anyone interested in joining in.

Invite a Mission Speaker

Cody Watson from PFF will be attending the New Wilmington Mission Conference board meeting on October 11th. He is available to preach in your church on October 12th. If you are interested, please contact him as soon as possible at 205-824-4659 or CodyW@pff.net.

How Does the Financial Markets Crisis Affect Pensions?

The Board of Pensions (which also covers medical expenses) has had a long history of making very safe investments of pension funds. You will find this letter from President Rob Maggs encouraging. Also, please remember, if you have a medical procedure requiring pre-certification, you must call 800-237-3015. If you aren’t sure…CALL.

New david bailey CD for Pastors

Rev. Stephen McCutchan has worked with david bailey to produce a collection of david’s songs that have a focus on “tending to the weary heart of a pastor”. Steve wrote and recorded short meditations to introduce them. The collection has been produced on a CD called “A Deep Well for the Pastor”. The CD consists of 28 tracks that lead the pastor through reflection on the meaning of the call and the stresses in the ministry. The artwork on the CD is a beautiful collection of original peaceful watercolors done by another pastor friend of david’s. If you would lke a pre-released signed copy, please send a check to PO Box 453, Earlysville, VA 22936. $12 for one, $20 for two. Don’t forget to include information on how you want it signed and where you want it mailed. You can also check out tracks from the CD and order it online at http://cdbaby.com/cd/dmbailey9

One-Day Training Seminar at Faith

You are invited to join Faith Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 4th for an awesome one-day training seminar geared for those who work with young people. You will…discover 7 ways to draw kids into the Bible and keep them there…take home 21 use-them-today ideas for your ministry and discover practical new resources that can triple your impact and equip your volunteers…master 8 NO-FAIL ways to connect with today’s kids and get them growing in Jesus…transform your Sunday School from a place kids go to a place they grow. Register or learn more at http://www.group.com/cmml or call 1-800-888-5991.

Small Church Pastors

The Summer Collegium: a Project in Support of Small Congregations is an ecumenical project. The theme for 2009 is Body, Mind and Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening and Sustaining Clergy Wholeness in Small Congregations. Spouses are invited to attend the first half of the nine-day conference to strengthen their support of their spouse’s ministry. All expenses for the 25 participants chosen, including travel, meals, lodging, books, pulpit supply and child care at home, are paid by the grant. There is no cost for participants. Single clergy and commissioned lay pastors are encouraged to apply. The dates of the conference ar June 24-July 2, 2009. The application is rather lengthy and due by December 15, 2008. http://www.vts.edu/education/collegium.

2009 Sudan Trip Application Deadline October 15

The Sudan Leadership Team is planning a trip to the Sudan in early 2009. Interested persons should click here for a copy of the application form and more details. The completed form should be mailed to the Presbytery Office and arrive by October 15.

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.

2nd Annual “Grove City Evangelical Scholarship Conference”

This year’s theme is the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. Throughout the lecture series, they will be looking at the influence of the 16th Century reformer today through nearly five centuries. The first presentation will be this evening at 7:15PM with Dr. Justyn Terry, the Dean and President of Trinity School of Ministry. Further information is available on the conference website at http://www.evangelicalconference.org/.

Peppi Puppets of Enon Presbyterian Church

Peppi Puppets, a ministry that uses puppets to preach the Word of God to children of all ages, would like the opportunity to share their unique ministry with your church. They have several songs and messages from which you can choose. If you are interested in finding out more about the ministry or allowing them to come to worship with you, please feel free to call 724-738-0975 and speak to their director, Joy Holland.

Mt. Jackson PC has a Copier for Sale

Savin #2545 Series Copier and Stand – $750. 4 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.

Official Call to the September 23, 2008 Meeting of Presbytery

Official Call to the September 23, 2008 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery

The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the West Middlesex Presbyterian Church.

Highlights of the meeting include:
– Examination of a candidate for ordination
– Adoption of the 2009 Ministry and Mission budget
– Consider adoption of “An Invitation to Expanding Partnership in G0d’s Mission” (full text is available with the docket and council minutes)

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

eLink News – September 16, 2008

This Week:
September 16- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
September 17- 12:00 PM PMC Luncheon for Pastors, Shenango on the Green
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
September 18- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
September 19- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
September 23- 6:00 PM Presbytery Meeting, West Middlesex (docket annoucement will be sent separately)

Prayers
– Ruth Doyle (member at large) is back at home and doing well after her back surgery.
– Charles Crane (former interim at West Middlesex) has been deployed to Iraq as a hospital chaplain for 6 months.
– Doug Hughes (pastor at Third, New Castle) has recently completed a masters in Public Administration degree.

Phone Number Discontinued
After the end of this month you will no longer be able to reach the Presbytery Office by dialing the 724-652-1600 number. We have changed phone service providers and all incoming calls will now be run through the 724-528-1610 number only. Please update your records to reflect this change.

McClure Lectures on World Mission and Evangelism
Dr. Dudley Woodberry, Dean Emeritus of the School of World Mission at Fuller Seminary, will present lectures on “Islam and Christian Mission” at Pittsburgh Seminary on September 29-30. http://www.pts.edu.

Budget Planning for 2009
The per capita for 2009 (based on a church’s membership December 31, 2007) wil be $25.45. (GA: $6.15; Synod: $2.10; Presbytery: $17.20)

Update on Western PA Table Project
100 tables, 72 benches and 140 folding wooden chairs have been sent to Katrina victims. Plans are underway for 500 more tables and 1,000 more benches by next spring. A new design has been developed for the tables. Jim Moose will report on the recent hurricane damage and more details on the table project at the September 23 Presbytery meeting.

Young Presbyterian Scholars Program
Many of you have heard of the scholarships available at Westminster College for students nominated by your church. This very large scholarship is available to one high school senior from your church. They must have a 3.5 GPA and your nomination. Contact Carey Anne LaSor meyerca@westminster.edu for more information.

First Come, First Serve!
Rev. Yousif Matar Kodi, from Sudan, is coming as an International Peacemaker to Shenango Presbytery. He will be with us from October 3rd to October 6th and is currently available to come to your church on Friday, October 3rd. Rev. Kodi is from the Nuba Mountains and studied at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo, Egypt. He pastors a church in North Khartoum and teaches at Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church Bible School. Please call Rev. Jim Mohr (724-946-7116) at Westminster College, to check availability and reserve times.

Mission Opportunity in Egypt
There are a lot of exciting developments in the Presbyterian Church in Egypt. A group under the leadership of Jim Mohr visited Cairo Seminary in January and returned quite excited to see what God is doing there. One particular ministry that may be of interest to your mission committee is the Salam Clinic in Cairo. You can learn about it at http://www.smcegypt.org. Dr. Freddy Elbaiady, Director, will be at the Westminster College Chapel on September 29th.

Events for “First Call” Pastors, CLPs and others…
I. September 25-26, 2008 – “Equipping Pastor” Leadership retreat at Crestfield Camp & Conference Center – (noon Th. – 4:00 Fri.) Cost is $40, which includes overnight accomodations and three meals. To register – Call Beaver -Butler Presbytery at 724-452-7515 or send an e-mail to office@beaverbutler.org.
II. Our Presbytery’s follow-up events – October 2, 2008, 8:30 – 10:00 AM at Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare in New Wilmington – breakfast buffet provided. Topic- “From Docket to Closing Prayer” – working with a session and moderating session meetings. We will observe a “typical” session meeting presented by “actors” from our Presbytery, discuss “case studies”, and talk and worship together. There is no charge. October 23, 2008 – topic “Pastoral Care of Self” more information will be coming soon.

Choir Music Available
The Worship Commitee of Council still has used choir music available. Call Jane Bartholomew at 724-981-2377 to look through…

You’re Invited
Prayer Partners Plus of Jamestown Presbyterian Church invites you to a Day of Prayer, Learning and Fellowship on Saturday, October 4th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Jamestown Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mary Kathryn Crom will be leading this day of learning about the ancient Christian way of prayer known as centering prayer / contemplative prayer / meditative prayer / contemplation or meditation. For more information including how to register and prices, please read the entire news release on our “News & Events” page at http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm.

Young at Heart Retreat @ Westminster Highlands
The annual fall Young at Heart Retreat for those aged 50 and older, will be October 7-10, 2008 at Westminster Highlands Camp, Emlenton, PA. Led by Kay Hilliard, a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in New Castle, and herself a Young-at-Heart camper previously, the event will feature daily Bible study with the theme of “You’re Never Too Old for Abundant Life”, crafts, hiking, picnicking and a hayride (weather permitting) as well as morning chair exercises and evening speakers. Check-in time is 4 PM, Tuesday, Oct. 7 and departure follows breakfast on Friday, Oct. 10. Cost is $60 per perosn for those using camp-provided lodging and $45 per person for anyone staying in their own RV. Fees include all meals and program costs. Call Lisa in the Camping Office for more information or to request a registration form.

Bethel Church Celebrating 210 Years – October 11 & 12, 2008
October 11 will be the beginning of a birthday celebration for Bethel UP Church of Enon Valley. A catered turkey dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Cost is $7.50 for adults, $3.75 ages 6-10, Ages 5 & under – Free. Monday and reservations must be in by September 21. Make checks payable to Bethel UP Church, 154 Petersburg Road, Enon Valley, PA 16120. On memo write history dinner. Come and renew old friendships and celebrate the honor of serving our Lord for 210 years.

Fall Apple Festival
Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church, 129 Mt. Air Road, New Castle on October 11, 2008 from 10 AM until 2 PM. Homemade soup, chili, apple pie, apple dumplings EAT IN OR TAKE OUT. Soup $5 qt & Frozen apple dumplings $6/12 call to order at 724-667-7258. Bake Sale, crafts, & Book sale. All proceeds go to Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding. (Soups include Chicken Noodle, Wedding, Vegetable, Stuffed Pepper, Broccoli Cheese, Chili, and Taco.)

Your Community, Your Chance to Make It Better
The Connector Corps AmeriCorps Program at Slippery Rock University is looking for Americorp members who want to make a difference in their community. In Lawrence County, members may be placed to serve in the YMCA’s Teen Center, Wilmington School District, Ellwood City Elementary Schools, I CARE House Community Center or the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership. Member serve $900 hours and receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $220. A $2,362.50 scholarship is awarded after hours are completed. For more information, call 724-738-6280 or 724-658-8873 or pick up an application at the I CARE House, 602 Court St., New Castle, PA.

e-Link Extra!

David M. Bailey in concert
The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church of Sharon and UPMC are passionate about sponsoring and presenting David M. Bailey to the community. The “concert of hope” is FREE and a freewill offering will be collected with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and the UPMC Horizon Oncology Patient Care Fund. See David in concert Tuesday, September 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Sharon and Wednesday, September 17 at St. Michael’s Church in Greenville. Both shows start at 7 PM. come and listen to this songwriter and join in the celebration of hope!

eLink News – September 9, 2008

This Week:
September 10- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
September 16- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW

Prayers
– Ruth Doyle (member at large) will be having back surgery on September 11th.

Missional Church Luncheon for Pastors
Pastors of Churches in Shenango Presbytery will have received a letter inviting them to a lucheon next Wednesday, September 17th at NOON at Shenango on the Green (across the street from New Wilmington Pres.). Note: This luncheon is specifically designed for pastors – there will be a later event for session members. Please call the Presbytery office to register for this FREE lunch.

Budget Planning for 2009
The per capita for 2009 (based on a church’s membership December 31, 2007) wil be $25.45. (GA: $6.15; Synod: $2.10; Presbytery: $17.20)

Last Call…
to register for “Wee Kirk Northeast” to be held Monday – Wednesday, October 13-15 at Laurelville Conf. Center. Great time for people from smaller churches…purpose is to equip, inspire, and motivate small PCUSA churches and to provide rest and refreshment for leaders…to register: send check for $50 registration to: Ne (PA) WKC to Presbyterians for Renewal at 8134 New LaGrange Road, Suite 227, Louisville, KY 40222-4679. Questions: Contact Mark Unrue at 740-922-9190 or revun@sbcglobal.net.

Choir Music Available
The Worship Commitee of Council still has used choir music available. Call Jane Bartholomew at 724-981-2377 to look through…

Pasta Dinner at 1st New Castle
New Castle 1st is having a pasta dinner on September 13th from 4-8. Proceeds will be used to purchase building supplies for Pearlington, MS. Adults $10. Questions, call the church office at 724-652-7706.

eLink News – September 2, 2008

This Week:
September 3- 9:30 AM Church & Community Committee, Presbytery Office
September 5-6 – PMC Cluster Event, Westminster College
September 7- 6:00 PM PFR Event, East Main
September 8-9 – Pastor Retreat with Paul Detterman, Villa Maria Retreat Center
September 10- 3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office

D.Min. Program
The Center for Parish Development is holding a workshop in Pittsburgh on September 10 on a D.Min. program for those interested in misisonal church efforts. Further information is available on the News page of our website at http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm.

Expert on Islam at PTS
Dr. Dudley Woodbury, one of the world’s top experts on Islam and retired Fuller Seminary professor, will present the McClure Lectures at Pittsburgh Seminary on September 29-30. Some folks from Shenango Presbytery will be attending. Contact Glenn Hink (724-981-2211) for ride-sharing. For more information, http://www.pts.edu/conted9.html#27.

Kang Na Published in These Days
Dr. Kang Na, Westminster College, has written several articles for the July-August-September issue of the popular devotional magazine These Days.

David M. Bailey in concert
The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church of Sharon and UPMC are passionate about sponsoring and presenting David M. Bailey to the community. The “concert of hope” is FREE and a freewill offering will be collected with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and the UPMC Horizon Oncology Patient Care Fund. See David in concert Tuesday, September 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Sharon and Wednesday, September 17 at St. Michael Church in Greenville. Both shows start at 7 PM. Come and listen to this songwriter and join in the celebration of hope!

NWMC Videoas/Podcasts Available
We invite people to view the videos/podcasts of the 2008 Conference speakers including Rodger Nishioka, Dr. Ken Bailey, Rev. Hunter Farrell, Dr. Edith Humphrey, International Justice Mission, Global Worship with Corey Nelson and others, http://www.NWMCmission.org.

Root International Fundraiser
Root International will be having it’s first fundraiser starting September 1st. For a contribution of $5.00 (the full amount will go to Root International projects) a ticket you will be able to receive discounts and sign up for prizes for the “Shop for a Cause” day sponsored by Macy’s Department Store. Tickets can be used only on September 20th at any Macy’s store nationwide. Board members will be contacting the churches in the Presbytery. For more information or to acquire a ticket, call Vicki Narlee 724-662-4288. This will be an opportunity for you to get some great discounts and shop for a worthy cause. We appreciate your participation. Root International addresses the needs of entities trying to serve their communities with limited resources, in the form of benevolence, educational opportunity and partnership, so that they can strengthen and support each other.

Teacher Training Offered
Would you like to have a teacher-training program tailored to the needs of yoru particular Sunday School? Margaret Trautman, volunteer staff person in Christian Education for our Presbytery, is available to lead such programs. Margaret is a retired teacher and administrator who is certified as a Christian Educator and can do workshops on topics such as preparing to teach, how to use resources, adapting curriculum to meet a church’s needs, ways to make the learning more exciting and memorable, and many others. You can reach her at the Presbytery office, 724-528-1610 or Monday-Wednesday mornings or at home at 724-533-5851 the rest of the time. If you want to e-mail her at the office, it is ched@shenango.org or at home, it is mardave3@comcast.net.