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.

Equipping Pastors
Thanks to a special grant from the Board of Pensions the presbyteries of western PA have scheduled a series of 4 retreats and several 90 minute seminars for pastors during the next year. Please visit the new Equipping Pastors page of our website at http://www.shenango.org/News/epe.htm for more information on these events. They are specifically desinged for first-call pastors, but all pastors, CLPS, and those preparing for the minsitry are welcome. Take a look at the topics and if you see one that interests you, please join us.

This Week:
August 29 – 12:00 PM MISSIONAL PASTORS LUNCH, Presbytery Office
September 1 – OFFICE CLOSED, Labor Day
September 2- 9:30 AM COUNCIL, Oak Grove Presbyterian Church
September 3- 9:30 AM CHURCH & COMMUNITY COMMITTEE, Presbytery Office

Steve’s Sermon online
Last week’s eLink noted the anniversary celebration at Faith Presbytery Church and menitoned that Steve Stelle’s sermon would be online this week. It can be found on our News page at http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm.

Stewardship Story and Resources
Wampum Presbyterian Church did the Consecration Sunday stewardship program last year. At that time the chruch was $1,500 behind budget. This year they are $1,000 ahead. For more information on Consecration Sunday contact Debbie Forsberg at the Resource Center.

Also, please take a look at the recent issue of The Presbyterian Outlook http://www.pres-outlook.com/reports-a-resources.html for five excellent articles on stewardship by Dave Crittenden (2), Karl Travis, Bob Sheldon and Rolfe Grannath.

Teacher Training Workshop
“We Will Tell the Next Generation”, the 25th Annual Teacher Training Workshop presented by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM. The Featured Keynote Speaker will be Cynthia L. Rigby (recent pastor’s retreat leader), the WC Brown Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Christian Education Commitee of Shenango Presbytery is planning to take a van to this event – if you would like to ride along please contact Margaret Trautman at ched@shenango.org.

Considering a D.Min.?
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.

Do you have this book?
Angel De La Cruz is looking for a copy of Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics. Contact Angel at 724-699-5675.

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.

This Week:
August 19- 7:00 PM Presbytery Meeting, Leesburg Presbyterian Church
August 22- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office
August 26- 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office

Special Meeting of Presbytery – August 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Leesburg Presbyterian Church
The business to be discussed:
– Examine a candidate for ordination
– Approve call of same candidate to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church.
– Approve installation commission for new pastor to First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville.

Faith Church Celebration
Faith Church celebrated the 10th anniversary of Steve Stelle’s pastorate and the 25th anniversary of his ordination. Faith has been the fastest growing church in the Presbytery during the past 10 years. Demographics is helpful (Hermitage is one of the few places with a growing population), but population alone does not make a church grow. Faithful leadership by pastor and elders has been important. Steve’s sermon on Sunday was a helpful reflection on Faith’s past 10 years – we will be posting it on the Presbytery website next week.

Stewardship Story and Resources
Wampum Presbyterian Church did the Consecration Sunday stewardship program last year. At that time the chruch was $1,500 behind budget. This year they are $1,000 ahead. For more information on Consecration Sunday contact Debbie Forsberg at the Resource Center.

Also, please take a look at the recent issue of The Presbyterian Outlook http://www.pres-outlook.com/reports-a-resources.html for five excellent articles on stewardship by Dave Crittenden (2), Karl Travis, Bob Sheldon and Rolfe Grannath.

Teacher Training Workshop
“We Will Tell the Next Generation”, the 25th Annual Teacher Training Workshop presented by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM. The Featured Keynote Speaker will be Cynthia L. Rigby (recent pastor’s retreat leader), the WC Brown Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Christian Education Commitee of Shenango Presbytery is planning to take a van to this event – if you would like to ride along please contact Margaret Trautman at ched@shenango.org.

Event after General Assembly
Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterians for Renewal, http://www.pfrenewal.org will be leading our Pastor’s Retreat on September 8-9. He will also speak on Sunday evening, September 7, at East Main Church in Grove City. There will be a soup supper at 6:00 PM (donations received). Reservations needed by August 29. Please contact the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org.

Bethel Church Celebrating 210 Years
Bethel U.P. Church of Enon Valley will be celebrating 210 years of serving the Lord. They are offering a church replica as part of the celebration. It can be seen on http://www.bethelupchurch.org. The cost is $12.00, if picking up at the Oct. 11,12 celebration weekend. If mailed, the cost will be $12.00 plus $3.00. Orders may be mailed to the church and checks made payable to Bethel U.P. Church. On the memo please write replica. It will be a weekend of renewing friendships, sharing memories, having a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and viewing many church historial memorabilia including a 1775 Certificate of Transfer of John Lecky. And who is John? Come and find out on Oct. 11 & 12. Stay tuned for more information to come as the date gets closer.

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!Seeking OrganistTower Presbyterian Church in Grove City is still seeking an organist. Details are available on the Presbytery web site at http://www.shenango.org/News/jobs.htm.

Do you have this book?
Angel De La Cruz is looking for a copy of Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics. Contact Angel at 724-699-5675.

This Week:
August 19- 7:00 PM Presbytery Meeting, Leesburg Presbyterian Church

Special Meeting of Presbytery – August 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Leesburg Presbyterian Church
The business to be discussed:
– Examine a candidate for ordination
– Approve call of same candidate to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church.
– Approve installation commission for new pastor to First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville.

Teacher Training Workshop
“We Will Tell the Next Generation”, the 25th Annual Teacher Training Workshop presented by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM. The Featured Keynote Speaker will be Cynthia L. Rigby (recent pastor’s retreat leader), the WC Brown Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Christian Education Commitee of Shenango Presbytery is planning to take a van to this event – if you would like to ride along please contact Margaret Trautman at ched@shenango.org.

Event after General Assembly
Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterians for Renewal, http://www.pfrenewal.org will be leading our Pastor’s Retreat on September 8-9. He will also speak on Sunday evening, September 7, at East Main Church in Grove City. There will be a soup supper at 6:00 PM (donations received). Reservations needed by August 29. Please contact the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org.

Bethel Church Celebrating 210 Years
Bethel U.P. Church of Enon Valley will be celebrating 210 years of serving the Lord. They are offering a church replica as part of the celebration. It can be seen on http://www.bethelupchurch.org. The cost is $12.00, if picking up at the Oct. 11,12 celebration weekend. If mailed, the cost will be $12.00 plus $3.00. Orders may be mailed to the church and checks made payable to Bethel U.P. Church. On the memo please write replica. It will be a weekend of renewing friendships, sharing memories, having a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and viewing many church historial memorabilia including a 1775 Certificate of Transfer of John Lecky. And who is John? Come and find out on Oct. 11 & 12. Stay tuned for more information to come as the date gets closer.

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!

Seeking Organist
Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City is still seeking an organist. Details are available on the Presbytery web site at http://www.shenango.org/News/jobs.htm.

This Week:
No scheduled meetings this week.

Special Meeting of Presbytery – August 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Leesburg Presbyterian Church
The business to be discussed:
– Examine a candidate for ordination
– Approve call of same candidate to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church.
– Approve installation commission for new pastor to First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville.

Teacher Training Workshop
“We Will Tell the Next Generation”, the 25th Annual Teacher Training Workshop presented by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM. The Featured Keynote Speaker will be Cynthia L. Rigby (recent pastor’s retreat leader), the WC Brown Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Christian Education Commitee of Shenango Presbytery is planning to take a van to this event – if you would like to ride along please contact Margaret Trautman at ched@shenango.org.

You are Invited
Come and celebrate the 50th Birthday of Westminster Highlands on Saturday, August 9th with “Adventure Fest”. There will be free and fun activities for all ages at the camp from 10 AM until 5 PM including hiking, campfire songs, camp photos and videos, and zip line rides. No reservations required – rain or shine.

Register for the Pastor’s Retreat – 1 week left!
Registrations are due this coming Monday, August 11th for the upcoming Pastor’s Retreat – September 8-9 with Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterians for Renewal, at the Villa Maria Retreat Center. Costs are $40 for commuters and $75 for those needing lodging. Forms can be found in the July Presbytery packet, online by clicking the link at the bottom of our homepage (hover over the photo of Villa Maria and the link will appear below) or you may e-mail the information to Autumn at office@shenango.org.

Thank You!
to all who sang in the choir for the Bicentennial Service. There were 10 churches represented. It was wonderful to have voices to sing an anthem for the celebration. – Jane Bartholomew

Special Event after General Assembly
Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterians for Renewal, http://www.pfrenewal.org will be leading our Pastor’s Retreat on September 8-9. He will also speak on Sunday evening, September 7, at East Main Church in Grove City. There will be a soup supper at 6:00 PM (donations received). Reservations needed by August 29. Please contact the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org.

If You Are Under 50…If You Are Over 50
The Board of Pensions offers a financial health seminar entitled “Render Unto Caesar” for those under 50 (September 10) and a Retirement Planning Seminar (September 11-12) if you are over 50. Both of these events are in Bedford, PA. For details, http://www.pensions.org and click on “Educational Resources”.

Seeking Organist
Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City is still seeking an organist. Details are available on the Presbytery web site at http://www.shenango.org/News/jobs.htm.

Special Notice of Official Meeting of Presbytery – August 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Leesburg Presbyterian Church.

The business to be discussed:

• Examine a candidate for ordination
• Approve call of same candidate to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church.
• Approve installation commission for new pastor to First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville.

This Week:
No scheduled meetings this week.

Teacher Training Workshop
“We Will Tell the Next Generation”, the 25th Annual Teacher Training Workshop presented by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM. The Featured Keynote Speaker will be Cynthia L. Rigby (recent pastor’s retreat leader), the WC Brown Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Christian Education Commitee of Shenango Presbytery is planning to take a van to this event – if you would like to ride along please contact Margaret Trautman at ched@shenango.org.

You are Invited
Come and celebrate the 50th Birthday of Westminster Highlands on Saturday, August 9th with “Adventure Fest”. There will be free and fun activities for all ages at the camp from 10 AM until 5 PM including hiking, campfire songs, camp photos and videos, and zip line rides. No reservations required – rain or shine.

Register for the Pastor’s Retreat
Registrations are due on August 11th for the upcoming Pastor’s Retreat – September 8-9 with Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterians for Renewal, at the Villa Maria Retreat Center. Costs are $40 for commuters and $75 for those needing lodging. Forms can be found in the July Presbytery packet, online by clicking the link at the bottom of our homepage (hover over the photo of Villa Maria and the link will appear below) or you may e-mail the information to Autumn at office@shenango.org.

Special Event after General Assembly
Paul Detterman, Director of Presbyterians for Renewal, http://www.pfrenewal.org will be leading our Pastor’s Retreat on September 8-9. He will also speak on Sunday evening, September 7, at East Main Church in Grove City. There will be a soup supper at 6:00 PM (donations received). Reservations needed by August 29. Please contact the Presbytery Office at 724-528-1610 or office@shenango.org.

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 visiting in the Pittsburgh area in September. For more details on his schedule contact Rev. Karl McDonald (who was on the Cairo trip with Shenango pastors) from Ken Mawr Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh kenmawrchurch@msn.com.

FREE Tables
Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City is looking for a home for 12-15 8-foot folding tables. If your church is interested, please contact Doug Wick at 724-615-1437.

Seeking Organist
Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City is still seeking an organist. Details are available on the Presbytery web site at http://www.shenango.org/News/jobs.htm.

Meetings and Events This Week:
July 19-26 – New Wilmington Mission Conference (get the schedule here)
July 28– 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, Presbytery Office

Note: The staff will be attending portions of the New Wilmington Mission Conference this week – we invite you to join us there!

Prayers
Pam Maloney’s (Associate, 1st Sharon) mother-in-law passed away last night. Please keep the Maloney family in your prayers.

Bicentennial Worship Service
You are invited to attend the Worship Service for the Bicentennial Celebration (dinner reservations are now closed) of Shenango Presbytery at 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 27th at Anderson Auditorium on the Westminster College Campus. Communion will be celebrated as part of the service.

Serving on General Assembly Committee
Kang Na (professor at Westminster College) has been serving on the General Assembly Cooperative Exam Committee. This committee oversees the standard exams given to those preparing for ordination. Angel de la Cruz (Word Centered Fellowship) was also elected to that committee at the recent General Assembly in San Jose.

If you would like to become an exam reader (ministers and elders welcome), please contact Kang Na at kangna@comcast.net.

If you are Under 50…If you are Over 50
The Board of Pensions offers a financial health seminar entitled “Render Unto Caesar” for those under 50 (September 10) and a Retirement Planning Seminar (September 11-12) if you are over 50. Both of these events are in Bedford, PA. For details, go to http://www.pensions.org and click on “Educational Resources”.

“Mission in Darfur”
As Lee Watenpaugh was preparing to depart Sudan’s Darfur region in late 2006, he received an astonishing request from a Muslim village sheik. The sheik asked the Presbyterian elder from Virginia to send teachers to start a school and to help people learn more about Jesus.” Read the entire article at http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08482.htm.

Teacher Training Workshop
“We Will Tell the Next Generation”, the 25th Annual Teacher Training Workshop presented by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM. The Featured Keynote Speaker will be Cynthia L. Rigby (recent pastor’s retreat leader), the WC Brown Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Christian Education Commitee of Shenango Presbytery is planning to take a van to this event – if you would like to ride along please contact Margaret Trautman at ched@shenango.org.

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 visiting in the Pittsburgh area in September. For more details on his schedule contact Rev. Karl McDonald (who was on the Cairo trip with Shenango pastors) from Ken Mawr Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh kenmawrchurch@msn.com.

FREE Tables
Center Presbyterian Church in Grove City is looking for a home for 12-15 8-foot folding tables. If your church is interested, please contact Doug Wick at 724-615-1437.

Prayers
Terry Greenlee’s (Jackson Center / Millbrook) wife Chris has surgery on her neck this morning at Grove City Medical Center. She is doing well.

Our Sudanese friends, Rev. Philip and Rev. Barnaba, arrive today and will be in Shenango Presbytery until the end of the month. Below is their itinerary. For more information and photos check http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm.

Itinerary for Philip and Barnaba
July 10th – Aug. 2nd, 2008

Wednesday, July 16th –
5:30 – Picnic at Amy and Jesse Ligo’s farm, Bethany Church, Mercer
8:00 PM – a campfire fellowship at Jesse & Amy Ligo’s farm.
Thursday, July 17th –
7:00 PM @ First Presbyterian Church of Sharon – A dessert
fellowship with discussion and program to follow.
Friday, July 18th –
2:30 New Wilmington Mission Conference orientation for speakers at Westminster College
6:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Greenville – Dinner with program following at 7:00pm.
Saturday, July 19th –
Saturday AM – New Wilmington Mission Conference Day of Prayer
Sunday, July 20th –
10:00 AM Worship – Rev. Philip Akway Obang at First Presbyterian Church of New Castle.
8:30 and 11:00 AM worship – Rev. Barnaba Abbass Tia at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Enon Valley.
3:00 pm Open reception on Shenango on the Green’s patio in New Wilmington.
6:45 Speak at Adult Vespers – McKelvey Center, Mueller Theater
Monday, July 21 – at New Wilmington Mission Conference
Tuesday, July 22 – at New Wilmington Mission Conference
3:30 pm – 4:45 lead afternoon workshop at McKelvey Center, Mueller Theater
Wednesday, July 23rd –
9: 45 am – meet with Senior High students in the Witherspoon room at the McKelvey Center
8:30 – 5pm Partnership meeting with Redstone and Shenango Presbyteries
Thursday, July 24th – at the New Wilmington Mission Conference.
9:45 am – meet with Senior High students in the Witherspoon room at the McKelvey Center.
1:00 Meeting regarding SPEC’s mission to Darfur
Friday, July 25th –
9:45 am – meet with Senior High students in the Witherspoon room at the McKelvey Center
10:30 am – leave weekend with Presbyterian churches in Washington, DC
Monday, July 28th – return to Shenango Presbytery. Staying at home of Miriam and Bill Gwin.
Tuesday, July 29th –
9:30 AM into the early afternoon – Calvin Church in Ellwood City with a salad lunch.
Wednesday, July 30th –
6:00pm a picnic at the home of Bill & Miriam Gwin with a program at 7:00 PM to follow
Thursday, July 31st
Friday, August 1st Our guests head back home.