Archive for February, 2012
eLink News
Coming Events
March 6- 10:00 AM Synod Meeting Webinar, Presbytery Office
Prayers
- Rev. Jim Wigley (Honorably Retired) died this morning. Calling hours will be from 4-6 PM this Friday, March 2nd at the Smith Funeral Home in New Wimington, with the funeral immediately following.
Spring Volunteer Work Days have been set for both sites. The dates are as follows: Westminster Highlands, Saturday, May 5 and Camp Lambec, Saturday, May 12. Works may arrive beginning at 9 a.m. at both sites and can work as many hours as they like. Volunteers able to spend an hour or two are just as welcome as those who are able to stay all day. Individuals as well as large groups participate. There is sure to be something for everyone to do! A list of jobs will be available from the facility manager at each site. Choose any item(s) that fit with your time frame and skill set. Jobs range from clearing trails and cleaning cabins to cutting down trees or repairing roofs. Workers will be treated to lunch on both work days as a thank you from CAPNWP for all their hard work. Please join us in helping get YOUR camps ready for summer!
News From the Churches
Messiah College Concert Choir
Faith Presbyterian Church is hosting the Messiah College Concert Choir. The 44-voice choir will present sacred and secular musical selections on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 PM. The concert is free and everyone is invited. Faith Church is holding the concert as part of their 175th anniversary of the founding of their church. The church is located at 2370 North Hermitage Road in Hermitage.
Women’s Retreat at East Main
Dr. Alice Palmer Mathews, a contributor to RBC ministry and the daily radio program Discover the Word, and current Academic Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Women’s Retreat at East Main Presbyterian Church on March 16-17. Registration and details are available onEast Main’s website under Ministries and Women’s Ministries or contact Amy Biddle at 724-458-8270.
Director of Choirs Wanted
Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs. The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website,http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.
Youth Director Wanted
Coolspring Church has an opening for a Youth Director. This position is a paid part-time position. This person will be working with youth from 4th-12th grade in two groups. The successful candidate will enjoy working with young people, will be able to involve the adults of the church in Youth Ministry, and will display a mature Christian faith. Interested applicants should submit a resume or a letter of interest to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Church Road, Mercer, PA 16137 or by email to coolspringpc@windstream.net.
Greetings from the Mission Team of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church
We are hoping to return to one of our mission partnerships by going to Hardrock, AZ to help the Navajo nation with another building project. We are somewhat short of younger men at our church that are able to goto complete our team. Therefore we are looking for help from other interested churches. We are in need of 6 to 8 more Christian men that are ready, willing and able to serve God in the capacity of carpentry, plumbing or electrical projects. We are planning to go from May 5th thru May 12th. If this is something you feel called to do, please contact us as follows: Jill at 724-992-1226 or Mark at 814-657-0128 if you are unable to reach either of us. You may call the church office 724-376-2630 for more information. Ask for Beth, our pastor.
2012 Mission Trip to Slovakia
Join Dave and Anne Dayton on a mission trip to Slovakia June 10-25, 2012. The trip, which is sponsored by East Main Presbyterian Church and Slovak Folk Crafts includes a two week work camp in Hermanovce, Slovakia and costs approximately $2,895 per person. If interested, please contact anne@daytons.org or call 724-458-9215 for more information.
eLink News
Coming Events
February 21- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
February 22- 3:00 PM Vietnam Group Conference Call, Presbytery Office
February 28- 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Grove City College
Prayers
Doris Stanley’s (Jamestown) father passed away.
Annual Report Deadline Tomorrow!
GA Online Statistics need to be completed by midnight tomorrow night, February 22nd! So far, 68% of our 68 churches have completed those reports. We are also still missing Presbytery reports from more than half of our churches — they were due on January 31st — please submit them as soon as possible. NOTE: If you have not submitted a report, but want your elders included in the necrology list at next week’s Presbytery meeting, please submit the names to Autumn at office@shenango.org before Friday of this week!
Review of Ministerial Ethics
Spring Volunteer Work Days have been set for both sites. The dates are as follows: Westminster Highlands, Saturday, May 5 and Camp Lambec, Saturday, May 12. Works may arrive beginning at 9 a.m. at both sites and can work as many hours as they like. Volunteers able to spend an hour or two are just as welcome as those who are able to stay all day. Individuals as well as large groups participate. There is sure to be something for everyone to do! A list of jobs will be available from the facility manager at each site. Choose any item(s) that fit with your time frame and skill set. Jobs range from clearing trails and cleaning cabins to cutting down trees or repairing roofs. Workers will be treated to lunch on both work days as a thank you from CAPNWP for all their hard work. Please join us in helping get YOUR camps ready for summer!
News From the Churches
Women’s Retreat at East Main
Dr. Alice Palmer Mathews, a contributor to RBC ministry and the daily radio program Discover the Word, and current Academic Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Women’s Retreat at East Main Presbyterian Church on March 16-17. Registration and details are available onEast Main’s website under Ministries and Women’s Ministries or contact Amy Biddle at 724-458-8270.
Greetings from the Mission Team of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church.
We are hoping to return to one of our mission partnerships by going to Hardrock, AZ to help the Navajo nation with another building project. We are somewhat short of younger men at our church that are able to goto complete our team. Therefore we are looking for help from other interested churches. We are in need of 6 to 8 more Christian men that are ready, willing and able to serve God in the capacity of carpentry, plumbing or electrical projects. We are planning to go from May 5th thru May 12th. If this is something you feel called to do, please contact us as follows: Jill at 724-992-1226 or Mark at 814-657-0128 if you are unable to reach either of us. You may call the church office 724-376-2630 for more information. Ask for Beth, our pastor.
Director of Choirs Wanted
Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs. The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website,http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.
Gary Tierno, “2 For One” at Cana’s
Gary Tierno, singer/guitarist will be appearing along with “2 For One” (a gospel/pop duo) at the coffeehouse on February 28th. Cana’s Corner Coffeehouse is located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon, 600 East State Street, Sharon, PA. The coffeehouse is open from 7-9 PM the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. A free will offering will be taken.
Official Call to the February 28, 2012 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery
The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Grove City College.
The meeting will take place in Crawford Hall (see map). Parking is available in the upper and lower lots by the building, across the street from the main entrance to the college (corner of East Main Street and Rt. 173) and by the Physical Learning Center (with a walk across campus).
Highlights of the meeting include:
- Worship with the Grove City College Glee Club providing music
- Summer Camp brochures for Westminster Highlands and Camp Lambec
- Information on volunteering at the General Assembly in Pittsburgh on June 30 – July 6
- Report from the Special Committee on Denominational Issues
- Beginning at approximately 8:30 PM there will be a report on the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting held in Orlando in January. All are welcome, whether you are a commissioner from your church or not. Copies of materials will be provided, but you are encouraged to review print and video material at http://www.fellowship-pres.org/ and http://www.shenango.org/Committees/scmdi.htm.
Grove City College is located at 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127.
Get the docket, Council minutes, and special papers at: http://www.shenango.org/News/meeting.htm
eLink News – EXTRA!
February 15 Report to Shenango Presbytery from David Dawson, Executive Presbyter
The Presbytery Council (meeting February 7) agreed that David Dawson should post this paper on the Presbytery website. This, along with several items listed on the Special Committee page, are preparation for the February 28 Presbytery meeting. Dave welcomes your comments.
(Note: If the link to the document doesn’t work, you can find it on both the “Special Committee” page and the “Presbytery meeting” page of the Presbytery website.)
eLink News
Coming Events
February 15- 10:00 AM Conference Room reserved, Presbytery Office
1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office
February 16- 1:30 PM Sudan Team, New Wilmington Church
February 17- 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Office
February 21- 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry, Neshannock, NW
Review of Ministerial Ethics
News From the Churches
Women’s Retreat at East Main
Dr. Alice Palmer Mathews, a contributor to RBC ministry and the daily radio program Discover the Word, and current Academic Dean at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will be the guest speaker for the 2012 Women’s Retreat at East Main Presbyterian Church on March 16-17. Registration and details are available on East Main’s website under Ministries and Women’s Ministries or contact Amy Biddle at 724-458-8270.
Director of Choirs Wanted
Jamestown Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Choirs. The full job description and application procedure can be found on their website, http://www.jamestownpresbyterian.org.
VBS Curriculum for Sale
Two complete Vacation Bible School Curriculum boxes for sale, all from Group Publishing: Egyptian Marketplace: Joseph, from Prison to Palace; and Nazareth Marketplace: When Jesus was a Kid. These normally cost about $125-$140 each, but First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering them for $50 each (willing to take offers). Please contact Debbie Derrenbacher at 724-981-2211 ext. 3 or dcm@1stpcs.org for more information.
Cana’s Corner Special Valentine Concert
Come and join in a night filled with good music on February 14th from 7-9 PM at the Coffeehouse. ”Grace Notes”, a female barbershop quartet, Art and Jan Reichenfeld, violinists who play with the Greenville Symphony, and “Treasured Hymns Ministry” who have been with us before will all be in concert. There will be special goodies to celebrate this event and day. We are located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street). A free will offering will be taken.
eLink News EXTRA!
Shenango Presbytery Council Response (February 7)
to the
Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in Orlando (January 18 – 20)
The Presbytery Council realizes that there is much interest in our churches regarding what the Presbytery will do in response to the denominational situation. Council’s meeting on February 7 included a discussion with some of those who attended the meeting of the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting inOrlando. The Council took action on the following (recommended by the Special Committee on Denominational issues):
- The February 28 Presbytery meeting at Grove City College (Crawford Hall) will have a short worship and business meeting. After the break (approximately 8:30 pm) we will have 90 minutes for a presentation from those who attended the Orlandomeeting. Discussion will be limited, but unanswered questions will be especially solicited for use in future conversations. All are welcome to attend all or part of the Presbytery meeting.
- The same presentation (slightly shorter) will be offered two more times, along with time for discussion.
- Sunday, March 11 at Northminster Church (New Castle) from 7 – 8:45 pm.
- Thursday, March 22 at First Church (Sharon) from 7 – 8:45 pm
- The Special Committee on Denominational Issues will lead a conversation over the next few months on the question: “Shall the Presbytery of Shenango affiliate with the Fellowship of Presbyterians?”
- The Council instructed the Clerk and Executive to send a letter to the Clerk of the General Assembly asking for clarity on issues of Presbytery’s authority with property. This is intended to confirm that there will be no challenge to our policy allowing churches to leave with their property.
David Dawson, Presbytery Executive, will be providing a paper next week describing the situation and his recommendations for our churches and the Presbytery. Watch for it on eLink.
It is highly recommended that you watch and/or read the following at http://www.fellowship-pres.org/. This is important and necessary preparation for February 28, March 11 and 22.
- John Ortberg video (January 22 entry)
- Fellowship of Presbyterians Covenant (January 20 entry)
- Evangelical Covenant Order, Polity, and Theology papers (January 19 entry)
- and much more on the Fellowship of Presbyterians page
(Note: Several of these items are also linked from the Special Committee page on the Presbytery web site for your convenience.)
eLink News
Coming Events
February 7- 9:30 AM Council, Shenango Presbyterian Church
3:30 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office
February 9- 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office
**Watch for a special eLink tomorrow from Presbytery Council!**
New Pastors Installed
- Rev. Christopher Matthewson was installed as pastor at Covenant Church in Sharon on January 29.
- Rev. Augie Hurst was installed as pastor at Lebanon Church on February 5.
News From the Churches
Attention Youth Leaders:
Winter Weekend 2012: Olympic Faith is coming up on February 24-26 at Seneca Hills Bible Camp. This is a retreat for youth 7th grade and up. This year’s main speaker is Ben Murray from Logos Academy in York, PA. Worship will be led by Grove City’s Vince Anastasi. For more information email Jason Dunn atjasondunn@zoominternet.net or call 724-992-3693. Check us out on Facebook as well, https://m.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_273435596051123&slog=1935347165&seq=1536064230&fbtype=69&refid=46&m_sess=1okJHSREDQStMA.
VBS Curriculum for Sale
Four complete Vacation Bible School Curriculum boxes for sale, all from Group Publishing: Crocodile Dock; Egyptian Marketplace: Joseph, from Prison to Palace; Nazareth Marketplace: When Jesus was a Kid; Power Lab. These normally cost about $125-$140 each, but First Presbyterian Church of Sharon is offering them for $50 each (willing to take offers). Please contact Debbie Derrenbacher at 724-981-2211 ext. 3 or dcm@1stpcs.org for more information.
Cana’s Corner Special Valentine Concert
Come and join in a night filled with good music on February 14th from 7-9 PM at the Coffeehouse. ”Grace Notes”, a female barbershop quartet, Art and Jan Reichenfeld, violinists who play with the Greenville Symphony, and “Treasured Hymns Ministry” who have been with us before will all be in concert. There will be special goodies to celebrate this event and day. We are located at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon (600 E. State Street). A free will offering will be taken.
eLink News EXTRA!
Prayers
Fern Winter (mother of Joyce Bardeen), mother-in-law of Bob Bardeen (Westfield Church), died on February 1.
An Anniversary to Celebrate This Sunday
The first foreign missions society in the United States was formed in 1810 by Presbyterians and Congregationalists. 200 years ago this Sunday (February 5) this American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission ordained its first missionaries. Two weeks later (February 19) they sailed for Burma.
In those days we thought of missionaries as going from the “west to the rest”. Today missionaries go from “everywhere to everywhere”. The second largest missionary-sending country today (after the US) is Korea with over 20,000. Most of our churches in Shenango Presbytery are involved in supporting missionaries in the Nile Valley (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia). A total of $42,588.83 was given in 2011.
While you are remembering the events of 200 years ago, please continue to pray for the Sudan. Yesterday the government of Sudan bombed Heiban Bible School. This is not the one supported by our churches (Kumo Bible School), but it is in the same area of the Nuba Mountains. Missionary work, in the Sudan and even in our backyard, can still be dangerous.
eLink News EXTRA!
Next Steps in the Orlando (Fellowship of Presbyterians) Conversation
The Special Committee on Denominational Issues met yesterday, as did several of those who attended the Fellowship of Presbyterians meeting in Orlando on January 18-20. The following will be reported/proposed to Presbytery Council next Tuesday:
- Recommendations that half of the February 28 Presbytery meeting be committed to a report from those who were in Orlando.
- Shortly after the February 28 Presbytery meeting, two evening conversations will be held, one in Mercer county and one in Lawrence county.
It is highly recommended that you watch and/or read the following at http://www.fellowship-pres.org/. This is important preparation for February 28.
- John Ortberg video (January 22 entry)
- Fellowship Covenant (January 20 entry)
- Evangelical Covenant Order; Polity; Theology (January 19 entry)
- and much more on the Fellowship of Presbyterians page
(Note: Several of these items are also linked from the Special Committee page on the Presbytery web site for your convenience.)
After the Council meeting next Tuesday, eLink will include another update from Council action.
