tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63677153106011978612008-07-22T14:51:39.632-04:00Shenango Presbytery Newsautumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-90997465854640209222008-07-22T14:38:00.002-04:002008-07-22T14:51:39.645-04:00eLink News - July 22, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>July 19-26</strong> - New Wilmington Mission Conference (<a href="http://www.nwmcmission.org/">get the schedule here</a>)<br /><strong>July 28</strong>- 7:00 PM Leadership Development Team, <em>Presbytery Office</em><br /><br /><strong><em>Note: The staff will be attending portions of the New Wilmington Mission Conference this week - we invite you to join us there!</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />Pam Maloney's (Associate, 1st Sharon) mother-in-law passed away last night. Please keep the Maloney family in your prayers.<br /><br /><strong>Bicentennial Worship Service</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>Serving on General Assembly Committee</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><em>If you would like to become an exam reader (ministers and elders welcome), please contact Kang Na at </em><a href="mailto:kangna@comcast.net"><em>kangna@comcast.net</em></a><em>. </em><br /><br /><strong>If you are Under 50...If you are Over 50</strong><br />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 <a href="http://www.pensions.org/">http://www.pensions.org</a> and click on "Educational Resources".<br /><br /><strong>"Mission in Darfur"</strong><br />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 <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08482.htm">http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08482.htm</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Teacher Training Workshop</strong><br />"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 <a href="mailto:ched@shenango.org">ched@shenango.org</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Mission Opportunity in Egypt</strong><br />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 <a href="http://www.smcegypt.org/">http://www.smcegypt.org</a>. 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 <a href="mailto:kenmawrchurch@msn.com">kenmawrchurch@msn.com</a>.<br /><br /><strong>FREE Tables</strong><br />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.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-64934291980035368612008-07-18T14:58:00.001-04:002008-07-18T15:00:23.658-04:00eLink EXTRA - July 18, 2008<strong>Prayers</strong><br />Terry Greenlee's (<em>Jackson Center / Millbrook</em>) wife Chris has surgery on her neck this morning at Grove City Medical Center. She is doing well.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-83781250076790180252008-07-16T10:31:00.001-04:002008-07-16T10:35:50.156-04:00eLink EXTRA - Updated Itinerary for Sudanese PastorsOur 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 <a href="http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm">http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Itinerary for Philip and Barnaba<br />July 10th – Aug. 2nd, 2008<br /><br />Wednesday, July 16th -<br /></strong>5:30 – Picnic at Amy and Jesse Ligo’s farm, Bethany Church, Mercer<br />8:00 PM – a campfire fellowship at Jesse & Amy Ligo’s farm.<br /><strong>Thursday, July 17th -</strong><br />7:00 PM @ First Presbyterian Church of Sharon – A dessert<br />fellowship with discussion and program to follow.<br /><strong>Friday, July 18th –<br /></strong>2:30 New Wilmington Mission Conference orientation for speakers at Westminster College<br />6:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Greenville – Dinner with program following at 7:00pm. <br /><strong>Saturday, July 19th –</strong><br />Saturday AM – New Wilmington Mission Conference Day of Prayer<br /><strong>Sunday, July 20th -<br /></strong>10:00 AM Worship - Rev. Philip Akway Obang at First Presbyterian Church of New Castle. <br />8:30 and 11:00 AM worship - Rev. Barnaba Abbass Tia at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Enon Valley. <br />3:00 pm Open reception on Shenango on the Green’s patio in New Wilmington.<br />6:45 Speak at Adult Vespers – McKelvey Center, Mueller Theater<br /><strong>Monday, July 21 -</strong> at New Wilmington Mission Conference<br /><strong>Tuesday, July 22 -</strong> at New Wilmington Mission Conference<br />3:30 pm – 4:45 lead afternoon workshop at McKelvey Center, Mueller Theater<br /><strong>Wednesday, July 23rd -</strong><br />9: 45 am – meet with Senior High students in the Witherspoon room at the McKelvey Center<br />8:30 – 5pm Partnership meeting with Redstone and Shenango Presbyteries<br /><strong>Thursday, July 24th -</strong> at the New Wilmington Mission Conference.<br />9:45 am – meet with Senior High students in the Witherspoon room at the McKelvey Center.<br />1:00 Meeting regarding SPEC’s mission to Darfur<br /><strong>Friday, July 25th</strong> -<br />9:45 am – meet with Senior High students in the Witherspoon room at the McKelvey Center<br />10:30 am – leave weekend with Presbyterian churches in Washington, DC<br /><strong>Monday, July 28th –</strong> return to Shenango Presbytery. Staying at home of Miriam and Bill Gwin.<br /><strong>Tuesday, July 29th</strong> - <br />9:30 AM into the early afternoon – Calvin Church in Ellwood City with a salad lunch.<br /><strong>Wednesday, July 30th –</strong><br /> 6:00pm a picnic at the home of Bill & Miriam Gwin with a program at 7:00 PM to follow<br /><strong>Thursday, July 31st<br />Friday, August 1st</strong> Our guests head back home.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-79118109259496532442008-07-15T13:53:00.002-04:002008-07-15T14:20:35.563-04:00eLink News - July 15, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>July 16-</strong> 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, <em>Presbytery Office</em><br /><strong>July 19-26 -</strong> New Wilmington Mission Conference (<a href="http://www.nwmcmission.org/">get the schedule here</a>)<br /><strong>July 20-</strong> 4:00 PM CLP Picnic, <em>the McGary farm</em><br /><br /><strong><em>Note: The staff will be attending portions of the New Wilmington Mission Conference next week - we invite you to join us there! </em></strong><br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />Please remember in prayer Bill and Alice Knechtel (Lebanon Church) who lost their baby son William James just before birth last week.<br /><br /><strong>Anniversary</strong><br />Tower Presbyterian Church celebrated John Culp's 10th ordination anniversary this past Sunday (July 13).<br /><br /><strong>There will be a memorial service</strong><br />in thanksgiving for the life and witness of Dorothea Meloy on Saturday, July 19, 4:30 PM at Neshannock Church (New Wilmington). Dorothea who died on March 1, 2008, was a beloved member of Neshannock Church who served in mission work from 1946-1986 in Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Iran and Pakistan. Members of Dorothea's family will be present for the service of remembrance and thanksgiving.<br /><br /><strong>Serving on General Assembly Committee</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>If you are Under 50...If you are Over 50</strong><br />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 <a href="http://www.pensions.org/">http://www.pensions.org</a> and click on "Educational Resources".<br /><br /><strong>Mission in Darfur</strong><br />"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 <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08482.htm">http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08482.htm</a>. Lee will be speaking with a small group at NWMC next week (Thursday at 1 PM). If you would like to be included in this discussion, please contact the Presbytery office by Friday.<br /><br /><strong>Mission Opportunity in Egypt</strong><br />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 <a href="http://www.smcegypt.org/">http://www.smcegypt.org</a>. 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 <a href="mailto:kenmawrchurch@msn.com">kenmawrchurch@msn.com</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City seeks Organist</strong><br />See the full job description and contact information on our "Help Wanted" page (available under "Quick Links" on our home page.)<br /><br /><strong>VBS at Unity</strong><br />"God's Big Backyard" at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Road will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Sunday, July 20 thru Thursday, July 24. Ages 3 years old thru 6th grade are welcome. For registration information contact Lixlee Schroyer at 724-342-2356.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-84037489818779460922008-07-08T14:03:00.002-04:002008-07-08T14:45:28.464-04:00eLink News - July 8, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>July 14</strong>- 7:00 PM GA Follow-up Discussion, <em>East Main</em> (See note below)<br /><strong>July 16-</strong> 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, <em>Presbytery Office</em><br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />- Barry Almy's mother passed away last Thursday. <br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Page Missing from Presbytery Packet - on Web</strong><br />"An Invitation to Expanding Partnership in God's Mission" was originally a 3-page document - only the 1st and 3rd pages appeared in the packet last Tuesday. The entire document is available on the "<a href="http://www.shenango.org/News/index.htm">News & Events</a>" page of the Presbytery web site as a PDF.<br /><br /><strong>GA Discussions - You are invited to participate</strong><br />Glenn Hink and Bill Hoffman will be hosting those interested in a follow-up time to pray about and discuss the recently concluded General Assembly and its implications for our churches and ministries at East Main Church in Grove City on Monday, July 14, 7-8:30 PM.<br /><br /><strong>Energy Audit Links</strong><br />There is an energy audit online at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thedailygreen.com">www.thedailygreen.com</a>. If you click on "Green Homes", then "DIY Home Energy Audit" and that page also has a link to a web-based do-it-yourself energy audit tool at <a href="http://hes.lbl.gov/">http://hes.lbl.gov</a>. There is also a group called Interfaith Power and Light that has organizations in each state (PA hasn't started one yet) that helps religious and non-profit organizations with energy and conservation issues. They have a store at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shopipl.org">www.shopipl.org</a> that offers energy supplies (bulbs, etc.) at "deeply discounted" prices for churches.<br /><br /><strong>Award Given to Bill and Lois Anderson at the 218th General Assembly</strong><br />The Rev. Hunter Farrell, director of World Mission, presented the Bell-Mackay Prize to Bill Anderson. Anderson and his late wife Lois spent 49 years in African-based mission service. As a result of their ministry, the Nile Theological College in Khartoum, Sudan, is now the first high-level Protestant theological institution in that country. Accepting the award, Anderson encouraged those gathered to “do your work and expect the Holy Spirit.” Read the full story <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/news/ga08094.htm">here</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Important Opportunity</strong><br />At 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 13 Ralph Hawkins will be installed as pastor of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. That is an important event in itself, but it is also wonderful to hear a sermon by Dr. Darrell Guder, Dean of Princeton Theological Seminary. Darrell is probably the most important voice in "missional church" thinking about which several of our churches have been learning. For more information on Darrell click here: <a href="http://www.ptsem.edu/Academics/departments/RS/Docs/CVs/Guder_cv.pdf">http://www.ptsem.edu/Academics/departments/RS/Docs/CVs/Guder_cv.pdf</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Donate Used Materials</strong><br />Churches can donate their used VBS and Sunday School curriculum to the Kayenta Presbyterian Church in Arizona. Materials can be brought to the Fall Gathering of Presbyterian Women on October 18th at Faith Presbyterian Church.<br /><br /><strong>First Presbyterian Church, New Castle seeks Nursery Director</strong><br />See the full job description and contact information on our "Help Wanted" page (available under "Quick Links" on our home page.)<br /><br /><strong>Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City seeks Organist</strong><br />See the full job description and contact information on our "Help Wanted" page (available under "Quick Links" on our home page.)autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-65203823044579577202008-07-02T13:32:00.002-04:002008-07-02T14:41:08.004-04:00eLink News - July 2, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br />July 4- Office Closed for Independence Day<br /><br /><strong>Links not working?</strong><br />We're still working on the problem of "blocked" links in our email feed. If you receive an error message or "Page not found" message when clicking on a link in this email, please visit our homepage, scroll down to the "Shenango Presbytery News" box on the right-hand side and click the link that reads "Click here to read our Shenango Presbytery News Blog". The links work from our original blog, just not the email feed.<br /><br /><strong>Page Missing from Presbytery Packet</strong><br />"An Invitation to Expanding Partnership in God's Mission" was originally a 3-page document - only the 1st and 3rd pages appeared in the packet last evening. We will be posting the missing 2nd page on the Presbytery web page in the coming days. (We are awaiting a copy of the original document.)<br /><br /><strong>IRS Mileage Increase</strong><br />The IRS rate for mileage reimbursement will increase on July 1st to 58.5 cents per mile. This rate will be good through December of 2008.<br /><br /><strong>Shenango Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration</strong><br />July 27, 2008 in Anderson Auditorium at Westminster College. The day will include a dinner served at the back of the auditorium at 5:00 PM ($10.00 adults, ages 5-12 $5.00, under age 5 - Free). The service will be a traditional Presbyterian Season of Communion as observed in Scotland and America. The five Reformed traditions of our Presbytery will be recognized with words, banners and hymns. Today is the last day to register!<br /><br /><strong>GA Discussions - You are invited to participate</strong><br />Glenn Hink and Bill Hoffman would like to host those interested in a follow-up time to pray about and discuss the recently concluded General Assembly and its implications for our churches and ministries. We are tentatively looking to meet at East Main Church in Grove City either Monday, July 14, 7-8:30 PM or Tuesday, July 15, 10:30-NOON. If you are interested in coming, please get back to Bill Hoffman (<a href="mailto:pastorbill@zoominternet.net">pastorbill@zoominternet.net</a> or 724-458-8270) with your time preference. We will announce finalized details by the end of next week (7/10).<br /><br /><strong>Energy Audit Links</strong><br />There is an energy audit online at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thedailygreen.com">www.thedailygreen.com</a>. If you click on "Green Homes", then "DIY Home Energy Audit" and that page also has a link to a web-based do-it-yourself energy audit tool at <a href="http://hes.lbl.gov/">http://hes.lbl.gov</a>. There is also a group called Interfaith Power and Light that has organizations in each state (PA hasn't started one yet) that helps religious and non-profit organizations with energy and conservation issues. They have a store at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shopipl.org">www.shopipl.org</a> that offers energy supplies (bulbs, etc.) at "deeply discounted" prices for churches.<br /><br /><strong>Award Given to Bill and Lois Anderson at the 218th General Assembly</strong><br />The Rev. Hunter Farrell, director of World Mission, presented the Bell-Mackay Prize to Bill Anderson. Anderson and his late wife Lois spent 49 years in African-based mission service. As a result of their ministry, the Nile Theological College in Khartoum, Sudan, is now the first high-level Protestant theological institution in that country. Accepting the award, Anderson encouraged those gathered to “do your work and expect the Holy Spirit.” Read the full story <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/news/ga08094.htm">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Equipping Pastors</strong><br />The Board of Pensions has provided a grant of $20,000 to the eight presbyteries of western PA to provide a program over the next year for "Equipping Pastors" with support to their ministries. You have probably seen the flyer for the four retreats (available on our "News & Events" page). There will also be monthly meetings here in Shenango Presbytery. Margaret Trautman is providing staff support to a planning team consisting of Ray Hylton, Jason Hickman, Amy Na, Monica Hamilton and Dave Lingle. If you have topics on pastoral leadership of concern to you, please contact Margaret <a href="mailto:ched@shenango.org">ched@shenango.org</a> so that she can share them with the planning team.<br /><br /><strong>Singers needed -- for CELEBRATION CHOIR for the Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration</strong>(Sunday, July 27th)Rehearsals --- Friday evening, July 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Unity Presbyterian Church at Greenfield, 1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road (Route 318) in Lackawannock Township -- and a 2nd rehearsal on Sunday, July 27th -- 4 p.m. at the Anderson Auditorium on the Westminster Campus. ALL SINGERS welcome to either or both rehearsals. For more info call: Jane Bartholomew 724-981-2377<br /><br /><strong>Beth Moore Simulcast @ Covenant, Sharon</strong><br />Beth Moore, well known author and Bible study leader, will appear live via satellite at Covenant, Sharon on August 1 & 2 for a life-changing time of Bible teaching and authentic worship. Contact Michelle at 724-981-3535 for more information.<br /><br /><strong>Important Opportunity</strong><br />At 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 13 Ralph Hawkins will be installed as pastor of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. That is an important event in itself, but it is also wonderful to hear a sermon by Dr. Darrell Guder, Dean of Princeton Theological Seminary. Darrell is probably the most important voice in "missional church" thinking about which several of our churches have been learning. For more information on Darrell click here: <a href="http://www.ptsem.edu/Academics/departments/RS/Docs/CVs/Guder_cv.pdf">http://www.ptsem.edu/Academics/departments/RS/Docs/CVs/Guder_cv.pdf</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Donate Used Materials</strong><br />Churches can donate their used VBS and Sunday School curriculum to the Kayenta Presbyterian Church in Arizona. Materials can be brought to the Fall Gathering of Presbyterian Women on October 18th at Faith Presbyterian Church. <br /><br /><strong>First Presbyterian Church, New Castle seeks Nursery Director</strong><br />See the full job description and contact information on our "Help Wanted" page (available under "Quick Links" on our home page.<br /><br /><strong>New Print Cartridges Available at Presbytery Office</strong><br />We have several brand new ink cartridges here at the office that fit printers that we no longer own. They are available for $10.00 - first come, first served<br />2 HP 15 - black inkjet<br />1 Lexmark 82 - black<br />1 Lexmark 83 - color<br />1 HP 78 - tri color inkjetautumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-6705401948561763662008-06-26T16:04:00.004-04:002008-06-26T16:14:41.913-04:00Official Call to the July 1, 2008 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery<strong>Official Call to the July 1, 2008 Meeting of Shenango Presbytery</strong><br /><br />The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Leesburg Presbyterian Church in Volant. <br /><br />Highlights of the meeting include:<br />- AIR CONDITIONED SANCTUARY<br />- Nomination and installation of Tom Gomola (pastor @ Leesburg) as Moderator of Shenango Presbytery and Arnie Morris (elder @ 1st New Castle) as Vice Moderator.<br />- Examination of a candidate for ordination.<br />- Commissioning Linda Kellogg as Lay Pastor @ Coolspring Presbyterian Church.<br /><br /><a title="blocked::http://www.shenango.org/meeting.htm http://www.shenango.org/meeting.htm" href="http://www.shenango.org/meeting.htm">Click here</a> for the docket and council minutes. (You can always access the docket and council minutes by going to <a href="http://www.shenango.org/news/meeting.htm">http://www.shenango.org/news/meeting.htm</a>.)autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-41083702783755054472008-06-25T14:11:00.002-04:002008-06-25T14:32:35.161-04:00eLink News - June 25, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>June 28 -</strong> General Assembly ends<br /><strong>July 1-</strong> 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, Leesburg (the docket will be online as soon as Auutmn receives it)<br /><br /><strong>Joys</strong><br />Bill and Jenny Stone's (Neshannock, NW) son, Bill, received his M.Div. from Princeton Seminary in May. He will remain at Princeton for the next year working on his Th.M.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Keep up with GA</strong><br />You can keep up with the events at the upcoming General Assembly meeting by clicking the GA button on our homepage or the "News & Events" page of our website. There is also a photo of our Commissioners and YAD on the "News & Events" page.<br /><br /><strong>IRS Mileage Increase</strong><br />The IRS rate for mileage reimbursement will increase on July 1st to 58.5 cents per mile. This rate will be good through December of 2008.<br /><br /><strong>Grant Deadline Extended</strong><br />The deadline for "Small Church Grants" has been extended to July 1st. Applications are available on the "News & Events" page of the Presbytery web site.<br /><br /><strong>Shenango Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration</strong><br />July 27, 2008 in Anderson Auditorium at Westminster College. The day will include a dinner served at the back of the auditorium at 5:00 PM ($10.00 adults, ages 5-12 $5.00, under age 5 - Free). The service will be a traditional Presbyterian Season of Communion as observed in Scotland and America. The five Reformed traditions of our Presbytery will be recognized with words, banners and hymns. Further information was mailed to the pastor of each church this week.<br /><br /><strong>Pastor - Theologian</strong><br />Pastors, would you like to be part of a group meeting for three days doing serious theological reflection together? Check out the link to this program in Joe Small's office <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/whatwedo/pastor-theologian.htm">http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/whatwedo/pastor-theologian.htm</a>. Note: If this link does not work, copy and paste it into your browser's address bar.<br /><br /><strong>Equipping Pastors</strong><br />The Board of Pensions has provided a grant of $20,000 to the eight presbyteries of western PA to provide a program over the next year for "Equipping Pastors" with support to their ministries. You have probably seen the flyer for the four retreats (available on our "News & Events" page). There will also be monthly meetings here in Shenango Presbytery. Margaret Trautman is providing staff support to a planning team consisting of Ray Hylton, Jason Hickman, Amy Na, Monica Hamilton and Dave Lingle. If you have topics on pastoral leadership of concern to you, please contact Margaret <a href="mailto:ched@shenango.org">ched@shenango.org</a> so that she can share them with the planning team.<br /><br /><strong>Day of Prayer at New Wilmington Mission Conference -</strong> <strong>July</strong> <strong>19, 9 AM – 4 PM - Witherspoon Room, McKelvey Center - Westminster College</strong><br />You are invited to join in the New Wilmington Mission Conference Day of Prayer on July 19, 9 AM – 4 PM. The Day of Prayer has been a long-standing tradition for the staff at NWMC. It is a standard part of our preparation for the week. This year we are expanding the Day of Prayer by expanding our invitation to everyone and by focusing our prayers more on the world.This expanded Day of Prayer is in response to a new spark of mission fervor and commitment in the PC(USA).<br /><br /><strong>Singers needed -- for CELEBRATION CHOIR for the Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration(Sunday, July 27th)</strong><br />Rehearsals --- Friday evening, July 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Unity Presbyterian Church at Greenfield, 1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road (Route 318) in Lackawannock Township -- and a 2nd rehearsal on Sunday, July 27th -- 4 p.m. at the Anderson Auditorium on the Westminster Campus. ALL SINGERS welcome to either or both rehearsals. For more info call: Jane Bartholomew 724-981-2377<br /><br /><strong>Beth Moore Simulcast @ Covenant, Sharon</strong><br />Beth Moore, well known author and Bible study leader, will appear live via satellite at Covenant, Sharon on August 1 & 2 for a life-changing time of Bible teaching and authentic worship. Contact Michelle at 724-981-3535 for more information.<br /><br /><strong>New Print Cartridges Available at Presbytery Office</strong><br />We have several brand new ink cartridges here at the office that fit printers that we no longer own. They are available for $10.00 - first come, first served<br /><ul><li>2 HP 15 - black inkjet </li><li>1 Lexmark 82 - black</li><li>1 Lexmark 83 - color</li><li>1 HP 78 - tri color inkjet</li></ul>autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-60965795164709048822008-06-18T13:54:00.002-04:002008-06-18T13:56:58.688-04:00eLink EXTRA - June 18, 2008<strong>CORRECTION</strong><br />There was a typo in the press release regarding the Day of Prayer for the New Wilmington Mission Conference. The Day of Prayer will actually be held on <strong>July 19th</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Grant Deadline Extended</strong><br />The deadline for "Small Church Grants" has been extended to July 1st. Applications are available on the "News & Events" page of the Presbytery web site.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-69204065128443602472008-06-17T14:32:00.002-04:002008-06-17T14:52:44.444-04:00e-Link News - June 17, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>June 17</strong> - 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry Meeting, Neshannock, New Wilmington<br /><div><strong>June 18</strong> - 1:00 PM Christian Education Committee, Presbytery Office</div><div><strong>June 19</strong> - 1:30 PM Evangelism Committee, Presbytery Office</div><div><strong>June 20</strong> - 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office</div><div><strong>June 21</strong> - General Assembly Begins</div><div><strong>June 22</strong> - 7:00 PM Commissioned Lay Pastors</div><br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />Barry Almy's mother is seriously ill with cancer, so Betsy and Barry will be in Georgia with her for the next few weeks.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Keep up with GA</strong><br />You can keep up with the events at the upcoming General Assembly meeting by clicking the GA button on our homepage or the "News & Events" page of our website. There is also a photo of our Commissioners and YAD on the "News & Events" page.<br /><br /><strong>A Finalist!</strong><br />New Wilmington Presbyterian Church's Senior High Youth Group is one of the 15 finalists in the YMIlive video challenge. The three winning videos will be selected by the Youth Advisory Delegates at GA next week.<br /><br /><strong>Shenango Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration</strong><br />July 27, 2008 in Anderson Auditorium at Westminster College. The day will include a dinner served at the back of the auditorium at 5:00 PM ($10.00 adults, ages 5-12 $5.00, under age 5 - Free). The service will be a traditional Presbyterian Season of Communion as observed in Scotland and America. The five Reformed traditions of our Presbytery will be recognized with words, banners and hymns. Further information was mailed to the pastor of each church this week.<br /><br /><strong>Thank You!</strong><br />ROOT International would like to thank the churches that partnered in helping with sorting, packing, providing donations and financial support. We still need volunteers to load the trailers for the trip west. Call Becky for information on time and place at 724-699-1182.<br /><br /><strong>Pastor - Theologian</strong><br />Pastors, would you like to be part of a group meeting for three days doing serious theological reflection together? Check out the link to this program in Joe Small's office <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/whatwedo/pastor-theologian.htm">http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/whatwedo/pastor-theologian.htm</a>. Note: If this link does not work, copy and paste it into your browser's address bar.<br /><br /><strong>Equipping Pastors</strong><br />The Board of Pensions has provided a grant of $20,000 to the eight presbyteries of western PA to provide a program over the next year for "Equipping Pastors" with support to their ministries. You have probably seen the flyer for the four retreats (available on our "News & Events" page). There will also be monthly meetings here in Shenango Presbytery. Margaret Trautman is providing staff support to a planning team consisting of Ray Hylton, Jason Hickman, Amy Na, Monica Hamilton and Dave Lingle. If you have topics on pastoral leadership of concern to you, please contact Margaret <a href="mailto:ched@shenango.org">ched@shenango.org</a> so that she can share them with the planning team.<br /><br /><strong>Day of Prayer at New Wilmington Mission Conference - July 29, 9 AM – 4 PM - Witherspoon Room, McKelvey Center - Westminster College<br /></strong>You are invited to join in the New Wilmington Mission Conference Day of Prayer on July 29, 9 AM – 4 PM. The Day of Prayer has been a long-standing tradition for the staff at NWMC. It is a standard part of our preparation for the week. This year we are expanding the Day of Prayer by expanding our invitation to everyone and by focusing our prayers more on the world.<br /> This expanded Day of Prayer is in response to a new spark of mission fervor and commitment in the PC(USA).<br /><br /><strong>Singers needed -- for CELEBRATION CHOIR for the Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration</strong><br />(Sunday, July 27th) Rehearsals --- Friday evening, July 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Unity Presbyterian Church at Greenfield, 1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road (Route 318) in Lackawannock Township -- and a 2nd rehearsal on Sunday, July 27th -- 4 p.m. at the Anderson Auditorium on the Westminster Campus. ALL SINGERS welcome to either or both rehearsals. For more info call: Jane Bartholomew 724-981-2377autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-49913523603382254122008-06-10T16:16:00.002-04:002008-06-10T16:28:20.190-04:00eLink News - June 10, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br />June 11 - 1:00 PM Presbyterian Women Meeting, Presbytery Office<br />3:00 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office<br />June 17 - 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry Meeting, Neshannock, New Wilmington<br /><br /><strong>Keep up with GA</strong><br />You can keep up with the events at the upcoming General Assembly meeting by clicking the GA button on our homepage or the "News & Events" page of our website. There is also a photo of our Commissioners and YAD on the "News & Events" page.<br /><br /><strong>Thank You!</strong><br />ROOT International would like to thank the churches that partnered in helping with sorting, packing, providing donations and financial support. We still need volunteers to load the trailers for the trip west. Call Becky for information on time and place at 724-699-1182.<br /><br /><strong>Equipping Pastors</strong><br />The Board of Pensions has provided a grant of $20,000 to the eight presbyteries of western PA to provide a program over the next year for "Equipping Pastors" with support to their ministries. You have probably seen the flyer for the four retreats (available on our "News & Events" page). There will also be monthly meetings here in Shenango Presbytery. Margaret Trautman is providing staff support to a planning team consisting of Ray Hylton, Jason Hickman, Amy Na, Monica Hamilton and Dave Lingle. If you have topics on pastoral leadership of concern to you, please contact Margaret <a href="mailto:ched@shenango.org">ched@shenango.org</a> so that she can share them with the planning team.<br /><br /><strong>Speaker Available</strong><br />Rachel Weller is in the area for the summer. She is available to speak on Ethiopia. You can reach her at <a href="mailto:wellerachel@gmail.com">wellerachel@gmail.com</a> or on her cell 724-815-7246.<br /><br /><strong>Presbytery Bicentennial -- "Celebration Choir" -- Calling all singers!to sing in a Celebration Choir for our Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration worship service to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2008.</strong><br />A choir rehearsal will be held on Friday evening, July 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Unity Presbyterian Church at Greenfield (1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road, Route 318) --halfway between West Middesex and Mercer. Music will be provided. Come and join your voice in celebration!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Presbytery Scholarship Recipients Announced- Congratulate any recipients that you know:</strong><br />$1200: Addison Domske, New Wilmington Pres WC<br />Brett Glavey, First Pres, Sharpsville WC<br />Ryan King, East Main, Grove City GCC<br />Katie Tomko, Lebanon UP, Mercer WC<br /><br />$750: Janet Brocklehurst, Bethany, Mercer GCC<br />Nate Hunter, New Wilmington Pres WC<br /><br />$500: Samantha Clark, Covenant, Sharon GCC<br />Stephanie Finnegan, Bethany, Mercer WC<br />Miriam Karavias, East Brook GCCautumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-6454624662752432552008-06-06T16:31:00.001-04:002008-06-06T16:32:46.437-04:00Special AnnoucementThe Presbytery office is getting new phone service on Monday, June 9th in the afternoon. Service should only be interrupted for a short time.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-33499554612183524572008-06-03T16:16:00.002-04:002008-06-03T16:36:37.377-04:00eLink News - June 3, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>June 3 -</strong> 9:30 AM Council Meeting, <em>Highland Church</em><br /><strong>June 4-6 -</strong> Synod Summer Conference, <em>Westminster College</em><br /><br /><em>Note: Office staff will be attending portions of the Synod Summer Conference June 4-6 at Westmisnter College. We will post return times on the front door, but you can always leave us a voice mail if you stop by and the office is closed.</em><br /><br /><strong>Joys</strong><br />Debbie Forsberg has been the Resource Center Director for the Presbytery for 8 years.<br /><br /><strong>Opportunity to Learn about the “Partnership for the Missional Church”</strong><br />14 congregations in Shenango Presbytery have been involved in missional church renewal during the past several years. 4 congregations (Clen Moore, Third New Castle, Bell, and Christ) are presently involved in “Partnership for the Missional Church” with Church Innovations. The president of Church Innovations, Pat Keifert, is the keynote speaker for the Synod Summer Conference at Westminster College on June 4 – 6. You are welcome to hear Dr. Keifert speak in the Witherspoon Room of the McKelvey Student Center at 10:00 am on Thursday and Friday (June 5 – 6). For more details on the schedule click on the blue button at the bottom of our homepage.<br /><br /><strong>Attend Worship at the Synod Summer Conference</strong><br />Worship at the Synod Summer Conference is open to the public. If you didn't register for the conference, but would still like to participate in worship check out the schedule by clicking on the blue button at the bottom of our homepage.<br /><br /><strong>Keep up with GA</strong><br />You can keep up with the events at the upcoming General Assembly meeting by clicking the GA button on our homepage or the "News & Events" page of our website.<br /><br /><strong>Speaker Available</strong><br />Rachel Weller is in the area for the summer. She is available to speak on Ethiopia. You can reach her at <a href="mailto:wellerachel@gmail.com">wellerachel@gmail.com</a> or on her cell 724-815-7246.<br /><br /><strong>Presbytery Bicentennial -- "Celebration Choir" -- Calling all singers!to sing in a Celebration Choir for our Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration worship service to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2008.</strong><br />A choir rehearsal will be held on Friday evening, July 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Unity Presbyterian Church at Greenfield (1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road, Route 318) --halfway between West Middesex and Mercer. Music will be provided. Come and join your voice in celebration!<br /><br /><strong>Book Sale at Third, NC This Week</strong><br />They are still collecting books and will be through Wednesday. Sale dates and hours are as follows: <strong><em>Thursday, June 5 10:00 to 6:00 Friday June 6 10:00 to 5:00 Saturday June 7 10:00 to 2:00</em></strong> If there are any questions, call Judy at the church 724-659-6683.<br /><br /><strong>Presbytery Scholarship Recipients Announced- Congratulate any recipients that you know:</strong><br />$1200: <br />Addison Domske, New Wilmington Pres WC <br />Brett Glavey, First Pres, Sharpsville WC <br />Ryan King, East Main, Grove City GCC <br />Katie Tomko, Lebanon UP, Mercer WC<br /><br />$750: <br />Janet Brocklehurst, Bethany, Mercer GCC <br />Nate Hunter, New Wilmington Pres WC<br /><br />$500: <br />Samantha Clark, Covenant, Sharon GCC <br />Stephanie Finnegan, Bethany, Mercer WC <br />Miriam Karavias, East Brook GCCautumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-30669719269916872872008-05-30T11:22:00.002-04:002008-05-30T11:25:59.452-04:00e-Link Extra - May 30, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>June </strong>3 - 9:30 AM Council Meeting, Highland Church<br /><strong>June 4-6</strong> - Synod Summer Conference, Westminster College<br /><br /><em>Note: Office staff will be attending portions of the Synod Summer Conference June 4-6 at Westmisnter College. We will post return times on the front door, but you can always leave us a voice mail if you stop by and the office is closed.</em><br /><br /><strong>Opportunity to Learn about the “Partnership for the Missional Church”</strong><br /> 14 congregations in Shenango Presbytery have been involved in missional church renewal during the past several years. 4 congregations (Clen Moore, Third New Castle, Bell, and Christ) are presently involved in “Partnership for the Missional Church” with Church Innovations. The president of Church Innovations, Pat Keifert, is the keynote speaker for the Synod Summer Conference at Westminster College on June 4 – 6. You are welcome to hear Dr. Keifert speak in the Witherspoon Room of the McKelvey Student Center at 10:00 am on Thursday and Friday (June 5 – 6). For more details on the schedule click here <a title="blocked::http://www.syntrinity.org/home/announcements/Summer_Conference_2008/Schedule.htm" href="http://www.syntrinity.org/home/announcements/Summer_Conference_2008/Schedule.htm">http://www.syntrinity.org/home/announcements/Summer_Conference_2008/Schedule.htm</a>Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02848922697047713856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-1838074230310801532008-05-28T16:31:00.001-04:002008-05-28T16:33:14.248-04:00e-Link News - May 28, 2008Dick Baker (pastor at Enon) had triple by-pass surgery on Tuesday, May 27 and is doing well at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02848922697047713856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-76405844650402934352008-05-22T14:16:00.002-04:002008-05-22T14:38:02.330-04:00eLink EXTRA - May 22, 2008<strong>Cast Your Vote!</strong><br />The Senior High Youth Group at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church has entered a video in the YMI (Youth Mission Initiative) Video Challenge interpreting Micah 6:8. Your vote could help them win a $25,000.00 endowment fund to help the youth program. As far as we can tell, this is the only video submitted from our Presbytery. You can vote until June 1st by following the instructions below provided by Addie Domske, creator of the video and YAD representing our Presbytery at GA next month.<br /><br /><strong>Note: In order to vote for our video, you must register.</strong><br /><ul><li>To register to vote, click here: <a title="blocked::http://www.ymilive.org/app/friend_invitations/1048?z=" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" href="http://www.ymilive.org/app/friend_invitations/1048?z=8e37e0c3039" target="_blank">Register</a> </li><li>Once there, click on "Register" below the word "Login." Fill in the necessary information to register and select "Supporter". Then click "Get Started."</li><li>Complete the next form, choosing a screen name (the name that will be displayed when you vote) for the category "Handle." Click "Register Now." (If at any time in the next steps you are asked to log in, enter the information you just registered.) </li><li>An email will be sent to you after you have registered. In the email, click on the link entitled "use this link." This will bring you to the Videos page. Leave this page open. You can try the following link to get to our video, though you might have to login again. </li><li>If the link doesn't work, follow the step in parenthesis below. <a title="blocked::http://www.ymilive.org/app/teams/new-wilmington-presbyterian-new-wilmington-pa" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.ymilive.org/app/teams/new-wilmington-presbyterian-new-wilmington-pa/video" target="_blank">http://www.ymilive.org/app/teams/new-wilmington-presbyterian-new-wilmington-pa/video</a> (Scroll down to the bottom of the page you had open and click on the number 9. Our video is the last in the line. Click on it.) </li><li>On the next page, to the right of the video, click on the button, entitled, "Cast Your Vote." The button will disappear and a blue box will appear that says your vote was successfully cast.</li></ul>autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-70618468884910885862008-05-21T14:36:00.002-04:002008-05-21T14:53:40.686-04:00eLink News - May 21, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>May 26-</strong> <strong>OFFICE CLOSED</strong><br /><strong>May 27-</strong> 9:00 AM Steering Committee, Presbytery Office<br />1:00 PM Sudan Hosting Team, Presbytery Office<br /><br /><strong><em>Note: Office staff will be attending portions of the Synod Summer Conference June 4-6 at Westmisnter College. We will post return times on the front door, but you can always leave us a voice mail if you stop by and the office is closed.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />- Terry Greenlee is home from his rehabilitation at Harmarville and no longer has the symptoms from Parkinson's. He will recieve his D.Min. at Pittsburgh Seminary this week. (Note: Terry has sent a thank you note for your prayers - you can read it on the "News & Events" page of the Presbytery web site.)<br />- Please continue to pray for the Sudan following a rebel attack on the capital. Darfur's displaced persons in Khartoum are under great persecution because of the attack. Pray for wisdom and courage for our friends in the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church.<br /><br /><strong>Joys</strong><br />- Kang Na is the commencement speaker at the Pittsburgh Seminary graduation this week.<br />- Word Centered Fellowship celebrated their 5th anniversary this past weekend with Dr. Bryant Parker from Witherspoon Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis as the guest preacher. Several Shenango Presbytery congregations were represented at the Friday evening Gospel Singalong.<br /><br /><strong>Summer Camping Jobs Available</strong><br />With less than a month to go until the start of summer camp programs, The Camping Association still has a few summer employment opportunities available. Camp Lambec, with a season beginning June 8, needs a lifeguard, an office assistant and a general support staff member. At Westminster Highlands, with a season beginning June 22, there are two openings for male cabin counselors. Training, a weekly salary, room and board are provided. Applicants must be 18 years of age and/or a high school graduate. If you know of young people who may be interested, please encourage them to contact the central camp office ASAP at 724-738-0058 or at <a href="mailto:capnwp@aol.com">capnwp@aol.com</a>. <br /><br /><strong>Summer Leadership Conference, June 8-11, 2008 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary</strong><br />Now in it's 68th year, this annual conference will focus on family systems - understanding relationships within our families and our congregations. Keynote speaker is Ronald W. Richardson, former Clinical Director of the North Shore Counseling Centre, a pastoral counselor, and an author. Marsha Foster Boyd will be the keynote preacher - she is currently the president of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Because this program is partially funded by a grant, the registration fee is only $120 ($135 after May 15), wich includes all plenary sessions, daily worship, two workshop tracks, and breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. Housing is extra. Contact the Office of Continuing Education with questions or to request a registration brochure. 412-441-3304, ext. 2196 or <a href="mailto:Bgrogan@pts.edu">Bgrogan@pts.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Attend Worship at the Synod Summer Conference</strong><br />Worship at the Synod Summer Conference is open to the public. If you didn't register for the conference, but would still like to participate in worship check out the schedule at <a href="http://www.syntrinity.org/home/announcements/Summer_Conference_2008/Schedule.htm">http://www.syntrinity.org/home/announcements/Summer_Conference_2008/Schedule.htm</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Presbytery Bicentennial -- "Celebration Choir" -- Calling all singers!</strong><br />to sing in a Celebration Choir for our Presbytery Bicentennial Celebration worship service to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2008. A choir rehearsal will be held on Friday evening, July 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Unity Presbyterian Church at Greenfield (1857 Mercer West Middlesex Road, Route 318) --halfway between West Middesex and Mercer. Music will be provided. Come and join your voice in celebration!autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-56258634906793505422008-05-13T16:39:00.002-04:002008-05-13T16:44:02.275-04:00eLink News - May 13, 2008<em>Note: The links in this version of e-Link may not work for you, we are working on a solution to the problem.</em><br /><br /><strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>May 14-</strong> 3:00 PM Nominating Committee, Presbytery Office<br /><strong>May 15-</strong> 1:00 PM Sudan Team, Presbytery Office<br /><strong>May 16-</strong> 12:30 PM Preparation for Ministry Committee, Presbytery Office<br /><strong>May 20-</strong> 7:00 PM Committee on Ministry Committee, Neshannock, NW<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />- Terry Greenlee has returned home Harmarville and is doing well.<br /><br /><strong>CAMP LAMBEC SPRING WORK DAY - SATURDAY, MAY 17, 9 AM</strong><br />The Camping Association invites individuals, families and groups to particapate in the annual Camp Lambec spring workday. Camp personnel will be on hand to greet you anytime after 8 AM. Arrive anytime in the morning and stay as long as you are able, even overnight. When you arrive, our camp staff will have a list of proposed projects and a storehouse of needed supplies. They will help you choose a job to fit your skills and time availability. If you complete a job and still have energy, you can return to the job list and choose another task. Or, feel free to spend the remainder of your day enjoying the campsite. Complimentary weekend accommodations for workers and their families are available in our camper cabins by prior reservation. Please contact Lisa in The Camping Office (724-738-0058) to arrange for your complimentary one or two night work weekend stay.<br /><br /><strong>Is Your Church Doing an Energy Audit?</strong><br />New Wilmington Presbyterian's Peacemaking Committee is seeking information about churches doing an "energy audit". If your church has done this or if you know what is involved, please contact Bob VanDale at <a href="mailto:bobcarlavandale@netzero.net">bobcarlavandale@netzero.net</a>. They will appreciate any help you can offer.<br /><br /><strong>Mission Travel Opportunities</strong><br />World Mission Initiative trips in 2009 includes these opportunities and more:- Spring Break (Feb. 27 - Mar. 7): New Orleans, Haiti, Mexico- Summer possibilities: Russia, Ethiopia, Philippines, Singapore, etc.For a complete list, contact Don Dawson at <a href="mailto:ddawson@pts.edu">ddawson@pts.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Summer Leadership Conference, June 8-11, 2008 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary</strong><br />Now in it's 68th year, this annual conference will focus on family systems - understanding relationships within our families and our congregations. Keynote speaker is Ronald W. Richardson, former Clinical Director of the North Shore Counseling Centre, a pastoral counselor, and an author. Marsha Foster Boyd will be the keynote preacher - she is currently the president of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Because this program is partially funded by a grant, the registration fee is only $120 ($135 after May 15), wich includes all plenary sessions, daily worship, two workshop tracks, and breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. Housing is extra. Contact the Office of Continuing Education with questions or to request a registration brochure. 412-441-3304, ext. 2196 or <a href="mailto:Bgrogan@pts.edu">Bgrogan@pts.edu</a>.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-58762068093057314952008-05-06T14:22:00.002-04:002008-05-06T14:41:17.180-04:00eLink News - May 6, 2008<strong><em>Note: The links in this version of e-Link may not work for you, we are working on a solution to the problem.</em></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>May 7-</strong> 9:30 AM Church and Community Committee Meeting, Presbytery Office<br /><strong>May 8-</strong> 7:00 PM Bicentennial Committee Meeting, Joe Hopkin's Home<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />- David Dawson's mother-in-law passed away Thursday afternoon. <br />- Terry Greenlee is in Harmarville for rehabilitation, following his surgeries for parkinson's, for another week or so.<br /><br /><strong>CAMP LAMBEC SPRING WORK DAY - SATURDAY, MAY 17, 9 AM</strong><br /> The Camping Association invites individuals, families and groups to particapate in the annual Camp Lambec spring workday. Camp personnel will be on hand to greet you anytime after 8 AM. Arrive anytime in the morning and stay as long as you are able, even overnight. When you arrive, our camp staff will have a list of proposed projects and a storehouse of needed supplies. They will help you choose a job to fit your skills and time availability. If you complete a job and still have energy, you can return to the job list and choose another task. Or, feel free to spend the remainder of your day enjoying the campsite. Complimentary weekend accommodations for workers and their families are available in our camper cabins by prior reservation. Please contact Lisa in The Camping Office (724-738-0058) to arrange for your complimentary one or two night work weekend stay.<br /><br /><strong>Volunteers Needed</strong><br />ROOT International, a non-profit, charitable organization that partners with community organizations, ministries, and churches (currently working with Shenango Presbytery PW to transport goods to Kayenta, Arizona) is looking for volunteers from May 8-28 (mostly daytime and Saturdays) to sort, load and unload trucks for time slots of 1-3 hours. If you can help, please contact Rebecca Vogan at 724-699-1182.<br /><br /><strong>Is Your Church Doing an Energy Audit?</strong><br />New Wilmington Presbyterian's Peacemaking Committee is seeking information about churches doing an "energy audit". If your church has done this or if you know what is involved, please contact Bob VanDale at <a href="mailto:bobcarlavandale@netzero.net">bobcarlavandale@netzero.net</a>. They will appreciate any help you can offer.<br /><br /><strong>Mission Travel Opportunities</strong><br />World Mission Initiative trips in 2009 includes these opportunities and more:<br />- Spring Break (Feb. 27 - Mar. 7): New Orleans, Haiti, Mexico<br />- Summer possibilities: Russia, Ethiopia, Philippines, Singapore, etc.<br />For a complete list, contact Don Dawson at <a href="mailto:ddawson@pts.edu">ddawson@pts.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Summer Leadership Conference, June 8-11, 2008 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary</strong><br />Now in it's 68th year, this annual conference will focus on family systems - understanding relationships within our families and our congregations. Keynote speaker is Ronald W. Richardson, former Clinical Director of the North Shore Counseling Centre, a pastoral counselor, and an author. Marsha Foster Boyd will be the keynote preacher - she is currently the president of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Because this program is partially funded by a grant, the registration fee is only $120 ($135 after May 15), wich includes all plenary sessions, daily worship, two workshop tracks, and breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days. Housing is extra. Contact the Office of Continuing Education with questions or to request a registration brochure. 412-441-3304, ext. 2196 or <a href="mailto:Bgrogan@pts.edu">Bgrogan@pts.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Perspectives Course Coming This Fall</strong><br />Perspectives, a 14 week course providing a panoramic view of what God is up to and tools to help you step into the action. Classes begin the week of September 7, 2008 at 4 different locations including Fellowship Community Church in Grove City and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Check out <a href="http://www.perspectives.org/">http://www.perspectives.org</a> for more information or see the flyer and bulletin insert on the "News & Events" page of the Presbytery website.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-69760764964598859812008-04-29T14:27:00.002-04:002008-04-29T14:50:19.460-04:00eLink News - April 29, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>May 4-</strong> SHOWCASE submission deadline<br /><strong>May 5-6-</strong> Pastor's Retreat, Villa Maria Retreat Center<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br />Terry Greenlee (Jackson Center and Millbrook) had successful surgery for Parkinson's last Tuesday and will have the second surgery this Wednesday. He will then be transferred to Harmorville for two weeks of rehabilitiation.<br /><br /><strong>Work Days at the Camps</strong><br />Want to help get Westminster Highlands and Camp Lambec ready for the summer camping season? There are workdays scheduled that you can be a part of- this Saturday you can work at Westminster Highlands, and on the 17th you can work at Lambec. Overnight lodging is available by contacting Lisa at the camping office at 724-738-0058.<br /><br /><strong>Youth Event - an Amazing Day of Service</strong><br />This past Saturday 60 youth and leaders from 8 of our churches helped out at Westminster Highlands. The youth picked up litter on Rt. 208 as part of the Adopt-a-Highway program, picked up limbs and brush from the campus, hauled firewood, scrubbed cabins, and more as part of their day of service. Kip, the camp manager, explained that every hour that we worked would equal a month's worth of work for himself and his wife - the youth accomplished 4 months worth of work on Saturday! A DVD of photos will be sent to each group that participated, and highlights will be shown at the July Presbytery meeting. Thanks to all who participated!<br /><br /><strong>Volunteers Needed</strong><br />ROOT International, a non-profit, charitable organization that partners with community organizations, ministries, and churches (currently working with Shenango Presbytery PW to transport goods to Kayenta, Arizona) is looking for volunteers from May 8-28 (mostly daytime and Saturdays) to sort, load and unload trucks for time slots of 1-3 hours. If you can help, please contact Rebecca Vogan at 724-699-1182.<br /><br /><strong>2009 Trip to the Sudan</strong><br />The Sudan Leadership Team is doing preliminary work on a trip to the Sudan in early 2009. A final decision will be made by August 1 and then the time will be very short to join in. If you are at all interested, we need to know now. Contact <a href="mailto:jpleuen@hotmail.com">Jim Leuenberger</a> or <a href="mailto:david.dawson@presbynet.org">Dave Dawson</a>.<br /><br /><strong>"We've Come This Far By Faith"</strong><br />This year, Word Centered Fellowship is celebrating their 5th year of service to the Lord. The celebration dates are May 16th through may 18, 2008. To commemorate this anniversary they will publish a booklet and seek your help. For more information, please see the full article on our News page, <a href="http://www.shenango.org/news/index.htm">http://www.shenango.org/news/index.htm</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Membership / Evangelism Request from Bethel</strong><br />Hi all, I am the Elder for the Membership and Evangelism at Bethel UP Church...I am seeking information form others concerning their programs for evangelism and membership specific to their churches mission. As an example; methods of distributing visitation cards, membership participation in attendence, giving etc. How often do you review your membership roles....what's your process for moving members from active to inactive...Evangelism, do you have programs or groups that concentrate on evangelism in your church? Any information that you would like to share would be appreciated. You can email me <a title="blocked::mailto:rusty0616@hotmail.com" href="mailto:rusty0616@hotmail.com">rusty0616@hotmail.com</a> or address to Rusty George, 5958 E. Calla Rd New Middletown, Ohio (yes I'm a buckeye) 44442. Thank you in advance and God Bless you.<br /><br /><strong>SPSC Anniversary Celebration</strong><br />This coming Sunday, May 4, Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare will be holding a special 40th Anniversary Celebration at 3:00 PM at the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Refreshments will follow immediately after the service in the Community Room of SPSC.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-90608431142893368152008-04-23T14:36:00.002-04:002008-04-23T14:42:17.659-04:00eLink EXTRA - April 23, 2008<strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Funeral Service Tomorrow for John Borter</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ministers attending the service for John Borter tomorrow at Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church are asked to meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:45 AM. Please bring your robe.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Update on Terry Greenlee (Jackson Center / Millbrook)</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Terry's surgery went well. Please keep him in your prayers - the 2nd part of the surgery will take place on Tuesday.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Membership / Evangelism Request from Bethel</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Hi all, I am the Elder for the Membership and Evangelism at Bethel UP Church...I am seeking information form others concerning their programs for evangelism and membership specific to their churches mission. As an example; methods of distributing visitation cards, membership participation in attendence, giving etc. How often do you review your membership roles....what's your process for moving members from active to inactive...Evangelism, do you have programs or groups that concentrate on evangelism in your church? Any information that you would like to share would be appreciated. You can email me </span><a title="blocked::mailto:rusty0616@hotmail.com" href="mailto:rusty0616@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family:arial;">rusty0616@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> or address to Rusty George, 5958 E. Calla Rd New Middletown, Ohio (yes I'm a buckeye) 44442. Thank you in advance and God Bless you.</span>autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-9736179887652344352008-04-22T13:45:00.002-04:002008-04-22T14:24:53.644-04:00eLink News- April 22, 2008<strong>Meetings and Events This Week:</strong><br /><strong>April 22-</strong> 6:30 PM Presbytery Meeting, <em>Clen-Moore</em><br /><strong>April 26-</strong> 1:00 PM Presbytery-Wide Youth Event, <em>Westminster Highlands</em><br /><strong>April 27-</strong> 7:00 PM Missional Church Conversations, <em>East Main</em><br /><br /><strong>Arrangements for John Borter</strong><br />Visiting hours at Turner Funeral Home [500 Sixth Street, Ellwood City] will be 7 – 9 on Tuesday; 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 on Wednesday; service at Slippery Rock Church on Thursday at 11 am.<br /><br /><strong>Registrations Still Accepted for Youth Event</strong><br />We still have room for more youth and helpers on Saturday! Call 724-528-1610 or e-mail Debbie (<a href="mailto:resource@shenango.org">resource@shenango.org</a>) or Autumn (<a href="mailto:office@shenango.org">office@shenango.org</a>) if you would like to help out at Westminster Highlands - let us know by Friday so we can have enough food.<br /><br /><strong>2009 Trip to the Sudan</strong><br />The Sudan Leadership Team is doing preliminary work on a trip to the Sudan in early 2009. A final decision will be made by August 1 and then the time will be very short to join in. If you are at all interested, we need to know now. Contact <a href="mailto:jpleuen@hotmail.com">Jim Leuenberger</a> or <a href="mailto:david.dawson@presbynet.org">Dave Dawson</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Reducing the Risk Training for Mercer County Churches</strong><br />Sheakleyville Presbyterian is having a 2-hour training for Elders and teachers with AWARE (Crisis Shelter) on reducing the risk for child sexual abuse in the church. The training is Wednesday, April 23rd, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at the church and is open to other churches. An RSVP to Nancy Varner at 724-253-4230 would be appreciated.<br /><br /><strong>Study Leave Opportunity</strong><br />Want an adventure? For 15 years, a group of pastors have been mountainclimbing or canoeing/portaging using a book for discussion on ministry in a setting that lends to trust and growth. This year the group will be returning to the wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada for a week of group building, physical challenge and spiritual growth. See Don Hurray at the upcoming Presbytery meeting for a brochure and application. The date for the trip is September 14-22, 2008 and the book to be studied is "Spiritual Surrender" by Jim Krisher.<br /><br /><strong>NWMC Speakers</strong><br />Check out the speaker bios now posted on the New Wilmington Mission Conference web site at <a href="http://www.nwmcmission.org/">http://www.NWMCmission.org</a>. NWMC will be held July 19-26 this year. Don't miss out on this wonderful local opportunity.<br /><br /><strong>"We've Come This Far By Faith"</strong><br />This year, Word Centered Fellowship is celebrating their 5th year of service to the Lord. The celebration dates are May 16th through may 18, 2008. To commemorate this anniversary they will publish a booklet and seek your help. For more information, please see the full article on our News page, <a href="http://www.shenango.org/news/index.htm">http://www.shenango.org/news/index.htm</a>.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-1156033306474950092008-04-21T11:12:00.003-04:002008-04-21T11:20:08.923-04:00eLink News EXTRA!<strong>Prayers</strong><br />John Borter (Hon. Retired) passed away yesterday afternoon. We will post details on arrangements and services in the regular e-Link tomorrow.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-83710907134646161572008-04-18T16:26:00.003-04:002008-04-18T16:35:45.496-04:00eLink News EXTRA - April 18, 2008<strong>Prayer Concerns</strong><br />- John Borter (Mt. Hermon) is in UPMC Pittsburgh.<br />- Jim Wigley (Hon. Retired) is in UPMC Greenville undergoing tests.<br />- Marsha Parrish (Oak Grove) is recovering well from knee surgery last week.<br />- Marty and Abby Sweeney (at large) are in the process of adopting a baby boy, Malachi, and Abby will be leaving tomorrow for Africa to start proceedings.<br /><br /><strong>Still Accepting Registrations for Youth Event</strong><br />We have 33 youth from 5 churches signed up for the Youth Event so far. If you haven't called or e-mailed your registrations, please do so ASAP - 724-528-1610, <a href="mailto:office@shenango.org">office@shenango.org</a> or <a href="mailto:resource@shenango.org">resource@shenango.org</a>.autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6367715310601197861.post-20742479204164051122008-04-17T10:33:00.002-04:002008-04-17T11:06:37.016-04:00Official Call to the April 22, 2008 Meeting of Presbytery<strong>The next stated meeting of Shenango Presbytery will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Highlights of the meeting include:<br /></strong>- Candidate to be examined for ordination<br />- Mission reports on AIDS Caregiver Kit Build, W. PA Table Project, and LATCOM<br /><br /><a title="blocked::http://www.shenango.org/meeting.htm http://www.shenango.org/meeting.htm" href="http://www.shenango.org/meeting.htm">Click here</a> for the docket and council minutes. (You can always access the docket and council minutes by going to <a href="http://www.shenango.org/news/meeting.htm">http://www.shenango.org/news/meeting.htm</a>.)autumnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16880864070214605449noreply@blogger.com