http://donegalpresbytery.blogspot.com/ - Have you heard the phone blogging?There are some phone blogs from GA! Give it a try - call 214.615.6431. Enter 168049813 as the ID and then use 1000# as the blog ID. Just hit number 3 to record and publish your phone blog! It's very easy!!
The Rev. Daniel Moore shared a mission story on "Song Time USA" broadcasting headquarters. Some of you may listen to Song Time with John DeBrine on WDAC and be familiar with it. While there I was sharing with them some of the ministry that I was able to do in Massachusetts and they were excited about one particular story I shared. They asked permission to record it and use it in an upcoming broadcast. I have just received notice from them that they will include it in their July 24th broadcast. If you are interested and able, tune in to WDAC 94.5 at ~10:00 next Thur
Caregivers Workshop Offered Highland Presbyterian Church’s Stephen Ministry will offer a workshop for caregivers on Saturday, September 27, 2008, 9:00am to 3:15pm at the church. The program will focus on providing practical information and support to those who are caring for an ill or aging loved one. Topics covered include: Family Dynamics, Ethical and Legal Concerns, Community Resources, Spiritual Support, Long-Distance Issues and Taking Care of the Caregiver. Registration brochures are available at the Highland Presbyterian Church office. Deadline for registration and fee ($25) is September 8. For more information, contact Marilyn Ebel 393-7722, or Eleanor Sharp (Highland Presbyterian Church) 569-2651.
Registrations are now being accepted for: September 29 – October 2, Congregational Pastor Training September 29 – October 2 , Beginning New Churches: A Time for Discernment (for presbytery teams) November 17 – 19 Level II Coaching Skills Training for Presbytery Transformation Teams. Please visit http://www.presbygrow.net for details plus a link to online registration.
In a recent email from our Moderator the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Elder Linda Valentine, Exec Director of the General Assembly Council, and the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev. Gradye Parsons. Empowered by the Spirit, we invite you to answer the carry out the work called for by Christ’s commands and the Church’s actions: Recommend gifted people to serve as mission co-workers. We need your wisdom and your help in identifying qualified candidates to fill the new positions that have been created. (www.pcusa.org/msr)
Hold Solemn Assemblies in your congregation or presbytery. A website with resources will be available soon through the General Assembly Council’s Office of Theology and Worship.
Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide. Visit www.deepandwide.net and www.presbygrow.net to find ideas for growing the church and contribute your own.
Support the work of mission around the world. There are countless opportunities for Presbyterians to invest in and pray for the good work the church is doing. http://www.pcusa.org/mission With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. And isn’t that Good News?
An Invitation from the Office of Theology and Worship - To a Pastor-Theologian Consultation Is Heresy Possible? The Greek root of “heresy” is “to choose.” The implication is that the faithful follow the rule of faith, while a heretic chooses to depart from some aspect of the received faith of the church. Today, we are averse to the concept of heresy, and even more uncomfortable with branding an individual as a heretic. We live in a time when the church celebrates theological diversity as a good gift, and writing personal belief statements is de rigueur. Once presbyteries examined candidates for ordination to determine if they professed the faith of the church; now we listen for their ability to articulate their personal views. Candidates for ministry may be denied advancement in the ordination process for a variety of reasons, but heresy is almost never one of them. Meanwhile, the church’s doctrinal differences are settled on polity grounds rather than on a determination of right belief (orthodoxy). Is heresy a useful ecclesial category? Is heresy even possible in the contemporary church? What has been gained or lost as the church has weakened or abandoned the concept? The Office of Theology and Worship invites you to apply for a Pastor-Theologian exploration of the question, “Is Heresy Possible?” If the theme seems intriguing, send brief professional information and a two-page explanation of your desire to participate in the consultation. If accepted, you will be expected to do preparatory reading, and to write a ten to twelve page essay on a specific aspect of the topic for presentation in the consultation. The Pastor-Theologian consultation will be held November 18-20, 2008. Each participant will cover up to $500 in travel expenses; the Office of Theology and Worship will cover all other expenses, including lodging and meals. For application, email, write, or call Nicole Gerkins, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (USA), 100 Witherspoon St. Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 569-5029
Experiencing Father's Embrace - A Shiloh Place Encounter with Jack Frost For the world to experience God’s transforming love through the hearts of Christian believers Get ready to experience a life-changing introduction to Father God's unconditional love. It's the kind of love that changes everything forever. Untie yourself from religious duty; learn how to be in God's plan and His presence! You will be motivated and challenged to pursue unconditional expressed love, and place it high above any other human emotion. This is your opportunity to ask Father God to heal past hurts and come face to face with the LOVE you've been searching for all of your life! *When: Every Monday evening at 6:30 (except labor Day) beginning August 4th for nine weeks. (It is strongly recommended that you attend all nine sessions.) *Where: Wayside Presbyterian Church located at 600 Stony Battery Rd., Landisville, PA 17538. *Childcare will be provided at no charge to participants *Questions: Contact Donna Brown at (717) 898-9441 or 682-7884
The presbytery office is anticipating using a new database that will allow us to handle more detailed information. This will help us with networking. For instance, if a choir director would like to contact other choir directors in the presbytery, we could provide that information. We are looking for a copy of the Annual Report from each church in order to input the kinds of groups you have. Please mail it to the Presbytery of Donegal, PO Box 10054, Lancaster, PA 17605-0054. Thanks!
LOUISVILLE — Tapping into a higher power, Limestone Presbyterian Church http://www.limestonepresbyterian.org in Wilmington, DE, is installing a solar-electric generating system, which will make the congregation the state’s first church to draw its electricity from the sun. Using 180 roof-mounted solar panels, most of which are already in place, the 36-kilowatt system is expected to provide at least two-thirds of the Delaware church’s electricity. When the church produces more power than it needs, the excess will be fed automatically into the commercial power grid. The $250,000 solar array is scheduled to go on line by Saturday, July 19. The public is invited to join the congregation to celebrate the completion of the project in a special service on Sunday, July 20.
Who else is blogging? The Rev. Laura Kelsey is asking about other bloggers! Check out Laura’s blog at: http://revlaurablog.blogspot.com [Also, our new Moderator, the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is an avid blogger – see http://www.mod.reyes-chow.com/ And, don’t forget that we have one at: http://donegalpresbytery.blogspot.com
Ms. Discernment Meets Mr. Roberts, October 17-18, 2008, 1pm to 1pm, Best Western Country Cupboard, Lewisburg, PA. Learn how to engage small to large groups in communal discernment. Discernment involves approaching a decision or seeking clarity for direction through a consensus-building process grounded in the spiritual practices of prayer, listening, surrender and reflection. It strengthens relationships and understanding while seeking guidance from God. Case studies of how Presbyterians have used a discernment process will be shared, as will a newly published booklet, Guidelines for Communal Discernment. Co-sponsored by the Synod of the Trinity, the Office of the General Assembly, and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Leaders: the Rev. Vicky Curtiss, Spiritual Director and Church Consultant; the Rev. Mark Koenig, Coordinator, Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Registrations fee: $25.00. Please contact Catherine Gray at the Synod of the Trinity, cgray@syntrinity.org to register.
Have you seen the new web page for Church Growth? Go to http://www.presbygrow.net for the newest links, resources and upcoming events. Join the discussion groups for Congregational Transformation and NCD.
Wee Kirk 2008 Northeast - October 13 - 15 at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in Mt. Pleasant, PA Clikc here for the brochure: http://www.pfrenew.org/images/pdfdownloads/NE(PA)WK%202008%20Broch.pdf
The 6th annual community hymn sing, "Singspiration", will be held at the Historic Old Leacock Presbyterian Church, Old Philadelphia Pike at Old Leacock Road, Intercourse, PA on the first Sunday of each month from May thru September. The dates are August 3 and September 7! The hymn sings will begin at 7 p.m.! John Koshuta and Tom Perella will lead the singing and the accompaniment will be by Dianne Yunninger and Joy Koshuta, who will play the church's 103 year-old Estes pump organ. Lemonade will be served in the church courtyard each evening. Everyone is welcome!"
“Marching In” November 12-15, 2008, National Presbyterian Youth Workers Association (PYWA)Gathering, New Orleans Double Tree Hotel. Day of Mission, work alongside other youth workers in mission. Come in November 11th and stay overnight in churches. The day of mission is November 12th from 9am to 4pm. Fee $20. $435 for PYWA members and $475 for non-members (Annual PYWA Membership is $50). Registration includes conference fee, hotel & four meals. To register or lean more go to www.pywa.org.
ANNUAL PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S RETREAT – AUGUST 6 AT LEACOCK PRESBYTERIAN Listening by Heart on a Quiet Summer’s Day, presented by Charlotte Weaver-Gelzer. What it is: A very brief retreat offering an experience of prayer as an act of listening to God in worship and silence. Our time will help us to hear from the heart, so we can better hear each other, hear ourselves, and hear God. This short retreat will be a mix of brief times of worship, short inspirational talks, and periods of silence. Some of our time will be spent on our own, out of doors, some of the time will be spent in silence together, and some in worship. Why you should want it: God wants conversation with us, but God speaks mostly in our silence. Even before the end of the first chapter of Genesis, conversation with God starts. We will ask God the question, Who is Christ for us today? We will listen for answers in the Gospel of John, and even in our short time together, we will practice listening to God, to each other and to the world around us in ways that can become a familiar pattern in our ordinary lives. Where: Leacock Presbyterian Church When: Wednesday, August 6, 9:00am to 12:00noon, with lunch What you should bring: Shoes for walking on grass, a hat perhaps if you avoid the sun, a prayer journal if you keep one, and enough for a free will offering. For Reservations: Please call Arlene Brackbill (717.394.9996) by July 27.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION INFORMATION |
The Presbytery office has a 30X30’labyrinth available. To borrow it, call Kathy (717.392.4035). It is a great resource for your retreats or prayer time.
Need a lift for sagging congregations? Try a shot of Spiritual Botox! Come to the Sunday, Sept 21st Christian Formation event at First Presbyterian Lancaster! Workshops on Inspiring worship, new church development, ministry of hospitality, membership and intergenerational issues! PLUS, the keynoter is the Rev Brian Clark - General Assembly Council field staff for New Church Development! 2pm - 5:30pm Click here for more: http://www.donegalpby.com/podcasts/cfef.pdf
Faith in 3D:
New Union-PSCE head outlines components of strategic plan, while also recognizing huge responsibility. A video of the complete inaugural sermon of the Rev. Brian. K. Blount is now available with the Presbyterian News Service story that was posted immediately following the May 7 installation. Also new is video of reflections from a number of people present for the historic event. Read the story and watch the videos. [ www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08364 ] |
POSITIONS AVAILABLE |
Westminster Presbyterian Church, a 2000+ member congregation, is seeking an office manager. The individual must have strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. A minimum of three years experience in office management is desired. Candidate must be proficient in desktop publishing, as well as Microsoft Office 2007 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher). Position manages a staff of three; experience in a church organization would be helpful. Resumes with salary requirements should be sent to Tom Snyder, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., West Chester, PA 19382. tsnyder@westminsterpc.org
Interim Choir Director Opportunity to direct an adult choir with a blended contemporary and traditional mix of Christian Music. We have an urgent need for an interim choir director to lead our church choir through the Christmas 2008 and Easter 2009 seasons. The position will open in September 2008 and will involve a mid-week choir rehearsal and one Sunday morning worship service per week. Requirements: formal music training, familiarity with traditional and contemporary Christian music, skills to engage and enable others and some orientation to children’s music programs. The position will be compensated based on experience and skills. Contact Wayside Presbyterian Church in Landisville at wayside@waysidepc.org or 717-285-2648.
Administrative Assistant needed for growing church. Applicant must be self-motivated, organized, computer literate and have a good sense of humor. Flexible hours. Part time. Please submit resume and references to greenstonepcoffice@nottinghampc.org care of the Search Committee by June 23rd.”
Director of Children’s Ministry (DCM)opening at Unionville Presbyterian Church, Unionville, PA, 15 hours/week. DCM job includes planning and implementation of children educational programs, infant through 5th grade, developing Christian-based curricula, coordination of Sunday school teachers, and family programs. Please direct all inquiries and submit resumes to UPC Office, attn: CE Ministry Team, 610-347-2327. Address: 815 Wollaston Rd, P.O. Box 447, Unionville PA, 19375, or via e-mail at: upcoffice@bee.net
Stewartstown Presbyterian Church announces an immediate opening for the position of Church Organist. Duties include playing for one service per week plus additional special services throughout the year. For full information regarding job description, terms, and salary, please contact our church office via phone (717-993-6278) or email (stpresby@verizon.net).
Employment Opportunity – Director of Children’s Education Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA is seeking a Director of Children’s Education (part time, 26 – 28 hours per week.) The Director is responsible for the coordination and oversight of children’s education from birth through high school. Major duties include recruiting, equipping and training of teachers/assistants ministering Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings plus curriculum selection and evaluation. Minimum requirements are an Associates degree and/or a minimum of 2 years experience in a Children Ministries or Education position. Mail resumes to:
Director of Children’s Education Search Committee, Central Presbyterian Church
100 Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335.
The First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville is seeking a Worship & Praise Team Leader to lead the music and direct our Praise Team during our contemporary Rise & Shine service. This is a salaried, part-time position (approximately 10 hours per week). This is your opportunity to contribute to a loving, growing and thriving church. Interested musicians should forward their resume to secretaryfpc@comcast.net or mail to: The First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville, 145 Main Street Phoenixville , PA 19460 RE: Praise Team Leader. |
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