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!!
First Pres West Chester Celebrates Its 175th: First Presbyterian Church of West Chester is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and in honor of the anniversary and to raise money for the church’s capital campaign, they have published an 890-recipe cookbook, The Best of First. The hard-cover book, designed by artist Nancy Thompson, includes a history of the church, table graces, and recipes from their sister church, Iglesia Getsemani in Guatemala. To order a copy ($20), contact the church at 610-696-0554 or email Elizabeth Hess at ehess@firstpreswc.com.
A new Google chat discussion room has been established for those involved with music ministry in Donegal Presbytery. “Donegal-musicians” is now operating on Google groups. It’s designed as a place to discuss problems, share tips, share information, and network with others in the Presbytery on our music successes and challenges. If you are interested in being a part, please contact Steve Sturgis, Director of Music at Donegal Presbyterian, at sturgissd@comcast.net.
Have you seen the pamphlet from the Office of Theology and Worship entitled, "Rebuilding the Presbyterian Establishment"? The Transition Team used an earlier pamphlet in the same series, "Identity-Polity-Praxis". It was downloadable, and this one is too, at: http://www.pcusa.org/re-formingministry/papers/rebuilding.pdf
This recent essay had some very incisive comments about how the denomination since 1960 has (part deliberately and part unconsciously) dismantled its leadership and how this might be reversed. The author is an elder and professor of sociology, William J. Weston. One of his suggestions is to make better use of Executive Presbyters and Stated Clerks, especially in the GA. I thought you might be interested in his analysis. This find came from the Rev. Dr. Bob Young.
BIBLICAL EXEGESIS EXAMINATION
The Presbyteries’Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates has made two significant changes in requirements for Biblical Exegesis examination, beginning with the August 2008 administration of Ordination Exams, as follows:
The demonstration of a working knowledge of Greek and/or Hebrew will no longer be a requirement in order to complete the examination successfully. When exams are graded, the readers will comment on the language facility which is demonstrated in the paper. Such comments will be offered as guidance for Committees on Preparation for Ministry in determining readiness for ministry.
The wording of the instructions for the Biblical Exegesis examination have been amended. Inquirers/candidates will be asked to offer “a faithful interpretation” of the assigned text, rather than “the principal meaning” of the text.
The budget that the Finance Division will propose to the Administration Dept (and then to Council) will be: Mission Budget - $270,315 (this comes from the mission support commitment pledges received for this year) and Per Capita - $384,660 which translates to a total per capita of $26.51. This comes from a .66 cent raise of the presbytery’s per capita – (totally attributable to the membership loss of last year), 10 Synod raise, and a .36 GA raise of per capita.
Our process was the best ever! The Council wrestled for 6 months with mission priority discernment. Then all Departments and Divisions had input to the budget. Finally, we met on 7/29 at the presbytery office to fine tune the budget. This meeting had great participation. The preparation by Susan Harner, the Business Adminstrator, Allan Ziegler, our Treasurer, and Dory Speer, the Finance Division Chairperson made this meeting go very well.
Join In on the Fun and Fellowship on Sept. 2nd All retired folks and those who’d just like a day out are invited to join Highland’s Seniors on a delightful day trip to Hershey, PA. You will board a full-sized air-conditioned comfort coach in the Highland Parking lot at 8:00a.m. and be treated to visits to the Antique Car Museum and/or Hershey Museum; a delicious lunch at the Five Star Hershey Hotel and a wonderful tour of Founders’ Hall at the Milton S. Hershey School, leaving Hershey at 3:00pm to return home in time for supper! The total trip price is $70.00 which includes the luncheon, admissions and bus costs. Seniors from Leacock Presbyterian Church will join us for fellowship and fun! To reserve your place, please contact Ginger Hahn at 394-4083 or Eleanor Sharp (in the church office at 569-2651), making your checks payable to Highland Presbyterian Church. Don’t delay - Join in the fun!
TO: Clerks of Session FROM: Administration Department, Presbytery of Donegal RE: Corporate Registration Each year you need to review your registration with the PA Department of State Corporation Bureau to make sure your filing as a non-profit corporation is up to date. If there has been a change in your elected officers since the last time you filed, you need to file the Annual Statement-Nonprofit Corporation form. You can do this by clicking on this link http://www.dos.state.pa.us/corps/lib/corps/20/7/5110.pdf
You can check the status of your church by clicking on this link http://www.corporations.state.pa.us/corp/soskb/csearch.asp and then search by the name of the church, or by entity number. If no record is available, you may have to file another type of report. Please call Kathy at the presbytery office to request a form. It is important to file these reports because if your church is not registered at the Corporation Bureau, your church will lose the exclusive right to your church’s name. Any other entity may use it to do business in Pennsylvania. It may also be possible that you will be unable to borrow funds for any church projects or to register a preschool or any other such project.
Subject: Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
As you look ahead and plan your calendar for the rest of 2008, please include this event. Since you are currently serving in a church in an installed position or as a Parish Associate, you are required to attend a session of the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training once every three years. There is an event planned for Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Bellevue Church from 9:30-12:30pm. Since lunch is included, we request that you preregister. Please let me know by return email or call 717-392-4035 to let me know if you will attend. Thanks and enjoy what’s left of the summer. Kathy
Presbytery of Donegal – Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training Workshop
Thursday, November 13, 2008 Time - 9:30am–12:30pm Place - Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 810 Newport Ave., Gap, PA 17527
http://www.bellevuepresbyterian.org/MainPages/directions.htm
[Church phone: 717.442.4077] All ministers of Word and Sacrament, employees and volunteers of the Presbytery must get this training. If you haven't had this training in the last 3 years, you need to come! If you have had it, make sure that Rev. Dr. Bill Netting (the Stated Clerk) has your proof. Contact him at: netting@epix.net
The Synod Leadership Team cordially invites you to attend a Fall Synod Table Talk that will revolve around the topic of Higher Education (important or not important as a mission of the Synod) in the Synod of the Trinity. To reserve your “place at the table,” on Monday, Sept 15th from 6pm – 8pm in Mt Joy, let Catherine Gray at the Synod know via 800.242.0534 or cgray@syntrinity.org The exact place will be sent to us later.
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.
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?
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!
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. Our desire is to have a great team from Donegal attend this event! It will help us follow Christ's leading into the future!
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 last date for 2008 is 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.
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.
Have you considered expanding your abilities to build the kingdom of God through some continuing education at Moravian Seminary? (Bethlehem, PA) See this site for continuing education: http://www.moravianseminary.edu/contED/
Continuing Education for Commissioned Lay Pastors and Lay Preachers - Oct 22 - 24, 2008 at Montreat. go to http://www.montreat.org for online registration. To answer questions - merrib@montreat.org or 828.669.2911 x 329 (Merri Bass)
At Lancaster Theological Seminary, we celebrate the interplay of faith and learning by highlighting books by our faculty members. On Tuesday, September 30, we celebrate Charles Yrigoyen's "United Methodism at Forty." Written with John McEllhenney and Kenneth Rowe, this text looks at the forty years of United Methodism in terms of issues such as doctrine, theology, social action, mission, and ministry in light of the future of the denomination. Book signing will be September 30 at 4:00 p.m. with a book talk and conversation at 4:30 p.m. in the Lancaster Theological Seminary Refectory. Later in the Fall we will celebrate other texts by LTS faculty. Dates will be announced in September.
Bruce Epperly's response to the "Purpose Driven Life" is entitled "Holy
Adventure: Forty One Days of Audacious Living." (Upper Room)
Julia O'Brien's newest work on the prophets will also be released in the Fall, "Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the Prophets." (Westminster/John Knox)
We invite you to join us Saturday, September 27 at Lancaster Theological Seminary, for a special day-long event, sponsored by Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Society of Biblical Literature. Our theme is Engaging the Bible: The Bible and Politics. We will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m., with lunch provided at no cost. Our goal is to gather pastors, scholars, and laypersons to study and reflect on the Bible and its use in their professional, congregational, and intellectual lives. We hope to address questions such as: How were the bible writers responding to the politics of their times? How can religious leaders best engage the political process while remaining true to their calling? What does biblical theology tell us about political engagement? Our speakers will include: Ron Sider, Palmer Theological Seminary, Julia O’Brien, Lancaster Theological Seminary, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, Fernando Segovia, Vanderbilt Divinity School.
For more information on LTS events, please contact rjones@lancasterseminary.edu.
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:
Try out Charlie's Creativity Podcast Series - iTunes podcast search for Charlie's Creativity Podcast or http://www.charliegross.com/charliecreativity.rss |
POSITIONS AVAILABLE |
Job Opportunity: Transition/Interim Pastor, Paoli Presbyterian Church, Paoli, PA. Please contact D. Engers or send PIF to d12engers@verizon.net
Major Responsibilities: The Transition/Interim Pastor is expected to provide spiritual leadership to the congregation seeking to nurture a quality of life and relationship that commends the Gospel to all persons; studies, teaches and preaches the Word; leads the congregation in the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; offers pastoral care to members and guests, and prays for and with the congregation. The transition pastor encourages the congregation in both worship and service of God equipping them for mission and ministry within the church and in the world.
Characteristics and qualifications needed: The Transition Pastor, as head of staff will assume the primary leadership in the life of PPC, providing Christ-centered and Spirit-filled guidance for our worship services. The Transition Pastor is responsible for the content of our corporate worship services and is expected to stimulate the congregation through inspiring and challenging sermons that focus on Scripture and daily application in our lives. The Transition Pastor is a minister who is a non-anxious presence, invited to help our congregation work through the difficult transition from one pastor to another. The Transition Pastor will perform all the tasks of installed pastors, except that they specialize in helping the church with particular interim tasks.
You’ll walk on water. Our 1600-member congregation in beautiful suburban Lancaster, Pennsylvania is looking for a transformational leader who isn’t looking. You’ll be an inspiring preacher, empowering head of staff. You won’t lack challenges, opportunities, or love. We’ll believe you can walk on water. And here, you will. CIF #07491.AH0. Contact Josh Witmer, PNC Chair, Highland Presbyterian Church, JnMWit@aol.com.
Paoli Presbyterian Church seeks a Creative Arts Coordinator for Children and Youth. This coordinator is in charge of organizing, selecting repertoire, rehearsing the various children’s choirs. This position is also expected to create and organize a youth music ministry program, coordinating the annual Christmas Pageant, and producing and directing at least one dramatical presentation a year. This position reports to the Director of Music and will work cohesively with the Coordinator of Contemporary Music. This person should have a strong devotion to Christian music and have a background in working with children. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music is required and strong piano/vocal skills are necessary. For more information please contact the church office at 610-644-8250 or email the Director of Music at jkkreamer@comcast.net
Paoli Presbyterian Church seeks Coordinator for Contemporary Music. This coordinator will be responsible for organizing, selecting repertoire, and rehearsing the praise and worship team for the Praise Service. He/she will report to the Director of Music and work cohesively with the Creative Arts Coordinator for Children and Youth. This person should have a strong devotion to Christian music and knowledge of contemporary Christian music is necessary. This person should have experience in praise music and piano/guitar/vocal skills are required. For more information please contact the church office at 610-644-8250 or email the Director of Music at jkkreamer@comcast.net
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).
Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA is seeking a Director of Children’s Education (full-time, 40 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. Candidates must have a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, a great love for children and a strong desire to nature them in their Christian journey. In addition, proven organization skills, attention to details, and written and oral communications skills are needed. Qualifications are a degree in education and/or 2 years proven experience. Mail resumes to: Director of Children’s Education Search Committee, 100 Uwchlan Ave. Downingtown, PA 19335 or fax to 610-269-9842.
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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