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!!
We have copies of the 2007-2009 Book of Order available at the presbytery office for $8.00 each. If you want some, please contact Kathy at 717-392-4035 or kathy@donegalpby.com. I can bring them to the September 16th presbytery meeting for pick-up or you can pick them up here.
On Saturday, September 13th we are holding a picnic for our guests at Memorial Park right next to Oxford PC beginning at 11 a.m. The picnic is open to all churches members and friends. We think this venue will offer a relaxed atmosphere for you and your church members to meet our Mthatha (Umtata) friends and partners. So mark the date and join us. There is no charge for the picnic, but we ask that you bring a dish to share (a vegetable, a potato or a dessert dish). Drinks & hot dogs & hamburgers will be provided by the Task Force. If you or anyone from your church are planning to attend, please let us know how many will be coming with you by September 5th as explained in the following box:
Meet Our Mthatha Partners: Picnic at Memorial Park
Next to Oxford Presbyterian Church (if it rains we will move into the church)
Saturday, September 13th from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Beverages, Hot Dogs & Hamburgers Provided
Bring a cover dish vegetable/salad, potato or dessert
RSVP requested so we know how much food to provide. Please reply by Sept 5th
For questions or to make your reservation contact Rick Schmidt:
Cell: 717.880/6436 - Email: Frederick_schmidt@yahoo.com
My name is Tony Sundermeier and I am a pastor at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA. I am requesting that you consider publicizing an excellent opportunity for people of faith who are interested in bridging the gap between their faith and work.
THE INTEGRATED LEADER: Bridging the Claims of Your Faith with the Demands of Your Work
October 2-4, 2008
Aspen Wye Woods (Eastern Shore Maryland)
http://www.integratedleadership.net
This exclusive retreat experience is designed for people who struggle with how faith fits into the distinct components of their lives – including occupation. Our goal is to gain stronger awareness of the challenges and benefits of this integration. We explore common questions like:
How can I be true to my faith at work?
What are the risks associated with transparency?
Does my service to God conflict with my service to my organization?
How can I add more value?
I know that many in our congregation have questions similar to the ones mentioned above. I am sure that you do as well. If you would be so inclined to include the blurb below in your newsletters, email update, communication, etc. I would greatly appreciate it.
The Integrated Leader: A Conference on Bridging the Claims of Your Faith with the Demands of Your Work – October 2-4, 2008 – Aspen Wye Woods, Eastern Shore Maryland. Do you struggle with integrating your faith and work? Do you fear the risks associated with transparency in the workplace? Do you ever struggle with the perceived conflicts between service to God and service to your organization? Then the Integrated Leader conference is for you! Through facilitated dialogue, small groups, spiritual direction, and a professional coaching staff, the Integrated Leader Conference will begin to draw out directions for authentic and genuine integration of your vocation and occupation. Set in the beautiful context of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, this conference will be an invaluable asset to executives, managers, and leaders who want to plan and act on the integration of faith and work. For more information, please visit: http://www.integratedleadership.net
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.
S.P.I.R.E. MEETING (Spouses and Survivors are cordially invited)
Date: September 8, 2008
Place: Manor Café, Lititz, PA
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Program: Dick Foster will share his Mission/Ministry in China with slides and discussion.
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.
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 - lunch included - please PRE-REGISTER with Kathy kathy@donegalpby.com
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.
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. All are 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.
Leadership Development event!! 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
Montreat Conference Center’s Continuing Education for Commissioned Lay Pastors and Preachers, October 22-24, 2008 new fall conference brings CLPs together from across the country to encourage each other, share “best practices,” and find renewed energy for their calls to ministry. The 2008 plenary speakers are Jack Haberer, Editor of The Presbyterian Outlook and Marcia Myers, Director, Vocations, PC (USA). Workshop leaders include Lamar Williamson, Bob Newman, Sue Krummel, and Rick Wilson on topic of preaching, pastoral care, and conflict resolution. Please visit http://www.montreat.org/current/2008-continuing-education-for-commissioned-lay-pastors-preachers for conference details.
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/
Fall 2008 Community Lecture Series entitled “Speaking to: Mind, Body, Spirit” will be on six Monday evenings beginning September 22 through October 27 at the church, 3181 Lincoln Hwy East, Paradise, PA. The Fall 2008 Community Lecture Series is open to all. These evenings are intended to enrich our minds, relax our bodies and fill our spirits. There is no registration, No Cost for the evenings; attend any or all.
September 22: Rev. Katherine Epperly
Healing Touch and the Way of Jesus
September 27: Dr. Frank Stalfa
All in the Family
October 6: Dr. Jack Flatley
Sustaining Planet Earth
October 13: Dr. Joseph B. Hirt
Escaping for Life
October 20: Dr. Beth Mull
Anxiety
October 27: Dr. Lee Barrett
Rendering Unto God and Rendering Unto Caesar
6:30 p.m.: Fellowship Hall (downstairs): gather for light Fellowship and light refreshment. 7:00—8:00 p.m.: Presentation by guest lecturer. For information: 717-687-6619 http://www.leacockpres.org
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)
Render Unto Caesar: Faith, Politics, and the Presidential Election A lecture by Lee Barrett Saturday, September 6, 9:30 a.m. Santee Chapel
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.
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 |
Director of Children’s Ministry (DCM) opening at Unionville Presbyterian Church, Unionville, PA. 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
Unionville Presbyterian Church in Unionville, PA is seeking a Director of Youth Ministry (DYM). The DYM responsibilities include; lead planning and implementation of youth ministries for middle school, high school, and college-aged youth, serving as lead resource and support for Confirmation Class, and supervision of youth programs including Sunday school, Sunday night youth group and other projects, trips, etc. 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. |
Baltimore Presbytery is looking for three interims.
Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, MD
http://www.pcusa.org/tenyeartrends/report/6W5GY03/all_statistics.jsp
http://www.huntingridgechurch.org/
This Church's pastor (who has served recently as Moderator of Baltimore Presbytery) will leave on October 15th after a more than 14 years ministry at Hunting Ridge. The Church worships about 85 people and has a membership of 230. The building sits on a major road in a changing neighborhood. The current pastor has done the best job of anyone in the presbytery of developing a multi-cultural church. A major redevelopment will occur within a few blocks of the church in the coming two years. The church has been well served and benefited from the vision of the pastor, but it is probably time to build on that vision. Financial resources are a bit tight. Total compensation (includes professional expenses and pensions) is approximately $80,000.
Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church in Columbia, MD
http://www.pcusa.org/tenyeartrends/report/6W5H5KU/
http://www.cmpcusa.org/
This church's pastor left August 1 as a result of a rather amicable separation agreement. It is also served by an Associate. The church worships about 225 and has a significant Logos program for children. It is theologically right of center. There are two other Presbyterian Churches in Columbia - one that is liberal that has 116 in worship and another that is "big tent" with 334 in worship. The church recently completed a small addition. The buildings are less than 60 years old and the sanctuary is quite pleasant. They have had difficulties with the three pastors who succeeded the founding minister who served the church for decades and who was given the manse, which abutted the church's parking lot, to live in upon retirement until his death. Alternatively, it may be the case that the church has not"hired" well. The relationship with the Presbytery is somewhat strained and could use improvement. The current pastor has a total compensation package of $128,000 including pension and all expenses. This interim search committee did extend an invitation to one person who turned them down in favor of another church close to where the interim had been living.
Gove Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, MD
http://www.pcusa.org/tenyeartrends/report/6W5GXZG/all_statistics.jsp
http://www.grovepc.org/
This church's Pastor left April 25, 2008 after serving the church for five years. This church was served by a very conservative pastor who was vocally opposed to the Presbytery's positions on ordination and marriage and has assembled a session who strongly supports his positions. He was a good pastor and the church had demonstrated growth in attendance and discipleship. They have a community center whose mortgage was recently paid off. Aberdeen and the church is located next to a major military installation that is expected to have significant growth in the next three years. While the session voted last year to withhold per capita, they reversed their decision after experiencing the presbytery's support after the pastor left. The pastor resigned after it was discovered that he had been using the secretary's computer to access internet pornography and he is likely to be charged with a civil offense this fall or winter. He has also moved out of the community. The congregation currently has about 110 in worship with 180 members. The church's terms of call for the previous pastor totaled $82,000. They have offered the position to one possible interim who turned them down in favor of another congregation closer to where he lived.
Interested?
If you are interested in either of these positions, please email me and let me know of your interest and attach an electronic version of your PIF. Normally, the Presbytery of Baltimore is successful in filling interims with folks geographically close, but such people are not available at this time.
Blessings,
Peter K. Nord, Presbytery Executive
The Presbytery of Baltimore
5400 Loch Raven Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21239
Phone: 410 433-2012 ; Toll-Free: 800 511-0087 ; Cell: 410 963-0066
Web: www.baltimorepresbytery.org
The Mission of the Presbytery of Baltimore is to glorify God and express God's inclusive grace.
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