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:
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
Common Ground Workshop – an Interfaith Dialog Event for Christians and Muslims Saturday, October 11, 2008, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester.
9 a.m-1 p.m. FREE. On October 13, 2007, Muslim scholars issued a letter entitled A Common Word (www.acommonword.com), in which they invited Christians worldwide to recognize our common heritage in our commandments to love God and neighbor, and called for increased dialog between Christians and Muslims. Click here to register: www.firstpreswc.com/register. For questions or additional information, contact interfaith@firstpreswc.com In June 2008, Clifton Kirkpatrick, the retiring Stated Clerk of our denomination, issued the following as part of a statement responding to A Common Word. “I urge Presbyterians to read this letter from the Muslim community, to continue to build honest, searching, and respectful relations with Muslims in our local communities and in our nation, and to seek opportunities for common action where compatible means and ends exist.” The General Assembly endorsed this recommendation at its June 2008 meeting. Recognizing that education is a key step toward understanding, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester is responding by hosting a free workshop Saturday, October 11, 2008, called Common Ground. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a light luncheon being served at the conclusion. Our program includes two keynote speakers, one from the Muslim community and one from the Christian community. They will speak to the topic “Common Ground.” These addresses will be followed by discussion groups where we will learn more about Islam from Muslims in our community. We are working with representatives of the Council on American-Islamic Relations – PA chapter to present this workshop. There is no cost to participate, or for the luncheon, but pre-registration is essential. There are a limited number of spaces available, so early registration is recommended.
Come on Sunday, Oct 12th at 6pm at First Pres West Chester! Dr. Shehadeh Shehadeh (so outstanding that they had to name him twice!), Assistant to the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, is retired from 39 years in the active pastorate, most recently in Galilee. He received his Bachelor of Divinity degree in India, a Masters of Divinity in England, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Presbyterian McCormick Seminary in Chicago. His current assignment is to organize a new Department of Reconciliation and Peace (RAP) for the Diocese. He will be available to speak to any group of any age in our churches, on the subject of the Christian call to Peace and Reconciliation in the Middle East: Becky Stalnaker and David Pickett have him scheduled for their evening worship on Oct. 12 at First West Chester – 6pm – 7pm.
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
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.
Middle Octorara'sTamshiyacu Mission Project
At the Leacock Mission Fair on September 20 (Leacock Presbyterian Church - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM), Middle Octorara will have a display table and will also present a workshop featuring information on the Church's mission project in Tamshiyacu, Peru.
Last November, members of a small Presbyterian Church in the Peruvian jungle were praying for help. The back of their church had collapsed. Earlier that month, the Middle Octorara Congregation had voted to provide funds ($45,000) to build a new church. God provides. Support of the project was possible because of a substantial bequest.
This past summer, Virgil Roark and Dan Henry who had been to Tamshiyacu on earlier mission trips, were joined by four other members of Middle Octorara: Kathy and Jeff Evans, Boni Phipps, and Calvin Keene. The village is accessible primarily by an hour-long boat ride from Iquitos, Peru. The volunteers helped dig the new church's foundation by hand. Instead of the usual unbearable heat, the group worked under overcast skies. God provides.
The volunteers also built furniture for the church's school for special needs children. With no power tools, few nails, and green wood, this was not easy. According to Calvin Keene, "The wood was so green that when you hit the nail the last time, a little drop of water formed. But that was fine, because the climate is so humid that the wood never dries out." By the time the volunteers left, construction was well under way. Dan Henry put the whole experience into perspective. In the past, "We've supported missionaries, but we really didn't have a personal involvement."
Please consider sharing this experience with Dan Henry on September 20 at Leacock. Also, the Middle Octorara Mission Committeee is available for presentations at your church. According to Barry Girvin, Mission Committee Chair, we are flexible. Presentations can be designed for Sessions, Mission Committees, special congregational meetings, or worship services. Middle Octorara would like to get other churches involved in mission trips to Tamshiyacu, but the Mission Committee's first priority is to develop effective communication and fellowship which will produce cooperative projects involving foreign, national, and local missions.
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
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!
PAOLI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SERVE DAY 2008 - October 18, 2008 ONE DAY - FOUR HOURS - WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Ever wish you could do something to change the world but you get discouraged because there's only one of you and you don't know where to begin? Well, chances are you can't change the world all by yourself, at least not all at once. But you can change it, one act of kindness at a time. To join in this service oriented event, call Lori Monday, Outreach Committee Member at Paoli Presbyterian Church, (610) 304-6463 Cell or LCMONDAY@msn.com
Save the Date! Advent Preaching Workshop! October 21st
The Rev. Dr. Donna Allen will present our Advent Preaching Texts this year. She is currently Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lancaster Theological Seminary. Dr. Allen has been active in Baptist, Lutheran, and Methodist traditions. She has pastored in AME churches in Tennessee and Oakland CA. Her former faculty positions have been at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkley and St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City MO. The seminar will be on Tuesday, October 21 from 9 – 12:00 at Bellevue Presbyterian Church in Gap. Put this on your fall calendar and then call Kathy in the Presbytery office to register for this free seminar, sponsored by our COM. Blessings on your path this day! Nan Best, Associate for Healthy Congregation
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
“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.
Conflict Management Training offered by the Synod Church Transformation Network. Usually offered to the five presbytery teams the Network has chosen to offer this day to all our pastors. December 4, 2008 9-4 at First Presbyterian Church in Allentown. Richard Blackburn of the Lombard Mennonite Peach Center will present LEADERSHIP AND ANXIETY IN THE CHURCH: A FAMILY SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE. THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS The Church and Change in an Age of Anxiety – Scapegoats, Mechanisms, Importance of Not Being Ernest, The cost for the day is $10.00 to cover lunch, payable at the door. We ask that you register with Kathy Bartels in the Presbytery Office. Carpooling may be a possibility.
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/cfsep08.pdf
Association of Presbyterian Church Educators’ Conference (APCE), January 28-312, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. Plenaries and worship experiences will be guided by our Scripture text from Isaiah 42:6-7 “I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” This event will provide an opportunity to meet and relate to key leaders who carry out various educational tasks in PC(USA) congregations, as well as regional, national and ecumenical agencies. There will be a wide variety of inspiring, insightful presentations and workshops. Registration booklets are available at the presbytery office or you can contact American Press Work, Inc. (APW) at: http://apcenet.org/ (866) 338-7737 .
Rev. Bruce Epperly of Lancaster Theological Seminary to speak at Community Lecture Series in Paradise, PA. Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly, Director of Continuing Education and Professor Practical Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary will speak at Leacock Presbyterian Church, 3181 Lincoln Hwy East, Paradise, PA, on Monday evening, September 22nd. His topic will be “East Meets West: Healing Touch and the Way of Jesus.” Epperly will kick off the Fall 2008 Community Lecture Series which is scheduled on consecutive Mondays through October 27th. There will be an informal gathering at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall—light refreshments will be served. The lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m. There is no registration or cost. Handicap Accessible.
Rev. Dr. Epperly is also co-pastor with his wife, Rev. Dr. Kathryn Gould Epperly, at the Disciples United Community Church in Lancaster, PA. He has served as Director of the Protestant Ministry and Adjunct Professor in Theology, Spirituality and Medicine at Georgetown University and Medical School. Later, he was Acting Associate Dean, Assistant to the President for on-line programs and Adjunct Professor in Theology, Spirituality and Pastoral Care at Wesley Theological Seminary. He has also served as an Interim Minister in Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Untied Church of Christ congregations as well as the Director of the Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health.
Rev. Epperly is a reiki teacher/master, spiritual guide and spiritual coach for pastors interested in personal wellness and spiritual growth. He has written fifteen books. His latest, Holy Adventure: Forty-one Days of Audacious Living, will be released on October 5th. Epperly speaks regularly throughout North America on subjects such as healing and wholeness, spiritual formation, Christianity and complementary medicineology, process theology, ministerial wholeness and progressive theology and spirituality. He has appeared on “Nightline”, “ABC World News Tonight” and PBS News Hour.
Fall 2008 Community Lecture Series entitled “Speaking to: Mind, Body, Spirit” will be on six Monday evenings beginning September 22 through October 27 at Leacock Presbyterian 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)
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. |
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