An electronic newsletter from the Presbytery of Donegal

 

Sept. 13, 2007     Issue #78

Top Stories
Mission Info
News Issues
Christian Formation Info
Positions Available
Upcoming meetings!
One Good Idea

 

Growing Faith Growing Churches 

Upcoming Presbytery meetings:

 

September 18th at Stewartstown Presbyterian Church at 3pm, BUT DO NOT MISS the Pre-Presbytery event on Small Groups at 1pm! This could be the learning that you need to effectively launch small groups!

 

 

 

Presbytery meetings:

Do you need a baby sitter for presbytery meetings?  Call the church directly and they will arrange for it!

 

 

Personnel Resource Database! 

Need a contact in our presbytery with some special expertise?  Go to our web site, www.donegalpby.com click on Resource Center and then Personnel and find some help!  To add your own skills to the database, just use the password - dpres and you can add your own.  

 

As of 9/13/07 there were 130 skilled people in this database.  What skills do you need? 

 

 

CONTACT

Presbytery of Donegal
P.O. Box 10054
1861 Charter Lane ste 125
Lancaster, PA 17605-0054
717.392.4035 (phone)
717.392.8922 (fax)

To unsubscribe from this news, send an email to: kathy@donegalpby.com and put in the subject line - unsubscribe eNews

Important Note:  If you want to have a confidential conversation regarding a possible sexual misconduct incident, call our Stated Clerk, Rev. Dr. William Netting, 717.548.3719, as indicated in our Presbytery Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Go see what's new at our constantly changing webpage!

http://www.donegalpby.com

 

 

 

TOP STORIES             GROWING FAITH - GROWING CHURCHES

A Note of Hospitality from our Moderator, Elder Gail Benjamin - I remember my first visit to Presbytery.  It was sometime in 1984.  It was my first time to attend a large church gathering and I did not know another soul there except for my pastor.  He seemed to have lots of people to see and things to do, so I was pretty much on my own.  It was one of the longest, loneliest days of my life and I did not readily return.  I am reminded of this every time first time attending commissioners are introduced, and I do not want the same for them.  Whereas I think our hospitality has improved, I want to remind all of us to be on the lookout for those appearing to be alone.  Take a risk, stick out your hand for a handshake, dare to introduce yourself and make a new friend.  We should never leave presbytery without at least one new face to recognize and a new name to call out.  At the Presbytery meeting in September in Stewartstown, I will be offering a "Moderator's Table" for dinner.  I am inviting all first time attending commissioners, those alone or those just wishing to make a new friend while taking part in some lively conversation, to please join me.  You will find a tall yellow "Moderator's" flag, flying on one of the tables.  Please feel free to join me.  I love company and making new friends.  Gail Benjamin, Moderator

"The Bulletin" is being retired and replaced with "Donegal Dialogue"  The naming contest was won by our the Rev. Dick Streeter!  You will see this new periodical in a few days - either by email or by regular mail (if that is how you received your "Bulletin.")  Thanks to our wonderful editorial staff - Ann Mead Ash and Natalie Rhoads for their work on this new piece of communication!

Small Groups Workshop – Pre-Presbytery Event at 1pm on Tuesday, Sept 18th  Everything that happens at NLPC happens through two connections:  Worship and Small Groups.  Therefore we have put all of our eggs into those two baskets!   What about missions, service, giving, leadership development, discipleship, Christian ed., youth, older adult ministry, evangelism, stewardship, facility care, and all the rest?   The path to all of it runs through worship and groups.  As a result they are currently receiving our best and most intentional efforts.   If you would like to learn more, please join us for the pre-presbytery workshop at 1:00 on September 18.   Presenters:  Jeff Lampl and Small Group "pastors"/coordinators,  Amy Haehle and Lenny Gawlikowski

275th Anniversary Celebration of the Presbytery of Donegal Oct 14, 2007 at Hempfield Performing Arts Center at 3pm!   Mark and Save The Date!   Consider opening your church for “visitation Sundays” with some type of historical display or presentation. Get information from Bill or Nancy Brown at wjb453@verizon.net

Life Changing - Continuing Education offered in October!  "Being the Church: Moves for Missional Reformation" led by the Rev. Tony Sundermeier.  This will be a partner event with Lancaster Theological Seminary.  Friday mornings, Oct 5th - 26th from 9:00am till noon at the Lancaster Theological Seminary Lark 202.  The cost is $150 with some scholarships available.  Receive 1.5 CE units.  To register call Dr Bruce Epperly at 717.290.8759 or bepperly@lancasterseminary.edu   This will revolutionize your approach to "being the church!"

Join the Westminster Presbyterian Church Online Academy this fall for the course Searching the New Testament for Moral Direction!  Led online by the Rev Dr Robert Young.  Click here to check it out: http://groups.google.com/group/moral-direction-fall-2007?hl=en    To contribute to the conversation, sign-up by emailing: bforslund@advancedgeoservices.com

The Presbytery 2008 Budget approved by Council.  A dedicated group has completed the 2008 budget and the Council approved the effort.  Our efforts have been filtered through the lens of Growing Faith and Growing Churches with the priority areas of Building Healthy, Vibrant Congregations, Leadership Development, Evangelism and New Church Development, and Outreach to the World.  At this point our Per Capita budget for 2007 was $365,600 and is proposed for 2008 at $385,600 for a total per capita rate of: $25.39.  This increase is due to the General Assembly this coming year, the shift of the Associate Execs pay from Mission to Per Capita and a proposed 4% pay increase.  The Mission budget for 2007 is $361,000 and we are proposing $371,000 for 2008.  The increase is primarily in our Vitalization efforts as well as support for Camp Donegal.

Coffee Chat Summary  Charlie spent the last three Thursday mornings in Chester County, Lancaster County, and York County having coffee with the pastors who could schedule the time.  These were very special times with dear friends!  There seemed to be no doubt that we are laboring in a fast-paced world that needs the love of Jesus Christ and the best that we can give.  We are also noticing the importance of creating meaningful communities of prayer, fellowship, and faith-sharing.  Clearly our hope is in the gospel and in building incarnational relationships with one another.  As the pace of the world picks up, we need to find ways of staying connected, in caring, life-giving relationships built on love.  It's an honor to be serving Jesus Christ beside you!

 

MISSION INFORMATION

2008 will be a Year of World Mission!  The Council reviewed a proposal brought by the chair of Work and Witness Department and voted to make 2008 a year of World Mission.  We will be exposed to a schedule to hear and see what God is doing around the world.  Also, we will see how we are connected and partnering with God to serve the least of these!  Starting in January!

 

Our missionaries are being encouraged to raise their Designated Mission Support funds!  Mission Beyond the Presbytery will tell us more about this soon, but I'd love for our presbytery to support our own missionaries who are in the field.  The names that come immediately to mind are: Doug Baker, Eric and Becky Hinderliter, and Marcia Towers. 

Clothing/Medical Mission to Honduras. February 24-March 1, 2008 Cost $1,250 includes all but a few meals. Travel with Steve Mentzer to the Southern Region of Honduras where we will work in several rural villages and worship with our Presbyterian Friends.  For more information see: www.missiontrav.com or call Steve 717-299-4942.  Thanks,  Steven C. Mentzer, Central American Relief Efforts, ssmentzer@comcast.net (717) 203-4942

Palestinian aid from Alternative Gift Market.  Now is the time to start thinking of alternative Christmas gifts to support struggling Palestinian families.  PAL Craftaid purchases olivewood sculptures and counted cross-stitch needlework from Palestinian families, sells them in the U.S. and donates the proceeds to Palestinian Christian NGSs.  For more info or a brochures, contact: Carol Hylkema (Dearborn, MI), ph: 313.561.1372 or CHylkema@wowway.com

 

NEWS ISSUES FROM PRESBYTERY!

http://donegalpresbytery.blogspot.com/ - Tell us what God is doing in your life!  Record your own stories of the power of the Almighty!  We are richly blessed!

LYRA, an a cappella group from St. Petersburg, Russia, will perform at Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Lyra is a professional group specializing in traditional sacred and Russian folk music. A dessert reception will follow the performance. For tickets or more information, call the church office at 717-354-5573 or call 717-445-5901 or 717-656-8016.  Or, Ann Ash can get you tickets, which are $7 each. Come enjoy a peaceful evening of beautiful music followed by dessert!  stitcherama@yahoo.com

Donegal Presbyterian Church will host Scottish troubadour, Bruce Davies, in concert, Wednesday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m.  A free-will offering will be taken.  Don't miss this fabulous artist!  For more information call 717-653-1943

The Presbyterian Youth Worker Association has scheduled a Fall Retreat for Youth Workers (paid or volunteer adult youth leaders who feel passion for accompanying young people in their walk with Jesus Christ, people who enjoy teenagers and people who give endless amounts of time and empathy to youth) called “To The Hills”, November 12-15, 2007 in the beautiful hill country of Texas at the T Bar M Ranch and Resort. Cost is $349 per person.  For registration and more information go to www.pcusa.org/youthministry/tothehills

Oxford Presbyterian Church APPLE FESTIVAL!  On Saturday September 29th  10am – 4pm, Oxford Memorial Park, Proceeds benefit Oxford Presbyterian Church Bell Tower Restoration Fund.  Fun for the whole family, fellowship, games & prizes for kids of all ages, food all day, apple butter-made on site, hay rides, face painting, entertainment-featuring the Princess of DUTCH WONDERLAND, Spiritual Lights gospel, Crabgrass bluegrass, Herr’s Chipper, magician Todd Garcia, and more, silent auction-from 10am until 3pm, crafts for kids-make and take, over 50 local craftspeople, kids contests with prizes, event will be at OPC in case of rain.

Wayside Presbyterian Church is searching for a temporary supply Pastor for May 2008 through August 2008 during a sabbatical for our Pastor.  Requirements are to serve 20 hours a week with primary responsibilities being Sunday service preparation, preaching and general support in office, committees, some visitation, lead the serving of Communion.  Terms would include an hourly wage, mileage (excluding commute to/from church) and phone/cell phone use and reimbursement for calls from home.

Two Parish Associates and selected elders will cover the following duties: manage staff of Music Director, Youth Coordinator, Administrative Assistant and sexton; pastoral visitation; moderate session meetings, requests for funerals and weddings, provide office hours for drop by visits and Men’s Bible study.  

If you can help or have questions, please contact Jeff Doane at 717-898-4165 weeknights after 5 PM.

The Rev Guy Dunham has a duplex to rent for a type of "mission outreach." It is a three bedroom, with a potential fourth on the third floor (it still needs to be painted), and two full baths, recently refurbished, all hardwood floors, newly renovated kitchen and a two car detached garage and small yard in the back. We may even furnish it if the potential renter would need that. We would like to make it a "mission outreach" of sorts, although we would have to charge rent in order to cover our mortgage payments, etc.  We might even consider a "lease to purchase" option as well if someone is not able to secure a mortgage loan, but wants to buy it. For more information, call him at: 717.542.1446 or gwdunham@aol.com

Preaching Workshop!  November 8th.  The Rev Dr Sally Brown of Princeton Theological Seminary will hold a preaching workshop called, “Preaching in Advent: Facing Judgment, Embracing Hope”?  We will look at the texts for Advent, Year A.  Sally A. Brown, Elizabeth M. Engle Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Princeton Theological SeminaryThis will be held at Bellevue Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Nov 8th from 9am till noon.  Register with Kathy at 717.392.4035 or kathy@donegalpby.com  

Columbia Presbyterian Church, 360 Locust St. , Columbia , is preparing to celebrate its bicentennial on September 22, 2007, from 10 am until 5 pm at the church.  Our theme for the occasion is: Celebrating 200 Years of Ministry: 1807-2007. Watch the video! http://www.columbiapresb.org/11.html    The church will have an open house, a display of the contents of the cornerstone (last removed in 1957 for the church's 150th anniversary), historical artifacts and displays on hand.  The bicentennial celebration will also feature an outreach to the community. There will be a picnic in the church grounds with live music by the church's own Found Grace Worship Band, face painting, free hot dogs and other summertime goodies!  For more information, contact the Rev. David C. Powers at the church- (717) 684-6271.

Please join English Presbyterian as we open our hearts and our doors in this new outreach ministry to the community of Marietta and beyond. We invite everyone to join us for songs, arts and laughter upon the occasion of our opening on October 5th from 6:30 until 9pm. Please pray for this new mission outreach and pray for the Church and community of Marietta as well as English Presbyterian - Peace, Kathy Taylor and the folks of English Presbyterian Church.

 

Dates are set for the mandatory Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training! Please mark these dates on your calendar and spread them around.  These are the dates for the mandatory “every three years” sexual misconduct prevention training sponsored by the Committee on Ministry and Human Resources.  Thursday, Oct 25th from 9:30am to 12:30pm with lunch provided at First Strasburg Pres.  It will be taught by the Rev Bob Barcus.  Thursday, April 10th from 9:30am to 12:30pm with lunch provided at Bellevue Presbyterian.  Also taught by the Rev Bob Barcus.  The list of those who have not had this recurring training will be circulated at COM and all (who have not had the training in the last 3 years) will be expected to attend one of these.  Thanks very much!

The Summer Collegium, a project in support of small congregations, is now accepting applications for the Summer 2008 event, which will take place at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, from June 25-July 3, 2008.  This nine-day, all expenses paid conference for clergy and their spouses or partners is open to those who pastor small congregations (100 or fewer average Sunday attendance) and are committed to small church ministry.  Singles and non-ordained pastors are welcome to apply for the one of the 25 openings.  The conference consists of keynotes and workshops on all aspects of small church ministry, with a special emphasis on worship and preaching.  Keynotes include Tony Pappas, who has written extensively on small church life, and Peter Bush and Christine O'Reilly, authors of the new book Where 20 or 30 are Gathered:  Leading Worship in the Small Church.  John Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland will be our music leader.  This is an ecumenical project sponsored by the Lilly Endowment Inc.  Applications may be downloaded from our website, www.vts.edu/education/collegium, or contact Marilyn Johns (mjohns@vts.edu or 703-461-1760); applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2007.  Thank you very much, and please contact me if you have any questions.  Marilyn Johns, D. Min. Project Manager, The Summer Collegium

For some veterans, the war has not ended.  For some children, the abuse has not ended.  For some rescue workers, the disaster has not ended.  For some victims, the sexual or domestic violence has not ended.  The YWCA in Lancaster along with the Samaritan Counseling Center is hosting  "The Many Faces of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" on Sept 27 - 28.  Register online at: http://www.ywcalancaster.org

CHRISTIAN FORMATION INFORMATION

SAVE THIS DATE!!  Wednesday, September 26th. That’s the day of the presbytery’s annual educators’ event at Camp Donegal , 9am-3pm. Our theme is “Fashion Me A People,” based on a book by the same name written by Maria Harris. We’re excited to have Byron Borger, proprietor of Hearts and Minds in Dallastown as our keynote speaker. If you didn’t get a book at the June presbytery meeting, they will be available in the presbytery Resource Center or from Hearts and Minds Bookstore 717-246-3333. The cost is $20, cash or checks made out to Hearts and Minds (no plastic, please). Full details of our event are in a flyer attached to the September newsletter. Go to this link http://www.donegalpby.com/documentdownload.php and scroll down to September Resource Center Newsletter. Betty Duncan  

John Bell of Iona is coming to Lancaster on October 22-23!   Best known as one of the leaders of the Wild Goose Worship Group of Iona, Scotland, John Bell joins traditional lyrics and passages from scripture with music influenced by the Celtic Christian tradition.   He will be on the Lancaster Theological Seminary campus in the Santee Chapel on Monday, October 22, 2007 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.  On Monday, October 22 from 3 p.m.-5:00 p.m, Bell will be leading an interactive workshop for clergy and church musicians at Lancaster Theological Seminary’s Santee Chapel, entitled “Worshipping the Incarnate Jesus.”  On Monday and Tuesday evenings of that week at 7:00 p.m., Bell will be giving the Carson Lectures at Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster on the theme of “God in the Ordinary.”   Editor's note: Doug Baker knows John Bell and sent in a wonderful recommendation to attend this!

We also want to invite you to Seminary’s Fall Convocation, September 20 at 11:00 a.m., featuring Emilie Townes of Yale University, and the Ward Lecture and Workshop, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., featuring Mary Elizabeth Moore, of Candler School of Theology.  For more information, please contact Dr. Bruce Epperly, Director of Continuing Education and Professor of Practical Theology, at bepperly@lancasterseminary.edu or 717-290-8759.

What's going on in the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers?  Come hear Tony Compolo and Bob McCarty address this on Oct 15th from 10am till 2:30pm at: Cardinal Keeler Center, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 717.657.4804 or register at: http://www.pachurches.org  Register before October 5th.

 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Wrightsville Presbyterian Church, an equal opportunity employer, seeks a Director of Christian Education.  This newly established, part-time position will evaluate, resource and direct the educational needs for children, youth and adults.  This includes extended programming, seasonal events, Vacation Bible School, and the recruitment, development, and training of volunteers.  Must be able to build relationships with children and adults of all ages in order to engage them in learning and in service to the Lord.  Additional qualifications include: education in graduate, undergraduate, or seminary specializing in Christian education preferred; leadership skills and ability to work with volunteers; applicable clearances; ability to work 15-20 hours per week.  Qualified candidates should send resume with applicable experience, cover letter, and references to attention: Chair, Search Committee, Wrightsville Presbyterian Church, 205 North Second Street, Wrightsville, PA 17368.

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 anne.park@verizon.net or mail to: The First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville, 145 Main Street Phoenixville , PA 19460  RE:  Praise Team Leader.

Presbytery of Genesee Valley is looking for a Co-Presbyter for Pastoral Vitality.  Go to: http://www.pbygenval.org and click on the link for Co-Presbyter Search.  Deadline for receiving applications is Sept 17, 2007.

The Presbytery of West Jersey is seeking a faith-filled EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER who is: Dedicated to spiritual and organizational transformation within our presbytery body and within our individual churches; Committed to inspiring the work of unity in the midst of diversity; Motivated to lead while working with us to develop a unified vision and mission as the people of God. Please visit our Web site to learn more about this position at www.wjpresbytery.org (on the home page, click the button for "Executive Presbyter Search") or contact the Rev. Richard Sindall, search committee chair, at: rsind@earthlink.net or 107 W. Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

First Presbyterian Church of Allentown has an immediate opening for an interim pastoral staff position.  There are 2600 members.  Call the Clerk of Session - Marsha Heimann at 610.437.6341 or email her at mheimann@ptd.net  To contact someone after Sept 1st (Marsha will be on vacation), call Cheryl Dravuschak at 610.395.3781 or Cheryl@fpcallentown.org

 

CALENDAR OF COMING MEETINGS!

Use the webpage calendar at: http://www.donegalpby.com/cgi-bin/calendar.pl  or: 

Saturday, Sept 15 - 275th Anniversary committee meets at 9am at the presbytery office. 

Tuesday, Sept 18 - Presbytery meets at Stewartstown - 1pm Small Group presentation and 3pm the meeting begins

Saturday, Sept 22 - PW Fall Resource Day - 9:15am - 1pm at Union Presbyterian Church;  Columbia Presbyterian Bi-Centenial Celebration 10am - 5pm

Monday, Sept 24 - Nominating Committee meets at 9:30am at the presbytery office;  Camp Donegal Committee meets at 7pm at the camp; Self-Development of People meets at 7pm at the presbytery office

Wednesday, Sept 26 - Educator's Event - "Fashion Me a People" at Camp Donegal from 9am - 3pm; Resurrection Chapel Administrative Commission meets at 5:15pm at First Presbyterian Lancaster

Monday, October 1 - Committee on Preparation meets at 1pm at Highland

Tuesday, October 2 - Outreach to the Larger Community meets at 7:15pm at the presbytery office

 

ONE GOOD IDEA

If you want to be inspired with the PCUSA website, check out the following link: http://www.pcusa.org/transformation/

You will recognize the churches and will also have access to the dynamics of transforming churches!  Check out the power point presentation and rally around the hope that is found in God's Spirit and in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Extravagant Blessings!     Charlie

If you have a good idea, I'd love to share it in this eNews letter.  Send it to me via: cwgross@gmail.com   Thank-You Very Much!



To receive the Presbytery of Donegal eNews enter your email address below and click Go

Join the Presbytery of Donegal mailing list
Email: