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!
2008 General Assembly Meeting in San Jose, CA, June 21-28, Donegal Presbytery approved a new method of electing General Assembly Minister Commissioners at the September 18th stated meeting. Any minister who wishes to become a commissioner must complete a petition. The procedure and petition are available by contacting either Ed Martin or Kathy Bartels. Candidates are to submit a paper with 3 paragraphs: 1) church and current position, 2) outline of service to Donegal Presbytery, and 3) explanation of why you would like to be a commissioner. Limit of 100 words/paragraph or one side of a page. Submit a wallet size picture. Mail your petition, paper and picture to Ed Martin, 706 Edward Lane, West Chester, PA 19382 or the presbytery office. Deadline for submitting a petition is the end of the November 20th presbytery meeting. Sketches will be published and circulated in lieu of campaign speeches on the floor of the presbytery. Ed Martin, Chairperson, Nominating Committee
Seminary Graduate Help! Greetings. I am writing to ask whether you know of any congregations within your presbytery that could use some temporary, fresh out of seminary help. I graduated from Pittsburgh Seminary in May and became a candidate under care of Carlisle presbytery in September. After checking with my own presbytery's EP and several congregations, I've found that pickings are pretty scarce! I would like to work in a congregational setting during my candidacy year. I've worked in a 220 member congregation as a student assistant in Pittsburgh and this past summer, as an assistant to the chaplain in a Pinnacle Health hospital. I want to work in any/ all aspects of congregational ministry. Thanks for your time. Blessings and peace, Meg Shoeman, He is the radiance of God's glory, the stamp of God's very being, and he sustains the universe by his word of power. (Hebrews 1:3a) M.R.N. Shoeman, 2853 Foxianna Road, Middletown, PA 17057, 717.557.1095, mshoeman@pts.edu
Two courses that are being offered which have been a great blessing to many seminarians in the past. You can download the specific information from www.pcusa.org/seminaries The first one is “Leadership in a Connectional Church”, January 7-11, 2008 at the Presbyterian Center, Louisville KY. Registration deadline is November 18. The second one is in conjunction with General Assembly: “Presbyterianism: Principles & Practices” June 20-28, 2008 at the 218 General Assembly in San Jose CA. Registration is due May 1, 2008. God’s richest blessing in your endeavors. In Christ, Bob Barcus
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
Ham Dinner Tickets On Sale A family style ham dinner will be served by the Nottingham Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 3, 2007, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. -- eat in or take out. Everyone in the community is invited to share this home-cooked meal complete with ham, parsley potatoes, creamed mushrooms, seasoned green beans, homemade applesauce, desserts, and beverages. The cost per ticket is $10.00 for adults; $5.00 for children (ages 5-10 years); and free for children under age 5. The church is located in Nottingham at the intersection of Rt. 272 and Old Baltimore Pike (next to Herr Foods, Inc.). For more information about the dinner or to purchase tickets, please call 610-932-0556. We look forward to the community joining us for an evening of fun, fine food and fellowship.
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.
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 Seminary. This 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
S.P.I.R.E. (Meeting) (Spouses and Survivors are cordially invited)
Date: November 12, 2007, Place: Moravian Manor Café, Lititz, PA, Time: 11:45 a.m. (Note the time!), Program: Have you read a good book lately? Share a “brief”
sentence or two as to why you believe it is worth reading! Bill Brown, Sec.,
Brief Directions to Moravian Manor, From Lancaster, go North on Rt. 501 to Lemon Street in Lititz. Turn left and go 2 blocks to the Manor. Park wherever you can. The 2 hour restrictions are for students at the High School.
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
Ten Ways to Get Young Adults Involved in Ecumenism
1. World Council of Churches Stewards Programme -
http://www.ecumenicalyouth.org
2. World Council of Churches Internship Programme - www.ecumenicalyouth.org
3. National Council of Churches Stewards Program -
http://www.nccusa.org
4. Presbyterian Student Strategy Team (PSST) -
http://www.pcusa.org/collegiate/psst.htm
http://www.pcusa.org/collegiate/pdf/psstapplication.pdf
5. Ecumenical Advocacy Days
http://www.advocacydays.org
6. National Council of Churches Faith and Eco-Justice Fellowship
http://www.nccecojustice.org
7. Young Adult Ecumenical Forum
http://yaef.net
email: yaef07@gmail.com
8. National Council of Churches "Come to the Feast"
http://www.cometothefeast.org
9. The Council for Ecumenical Student Christian Ministry "Celebrate" Conference
http://www.cescm.org/homepage.html
10. Word Alliance of Reformed Churches Youth Network
http://www.warc.ch
Discussion Group: warc_youth@yahoo.com
CHRISTIAN FORMATION INFORMATION |
We welcome Janet Ressler (from First Pres Lancaster) as the new Chairperson of the Christian Formation Division of Presbytery. Janet will follow in the footsteps of the Rev. Douglas Hileman who has served us well for six years. Extravagant Blessings in this work, Janet!
Lancaster Theological Seminary invites your congregation to join 30-50 other congregations, primarily in Pennsylvania and Maryland, in participating in our Spring/Lenten Adult Study Series. The theme of this five-week series is “Philippians: Living Joyfully in God’s Presence.” Written by Dr. Bruce Epperly, this study will focus on what it means to experience God working in our lives and how we can awaken to God’s abundant presence through scripture study and spiritual practices. In the context of reflection on the text, take home exercises, and spiritual practices, participants will explore what it means to live with an awareness of God’s presence in the small and large details of their lives. Bruce Epperly is Director of Continuing Education and Professor of Practical Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary. The author of twelve books in spirituality, theology, healing, and death and dying, Dr. Epperly is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) The study includes the following: 1. Study guide for participants and leaders, 2. Video introduction to each session, 3. Introductory and concluding lectures, for those who wish to attend, at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
The cost of the study is $150 per congregation, with some scholarship assistance available. For more information or to register, please contact Rikki Jones at 717-290-8758 or rjones@lancasterseminary.edu
Events at Lancaster Theological Seminary around the issue of homosexuality
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
11:00 AM - Service of Word and Sacrament, Santee Chapel
Rev. Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre, Associate Professor of Social Ethics at Iliff School of Theology and Director of the Justice and Peace Institute in Denver, Colorado, will be our guest.
7:15 PM - Benefit Concert, Santee Chapel
A benefit concert with the jazz trio 3.12, Rev. Delores Berry and the MCC Vision of Hope Creative Arts Team. The concert will be followed by a reception in Mayer Commons.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
11:00 AM - "The Witness of GLBT Christians," Santee Chapel
Dr. Mark D. Jordan, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
1:00 PM - "Pastor, I'm Gay," Hafer Center
A panel discussion with local pastors on real-life issues surrounding LGBT folks in the local church. |
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 secretaryfpc@comcast.net or mail to: The First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville, 145 Main Street Phoenixville , PA 19460 RE: Praise Team Leader.
IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR HANDBELL DIRECTOR Westminster Presbyterian Church is a suburban church of 2100 members with a large, established music program. The director will be responsible for the administration and directing of 3 handbell choirs, 2 youth and 1 adult ( with lots of potential for growth. ) Westminster owns 5 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 3 octaves hand chimes. The choirs play mostly intermediate level of music. The director is responsible for the selection of music, maintaining management of the program and working with the Director of Music to incorporate the bell choirs into the music ministry of the church. The position is part-time, 8-10 hours per week for 10 months, and the salary is negotiable with level of experience .The beginning date is immediate. A complete job description is available to interested candidates. Please contact: Robert Morris, Director of Music, Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Chester, PA 19382, www.westminsterpc.org, 610 399-3377, bmorris@westminsterpc.org |
Planning Ahead? Elaine Pennell (Nottingham) recommends scheduling Alison Adam as a good follow-up to John Bell's workshop and lecture. (John Bell of Iona will be at Lancaster Theological Seminary and Highland Church on October 22-23, 2007) Elaine Pennell from Nottingham Church offers Alison her unequivocal endorsement and recommendation as a song and worship leader. "She is truly a gift to the ecumenical and global church from the Iona Community where she studied and worked with John Bell. If you have an occasion to use her gifts, you will be blessed." Alison Adam will be in East Brunswick, NJ on June 30th and Cleveland, OH on July 8th. She has time to come to your church/organization to do any workshops on worship and/or song, Big Sings or the like between those dates. Her air fare to the U.S. is already covered. You can contact her at alison.adam@worshipworks.co.uk |
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