|
Jan 3, 2008 Issue #86 |
Top Stories
Mission Info
News Issues
Christian Formation Info
Positions Available
Upcoming meetings!
One Good Idea |
Growing Faith Growing Churches |
Next scheduled presbytery meeting is January 15, 2008 at Wayside in Landisville at 9:30am
Send your docket requests to Bill Netting by January 3rd (today) netting@epix.net
Learning opportunities scheduled are:
Church Health thru Mission - with Jim & Lois Caldwell; Creating a "safe church;" Angel Food Ministry (by Pine Grove Presbyterian)
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 1/3/08 there were 131 skilled people in this database. What skills do you need? Please Register your expertise today! |
|
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.presbyteryofdonegal.org |
|
TOP STORIES GROWING FAITH - GROWING CHURCHES |
Happy Ambitious New Year! Hang on! This will be a great year! God is sovereign, gracious, loving and almighty! We are Richly Blessed!
My goal - imprint Jesus Christ on 500 campers at Camp Donegal in 2008! Watch the video, pray and join me!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dERskVexV9E
Lenten Preaching Seminary Coming on January 9th 1pm - 4pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church in Gap, PA. Preaching the Theology of Lent We will explore together the lectionary passages for Lent by looking at them through Paul Scott Wilson's "Four Pages of the Sermon." Wilson writes, "The most effective presentation of the gospel is generally achieved when all four pages are adequately represented in the sermon for a sustained length of time, which allows the congregation time both to understand and experience what is being said in its theological depth." The time will begin with a brief outline of Wilson's "Four Pages," followed by group discussion around the texts for the Sundays in Lent. John Morgan is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of York. He has his doctorate of ministry in preaching from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools and is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. To register for this event - call Kathy at 717.392.4035 or email: kathy@donegalpby.com
Save the dates! Check out the January and February schedules for your holy conversation with the transition team! http://www.presbyteryofdonegalintransition.org
Sunday, January 27th from 2pm - 5pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church - Presbytery Committee/Department Orientation and Welcome to the Work!
This time will be spent getting oriented to the work of the presbytery. If you are new to a committee or department or just want to get smarter about the work of presbytery, we want to help you get trained for the work and become an effective member of this servant organization! Register with Kathy Bartels at kathy@donegalpby.com or by phone: 717.392.4035! Blessings!
The Rev Dr Steve Shussett – Teaching Presbyter (akin to Executive) at Lehigh Presbytery is donating rice and scored 42 on the http://www.freerice.com site. He challenged Lehigh to try to beat Donegal! Our own Ellen Plank from First West Chester scored a 49!
This is important! Presbyterian Endowment Education & Resource Network Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr PA; Saturday, January 26, 2008, 8:30 am — 5:00 pm Come learn how your church can enhance and develop its ministry through an endowment program. This is a conference both for the church considering creating an endowment program and for the church wanting to revitalize or enhance its endowment program. Cost is $50 per person. Go to www.peernetwork.org for more details and registration information. Special benefits will include:
- Separate tracks for churches at different levels in growing their endowment program (registration survey provided to guide in track selection)
- Worship on theology of stewardship
- Plenary on stewardship
- Networking & roundtable discussions during lunch
- Individual, professional consult before leaving conference to determine plan of action for your church
Ready to raise the bar in stewardship? Maybe the Presbyterian Stewardship Conference on March 10-12, 2008 at Ft Worth TX is the right place to start! Go to: http://www.synodsun.com/stewardship/ for registration information. The Presbytery office has registration brochures. Call and have one sent to you!
SAVE THE DATES! On Fridays April 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9am till noon at the Lancaster Theological Seminary, the Rev. Tony Sundermeier and the Rev Dr. Bruce Epperly team up to bring a continuing education course on Forming the Missional Vision, Preaching the Missional Vision, Equipping for the Missional Vision, and Living the Missional Vision! DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT MISSING THIS OPPORTUNITY! |
MISSION INFORMATION |
2008 is the Year of World Mission! Hear and see great things that God is doing TODAY, as Jesus commanded us (John 4:35, NIV) "open your eyes and look at the fields!" Be inspired by how truly "They are ripe for harvest!" At the January 15th presbytery meeting, Dr Michael Johnson, MD, surgeon in Kenya will speak before lunch! Don't miss this at Wayside Presbyterian Church!
Put this on your calendar to enhance the Year of World Mission!
New Wilmington Mission Conference – July 19 – 26, 2008 in New Wilmington, PA http://www.NWMCmission.org 2008 theme is “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” Luke 4:18 phone: 724.946.7195 or office@NWMCmission.org
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 |
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!
AN INVITATION TO ATTEND AN INTERFAITH YOUTH DIALOGUE The York County Council of Churches cordially invites two youth from your congregation to attend a community interfaith dialogue on January 13, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the Salvation Army, 50 E. King St., York One attendee should be middle school age, and the other representative should be high school age. The parents are encouraged to attend a parent meeting to become better acquainted with adults of other faiths from York County. Trained facilitators will lead the 3 discussion groups: middle school, high school, and parent discussions. . (Parking is available in the Salvation Army Lot off of King Street and opposite Sovereign Bank. Enter through Church entrance.)
Try this out! It's really easy to call and express yourself and your ideas for raising the bar in ministry! You can call in from any where and publish an entry to our blog via phone! Don't be shy! It's fun, easy and educational! Just call 214.615.6431. Enter pin – 168-049-813 and # Then select 1 to record and publish, Then select account 1000 and #, Then just follow the instructions to record your message and hit # to end. It’s that easy. In a day or so, I will make sure that it is published on the following blog area for all to hear! Give it a try! If you want to listen to my first two attempts at this, go to the following location and listen! http://www.donegalpresbytery.blogspot.com/
Throw Camp Donegal a penny when you search the internet! Start using www.goodsearch.com for your search engine (before going directly to google) and put in "The Presbytery of Donegal" in the “beneficiary” line before you start using it and you will be tossing the camp a penny every time you search. Give it a try!
Lectionary Study group in Lancaster, PA? If there is a lectionary study group meeting in the Lancaster area, could you send the details to us at the Presbytery office? Send to: cwgross@gmail.com ! Thank-You!
The new Church World Service DVD “A Future with Hope: Welcoming Refugees” (running time 15:25) inspires and challenges viewers to extend friendship and practical assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. To order, visit http://www.churchworldservice.org or phone 1.800.297.1516 AV 0777; free.
News For Small Churches: Beginning January 1,2008, the Board of Pensions will provide stipends of up to $3,000 toward sabbaticals for eligible pastors serving churches of less than 200 members. More information on the Sabbath Sabbatical Support Grants program is available at http://www.pensions.org
CRUISE TO BERMUDA IN 2009 Join us on this Church Sponsored Cruise. 6 Days 5 Nights via Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Mark Your Calendar & Find out more at our Informational Meeting Date: Tuesday Jan 22nd.Meeting Place: Kreutz Creek Church in Hellam. Time: 7 pm Sponsored by Kreutz Creek Presbyterian Church for fundraising What a great family vacation - Come find out more! Or email committee contact: kimblouse@comcast.net
ARE YOU READY FOR A DISASTER? The Lutherans have an excellent website that helps. Check out: http://www.ldr.org or go directly to a helpful 33 page guide for your congregation: http://www.ldr.org/resources/PrepDisaster.pdf Another very interesting site is: http://www.communityarise.com - This website provides a full curriculum of materials to help you train for the ministries that surround disasters.
A course that is being offered which has been a great blessing to many seminarians in the past is offered 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
Do you want a great way to schedule meetings and events? I am now using an interesting website that helps me schedule meetings.
http://www.doodle.ch/main.html It allows a visual matrix of interactive planning for all to see. I have used this system twice with GREAT results! It is the best way to get a consensus for a meeting date and time! Very easy to use! You set up the possible dates and times and then send the link to everyone. They then put their availability online and it will tell you who can attend and who can not. Cool!
(New Ad! Look!) Wayside Presbyterian Church is searching for temporary Pastor Supply for May 2008 through August 2008 during a sabbatical for our Pastor. We recognize that it will be difficult to get one person to cover this entire period so we are planning to split the time period into monthly segments and cover each segment with a different individual. We seek individual pastor supply for four week periods which would include a block of four Sundays. Requirements are to serve 20 hours a week with primary responsibilities to include: preparing the Sunday service, preaching, general office support, committees, some visitation, and 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 cover a four week segment or have questions, please contact Jeff Doane at 717-898-4165 weeknights after 5 PM.
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
CHRISTIAN FORMATION INFORMATION |
Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry
June 2-6 and June 9-13, 2008
Churches and religious organizations are looking for qualified men and women to serve in non-ordained positions of pastoral leadership in the church. Unfortunately, many otherwise qualified people are reluctant to pursue these positions because the do not feel adequately prepared biblically and theologically, or they find themselves lacking in the practical skills they need to be successful in ministry. Others are already involved in ministry positions but feel limited by their lack of training and ongoing opportunities for development and support. The Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry is one of many programs being offered through the Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith & Learning at Whitworth University. The center is dedicated to providing innovative programs designed to promote Christian scholarship, greater spiritual depth in students, renewal of clergy and laity, and a better understanding of the dynamics between religion and culture in the Pacific Northwest. For more information about the center, please contact Michelle Seefried at 509.777.3275, or by e-mail at mseefried@whitworth.edu. Michelle L. Seefried, Program Coordinator, Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning, 300 W Hawthorne Rd #105, Spokane WA 99251, (509) 777-3275, (509) 777-3783 (fax), mseefried@whitworth.edu http://www.whitworth.edu/faithcenter
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. More info or to register, contact Rikki Jones at 717.290.8758 or rjones@lancasterseminary.edu |
POSITIONS AVAILABLE |
Cedar Grove is searching for an Interim Pastor! To begin a conversation about this, call Wendy Gross at 717.314.1034 or email: WendyJWT@aol.com
New Position at Westminster! Facilities Manager. We would like the congregation’s assistance in identifying candidates for a new full time position at Westminster. The individual will be responsible for: supervision of custodial staff; maintenance of the church buildings, grounds and equipment; oversight of HVAC systems. The candidate should have knowledge of building systems and a capability to handle basic electrical, lighting and plumbing repairs. If you know someone who is qualified and may be interested, email Tom Snyder at tsnyder@westminsterpc.org
Worship Leader Needed at Unionville! Part of our purpose as a church is to provide authentic, God-honoring opportunities for worship that are expressive, faithful, and attentive to our local context. At the present time Unionville Presbyterian Church has two traditional services on Sunday mornings and we are looking to permanently add a new worship experience on Sunday evenings. Our task force has been visiting other contemporary worship services in our area and praying for God’s guidance. Worship teams from other churches have come and led Sunday evening worship for us so that we can see and feel what it is like to worship “at home.” It is our prayer that we will be able to lead this worship with our own team once a month with the expectation that the service will evolve to every Sunday evening in God’s time. Leadership is key. We are praying for a volunteer who would help UPC birth this new worship experience with the hope that it will evolve into a paid staff position once we are ready to worship on a weekly basis. This is a wonderful opportunity to make your own mark while formulating and creating this new worship experience in conjunction with Pastor Jen Howat and the task force. If you feel that you are gifted in this area and that God is calling you in our direction please contact Pastor Jen at 610-347-2327 or email her at pastorjen@comcast.net. Thank you!
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. |
|
|
CALENDAR OF COMING MEETINGS! |
Use the webpage calendar at: http://www.donegalpby.com/cgi-bin/calendar.pl or:
Thursday, Jan 3 - Property and Insurance meets 9:30am at the presbytery office, Overtures, Amendments, and Review meets at 1pm at the presbytery office.
Friday, Jan 4 - Staff reunion retreat at Camp Donegal
Monday, Jan 7 - Committee on Preparation meets at 1pm at Highland Presbyterian Church, Steering Committee of Council meets at 4pm at the presbytery office. Council meets at 7pm at First Pres in Strasburg.
Tuesday, Jan 8 - Presbytery Staff meets at 3pm at the presbytery office
Wednesday, Jan 9 - Mission Beyond the Presbytery meets at 9am at the presbytery office, Vitalization meets at 10am at the presbytery office, Preaching Workshop meets at 1pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church in Gap
Thursday, Jan 10 - Committee on Ministry meets at 7pm at Leacock Presbyterian
Monday, Jan 14 - The Transition Team meets at 9:30 - 12:30 (lunch included) at the presbytery office.
Tuesday, Jan 15 - The Presbytery gathers at 9:30am at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Landisville, PA.
Wednesday, Jan 23 - Women In Ministry meet at 1:00pm at FPC Strasburg. We changed the time to see if that will enable some other women to attend. |
ONE GOOD IDEA |
I am deeply grateful to so many who serve the Lord in this presbytery! I am also grateful to so many who serve the Lord in large and small ways in their homes, their churches, their neighborhoods, and their families! And, I am very grateful to so many who serve their country whether here or beyond the oceans! May this video touch your heart!
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/index.php
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! |
|
