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Mar 13, 2008 Issue #91 |
Top Stories
Mission Info
News Issues
Christian Formation Info
Positions Available
Upcoming meetings!
One Good Idea |
Growing Faith Growing Churches |
This edition of the eNews is dedicated to the congregations of Guinston and Leacock. They have both experienced acts of vandalism and they responded in Christ-like ways in an attempt to promote healing and forgiveness! Read more in NEWS LINK.
Next scheduled presbytery meeting is March 25, 2008 at Donegal Presbyterian Church in Mt Joy at 9:30am. Note the change in time!
Learning opportunities scheduled are:
Leadership Tools
Resettling Refugees
Personal Faith Stories
Using humor from the podium and pulpit
Presbytery meetings:
Do you need a baby sitter for presbytery meetings? Call the church directly and they will arrange for it!
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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 3/13/08 there were 132 skilled people in this database. What skills do you need? Please Register your expertise today! |
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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 |
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TOP STORIES GROWING FAITH - GROWING CHURCHES |
How many campers' lives will be impacted this year by our Risen Savior Jesus Christ?? It's in your hands! Camp Donegal 2008! Go to: http://www.campdonegal.org for details!
PASTORS - Thursday April 10th from 9am till noon – at Bellevue – Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training. This is a COM requirement for every 3 years. Come and get renewed! Call Kathy (717.392.4035) and let her know that you are coming! We’re trying very hard to protect you! Help us to help you! The next scheduled time will be on November 13 – a Thursday in the morning.
ONE DAY RETREAT FOR PASTORS AND MISSION LEADERS Monday, April 21, 2008, 9:00 a.m. until 7:10 p.m. This will be a special day of opportunity for spiritual refreshment and growth. The retreat’s ministry, stories, and personal reflection and prayer will be arranged around the theme, “The Four Pillars of WEC” – faith, holiness, sacrifice, and fellowship. The retreat will be led by Dr. Louis Sutton, Director of WEC International USA, who is sought as a keynote speaker at conferences. The retreat will begin at 9:00 a.m., include lunch and supper, and conclude at 7:10 p.m. It will be at WEC International’s USA Headquarters campus, just off the PA Turnpike at the Fort Washington exit. The only cost will be the $25.00 registration fee. Go to (link) for more information and instructions and the registration form. Sufficient registrations must be mailed by March 18, 2008 in order for WEC to proceed with implementing the retreat plans, so this needs your attention IMMEDIATELY! Offered as part of the Presbytery’s current Year of World Mission, this retreat will certainly bless you and whomever you bring! Go to: http://www.donegalpby.com/Apr08retreat.pdf
Breaking News! Lancaster Theological Seminary is sponsoring a lecture by leading Celtic Christian Theologian J. Philip Newell Monday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. in Santee Chapel. The theme of the lecture is "Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation."
NEWS LINK: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/217993
Have you added your name in the skills database? It's easy and very effective! Go to: http://www.donegalpby.com/skillsearch.htm the password is: dpres. We do not publish your phone number, just your email address. |
MISSION INFORMATION |
2008 is the Year of World Mission! At the March 25th Presbytery meeting at Donegal Presbyterian Church at 9:30am, hear and see great things that God is doing around His world! The Rev. David Hall will be giving a fact filled presentation of the power of God's Spirit! Come and See!
Preparing your people for a summer mission trip? Go to http://www.pcusa.org/marketplace and order When God’s People Travel Together vol 1 to plan the trip. Order Reflecting and Acting on Mission Trip Experiences Vol 2 for activities to use before, during and after the trip. Order Bible Studies for Mission Vol 3 for help in discovering the heart of mission and the importance of partnership in mission.
First Presbyterian Church of West Chester to host Walk Thru the Bible: The New Testament. In less than six hours, you will become familiar with the key people, places and events in the New Testament. This special seminar, at First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, will rekindle your desire to read the Bible and pray daily. The seminars (one for Grades 1-4 and one for Grades 5-Adult), both take place from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Childcare is free, and an optional light dinner is available at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The cost is $15 per person for the seminar with advance registration; $18 that day. Families of 5 or more are $60. Visit www.firstpreswc.com/register or call 610-696-0554 to register.
Put this on your calendar to enhance the Year of World Mission! There are scholarships available! 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
World Mission Initiative Conference info: http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/conference.htm
WMI is pleased to announce details for the 2008 World Mission Initiative Conference! "A New Day in Mission" March 28-29, 2008 Keynote Speakers: Rev. Dr. William J. Carl, III, President of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; Nard Pugyao, first generation Christian from the Isnag language group in the Philippines, employed by JAARS, a Wycliffe affiliate; Rev. Hunter Farrell, Director of World Mission for the PC (U.S.A.); Rev. Dr. Ken Bailey, retired Presbyterian missionary, author and lecturer. Registration: $25.00 fee, plus meals and (if needed) overnight accommodations. $100.00 maximum registration fee per congregation for as many members as you want to send. To register, download the brochure at the above link
Contact: Don Dawson (ddawson@pts.edu) or Ellen Dawson (edawson@pts.edu) for more information. Scholarships are available from Mission Division of the Presbytery of Donegal - lbpc@littlebritainchurch.org
MISSION VISION AND BOOK OF REVELATION TRIP to TURKEY,
led by veteran missionary Rev. David Hall.
Monday, August 4th through Thursday, August 14th, 2008 (10 days).
Yes, there are Christians and Protestant churches in Turkey today Meeting pastors and believers and hearing what they have endured will be unforgettable experiences, as will visiting several sites of the seven churches of the book of Revelation and seeing such breath-taking sights in Istanbul as the Hagia Sophia.
$2,900. Limited to 8 participants
Since air fares spike as we get closer to summer, tickets must be purchased early. Please contact David Hall soon if you are even considering participating in this trip! David, who was ordained by our Presbytery and has over 15 years field experience, now directs Mobilization at WEC International USA.
Don’t procrastinate! Contact David while you’re thinking about this special opportunity! Rev. David Hall Cell phone: 215-692-2481 E-mail: weclink@wec-usa.org |
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!
Meet a couple of our Inquirers: (high speed connection required)
Wade Pond info: http://www.youtube.com/v/0jzTsxgpiJ4
Debbie Heffernan info: http://www.youtube.com/v/mK1O5jUCqJo
Nottingham Presbyterian began a new era of ministry on Sunday, March 9th with the installation of Pastor David B Willerup as designated pastor. One blessing that has been initiated for them is that four sister congregation will be praying regularly for the Nottingham congregations and Pastor Dave. Teams at Chestnut Level, First Oxford, Avondale and Little Britain have been receiving prayer concerns and joys from a point person at Nottingham. Together as a cluster of support we believe that God’s presence will more deeply be felt by all involved with this prayer ministry. In fact, the sister churches will find that Nottingham will be in prayer for the ministry in each of the other four. How connectional is this? Connecting with each other and connecting to Christ the Lord.
REGISTER NOW for the 2008 Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference Sowing Mustard Seeds: Working for God’s Justice — Confronting Poverty July 15-19, 2008 Orange, California http://www.pcusa.org/peacemaking/conferences/2008.htm Download a conference brochure:
http://www.pcusa.org/peacemaking/conferences/2008/brochure.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Required) Download a registration form:
http://www.pcusa.org/peacemaking/conferences/2008/register.pdf
National Workshop on Christian Unity, April 14-17, 2008 – Chicago, $150.00 deadline is March 15, For more information & registration visit: www.nwcu.org
Presbyterians Seeking Purpose Driven Ministry are holding their 6th Annual Conference April 23 – 25 in Satellite Beach, FL. To register, go to: http://www.purposedrivenpresbyteriansnetwork.net
Come out to Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church on Palm Sunday to enjoy a combined choir concert to be held on Palm Sunday evening, March 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church. The choirs of Little Britain, Middle Octorara, Nottingham, Oxford, and Union will present anthems "Celebrating God's Love." Individual anthems will be performed, as well as two special combined choir anthems. Special music will also be provided by Bedouin's Fire. An offering will be taken for the ministry of Camp Donegal. All are welcome to this evening of praise and fellowship. Thank you!
Rejuvenating Summer Worship! Saturday, May 3, 2008, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Presenter: Dr. Daryl Hollinger, Sponsored by the Continuing Education Department of Lancaster Theological Seminary. The seminar will be held at: St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 816 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603. The cost is $25 and checks may be made out to Lancaster Theological Seminary, 555 West James Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Are you dreading the summer months? Does the thought of planning one more worship service leave you feeling drained? During the summer, worship can sometimes be lacking in inspiration, as folks take vacations and Bible schools exhaust our resources. But, our praise of God is never out of season! The uniqueness of this workshop is that you will have creative tools for worship based on the summer lectionary. Prayers, confessions, litanies, and music are designed with expansive language. Musical selections will be given for each Sunday, using a variety of resources. This workshop is for all pastors, church musicians, and lay leaders. You will find ways to include your congregation in singing, scripture reading, and praying even while your choirs take a break. Discover hidden talents in your parish as you praise God this summer!
There will be a Called Meeting of the Synod of the Trinity on Monday, May 5, 2008 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at the Radisson – Penn Harris in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of discussing and acting upon the recommendations of the Synod Leadership Team which have been made in response to the Synod Review Team Report, subsequent “Table Talks” and conversations held during the February 2008 meeting. The Synod is gearing up for a LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOCUS!
Summer Youth Institute - for 11th and 12th graders! July 5 - 19, 2008! All participants receive a free scholarship! Go to: http://www.summeryouthinstitute.org for details.
Women In Ministry Holding Retreat! Women ministering in Donegal have a neat opportunity to gather for a day's retreat on April 3 at Camp Donegal from 9-3:00. We will have the leadership of Marcia Woodruff and Jennie Clark. The day will be a good time to rejuvenate and re-create. Spread the word to our sisters in ministry and bring a car pool group. Call Kathy in the office to be on the list for lunch. 717.392.4035
Updated info about Sabeel. What: Sabeel Conference "In Search of a Homeland: The Quest for Place and Peace in the Middle East."
When: April 25-26, 2008
Where: Villanova University
Cost:Registration fees, which include a Friday evening dinner and Sat. box lunch are $95 ($105 after April 11) and $35for students. One-day registration is $65.
Keynote: Rev. Naim Ateek, Director of Sabeel in Jerusalem; Retired Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of the Archdiocese of Detroit will address “The Radical Challenge of Non-Violence.”
Other speakers include: Jeff Halper, Dr. Marc Ellis, Dr. Yvonne Haddad
Saturday Panel: "Is the Two-State Solution Still Possible?" moderated by Rt. Rev. Allen Bartlett, retired Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania and convener of the Ecumenical Working Group for MIddle East Peace
More information: David Yeaworth 610-525-2776 or D.Yeaworth@worldnet.att.net
To register go to: www.fosna.org/conferences_and_trips/index.html
The 2008th General Assembly (June 21-28, 2009) is less than six months away. If you haven’t already start praying now! I encourage every pastor or session to organize a prayer group or galvanize the groups you already have in your church to pray for our denomination. Sadly, I have found that it is far, far more common for people to complain about what they don’t like in the PC(USA) than to pray for it. This should not be so.
I plead with you to organize the people in your congregation who care about the larger church to begin now to bathe the 2008th General Assembly in prayer
Newtown Square Pres. (Phila. Presbytery) has some stackable wooden chairs with metal frames in good condition that they would like to give away. They would be appropriate for a Sunday School or Youth Group room. The church wants to be rid of the chairs by March 26th.
WOMEN - SAVE THE DATE - May 16 - May 18 at Stony Point! A workshop on Horizon's Bible Study for 2008 - 2009 Jubilee! Luke's Gospel for the Poor - led by Rev Dr Dale Lindsay Morgan - click here for information and to register: http://www.stonypointcenter.org/article.php?story=20071109153325565
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.
Register for this course today! This could be the best continuing education for you this year! Rather than seeing post-modernism as a threat, many Christians are seeing the emphasis on relationship, experience, pluralism, and change, characteristic of post-modernism, as an opportunity to share the good news in creative and life-transforming ways. Christianity's faith is mission-oriented and the whole world, as well as the immediate neighborhood, is our mission. In this spirit, we invite you to participate in a four week seminar on Emerging and Missional Christianity, led by Presbyterian pastor Tony Sundermeier, and UCC pastor and LTS professor and director of continuing education, Bruce Epperly. Over four weeks in April (4, 11, 18, 25) from 9am till noon, we will reflect on the following themes: forming the vision, preaching the vision, equipping the vision, and living the vision. The cost of this program is $150, with some scholarship assistance available. For registration information, please contact Rikki Jones at 717-290-8758 or rjones@lancasterseminary.edu. For questions, please contact Bruce Epperly at 717-290-8759 or bepperly@lancasterseminary.edu. To learn more about LTS programs in continuing education, please consult our web site (www.lancasterseminary.edu) under "continuing education."
Lancaster Theological Seminary - We would like to invite you to join us for a lecture by noted physicist, theologian, and Anglican priest John Polkinghorne, Thursday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. in Santee Chapel. The theme of Dr. Polkinghorne's lecture is "A New Natural Theology." As many of you may know, John Polkinghorne is one of the leading theologians of science in our time. For 25 years, he had a distinguished career as a Cambridge physicist before becoming an Anglican priest in 1982. In 1997, Dr. Polkinghorne was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for distinguished service to science, religion, learning, and medical ethics. In 2002, Dr. Polkinghorne was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries about Spiritual Realities. He is the author of many books on the interplay of faith and science, including "Quantum Physics and Theology," "Quarks, Chaos, and Christianity," "Belief in God in an Age of Science," and "Science and Theology: An Introduction." |
POSITIONS AVAILABLE |
Full Time Youth Pastor Position: A Biblically based, evangelical Lancaster County Church with a thriving and growing youth ministry seeks a Biblically centered, spiritually alive full-time Youth Pastor. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and experience in Youth Ministry or related field is desired. Duties include directing youth and young adult ministries. Youth Pastor is also expected to contribute administrative and pastoral support. Forward resume to bellevue@epix.net or Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 810 Newport Ave, Gap PA 17527. Contact person: Linda Perella, phone 717.442.4077, fax 717.442.4622.
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Position Title: Youth Activities Director, Primary Function:
Planning, scheduling and facilitating activities for the youth of BMPC (grades 6 – 12) in collaboration with the Interim Associate Pastor for Youth, their Families, and College Ministries, and the Youth Ministries Council. Please direct all inquiries and submit resumes to: Rob McClellan
Interim Associate Pastor for Youth, Their Families, and College Ministries
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 610.525.2821 ext. 833, RobMcClellan@bmpc.org
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
Wayside Presbyterian Church has an immediate need to secure an interim musical accompanist to play for worship while they determine a long term position description. Wayside does not have an organ; it's a Kurzweil keyboard instrument with much flexibility. The interim period could be 3-6 months. Compensation would be determined based on the number of hours we would negotiate. For more information on this position, call Dick Regensburger at 717.285.2648 or email: regensburgerdn@tds.net
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
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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CALENDAR OF COMING MEETINGS! |
Use the webpage calendar at: http://www.donegalpby.com/cgi-bin/calendar.pl or:
Thursday, March 13 - Abortion Study Task Force meets at 6:30pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church
Friday, March 21 - Good Friday - Office closed.
Sunday, March 23 - Easter Sunday! He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
Monday, March 24 - Camp Donegal committee meets at 7pm at the Camp
Tuesday, March 25 - Presbytery meets at 9:30am at Donegal Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, March 26 - Resurrection Chapel Commission meets at 5:15pm at First Presbyterian in Lancaster
Thursday, March 27 - Overtures, Amendments, Review meets at 1pm at the presbytery office
Tuesday, April 1 - Human Resources meets at 10am at the presbytery office, New Church Development meets at 1:30pm at Bellevue Presbyterian
Thursday, April 3 - Women in Ministry retreat - 9am - 3pm at Camp Donegal
Monday, April 7 - Committee on Preparation meets from 1 - 4pm at Highland, Steering Committee meets at 2pm at the presbytery office, Committee on Ministry meets at 7pm at Leacock Presbyterian Church |
ONE GOOD IDEA |
Have a very meaningful Holy Week and Easter celebration!
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! |
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