An electronic newsletter from the Presbytery of Donegal

 

Mar 27, 2008   Issue #92

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 Rev Diane Burkland and the Christ-like servants on the commission that guided us in the steps of Jesus as we navigated the loss of three congregations.

 

Next scheduled presbytery meeting is April 15, 2008 at Pine Grove Presbyterian Church in Airville at 7:00pm.  

 

 

 

 

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 3/27/08 there were 132 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

Register today for the Thursday, May 8th Endowment Creation workshop - 10am - 1pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.  May 8th workshop – “Endowment Essentials: Inspiring Leadership through Legacy Giving” by Sharon A. Dorn, President of Clear Creek Consulting, LLC    Bellevue – 10am – 1pm  Register with Kathy Bartels.  You will learn how to grow your ministry and the kingdom through endowments.

The Presbytery unanimously voted to dismiss Forks of the Brandywine, Great Valley, and Upper Octorara to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  This was done with as much grace as possible.  It was done with emotion and sadness, but in a way to try to further our Christ-like walk and affirm our oneness in Christ.  We prayed for our sisters and brothers in these churches and our own mission as we follow the risen Lord Jesus! 

It's time to apply for some money!  GA Unresricted Funds – www.donegalpby.com/GAunres2008.pdf

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.

 

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."

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 April 15 meeting, Rev Jim and Lois Caldwell will give us an update on the PCUSA World Mission!  Don't miss the continuing story of what God is doing around the world in and through us and other servants!

The Covenant adults (CAMT-Covenant adult mission team)  have journeyed on mission trips for the past 5 years . These mission trips ranged from Jean Webster’s kitchen in Atlantic City, to cooking meals for youth in W. Va and Kentucky on CE mission trips, to journeying to Reynosa, Mexico with Faith Ministries there, to teach sewing, assist with odds and ends, etc. Currently, the adults most interested in mission trips are in their late 50’s to early 70’s.   This group is looking for other mission sites and trip possibilities, possibly international as well. They are interested in exploring trips that are primarily not  construction trips.  We are hoping to get some new ideas or contacts to discuss possibilities . Eventually, we would hope to  invite key individuals to present ideas to  the Covenant adult mission team and our session mission committee.  Send your ideas to Jim Moyer - jmoyer@covenantfrazer.org  or phone him at: 610.764.3777!  Thanks!

       

Clothing/Medical Mission to Honduras. July 20-27 and July 27-Aug 4, 2008 Cost $1,350 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

 

 Wayside Presbyterian Women recently sold hoagies to raise money to buy "fair trade" coffee for their fellowship hour.

 

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!

Tickets on Sale for Italian Cuisine Night/Spaghetti Dinner

      The public is invited to an All-You-Can Eat Italian Cuisine Night/Spaghetti Dinner at the Nottingham Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Come for this feast of spaghetti with all the trimmings of a fine Italian meal, and enjoy the fun, food and fellowship!  The cost per ticket for 11 years to adult is $7.00, for children ages 4 years to 10 years is $4.00, and children under 4 years eat free. 

      The Nottingham Presbyterian Church is located in Nottingham, on Rte. 272 and Old Baltimore Pike (across from Herr Foods, Inc.).  For tickets or more information, please call the church office at 610-932-0556.

Second Presbyterian Church in Oxford proudly presents an evening of theatre. Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun on Saturday, May 3rd at 6:30pm. $30 Donation. Proceeds benefit Annual Scholarship and Community Outreach Programs. Meet the cast at the dessert social following the event. For ticket information call 610-742-2515

Nancy Andress (Oxford Presbyterian Church) is looking for a roommate and traveling companion for this conference!  You can reach Nancy at: nandress@zoominternet.net

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

 

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

 

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.

·         Faith in 3D:

Contemplative Living- a retreat for women

Dates April 4- 5, 2008. Arrive. before dinner on Friday; leave for home at 3:30 Saturday.

Theme: Service as Presence- revealing service as a transmission of Divine Love.  We are invited to dedicate ourselves to serve as instruments of faith, hope and love, ever renewed and guided by the Indwelling Presence.  There will be time for silent reflection, small group conversation and "input", as well as the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the retreat center.

Chair massage and gentle yoga meditation will be available for an additional $10.00.

Leaders: Alicia Conklin-Wood, retired Presbyterian pastor, spiritual director and retreat leader, Parish Associate at FPC, Lancaster.  Sharon Bitner-, Director of Music at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Lancaster, spiritual director and retreat leader.

Place: Precious Blood Spiritual Center, 3950 Columbia Ave. Columbia PA 17512.

Cost: $100- $120, depending on room amenities.  $25.00 non-refundable deposit.

For more information or to register, contact Alicia at 717 464 5907, or aliciaconklinwood@yahoo.com

 

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."   

This year’s Harwick Lecture will be held on Saturday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Hafer Center (2nd Floor Library).  The theme of this lecture is "Planting Tomorrow's Church Today."   The lecture/workshop will be given by Rev. Marja Coons-Torn, Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ and Rev. Geneva Butz, Associate Conference Minister, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ.

April 3 (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. in Santee Chapel – “A New Natural Theology,” a lecture by noted physicist, theologian, and Anglican priest John Polkinghorne.  The theme of Dr. Polkinghorne's lecture is "A New Natural Theology."

April 10 (Thursday) – Swander Lecture - Ron Cole-Turner, Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, lectures on “The Stem Cell Debates: Faith at the Frontiers of Science” at  11:00 a.m. in Santee Chapel and leads a Workshop on “Science and the Seminary: How Context Changes Everything” at 1:15 p.m. in Hafer Center.

May 5 (Monday) J. Philip Newell, Celtic Christian writer-theologian, lectures on “The Christ of the Celts: Healing the Creation” at 11:00 a.m. in Santee Chapel.

ATTENTION EDUCATORS!  If you are interested in or involved in youth ministry, this information regarding 2 exciting events is for you!

Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry: April 28-May 1, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ. The forum will explore the implications of Acts 1:8 for the church and youth ministry, examining what it means to bear witness to Christ beyond the walls of the traditional church. Missional theology and models of church will be unpacked, along with their practical implications for the ways we engage in ministry with young people. For brochure and registrations: www.ptsem.edu/iym or call 609-497-7914.

Faith in 3D: Dare, Discover, Dream, January 16-19, 2008. Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL. A tri-denominational [PC(USA), Episcopal Church and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship] event for youth (6th grade-12th grade) that will give them the opportunity to experience worship from a faith perspective different from their own, building relationships with youth from around the country, and experience the wonder and magic that is Disney World. Brochures available at the presbytery office. For online registration: www.faithin3d.org or call 800-769-0210 for more info. From Betty Duncan

 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Employment Opportunity – Director of Children’s Education

Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA
is seeking a Director of Children’s Education (part time, 26 – 28 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. Minimum requirements are an Associates degree and/or a minimum of 2 years experience in a Children Ministries or Education position.  Mail resumes to: Director of Children’s Education Search Committee, Central Presbyterian Church, 100 Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335.

 

 

Director of Youth Ministries  The First Presbyterian Church, York, PA(fpcyork.org) is seeking an individual for a 29 hours/week position.  The schedule is flexible.  The salary range is $25,000 to 29,500 with no insurance benefits, but eligible for participation in the retirement plan after one year.  Director will lead and oversee middle school & senior high youth fellowship programs.  Youth work experience is preferred.  Deadline is May 15, others will be considered if the position is not yet filled. Please send resumes to fpckathy@hotmail.com or mail to 225 East Market Street, York PA 17403.

 

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

 

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: 

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.

Wed, April 9 - GA Commissioners Orientation - 7pm at presbytery office

Thursday, April 10 - Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training 9:30 - 12:30pm at Bellevue Presbyterian Church; Finance Division meets at 9am at the presbytery office.

Monday, April 14 - Transition Team meets at 9:30 at the presbytery office

Tuesday, April 15 - The Presbytery meets at 7pm at Pine Grove Presbyterian Church

 

ONE GOOD IDEA

Check out the site http://www.vyew.com and send me an invitation to take your first on-line course!  The challenge is on!

 

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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