To Our Congregations
A Message Regarding the Coronavirus
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In life and in death we belong to God.
Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit,
we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel,
whom alone we worship and serve.
In a broken and fearful world
the Spirit gives us courage
to pray without ceasing,
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior. . .
In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit,
we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks
and to live holy and joyful lives,
even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth,
praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
With believers in every time and place,
we rejoice that nothing in life or in death
can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~from the PC(USA) Brief Statement of Faith
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Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The past week has been momentous. We have watched the relentless march of COVID-19 across the globe. We have witnessed the equally virulent spread of panic. And we have seen stunning leadership emerge to calm anxiety and to work for the common good.
In this rapidly changing situation, Executive Presbyter Erin Cox-Holmes and Stated Clerk Michael Wilson have been in frequent contact with our pastors and clerks of session to share best practices, offer support and coordinate response. The letter of Friday, March 13, 2020 to church leaders is attached below.
In such a time as this let us all:
- Remember that God is our ever-present help. Let us be vigilant in prayer for one another and our globe.
- Increase in Empathy. May we find ways to connect with the isolated, those who are hungry or homeless, the elderly. Let us support our own vulnerable members and let us find ways to partner with other groups in our communities to meet rapidly growing needs.
- Grow in Creativity. Already many leaders are developing ways to worship together through live-streaming, phone or video conferencing, Facebook groups, Member care check-ins
- Be Faithful in Stewardship. Your congregation depends upon your faithful stewardship to maintain the mission and ministry to which Christ is calling you. Your congregation might already have online giving available, or you might be able to use bill pay through your online banking. If there is a hiatus in worship, do not let your giving lapse.
If there is any way that we can be of support to you, do not hesitate to reach out.
God’s Blessings to each of you!
Erin Cox-Holmes & Michael Wilson
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Iglesia Renecar Youth Group
Thank you for your support of
Donegal Presbytery mission!
Through your generosity, we support efforts like the Iglesia Renecar youth group. On February 29, 2020, 14 of their youth went ice skating (13 for the first time!).
They went to the Blue Cross River Rink, grew in unity, and learned about God's love through a devotional before they life. They have a youth retreat scheduled for April and have 25 youth signed up so far. Please be praying for this great ministry. And thank you!
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You Might Be Interested In . . .
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Peace, Love &
Understanding
A special Wayside worship concert with
Grace Notes Contemporary Praise Band
March 22, 2020
6:30pm
Wayside Presbyterian Church
600 Stony Battery Rd
Landisville
Join us for this special musical concert featuring music of the 60’s and 70’s.
Wayside’s own
Grace Notes
contemporary praise band will take us on a journey down memory lane as they present over 30 popular songs of fun, freedom and co-existence. The set list includes hits by Joni Mitchell, The Lovin' Spoonful, Otis Redding, Tommy James & The Shondells, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Turtles, The Byrds, John Lennon and more.
Doors opening at 6:00 p.m. with the concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served before and after the concert.
The concert is free and open to the public - Tie-dye attire welcome!
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The Spotlight Concert Series at Trinity Presbyterian Church (Berwyn, PA) continues on Saturday, April 4th at 7pm with three Country Music #1 hit-makers. Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Craig Bickhardt (“In Between Dances”-Pam Tillis) and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Thom Schuyler (“Love Will Turn You Around”-Kenny Rogers) and Tony Arata (“The Dance”-Garth Brooks) unite with drummer Tommy Geddes. Join us in the sanctuary for great music and stories.
All are welcome to this free-will concert.
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The Brilliance in Concert
Come enjoy an evening with The Brilliance along with string, wind, and brass instrumentalists in Westminster's beautiful sanctuary.
April 17, 2010
6:30pm - Doors Open
7:30pm - Show
Westminster Presbyterian Church
10 West Pleasant Grove Road
West Chester, PA 19382
The Brilliance’s acoustic-electric, symphonic-pop songs invite you to step outside yourself; to see the world through the eyes of the other, the stranger, and those you may consider your enemy. The band is comprised of songwriter David Gungor and composer John Arndt, who crafted the new album in collaboration with Biola University Orchestra and Chorus.
Early Bird pricing is still available with this code!
PRESBY
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Future Church Symposium
Saturday, April 18, 2020
9:00am-4:00pm
2434 Wilmington Rd. New Castle, PA 16105
$35 (Including Lunch)
for registration and more info
here
Pastor Jordan Rimmer and Northminster Church in New Castle, PA will host the second annual Future Church Symposium.
Author and church strategist Reggie McNeal will spend the day talking about where the world is going and how to be a church that is ready for the future. Throughout the day there will also be time for question and answer. The Symposium will be 9am-4pm and is $35 including lunch. Reggie will also be preaching at Northminster the next day.
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Financial Peace University (FPU)
Sundays
9-week class: April 19 - June 14
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Highland Presbyterian Church
500 E Roseville Rd
Lancaster, PA
Highland Presbyterian Church, Lancaster PA is coordinating
Financial Peace University
(FPU), a course that is nine-lessons designed to help you build a budget, dump debt, grow your wealth, and leave money stress behind! Each lesson, taught by Dave Ramsey and his team of financial experts, is based on biblical wisdom and common sense. Nearly 6 million people who have used Financial Peace University to pay off debt, save and invest in the future.
Investment: Time & $99 for member workbook and 1 yr membership with access to online tools to build on the journey.
The class is open to both Highland members and the outside community.
Each class is set up with first showing a Ramsey video, then tools and discussion on the topic.
Feel free to check out Dave Ramsey’s website for more information on his plan.
Contact Liz Hagg, Cell/Text 717-875-4534
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E.A.P.C.E. EVENT
Eastern Association of Presbyterian Church Educators
April 27-29, 2020
Rhodes Grove Conference Center
7693 Browns Mill Road
Chambersburg, PA
Keynote: John Roberto
"Creating a culture of Lifelong Faith Formation"
Worship Leader:
Rev. Dr. Anna Pinckney Straight
Music:
Anne Marie Juliano
More Info and registration form
HERE
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Stewardship
Kaleidoscope
Real Tools for Real Ministry
September 21-23, 2020
Cincinnati, OH
The annual Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference offers education, worship experiences and amazing opportunities for growth in stewardship and generosity.
Keynote speakers this year will include:
- Bob Sitze – author of Stewardshift: An Economia for Congregational Change
- Denise Anderson – Coordinator for Racial and Intercultural Justice, Presbyterian Mission Agency
- Jon Wolf - Pastor of Digital Engagement & Faith Formation, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Overland Park, KS.
We will have over 40 workshops providing the resources you need to address change in stewardship.
More info and registration
HERE
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Walk in the footsteps of Jesus
with 10 days in the Holy Land!
Holy Land Pilgrimage
November 5 - 16, 2020
Led by Rev. Dr. Robert & Dorothy Larson
Join the Larsons on an all-inclusive Holy Land pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Galilee & more!
Cost includes transportation from Lancaster, hotels, entrance fees, daily buffet breakfast/dinners, tips and more!
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Directorship Position
Central Presbyterian Church
100 West Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
Central Presbyterian Church in Donwingtown is seeking a director for a nonprofit preschool. Part-time employment with flexibility in scheduling is required. CPC is seeking a person with strong skills working with children ages 3 to 5 years and parents; along with networking with other preschools. Organizational and leadership skills are a must. The desire to have all children be successful and a “can do” attitude are sought qualities. A minimum of a 2-year college degree and experience working with children.
Forward resume to John Warren at Central Presbyterian (address above) or
[email protected]
.
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Temporary Administrator Position
Central Presbyterian Church
100 West Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
Central Presbyterian Church is seeking a temporary office administrator (likely 2-8 weeks).
Responsibilities include warmly welcoming those who enter the church during the week, formatting and printing of bulletins, answering phones and emails in the church office, coordinating with ministry leaders and office volunteers, and supporting the work of the pastors.
Must be proficient with the Office 365 Suite (Word, One Drive, SharePoint), experience in a church office a plus. Hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm and Friday from 8:30am-2pm. Compensation is $18/hr. Please email a resume or questions to
[email protected]
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