Presbytery News

Beaver-Butler

    All-Church Gathering

    Date: October 4, 2026

    Beaver-Butler Presbytery is organizing an All-Church Gathering titled “Now Thank We All Our God” on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

    This all-church gathering will celebrate the faithfulness of those who came before and honor our nation’s 250th anniversary. Singers are invited to sing with the joint choir. Giving thanks with song and historical perspective will lead us to look to the future with hope.

    A joint choir rehearsal will be held at 2 p.m. Refreshments will follow the service.

    More information is available through a bulletin insert that is available by clicking here.

    Racial Reconciliation Awareness Book Clubs for Fall

    Date: September 28, 2026 - March 30, 2027

    Beaver-Butler Presbytery will hold two Racial Reconciliation Awareness Book Clubs for Fall on Mondays and Tuesdays from September 2026 to March 2027. Rev. C.F. Hoffman will lead the monthly discussions of the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson.

    In this book, Isabel Wilkerson gives a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.

    To register and for more information, scroll through the presbytery’s events calendar by clicking here.

    Beaver-Butler Presbytery Events

    Date: April 22, 2026

    For a listing of events occurring around Beaver-Butler Presbytery, click here.

Carlisle

    Presbytery-Wide Youth Lock-In

    Date: November 7, 2026 - November 8, 2026

    There will be a presbytery-wide lock-in at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Lebanon on Nov. 7-8. It will start at 6 p.m. on Saturday and end after worship on Sunday. It is for all youth in the presbytery grades eight through 12. The cost will be $10 per attendee.

    Youth leaders, be advised that if you have youth coming to the event, you will need at least one leader per congregation to stay at the lock-in. For more information, contact Rob Cochran at 717-272-9933.

    Civil Rights Youth Trip 2027

    Date: July 23, 2027 - July 30, 2027

    The Presbytery of Carlisle invites teens and young adults to take part in a powerful, faith-forming journey through the American South: an experience designed to bring the Civil Rights Movement to life in a deeply personal and transformative way. This trip for youth entering ninth grade through college ages is scheduled for July 23-30, 2027.

    To truly understand this history, we must walk where it happened and learn from those who shaped it. Over eight days, participants will travel from Greensboro to Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham and beyond visiting pivotal sites like the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

    Along the way, youth will hear powerful stories, engage in guided reflection and wrestle with how faith calls us to respond to injustice today. This journey is not only educational, it is discipleship in motion, offering an experience that is eye-opening, sobering, yet ultimately hopeful.

    At a time when our nation continues to grapple with the legacy of racism, this trip offers young people the opportunity to engage history honestly and faithfully, and to consider how they are called to be part of God’s ongoing work of justice and reconciliation.

    Interested in participating? Churches are encouraged to reach out to the Rev. Stephen McKinney-Whitaker at Derry Presbyterian Church at revmcwhit@derrypres.org.

    This is more than a road trip. It is an invitation to learn, to listen, to grow, and to carry forward a story that is still being written.

Donegal

    Curious Conversations

    Date: September 9, 2026

    On the morning of Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester will host a Curious Conversation, and the whole Presbytery of Donegal is invited. The gathering is not to debate or change minds, but to be curious and seek understanding. You are welcome to come and listen, share and ask curious questions.

    Registration is required and can be completed by clicking here.

    Fall Pastors Retreat

    Date: September 27, 2026 - September 29, 2026

    The Presbytery of Donegal will hold a Fall Pastors Retreat on Sept. 27-29 at The Welcoming Place in Akron. All Presbytery of Donegal Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Commissioned Ruling Elder Pastors – whether actively serving or retired – are invited to join colleagues for a time of refreshment, fellowship and learning.

    For more information, click here. To register, click here.

Huntingdon

    CLP Training

    Date: August 8, 2026 - September 12, 2026

    Huntingdon Presbytery will hold three Commissioned Lay Pastor trainings in August and September. The dates are Aug. 8, Aug. 15 and Sept. 12.

    To register and for more information, click here.

Philadelphia

    Fall Fest

    Date: September 26, 2026

    Join leaders and members from across the Presbytery of Philadelphia for a day of inspiration, practical learning, and collaborative conversation as we explore how God is calling our congregations to renewed life and mission on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Oxford Presbyterian Church. Together, attendees will discover creative ways to strengthen the ministry of their local churches and faithfully respond to the opportunities before them.

    The keynote speaker will be The Rev. Dr. Christopher J. Holland II, moderator of the Presbytery of Philadelphia and executive pastor of Salt & Light.

    More information is available by clicking here.

    Clerk of Session Summit

    Date: October 10, 2026

    The Presbytery of Philadelphia’s Clerks of Session Summit will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at the presbytery office. This gathering is for clerks new to their role, or clerks having served for some time.

    David Staniunas, the records archivist at the Presbyterian Historical Society, will provide a special presentation. Refreshments will be served.

    For RSVP’s or questions, contact Betsi Moise at databaseadministrator@presbyphl.org or 215.242.1400, ext. 329.

    Presbytery of Philadelphia Calendar

    Date: September 17, 2015

    For a calendar of events occurring around the Presbytery of Philadelphia, click here.

Pittsburgh

    GA Reflections

    Date: September 10, 2026

    On Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4-6 p.m., Pittsburgh presbytery will hold a town hall style meeting to hear what was decided at General Assembly, a preview of items that will require presbytery discussion and vote, and some reflections shared by the presbytery’s 2026 GA Commissioners.

    Click here to register for the event. A flyer for the event is available here.

    October Racial Justice Pilgrimage

    Date: October 4, 2026 - October 10, 2026

    Pittsburgh Presbytery Stated Clerk Carla Campbell and the Rev. Ralph Lowe are excited to announce that this fall they hope to facilitate a Racial Justice Pilgrimage to Atlanta, GA, and Montgomery and Birmingham, AL, for the presbytery. The tentative dates for this trip are Sunday, Oct. 4, to Saturday, Oct. 10.

    Travel arrangements and cost are still to be determined. Please let Carla or Ralph know as soon as possible if you are interested in this opportunity.

    For more information, click here.

    Pittsburgh Presbytery Calendar

    Date: September 17, 2015

    For a calendar of events occurring around Pittsburgh Presbytery, click here.

Upper Ohio Valley

    Trip to Sight & Sound in Lancaster, PA

    Date: September 15, 2026 - September 16, 2026

    A bus from Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery will travel to Lancaster, PA, for an overnight trip that will include a stop at Sight & Sound to see the performance of “Joshua.”

    The bus will leave from the parking lot of the Ohio Valley Mall at 7 a.m. on Sept. 15. Lunch will be at the Kitchen Kettle Village in Lancaster followed by a stop at Elva’s Barnyard Studio for a presentation of Patriotic Chalk Talk. The day concludes with a stop at Rachel’s Summer Kitchen for an authentic Amish dinner.

    On Sept. 16, a buffet breakfast at the hotel will be followed by a stop at Sight & Sounds to see “Joshua.” After the show, lunch will be at Miller’s Smorgasbord before the return trip home.

    Cost per person varies from $619 for a single occupancy room to $489 for a quad room. A $50 deposit is required when reserving a spot. Final balance is due Aug. 1.

    For more information and to register, contact Sherry Stratton [(740) 633-2044 or e-mail to slstrat@comcast.net, 71290 Ohio AVE, Martins Ferry, OH 43935].

    Know Your Boundaries

    Date: September 26, 2026

    Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery will hold ethics and boundary training for clergy and ruling elders Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church in Wheeling, WV. Titled “Know Your Boundaries,” the presenter will be Bryan Bass-Riley, a Pennsylvania licensed professional counselor and a certified Training Supervisor-Educator through Clinical Pastoral Education International.

    This three-hour training will cover:
    -Ethics and professional ethics (why we do what we do),
    -Boundaries and boundary violations (what we’re not allowed to do),
    -Aspirational boundaries (what we ought to do).

    Lunch will be provided afterward. For more information, click here or contact the UOV Presbytery office at (304) 232-3490.

Washington

    Inviting All Women of the Church

    Date: September 15, 2026

    Washington Presbytery’s Presbyterian Women are hosting a dinner for all women of the church and their guests on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. at Church of the Covenant.

    Among the topics of discussion will be “Intro to 2026-27 Bible Study: United through Christ, Bound to Each Other by Nancy McCreight. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Sharon Woomer of Hope Community Church in Charleroi.

    Cost is $15. Make checks out to Presbyterian Women and give/mail to Joan McCrory (724-222-5806) or the church office. Reservations are accepted until Sept. 6.

    Treat yourself! Invite friends! Enjoy an evening of fellowship and great food! Questions: 724-777-9240.

    Boundary Training

    Date: November 14, 2026

    Washington Presbytery will hold Leadership Boundary Training on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at Laboratory Presbyterian Church in Washington, PA.

    The Book of Order requires all leaders to have boundary training at a minimum of every three years. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion upon fulfilling this training. If you are unable to attend on this date, a virtual option with an exam will be available.

    RSVP by Nov. 1. To register, email office.washpres@gmail.com.

    More information is available by clicking here.

    Washington Presbytery Upcoming Events

    Date: November 10, 2025

    For a listing of events occurring around Washington Presbytery, click here.

West Virginia

    Connecting Congregations

    Date: September 13, 2026 - September 27, 2026

    Presbytery of West Virginia Lead Presbyter, Maureen Wright, and Connectional Presbyter, Sarah Sanderson-Doughty, will facilitate multiple Connecting Congregations events starting in September. Congregations are invited to come and share stories from their church with their Presbyterian neighbors while enjoying delicious food and generous hospitality.

    September’s Connecting Congregations events will be held:

    • Sept. 13 at First Presbyterian Church, Huntington
    • Sept. 20 at Fayetteville Presbyterian Church
    • Sept. 27 at Kanawha United Presbyterian Church

    All Connecting Congregations events will begin at 3 p.m. and end with a light meal so participants are on the road home by 5 p.m. So pack your stories, fill a car, and head to an event near you. If these dates do not work for you, stay tuned for information on more opportunities in other parts of the presbytery.

    Register for a Connecting Congregations by clicking here.

    Advent and Christmas Season Workshop for Preachers

    Date: October 4, 2026 - October 5, 2026

    An Advent and Christmas Season Workshop for Preachers hosted by the Presbytery of West Virginia will be held Oct. 4-5 at John XXIII Pastoral Center in Charleston, WV.

    Looking for ways to breathe new life into your Advent and Christmas season preaching? Join the presbytery for this workshop with Anna Carter Florence and Jake Myers from Columbia Theological Seminary, as the upcoming lectionary texts are explored together. Discover some new strategies for reading scripture that are easy to grasp and easy to adapt to your context.

    Move from text to sermon, as we consider what the familiar stories might have to say to us this year. And roundtable conversations will be shared about how the light of the world might be illuminating in congregations and our own lives as preachers.

    For more information, click here.

Church News

Beaver-Butler

    West Virginia Mission Trip

    Date: September 13, 2026 - September 18, 2026

    Glade Run Church in Valencia is planning its mission trip to West Virginia on Sept. 13-18. They will be working with West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps and are inviting members of Beaver-Butler Presbytery to join them.

    If you feel called to go on the mission trip, call the church office at 724-898-3503 or Dave Hasek at 724-510-1262 for more information.

Carlisle

    Cumberland Flutes to Perform at Derry Church

    Date: September 13, 2026

    Cumberland Flutes, an ensemble featuring more than a dozen talented flutists from across Central Pennsylvania, will perform Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary at Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey.

    The concert is part of the church’s 2026-27 Arts Alive cultural series. A free will offering will be received. Handicapped parking and an elevator are available.

Donegal

    Covenanter Scottish Festival & Highland Games

    Date: September 12, 2026

    The annual Covenanter Scottish Festival and Highland Games will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church in Quarryville. The day will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature music, contests and food.

    For more information, click here.

    A Weekend with Over the Rhine

    Date: November 14, 2026 - November 15, 2026

    The acclaimed musical duo Over the Rhine will perform at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester on Nov. 14-15

    This two-part event offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the art of songwriting with an engaging song-writing workshop on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (lunch included), followed by an inspiring concert on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m., showcasing their remarkable talents.

    Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter or a passionate music lover, this two-part event promises to be a celebration of creativity and musical artistry.

    Each part of the weekend is ticketed separately.

    More information is available by clicking here.

Redstone

    Trip to Creation Museum and Ark

    Date: September 16, 2026 - September 17, 2026

    The First Presbyterian Church of Rostraver, PA, is taking a bus to see the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky on Sept. 16-17. This overnight adventure steps travelers into a world where history, faith and wonder come alive.

    This trip is more than sightseeing — it’s a chance to grow in faith, connect with others and experience the Bible in a whole new way. Whether you’re coming with family, friends or on your own, you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

    Cost includes comfortable round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations for one night, zip line attractions, discounted admission to both the creation museum and ark, EncounterPossible riverboat cruise dinner, and the petting zoo and availability to ride a camel.

    Contact (724) 858-5965 or send an email to llamberski@gmail.com to register. Seats are limited, so don’t wait.

    Let’s journey together into history, faith and wonder.

Shenango

    Women Alone Together

    Date: September 23, 2026 - May 12, 2027

    “Women Alone Together,” a group of women who live alone but want to fellowship together, will meet once every other month from 2-3:30 p.m. in the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church social hall beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23. The theme is “The Power of Hope.” The focus of the gatherings is centered on transforming a life of solitude into an intentional circle of friends.

    The day will include engagement, themed conversation, light snacks and laughter.

    Future gatherings will be held Nov. 18, Jan. 13, March 17 and May 12.

    Questions should be directed to Jennifer Green at jeneg26@gmail.com or 724-714-8172.

    For more information, click here.

Upper Ohio Valley

    Mark King Concert & 175th Anniversary Service

    Date: September 19, 2026

    Grace Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry, OH, will hold a concert featuring Mark King on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.

    The event is part of the church’s 175th anniversary celebration, which will include a special worship service on Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Mark King will also be singing at the service. There will be a covered dish luncheon afterward.

Washington

    Living with Dementia

    Date: September 19, 2026

    Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church in Canonsburg will hold a program focusing on “Living with Dementia” on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m.

    Join Jean Royse, Certified Dementia Practitioner with Dementia360® at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, for a conversation about dementia and caregiving. Learn what dementia is and how it affects the brain, practical ways to care for someone living with dementia and why communication and education are essential for families and communities.

    RSVP by Sept. 13 with full name and phone number to chupcsecretary@gmail.com or 724-746-1330.

    For more information, click here.

    Presbyterian Women Horizons Bible Study

    Date: September 9, 2026 - May 12, 2027

    Bettie Stammerjohn, moderator of Presbyterian Women in Washington Presbytery, invites Faith United Presbyterian Church members and friends to join in a monthly evening Bible Study to be held at Faith U.P. Church at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month starting Sept. 9 and running through May 12.

    Group will meet in the lower level Choir Room. Using the PW/Horizons Bible Study, “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians” by Rev. Dr. Rhonda Mawhood Lee, the group will explore the letter’s setting, divisions within the congregation, and ultimately, the gifts given to all through the work of Christ.

    This will be a journey to Corinth and explore how Paul’s timeless message of loving unity calls us as Christ’s followers today. The study will be lead by Bettie Stammerjohn using a video introduction for each lesson and discussion questions.

    For more information, click here.