Events Calendar

Peacemaker to visit in September

Amira Barham of Palestine will be visiting Beaver-Butler Presbytery in September as its peacemaker. Amira is a Palestinian, born and raised in the town of Beit Jala near Bethlehem. With a master’s degree in social work, she has worked with people in Palestine, the United Kingdom and the United States. Most recently her work has focused on supporting marginalized children in Palestine through “Sounds of Palestine,” an organization that uses music to enhance children’s self-esteem and impact positive social change and community involvement.

Her recent postgraduate diploma in Health Action Training enables her to utilize drama techniques for person-centered care and resilience with health care workers.

Amira will attend Beaver-Butler’s September presbytery meeting. She will be available on Sept. 22, 23 and 25 for church events. Congregations can invite Amira to speak at their events or join them for fellowship — such as youth, senior, sightseeing and picnics.

Joyce Hamilton is coordinating her schedule and can be reached at piecesjkh@zoominternet.net or 724-822-3494.

David LaMotte in concert

David LaMotte will be in concert Sunday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Wallace Memorial Chapel on the campus of Westminster College. Presented by the college’s Office of Faith and Spirituality as part of the 25th Wayne H. Christy Lecture series, David is an award-winning songwriter, speaker and writer. He has performed more than 3,000 concerts and released 12 full-length CDs of primarily original music.

David will also be available for music and conversation Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Cultural Center at the McKelvey Campus Center. Both events are free and open to the public.

A flyer and bulletin insert are available by clicking here.

Stuff They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary

Back by popular demand, David Wright will be gathering with interested clergy to discuss the sneaky surprises of ordained ministry and how to navigate those challenges. Join him and other colleagues Wednesdays Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, and 15 at 9:30 a.m. at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church.

Trucker Traveler Ministry Benefit Auction & Meal

The Breezewood Trucker Traveler Ministry will hold its annual benefit auction and meal Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Everett Church of the Brethren (119 East Second St., Everett). A silent auction will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by a meal of western pit beef, sides, appetizers and dessert at 6 p.m. The live auction will begin at 7 p.m.

The cost of the meal is $20, or eight for $150. The deadline for reservation is Sept. 21. Western wear/attire is encouraged.

To make reservation, contact Dixie Divens at 717-816-0379 or by email at djdivens@centurylink.net. Send payment by Sept. 21 to the Breezewood Trucker Traveler Ministry, PO Box 286, Breezewood, PA 15533. Write name(s) on the memo line of the check.

Bus Trip to see “Moses” at Sight & Sound

Moosic Presbyterian Church will take a bus to Sight & Sound Theatres to see “Moses” on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The bus will leave the church at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $165 for adults and $120 for children (ages 3-12). Cost includes bus driver’s tip, hoagie (turkey and cheese, Italian or tuna and drink), show ticket and lunch buffet at Bird-in-Hand Restaurant.

For more information and to register, contact the church at (570) 457-7750. Checks should be made payable to Moosic Presbyterian Church and can be sent to 625 Main St., Moosic, PA, 18507 attn: Shirl Caboot. Full payment is due upon reservation.

Where do we go from here?

Camp Lackawanna will host a gathering titled “Where do we go from here? How your congregation can act on gifts” on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Three-person teams from all Lackawanna and Lehigh churches are invited to attend this practical workshop. A continental breakfast, catered lunch and resources will be provided. The event is sponsored by a grant from the Synod of the Trinity and is free to all who attend.

Space will be limited, and registration begins Sept. 1.

Lackawanna Presbytery Calendar

Click here for upcoming events around Lackawanna Presbytery.

Visit from PCUSA International Peacemaker

Gaia Magdalena Luczak, PCUSA International Peacemaker from Poland, will be with the Presbytery of Lake Erie on Sept. 21-27. Gaia Magdalena is an activist who provides humanitarian assistance to people in crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border. Click here for more information.

If your church or community would like an opportunity to engage Gaia Magdalena during her visit to our area or have a special event she could meaningfully attend, let Melinda know in the presbytery office (adminasst@pbylakeerie.org or call 814-868-4891, ext 3). This is a first-come, first-serve opportunity.

World Mission Co-Worker Josh Heikkila to visit Lake Erie

Rev. Josh Heikkila (PCUSA World Mission Co-Worker, Ghana; West Africa Liaison) will be in Lake Erie Presbytery in November. He will be attending the presbytery meeting on Nov. 14 in Utica and will be available to preach on Sunday, Nov. 19. Josh recently visited the presbytery’s Ghana Partners in the Upper Northern Presbytery, so he will have lots of firsthand news to share. He will also have news on some changes happening within PCUSA World Mission.

Some ideas (and invitations) for you to consider:

• Lunch with Josh before the presbytery meeting Nov. 14.
• A gathering with Josh – potential dates Nov 17, 18.
• Sunday Worship Service with Josh on Nov 19.
• An afternoon or evening gathering with Josh on Nov 19.
• Breakfast with Josh on Nov. 20.

Where do we go from here?

Camp Lackawanna will host a gathering titled “Where do we go from here? How your congregation can act on gifts” on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Three-person teams from all Lackawanna and Lehigh churches are invited to attend this practical workshop. A continental breakfast, catered lunch and resources will be provided. The event is sponsored by a grant from the Synod of the Trinity and is free to all who attend.

Space will be limited, and registration begins Sept. 1.

Presbytery of Lehigh Calendar

Click here for upcoming events around the Presbytery of Lehigh.

Fall Fest 2023

The Presbytery of Philadelphia will hold its Fall Fest 2023 on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Abington Presbyterian Church. In response to the growing awareness and desire to respond to the challenges of the world around us, this year’s Fall Fest will focus on our Public Witness and Response. With workshops led by our Community Partners and a keynote with the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, the Director of the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness, the gathering will explore how we might respond to issues around gun violence, natural disasters and refugees. Participants will come away with concrete ideas to take back to their congregations on ways to respond and get involved.

Lunch will be provided for $10 per person.To register and for more information, click here.

Presbytery of Philadelphia Calendar

Church Safety Training

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance will be coming to Bethany Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to lead a course on Church Safety and Security Training. The course is designed for people who are on the front lines of greeting people and interacting with the public, including ushers, greeters, outreach workers, custodians and pastors. Registration is now open. You can register here.

A flyer with more information is available by clicking here.

Pittsburgh Presbytery Calendar

Mission trip to St. Alban’s, WV

The Presbytery of Redstone Mission Team has been approved for a mission work trip to St. Alban’s, WV, from Oct. 22-28. Anyone interested in being a part of this trip, contact Phyllis Frye for more information (pfrye1234@windstream.net or 724.468.3740).

Redstone Presbytery Calendar

2023 Small Church Conference

Join the Presbytery of West Virginia for the 2023 Small Church Conference from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Elk Hills Presbyterian Church in Charleston. The theme for this ninth annual event is “Ministry in the Wilderness.” For a flyer, click here.

Rev. Dr. Judi Slater, who previously presented at our 2019 & 2021 Small Church Conferences, will be the keynote presenter. Judi’s keynote will be “A Journey of Faith.” The church as we know it is changing and it may seem like we are wandering aimlessly in the wilderness with our ministry, but what if God is preparing us for and leading us to the promised land of blessing and purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today?

Additionally, participants have the chance to attend their choice of two workshops from three offered: A Journey of Compassion, Forum on PWV’s Future Direction and Commissioned Pastor: Could God Be Calling You? Or Someone You Know?

The registration deadline is Sept. 30. Register using the form at the bottom of the page here, or submit your name, church, a contact email or phone number, and your workshop choices to the Presbytery office at office@wvpresbytery.org.

More information is available by clicking here.

Michael Kelly Blanchard in Concert

Michael Kelly Blanchard will perform at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. For more than 40 years, Michael has written many songs (including Be Ye Glad, Danny’s Downs, You’re Welcome Here) that have been covered by a range of popular recording artists from Peter, Paul & Mary to Debby Boone to Gary Chapman. These songs have been on albums that sold millions.

As a solo performer on guitar and piano, Michael tells stories with a tender touch to help us laugh and cry at both the human condition and the renewing power of God’s unconditional love.

There will be no admission charge and donations will be accepted.

Noche Latina

Join Iglesia Presbiteriana Resurrección for a “Noche Latina” of music and Latin American foods on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will be held in the Donegal Hall of Bethany Presbyterian Church (25 N. West End Ave., Lancaster, PA). Guests can arrive at 5 p.m. prior to the 6 p.m. dinner.

This is a benefit fundraiser for the proposed children’s music program to start this year. Donations for the evening will be gratefully accepted.

Celebrating 175 years of faith in our community

Covenant Presbyterian Church in Scranton, PA, will celebrate 175 years of faith in its community this fall. An open house was held Sept. 17, and an All Saints Day Service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 10:30 a.m.

More information is available on the church’s website by clicking here.