News
In Memoriam
Rev. James Michael Moran
1950—2020
Posted October 19, 2020
James Michael Moran, 69, of Powell, OH, passed away on October 13, 2020 after courageously battling autoimmune interstitial lung disease.
Jim has served Presbyterian churches in Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania in forty-one years of ministry. He retired from the ministry on September 30, 2020 having served the last 13 years as the Senior Pastor of the Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church in Cranberry Township, PA.
Jim was active in the Beaver-Butler Presbytery serving as chairperson of the Ministry and Vocation Committee.
Children Can Be A Part of Giving!
Posted October 19, 2020
Recently a guest post was published on the new Stewardship Blog hosted by PC(USA) Special Offerings. It was written by Karen Keller, a member of Ohio Church in Aliquippa.
Karen’s piece serves to inspire others to involve children in raising money for mission. Well done, Karen and Ohio Church!
The Disease of Division
A Letter by Pastor Robin Swinsburg, Westminster Church, Sarver
Posted October 12, 2020
In his congregation’s newsletter, Pastor Rob Swinsburg of Westminster in Sarver, recently shared a letter addressing his concerns for our nation and restoring steps we can take. He felt compelled to share it with a larger audience. With his permission, we are publishing a version of it as a resource for churches in our presbytery and beyond.
Meet the Newest Member of the Office Staff
Posted September 14, 2020
Elaine Nucci started on August 17 as financial assistant to treasurer, Lauren Cesnales. Elaine is taking on accounting tasks such as processing remittances and expenses to allow more time for Lauren to work with church members and staff. When asked about her new position she said, “I’m looking forward to working on special projects as well and to meeting and serving our presbytery members. The work and support of churches has never been more vital than it is today.”
Sunrises and Sunsets
Summer 2020 at Camp Lambec
by Randall Clow, Director of Camp Lambec
Posted September 8, 2020
Have you ever watched the sun set over Lake Erie? Randal Clow, Director of Camp Lambec, can’t help but praise God for His stunning creativity at the camp’s nightly, lakeside campfires.
The sun has set over the 2020 camping season at Camp Lambec and, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, there are many reasons to praise God for the stunning masterpiece that it was! Randall shares with us some of the highlights.
Dennis Burnett
A Man of Many Hats
by Rev. Randall Clow
Posted August 18, 2020
You may have noticed that Dennis Burnett has a penchant for wearing great hats. They’re often wide brimmed, Indiana Jones-esque fedoras that balance functionality and fashion. Like so many in Beaver-Butler Presbytery, I’ve come to know and love Rev. Dennis Burnett. He has worn “many hats” around our Presbytery and he’ll be missed.
Concord Cares
Part Two of a Two Part Article
by Rev. Jamie Fowler of Concord Church in Baden
Posted August 10, 2020
We have learned how Concord Presbyterian Church in Baden adapted their congregational life to the coronavirus pandemic by adopting Concord Cares Guidelines. We also saw how they implemented evolving versions of live-streaming worship. With the warmer days of summer upon them, Concord used their creativity to attempt “drive-in” worship in the church parking lot. On that first Sunday, so everyone could see, Jamie led from the bed of a pick-up truck.
Concord Cares
Part One of a Two Part Article
by Rev. Jamie Fowler of Concord Church in Baden
Posted August 2, 2020
Jamie Fowler began her ministry with Concord Presbyterian Church on August 1, 2019. They were off to a great start—listening, discerning and discussing together who they are and where God might be leading them. With high hopes, they were forging ahead. Then March 15 descended upon them, like it did everyone else.
Coordinator for GA Nominations Requests Assistance
A more diverse pool of applicants who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, ruling elders, women, under 46 years of age, and from a wider geographic distribution is needed for the formation of the Administrative Commission on Mid Councils created by the 223rd General Assembly (2018) in response to Item 00-19.
The work of this commission involves, in part, approving the acts of synods to organize, divide, unite, or combine presbyteries or portions of presbyteries according to G-3.0502e.
The 224th General Assembly Gathering
by Rev. David Oyler, Temporary Executive
Posted June 30, 2020
The 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) was preparing to meet in Baltimore, Maryland in late June–until COVID-19 altered the landscape. Nevertheless, commissioners gathered, worship was celebrated, and actions were taken on critical matters through an online platform.
The 224th General Assembly Underway
by Rev. David Oyler, Temporary Executive
Posted June 23, 2020
With groundbreaking actions the General Assembly gathered electronically on Friday, June 19—without too many glitches. Not surprisingly, the Friday evening Session took longer than anticipated. In light of that fact, it became necessary to schedule a Saturday evening Session—again, an unprecedented action on short notice because it altered the schedule significantly.
General Assembly Goes Digital
by Rev. David Oyler, Temporary Executive
Posted June 15, 2020
For more than 200 years the General Assembly gathering of Presbyterian Church (USA) has met in face-to-face conversations. This year, of course, is different. Nevertheless, the General Assembly will gather on June 19, 26, and 27 through electronic means. You are most welcome to join in electronically and most especially to lift prayers.
Presbytery Office Hours Change
Posted June 8, 2020
Recommended by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Coordinating Team, the office hours have now been changed to 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. In addition, the office is open at other times, by appointment, if there is a need to access the Resource Center or the conference rooms for meetings.
Putting On a New Face
Our Presbytery Center building is in the middle of a multi-year facelift and maintenance upgrade.
Hymnals Available…
Songs of Faith and Praise (blue) — Howard Publishing Co., Inc., 1994
The Hymnbook (red) — Presbyterian Denominations, 1955
If you are interested in having them, contact ChrisAnn Goossen or call the office at 724-452-7515 X112.
