Dear presbytery,

Thank you so much for your mission and per capita giving in 2019! Through your generosity, The Presbytery of Donegal has supported over twenty-five churches in pastoral transition this year. We have helped to feed hungry families – all the way from Columbia, PA to Honduras. We have supported several of our pastors in family or medical emergencies. We have learned together about how to address issues such as seeking congregational vitality and standing against ongoing hate speech in our region. Thank you. God’s mission of grace for this world is truly seen through you!

As the end of the year approaches – please remember to complete your pledges and other commitments. If you would like to make an additional gift to the presbytery, simply put “Donegal Presbytery Mission” in the memo of the check. If you have questions about the status of your pledge, please contact the presbytery office.

Again, thank you,

The Presbytery of Donegal Leader Team
Final Call for Engaging Our Mission Grant Applications for 2019!
 
There is still time to fill out a grant request for funds from the Presbytery of Donegal Engaging Our Mission (EOM) Fund for 2019. 
 
EOM provides grants to individuals, congregations, and presbytery groups that have interest in deepening their missional impact through expanding existing programs, launching new ones, or pursuing learning opportunities to better prepare them to fulfill God's call. In the past year we have assisted individuals pursuing short term mission and camping experiences, aided congregations in the launch of new Christian Education and Spiritual Formation initiatives, helped with the costs of new technology for new ministry, and supported attendees to the Youth Triennium and Big Tent. If you or your congregation have a dream for expanding or launching a new avenue of mission, please let us know! Applications for funding for 2019 will be received until December 10 and can be submitted through the Presbytery webpage: Here
Highlights from the November Presbytery Gathering
What Happened at the November
Presbytery Gathering?
In addition to the Plenary Addresses from Christine Baer and Byron Borger (see separate article below), the presbytery worshiped with a powerful sermon delivered by the Rev. Yung Me Morris, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Mendenhall. Learning opportunities continued with break-out groups to follow-up on the plenaries, and other topics of interest, including an introduction to Godly Play. The Rev. Dr. Tracy Brown, pastor of Latta Memorial, was welcomed as a member of the presbytery. 
 
The updated Manual of Administrative Operations was adopted unanimously. One highlight is that the presbytery will now enjoy a five-year term with Stated Clerk Michael Wilson. A marvelous lunch was served by the people of First, York. Participants enjoyed the extensive bookstore offered by Hearts and Minds Bookstore. Participants also had the opportunity to visit a Habitat for Humanity Build offsite.
 
In their Presbytery Conversations, Executive Presbyter Erin Cox-Holmes and Stated Clerk Michael Wilson introduced a survey to determine the meeting time for the Spring and Fall Presbytery Gatherings in 2020 and requested invitations to host Presbytery Gatherings in 2020 and 2021. It was pointed out that a number of congregations are not sending Ruling Elder Commissioners on a regular basis, and that some pastors are not regular in attendance at presbytery gatherings. The Leader Team will be in conversation with those sessions to discover ways to continue to build our connections and participation.
 
Presbytery of Donegal Elects General Assembly Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate
The presbytery elected Commissioners and the Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 224th General Assembly, which will be held in Baltimore June 20-27, 2020.
 
  • Teaching Elder Commissioners: Sarah Kneier, Ann Osborne and Alternate, Larry Moir
 
  • Ruling Elder Commissioners: Julie Allport, John Graham and Alternate, Alexandra Barainyak
 
  • Young Adult Advisory Delegate: Julia Wilson and Alternate, Gretchen Wade
 
For Our Prayers
The Rev. Krisana Poontajak, Pastor of Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church, is on an emergency trip to see her bedridden mother and family. She’ll be there December 2-20 and asks prayers for this time.

It had been 10 years since she has last been to her family home. It’s your support to the mission and per capita funds of the Presbytery of Donegal which allowed the funding for her to be able to see her mother again, and reconnect with family and friends.

Thank you!
Local Church Events Coming Up:
The Polar Express & Holiday Craft Event
Honey Brook Presbyterian Church
Saturday, December 14, 2019
10am - 2pm

Honey Brook Presbyterian Church
4331 Horseshoe Pike
Honey Brook

The event includes unique crafts, lunch, and desserts for purchase. There will also be model train layouts on display and a showing of The Polar Express movie throughout the day with free popcorn and hot chocolate.
Celtic Evensong Service
Donegal Presbyterian Church
Saturday, December 21, 2019

Donegal Presbyterian Church
1891 Donegal Springs Road
Mount Joy

Donegal Presbyterian Church will hold a Longest Night Celtic Evensong Service. The theme - Passing from Darkness into Light will observe the tradition of communal prayer on the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year. The liturgy will be a traditional Scots-Irish evening service, following a format of the Iona Community in Scotland. It will feature Celtic music.

All are invited to join in this refreshing worship service.
Looking Ahead
Host a Presbytery Gathering!
The Presbytery Leader Team is seeking invitations for the May, September and November Presbytery Gatherings, as well as all gatherings in 2020. Please use this online form to express interest in hosting or contact the presbytery office: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PbyGatherings
Give Feedback on Meeting Times for Presbytery Gatherings!
The Presbytery Leader Team is also seeking feedback from Teaching Elders and likely Ruling Elder Commissioners on meeting times for the 2020 May and September Presbytery Gatherings. Currently, those gatherings are held in the late afternoon and evening, while the February and November Gatherings are daytime meetings. After a few years experimenting with this pattern, the Leader Team is seeking feedback on how it is working. Of interest is the opinion of Ruling Elders in the workforce, and whether this increases the likelihood that they could serve as Commissioners. Here’s the link to the survey to express your opinion on meeting times. www.surveymonkey.com/r/PbyGatherings