Highlights
from the November 2019 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
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
Local Church Events Coming Up:
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
7:30pm

Old Leacock Presbyterian Church
3181 Lincoln Hywy
Paradise

The Rev. Robert W. Birch will preach at the Thanksgiving Eve Service at the Historic Old Leacock Presbyterian Church. Old Leacock Church dates back to 1740 and is located at Old Leacock Road and the Old Philadelphia Pike - one mile west of Intercourse. Come and worship this Thanksgiving Eve - all are welcome. Readers may call 687-6619 for further information or visit the website here .
Advent Service
Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church
Sunday, December 1, 2019
3:00pm

Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church
1199 Valley Road
Quarryville

The Octarara Covenanter Presbyterian Foundation's annual Advent Service, featuring   a mix of Scottish and American sacred music will be performed by The Root Blossoms, Thompson McConnell, an ensemble from Solanco High School and others. Donald Henderson will read the Gospel in Broad Scots.
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
Transitional Pastor Position Available at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Berwyn PA
The Trinity Presbyterian Church in Berwyn, PA, in Donegal Presbytery, is looking for a Transitional Pastor for a three-quarter to full-time position. The position will begin as soon after December 1, 2019 as possible. Click here for details.