News and Events

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Get the latest news in our PresbyPost Newsletter -- Click here to go to the PresbyPost page where you can view and/or print the latest issue.

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​Tree Dedicated to Hobie Kistler
 Sunday, May 1st, was very special as we dedicated the new maple tree in loving memory of LT Hobart ( Hobie) Kistler, son of Mary Jane and Tom Kistler, whose life was lost in a car accident in April of 2021. Hobie was an active and much-loved member of the congregation as he grew up among us and as he began his career in the US Navy. Be sure to see the tree (outside the Tower Entrance) and the special plaque.

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Are You Handy with Your Hands??
The SMART (SCPC Maintenance And Repair Team) meets the third Tuesday of each month (except December) to paint, repair, trim, and weed around the SCPC building and grounds.  Come and join us!  Contact Don Hartzell at 703-347-5059, or just show up!

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Online Member Portal and Online Directory is Available!
 An online membership portal and online church directory is available for our members! We are pleased to offer this convenience - now more than ever as we are separated from each other.
 
Invitations have been sent out to our active members, active members who live out of town, active non-members, affiliate members, regular attenders, friends of the church, and regular visitors - those who are listed in our church directory - if you fall into one of these categories and did not receive an invitation email, please contact Martha Trout, Membership and Program Associate.
 
As a reminder - this information is provided solely for our congregation's use and is not to be shared or used for any other purpose.

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 Centering Prayer  ~ Meets via "Zoom" on Mondays from 7:00 -8:00 pm
Any relationship grows in depth with good listening. This applies to our relationship with God. If we wish to deepen our relationship with God, it helps to set aside some time to listen…to be still and to make space to be aware of God’s presence. One method for cultivating this stillness and space is through Centering Prayer.
 
Centering Prayer is a prayer method rooted in the ancient Christian tradition of the Dessert Fathers and Mothers who recognized the essential nature of silent, receptive prayer.  In this silence, we allow ourselves to be receptive to God’s presence and action within us.  Centering prayer is grounded in relationship with God, through Christ, and is a practice to nurture that relationship.
 
Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer - verbal or active prayer - into a receptive prayer of resting in God.  If practiced regularly, it can help us be more aware of God’s presence and action in our daily lives.
 
Whether you are simply curious about Centering Prayer, have tried it and think that you “can’t do it” or have an established practice with this form of prayer, please join us the third Sunday of the month between services in the Martin Room.  Guidance and resources will be offered for those who are beginning and community in praying will be there for all.

If you would like to be added to the email invitation list and receive an access code, please contact Mary Boutselis or Mary Jane Kistler.

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Spiritual Direction at SCPC
The Spiritual Life Ministry Unit would like to remind everyone that spiritual direction is offered through a number of individuals in our congregation.  If you are interested in exploring Spiritual Direction by meeting one on one with someone trained to listen and companion others who wish to discern how the Spirit is moving in their life, work, or relationships, please contact the office (238-2422) or the church website (scpresby.org) for further information.  Currently offering direction are Jackie Hook, Zach Maser, Mary Boutselis, Mary Jane Kistler and Paul Meister.
 

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Internal Security System in Operation During Stay and Play School Year
The internal security system will be in use each weekday from 9:00 am - noon pm during Stay and Play Preschool hours. This only affects internal doors in the education wing of the building. The system is not locking any external doors.  HOWEVER, to get to the main church office without needing to be granted access through a locked door, one may  go through the Fraser Street entrance of the Sanctuary and down the hallway on the main floor to the office.  No doorways between the sanctuary and the office will be locked on that floor. 

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Small Group Connections ~ It's not too Late to Get Involved!
We have a variety of groups happening this Fall, and we would love for you to get connected. These groups are an opportunity to be honest about how we are discerning our lives and growing in faith with people invested in our journeys and community. Are you ready to join a group?
 
Click here to learn about the groups and sign up if you are interested

If you have questions, please contact Allison Maus.

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Scam Email Reminder
 
Please be wary of scam artists trying to fool people into thinking that they are getting an email or text message from a pastor or staff member. 
 
Please be assured that the pastors or any staff member will NEVER contact you by email or text message with any urgent request to call or to donate money or purchase gift cards (or even a message saying "We need your help" or "are you available right now?"). Review any such emails carefully and skeptically; it's best not to even open them.  If you dig around a bit you will see that the email is not authentic and doesn't even come from the correct email address or phone number.
 
Please do not respond to fake emails. Deleting them without a response is the very best approach.  you can report these scams by contacting the Federal Trade Commission at their website or by phone (1-877-383-4357).

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P.O.L.O (Parents of Little Ones) Fellowship
The first Tuesday of each month ( beginning October 1st) from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, parents of a child under six are invited to drop the kids off at child care or LOGOS and come on an evening out of childless conversation, dinner, drinks, and fellowship with others in the same crazy stage of life.  If it’s your first time please RSVP by contacting Pastor Mike (michaelscpc@gmail.com) or call the church office.  POLO offers these special nights along with other parent focused opportunities to connect.
 
Because, let’s face it, parenting can be isolating and hard. This is why "POLO Fellowship" was created.  To help us connect, share experiences, and build supportive community with others as God intended. A donation of $10 is suggested to help defray the costs childcare & dinner for children . Registration papers are available in the SCPC office. For questions contact the church office at 814-238-2422

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​Make Dinner For Centre House Shelter 
​Would you like to make a difference for some folks who would benefit from your help? Here is a great opportunity for you: on the 2nd Friday of each month, someone (or a group) from SCPC prepares and shares a meal with the residents of Centre House.

Centre House provides shelter and food to folks who are experiencing homelessness or are in crisis, but also guidance to reach a more stable housing future. Residents must be over the age of 18 unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or legally emancipated. The Centre House shelter is located at 217 East Nittany Avenue and open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and is staffed 24 hours a day. There is no charge to stay at Centre House. 

Volunteers are asked to arrive at around 5 pm on the assigned Friday with all of the makings to prepare a meal. A phone call by the volunteer to Centre House on the day before will provide information about the number of residents to expect as well as any dietary restrictions that may exist. The volunteer(s) will involve the residents (who are required to participate as part of the conditions of their residency) in the food preparation and cooking as well as setting the table, etc. Everyone then sits down and enjoys the meal together. The residents are responsible for cleaning up after the meal. The typical time commitment for volunteers is approximately 2 hours. The kitchen at Centre House is fully stocked with pots, pans, cooking and food prep utensils as well as some basic ingredients like oil, butter, salt and pepper, etc.

If you, you and your family, or you and some group of friends/relatives would like to volunteer to prepare/share a meal, please contact Mike Cullin (814)571-9157).