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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Click to View the July 2020 Video Ministry Update
Friends, we'd like to give you a brief video report on the work of our congregation as we continue to adapt to pandemic conditions here in Centre County.  You will also be receiving a newsletter later this week. We want you to know what's going on as we begin outdoor worship on Sunday, July 5 at 9:00 am and as various committees, boards, and small groups continue in service, prayer, and worship.

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We Can't Get Enough of Those Corona Concerts ~ Join the SCPC Music Showcase - Get Your Video In!
 We're still looking for folks to join this fun project during our “stay-at-home” time. Does your child play a musical instrument? Let’s create an open showcase so we can all see and hear our young friends. All families are invited to make a video of your child/children playing a song on their musical instrument and send it to Ned Wetherald (https://www.dropbox.com/request/6L5gisjzjhnaYbn85Ls7). Ned will create short videos of several musicians and make them available for our congregation to see.
 
All levels please! This is NOT a contest. We’ll limit it to children and youth up to 18 years of age for now, but if there is interest, we may have a “senior” edition!
This is a great opportunity for us as a congregation to get to know each other better and for families to have a fun special project during these strange times. Questions? Email Ned.

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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Lunch with the Pastor
We'll let you know when we can have Lunch with the Pastor again!

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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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 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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Suspended for the Time Being ...

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 - 2:30 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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Caregivers Needed!
We are hoping to hire for our childcare rooms!  
 
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have some experience working with children, be willing to get clearances or have them already, and will be interviewed. We have shift openings for Sunday mornings, Tuesday late afternoon/evenings, and Wednesday evenings.
 
Applications will be emailed to those who are interested. Anyone interested should email: Emma Sutterlin, Childcare Coordinator.

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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 Pastor Mike at michaelscpc@gmail.com.

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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).