July 13, 2017        Issue 103
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Presbytery Staff

Ed Thompson
General Presbyter
Maureen Wright
Stated Clerk, Associate for Congregational Support

Rocky Poole
Financial Administration/Treasurer

Barbara Chalfant
Associate Presbyter for Mission

Susan Sharp Campbell
Associate for Educational Ministry

Nellie Howard
Resource Center Director

Mark Miller
Bluestone Camp Director

Amy Robinson
Office Administrator/Communications

Save the Date: Small Church Conferencesmallchurch

The fourth annual Small Church Conference will take place Saturday, September 23, 2017. This will be a 
time of joyful reunions and learning ways that God empowers our ministries, as well as gaining a renewed and strengthening sense of what it means to be the people of God, growing stronger together as a presbytery ready for an exciting, meaningful and confident future in faith, hope and love. Save the date magnets are available at the Presbytery office and will also be distributed at the next Presbytery Meeting.
Prayer List for Churchesprayforchurch
Week 29 - July 16
Beckley Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian, White Sulphur Springs
In Kenya: Kiandu (Kay-ah-DOH') Presbyterian Church

Week 30 - July 23
First Presbyterian Church, St. Albans
Spencer Presbyterian Church
In Kenya: Gitathiini (GAY-tah-THEE'nay) Presbyterian Church

Week 31 - July 30
Tygarts Valley Presbyterian, Huttonsville
First United Presbyterian, Ravenswood
In Kenya: Gitero (Gay-TAY'roh) Presbyterian Church
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edthompsonA Word from our General Presbyter
Ed Thompson
     This past Saturday, I got back from Big Tent. In case you've never heard of it, Big Tent is a national gathering of Presbyterians held in the years between our biennial General Assembly meetings. I've been to four of the five we've had.
     While I like General Assembly meetings, I love Big Tent. It has great worship, wonderful music and terrific speakers and workshops. This year, the Bible Study, led by Eric Barretto, a New Testament Professor from Princeton Seminary, was outstanding. (To be honest, I thought about sleeping in and just skipping Bible study, but I'm glad I didn't.)
     Big Tent is sometimes described as a Presbyterian family reunion. It was for me. Click here to read more
BOOOrder your 2017-2019 Book of Order
     The Presbytery office will order the 2017-2019 Book of Order from PC(USA) for a reduced price of $8.50 each. Reserve copies for yourself and/or your church by emailing office@wvpresbytery.org or calling Amy Robinson at 304-744-7634 by July 31. 
     You may pay when you order, or we will bill you when they arrive. We plan to have them at the Aug. 19 Presbytery Meeting, so this price is for those who pick them up there or at the Presbytery office (by Aug. 31). If you are unable to pick them up, there will be an additional postage fee, so depending on the number you order, you may want to consider that extra cost vs. the cost of ordering directly from Presbyterian Distribution Service.
sccSmall Church Conference set for Sept. 23
(From left) Pam Johnson, Larryetta Ellis and Kathy Barnes
at the 2016 Small Church Conference

By Cherrie Sizemore
     For those of you who have attended the Small Church Conference in the past, you know it's a wonderful experience. It is not just "another meeting" or "another seminar." It is a wonderful event sponsored by the Presbytery of WV to enable all of us "small church folk" an opportunity to network and learn from one another while at the same time worship, sing, praise and give glory to God for the blessings of our churches and how we fulfill our call in our communities. 
     As a participant and past committee member, I know I am looking forward to  September 23 and our next gathering in Summersville. Its theme is "Where Two or Three are Gathered: Rethinking Worship for Small Churches," and Mark Parsons is the keynote speaker. 
     Each year is a little different, as it needs to be as we respond to your evaluations. And this year, once again, we are offering you  something you can take home and put to practical use in your congregations. Hope to see you there!

Small Church Conference
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23
Summersville Presbyterian Church
Free, but preregistration requested to help with food preparation and space planning. 
powerFaith & Family Night at WV Power Park
On Friday, the West Virginia Power is hosting a Faith & Family Night, which includes a concert by the winner of New Life 94.5's Power Factor competition in addition to the Power's game against the Augusta GreenJackets and post-game fireworks. Churches are invited to bring their congregations or youth groups. The concert runs 6-6:30 p.m. and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. Box tickets are $6, and box tickets with a hot dog, chips and soda are $10.
yaadNominating Committee still seeking General Assembly Young Adult Advisory Delegate Applications
     The General Assembly will meet June 16-23, 2018 in St. Louis. The Nominating Committee is still looking for an older youth/young adult to represent the Presbytery of West Virginia as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD). The experience allows YAADs to get to know other young adults from all over the country, serve on a committee, interact with other commissioners and experience the breadth and depth of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Presbytery of West Virginia YAAD will work with the other commissioners to interpret and communicate the actions of the GA back to the Presbytery and should be prepared to present a brief report at the August 2018 meeting of presbytery in person or through electronic means.
     Young Adult Advisory Delegates must be endorsed by their Session.  Click here for the application!
      If you have questions or need more information on serving presbytery as a YAAD, please contact General Presbyter Ed Thompson or Stated Clerk Maureen Wright at the presbytery office.
adventCreative Worship for Advent workshop
Sept. 8-9. Register by Aug. 14. 
      Advent is fast approaching! Come to the Creative Worship for Advent workshop Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9 to help with your Advent worship planning and preparation.
     On Friday evening, Beverly Zink-Sawyer, retired preaching professor from Union Presbyterian Seminary, will lead participants in an overview of the Year B lectionary texts. Saturday will be a time to look more in depth at the texts as they inform our Advent preaching, music and visual arts. Workshop leaders will be Zink-Sawyer (preaching), Amy Parker (visual arts) and Mary Odin (music); participants will be able to attend two workshops of their choosing. Workshop leaders will provide advance assignments. 
     This event runs 7-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Village Chapel Presbyterian Church in Charleston. The cost per person is $75, due at the time of registration. Click here for more information and a registration form. 
     For those needing housing on Friday night, the WV Institute for Spirituality and John XXIII Pastoral Center offer very reasonably priced accommodations.
     This course is open to all interested people, including pastors and preachers, educators, choir directors, church musicians and worship committee members.
     Registration deadline is Aug. 14.      
nextWant to learn how to help your community plan its economic future?
     What's Next, West Virginia is a nonpartisan, statewide initiative from the West Virginia Center for Civic Life, the West Virginia Community Development Hub and a coalition of partners from various local organizations, including faith-based ones. It  was created following last summer's devastating floods to encourage community-based conversations about the state's future and help communities plan actions based on their ideas for building stronger local economies. 
     On July 25, What's Next, West Virginia will host a workshop to train those interested in becoming What's Next, West Virginia trainers and helping bring the initiative to their community. It runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Summersville Baptist Church. You will learn ways to connect to what's already happening in your area, reach out to involve new people and ideas, facilitate productive conversations, move from conversation to action and take concrete steps to organize What's Next in your area. 
     To register for the workshop, click here. To learn more about What's Next, West Virginia, click here
breamPrayer box helps connect Bream Memorial to community
By Mike Givler, Synod of the Trinity
     Having the back doors to Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charleston, WV, open on a Sunday morning was a staple of the congregation. It was an invitation to the community that anyone was welcome to come in off the street and enjoy a worship service. It also let people know that Bream Memorial was an active community of people.
     In recent years with a change in pastors, those doors have remained shut on Sunday mornings, and some members of the congregation wondered if the community realized that Bream Memorial was still functioning. It was just one concern that was brought to the Rev. Christina Tutterow when she began her interim pastorate at Bream Memorial a year ago.
     "What can we do for people outside the walls?" Christina said, recalling a conversation with member Dennis Hudson. "We have all of this need out in our community and we're not doing anything."
older
Check out the July Older Adult Ministry Newsletter for the Presbytery of WV
We invite you to print and include this newsletter in your bulletins, give it to your congregation and distribute widely. We hope it is helpful for your congregation and community. If you would like to add your name to the free subscription list, please email office@wvpresbytery.org. 
prayersCelebrations
First Presbyterian Church of Logan's new pastor, Kevin Guerink, will start Sunday. Additionally, four other churches have welcomed new pastors recently - Sharon Gearing to First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston, Claire Butler to First Presbyterian Church of Ripley and First United Presbyterian Church of Ravenswood and Jim Burton to Beckley Presbyterian Church. Congratulations and welcome!

Rev. Greg and Rev. Beth Stone welcomed granddaughter Rowan Aubrey Stone on June 25. Aubrey was born to their son, Dr. John-Mark Stone, and daughter-in-law, Cara Stone. 
childChild Protection Policy Assistance
     Every session, presbytery, synod and General Assembly is now required to have a Child and Youth Protection Policy that is separate from a Sexual Misconduct Policy. If your session isn't sure what to include, where to start, etc., h elp is available from people in the presbytery who have been trained to assist sessions with developing policies. If you would like to have one of these trainers work with your session or others in your congregation who are developing a policy for your session/congregation, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry, at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or Maureen Wright, Stated Clerk, at 304-744-7634 or statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org .   
commdirJob opening!
Director of Communications
First Presbyterian, Charleston
     The Director of Communications will design, develop and publish communication of church activities by and for First Presbyterian church staff and members, as well as promote the church in the greater Charleston area. The goal is to keep our membership informed, increase participation in church activities and reflect the relentless love of Christ into the community. Candidate should have excellent written and oral communication skills and be comfortable working in a collaborative team environment. Technical and creative skills in marketing, social media and media relations are required.
     The position is full-time with benefits through the Board of Pensions. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Please send resumes to nancy@firstpresby.com
curriculumNew curriculum for fall
By Nellie Howard, Resource Center Director
     Our denomination has sent the presbytery's Resource Center several samples of curriculum to choose for fall.
     First, for our children from preschool through 10 years old, we have samples of Growing in Grace & Gratitude. This curriculum has been applauded by educators across the PC(USA). With stories, activities, crafts and even more online resources, Growing in Grace & Gratitude is easy to teach and makes it easy to learn. There are even downloadable FREE e-books for teachers and students alike. The curriculum is divided into ages: 3-5, 5-7, 8-10 and a multi-age choice for 5-10 year olds. Come view our samples and see if it is what you want to order for your fall children's program.
     For adults, we have several choices... Click here to read more 
resources Introducing New Resources
callingALP/CRE Prep Program to begin in Sept. 2018. Could God be calling you?
     The Presbytery Vocations Committee is planning for another Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Ruling Elder Preparation Program to begin in September 2018. Are there people in your congregation who have gifts and skills for commissioned pastoral ministry or pulpit supply, who might sense a call to serve churches in our presbytery as Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) or Authorized Lay Preachers (ALPs)? Do you sense a call to do so? Prayerfully consider how you might respond or how you might encourage someone(s) in your congregation to be a part of this preparation program.
     More information will be forthcoming later this year. If you would like your name to be added to the list of interested people, please email Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.
webinarsFree one-hour webinars from PRC 
E-Giving Guide for Every Church
7 p.m. Aug. 8
     Every church can use electronic tools to raise more money for mission and ministry. For those who are just beginning to think about electronic giving as well as those who desire to have a more robust plan to increase generosity, this webinar will provide greater understanding of the tools available. Participants will learn vital tips about their website, dealing with objections, and right-sizing efforts based on the ministry context. Most importantly, church leaders will gain specific strategies as well as motivation to move beyond just thinking and start doing!
     Led by Horizons Stewardship Senior Ministry Strategist Richard Rogers. Click here for more information and to register.

Youth Ministry: Fifteen Minutes at a Time
7 p.m. Sept. 7
     This webinar will provide practical, engaging and developmentally-appropriate ideas for youth ministry. As youth continue to face increased pressure on their already busy schedules, youth ministers need to make every minute count. This will focus on creative yet simple faith-forming activities to nurture love of God and love of neighbor, which can be done in 15 minute blocks. 
     Led by Christine V. Hides, the children's and youth ministries directory at Northbrook United Methodist Church in suburban Chicago. Click here for more information and to register.

Digital Activism 101
7 p.m. Sept. 12
     During this webinar, you'll learn more about developing an online presence as an activist; balancing thoughts and feelings; when to mute, block, unfollow or unfriend and more. Includes Q&A.
     Led by sociologist/author/communications professional Meredith Gould. Click here for more information and to register.
records Missing Records
About three weeks ago, it was discovered that two bound volumes of Presbytery minutes are not in the office. The bound volumes of Presbytery minutes do not circulate; the past five years are available online and copies of 2002 to 2012 are available to be sent to you electronically. Anyone wishing to conduct research of 1987 to the present is able to work at the office by making arrangements with Stated Clerk Maureen Wright. If you removed the bound volumes of 2004 and/or 2010, please bring them to the office or call the Stated Clerk to make arrangements for their return.  
poetryFirst Presby Poetry Nights
First Presbyterian Church in downtown Charleston is seeking poetry lovers for its First Presby Poetry Nights this summer. The group gathers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays in Room A-203 to share favorite and original pieces. They will also discuss the different emotions and topics that poetry lets readers experience. First Presby Poetry Nights are free and open to the public. Call 304-343-8961. 
davisDavis-Stuart Executive Director
     Since the recent resignation of its former Executive Director, the Davis-Stuart, Inc. Board of Directors has appointed a search committee that has reviewed and updated the position description for the Executive Director. Applications accepted through Aug. 15.
     The successful candidate will possess an advanced level degree in an area of human services or a behavioral health field from an accredited graduate school. Experience in management in a congregate or group care setting is preferred. Prior experience in the financial aspects of nonprofit work is a plus.  It is desired but not required for the Executive Director to be a licensed behavioral health provider or capable of licensure. Because this agency is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a commitment to work with the denomination and the presbytery and to operate the agency within that covenant relationship is required. The Executive Director shall fulfill all requirements related to employment within a residential child care facility that would apply to staff primarily working directly with residents, including background checks and a drug screening. A valid driver's license is required.
     The mission of this agency involves providing residential therapeutic treatment to adolescents. While this is an administrative position, it is expected that the Executive Director shall interact on a regular basis with staff, residents, legislators, licensure officials, donors, potential donors, residents' family members, judges and court personnel. The ability to interact in a positive and meaningful way is essential to this position. Good written and verbal communication skills are important. 
     To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to Susan Perry, P.O. Box 112, Logan, WV 25601 or email those documents to her at perrychick112@aol.com.  
mission Flood Update: WV VOAD bridge project completes 35th bridge
     Two years ago, there was a flood in Mingo County. For 14 families on Elmer Brown Drive in Delbarton, it was a day that changed everything. The flood waters cut into the hill under the bridge they relied on, and the side of the state road caved in, causing the structure of the bridge to fall 3 feet, twisting the metal and making the bridge unpassable.
     The families were cut off from direct access to schools, medical help and easy access to supplies. As the water receded, they found paths to get in and out. But hauling groceries down a railroad track, across a stream, up a bank and a mile down a gravel road by wheelbarrow is a bit more labor intensive than driving home in a car.  None of the 14 families, though, had the resources to rebuild the bridge, and it was not a state-owned bridge.
eleanorEleanor Presbyterian Church opens the town's first Little Free Library
     Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front yard book exchanges number 36,000 in 70 countries around the world. Now, there is one at Eleanor Presbyterian Church! Located in front of the church at 205 Eleanor Circle, the town's first Little Free Library will allow people to take a book, share it and give books of their own.
     The Little Free Library was dedicated at noon on Sunday, June 18, following the church's worship service. Debbie Yeager thought of the library as a way for her church to give back to the community. Pastor John Yeager built the library as a replica of the church - even down to the red front door. The books are free for everyone to share and pass on. People may also bring their own books to leave in the library. Books will be for all ages and cover a variety of subjects.
     Each year, nearly 10 million books are shared in Little Free Libraries. Debbie said, "We at Eleanor Presbyterian Church are glad to do this as Disciples of Christ with love."  
loganFirst Presbyterian, Logan celebrates many blessings on Pentecost
Jim Musgrave preaches. (Photo by Lisa Haddox-Heston)
     On June 4, the congregation and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Logan celebrated! While a Pentecost celebration is not unusual in Presbyterian congregations, the number of things celebrated in addition to Pentecost was noteworthy.
     As a group, the congregation removed the older blue hymnals from the pews and replaced them with the beautiful purple Glory to God hymnals that were provided with a generous gift from the late Liz Spurlock, a congregation and choir member. At the same time, they dedicated and celebrated recent renovations to their sanctuary and received a new member into their flock. 
     Finally, in a time filled with very mixed emotions, they released Jim Musgrave from his covenant for interim service with the congregation. Jim has been a true friend to everyone there during the last 2.5 years of their search process. They rejoice that they had this time with Jim and will miss his Ministry of Soup, but they look forward to their new friendship that is set to begin in mid-July with their newly-called minister, Rev. Kevin Geurink.  
unionUpcoming events from The Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary

Church Business Administration courses 
July 18-27 
   These are core courses needed for church administrator certification by The Church Network, though any pastor, church administrator, office manager, communications specialist or other interested person may take them. They are Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Communications, Finances, Legal and Tax Issues and Facilities and Property. All are one day each, except Human Resources and Finances, which are two days each.  
     Week one is Strategic Planning, Human Resources and Communications; week two is Finances, Legal and Tax Issues and Facilities and Property. Cost is $670 for both weeks, $335 for one or $100 for individual courses; this includes lunch each day. 
     Additionally, people can participate in a one-day event on Saturday, July 22 that gives .2 CE units each in four courses: Technology Basics, Technology Trends, Self-Care for Church Administrators and Theology and Ethics of Church Administration. Each course is two hours, and the schedule, which begins at 8:30 a.m., follows the order of the list above. Cost is $25 per course.  Click here for information on these programs

Seminary for a Day -  Saturday, Sept. 23 
     In addition to two keynotes, participants can choose two of 12 workshops (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) to participate in. See the list of workshops here. Keynote speakers are Union's Richard W. Voelz in the morning and Duke Divinity School's Luke A. Powery in the afternoon. Cost is $25. Get more information and register here

Mission Possible: Embracing the Task of Strategic Visioning - Oct. 9-12
     This four-day workshop for pastors, church administrators and educators features Olanda Carr, Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation. He will lead participants to explore critically and statistically the state of today's mainline churches and who we are in relation to the larger church, as well as help them develop a mission strategy for their congregation. Cost is $195 by Sept. 25 and $250 after. Get more information and register here.

Pathways to Learning and Leadership
Online courses during the 2017-18 academic year 
     This series of online courses can provide educational preparation towards becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder or simply allow church members to increase their knowledge and discipleship. Courses run five weeks, with two hours of live, online instruction each week and about four hours of reading and homework, including some practical applications. 
    Schedule: Worship and Sacraments, Sept. 7-Oct. 5; Biblical Interpretation, Sept. 12-Oct. 10; Teaching the Bible, Oct. 19-Nov. 16; Reformed Theology and Church History, Oct. 24-Nov. 21; Confronting Racism in the Congregation, Jan. 9-Feb. 6; Polity and Administration, Jan. 11-Feb. 8; The Christian Life, Feb. 20-March 20; Pastoral Care, Feb. 22-March 22; Mission and Evangelism, April 10-May 8; Preaching the Bible, April 12-May 10 and Parables of Jesus, May 24-June 21. Click here for more information on the courses. 
     Cost is $100 per five-week course. Get more information and register here
beech Sign up for The Beech Tree
The Beech Tree, the Friends of Bluestone newsletter, is now electronic. If you wish to receive it, go here   to sign up!

*Also on the webpage
You will find located on the Home page of the website (scroll down past the photo) direct links to recent newsletters, Equipping Disciples events, Ministry Toolbox events, the Pray-For church list and Nurturing Faith Ideas for 2017, e-news Archives and more. Please let us know how we can improve the website and whenever you encounter any problem with it. Thank you.
Editor's Note:
In order to keep the PWV Newsletter  fresh,  articles sent 
for publication will generally run for two consecutive issues.  
If you wish for a piece to continue to run, please resubmit. 
We encourage you to reword, add a photo (or different photo), 
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Presbytery of West Virginia, 520 Second Avenue,  South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone (304) 744-7634, Fax (304) 744-7649, 

Office Hours: Monday -Thursday  8:30AM-5:30PM