March 22, 2018        Issue 119
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stafflist
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 Facilities Director

Sarah Specht
Bluestone Program Director

Amy Robinson
Office Administrator/Communications
Prayer List for Churchesprayforchurch
Week 12 - March 25
Clear Creek Presbyterian Church
Eleanor Presbyterian Church
Gilbert Presbyterian Church
In Kenya: Kihora (Kay-HOR'Rah) Presbyterian Church

Week 13 - April 1
Second Presbyterian Church, Huntington
Liberty Presbyterian Church, Green Bank
Mill Creek Presbyterian Church
In Kenya: 
Wamagana (wha-MAH'gahNAH) Presbyterian Church and Nursery School

Week 14 - April 8
First Presbyterian Church, Oak Hill
Rome Presbyterian, Proctorville, Ohio
In Kenya: Gura (GOO-rah) Parish
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Ed Thompson
      Recently, I was at a meeting where the question was asked, "What would your hope or goal be for your church five years from now?" The first answer was "Survival." I didn't exactly stop listening at that point, but I kept thinking about that answer for the rest of the meeting and on my drive home.
     In some ways, I understand the answer and the thinking behind it. Or at least I think I do. I know churches go through ups and downs. They'll go through periods when they lose members, when money dries up, when things are tight. The very survival of the church seems threatened. If churches can just survive these downturns, they may well experience an upturn. 
listening
Listening to Our Churches, Strengthening Our Partnership l istening events, including Session Record Review & Treasurer Talks
  • April 8 at 3 p.m. - Gilbert Presbyterian Church
  • April 15 at 3 p.m. - Spring Creek Presbyterian, Renick
  • April 22 at 3 p.m. - Church of the Covenant, Grafton
  • May 2 at 6:30 p.m. - Beulah Humble Presbyterian, Elizabeth
  • May 6 at 3 p.m. - First Presbyterian Church, Oak Hill
  • May 9 at 6:30 p.m. - Beverly Presbyterian Church
mentalhealth
     On Tuesday, April 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the presbytery office, Kathy Dale McNair will lead the second 2018 Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox Course, about mental health concerns and how they affect individuals, their families and your congregations. Experience a new model for adult education that links faith and hope to loss, loneliness, anxiety, depression and grief. Kathy serves in the Presbytery of Chicago, specializing in mental health ministries. 
      Click here for more information, including a list of suggested (not required) reading. Click here for a registration form/flyer. 
FOF

      The  Festival of Faith will begin with registration at 9 a.m. April 7. Early registration has ended, so the fee is now $20 and can be paid on arrival that day. Lunch also can no longer be ordered. 
     In addition to the keynote, there will also be worship, a wide variety of workshops to choose from (including Earthcare Congregations, Children in Worship, Viable Volunteers and Finding Faith in the Fabric), several of our mission/ministry partners to hear from, a bookstore and fair trade coffee and other items for sale. 
        Click here for complete information and registration, which is also on the website. If you need a copy by email or snail mail, please let the presbytery office know.
      MARK YOUR CALENDARS and PLAN TO BE PRESENT for this  EXCITING EVENT!
resources
Introducing New Resources












youthcouncil
Youth Council nominations & applications
Due no later than April 30
    The Youth Council is a very important part of our presbytery's work with youth as it plans and leads two youth retreats each year and assists in promoting other events for the youth of our presbytery. There are openings for 6 youth and 4 adults. 
     Nomination/application forms have been emailed to all pastoral leaders, clerks of session, youth ministry and Christian education contacts. Click here to read more. Click here for nomination/application forms.
older
 
     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. There are three formats to choose from: two-sided letter size, color booklet and black-and-white booklet.
     Click for the April editions: two-sided, color, black-and-white
scholarships
Post-secondary scholarship information
Applications due by April 30
     There are loan and grant monies available through the Nurture Committee to assist with academic or vocational study beyond high school. Information has been sent to all pastors, Christian education and youth ministry contacts and Clerks of Session; it can also be found on the homepage of the presbytery's website or by contacting Susan Sharp Campbell. Application deadline is April 30.
     In addition, please note that those who have received loans in previous years are eligible to renew them.  To do so, they are asked to send a statement updating the committee on their past years and their progress toward a degree to the presbytery office, 520 Second Ave., South Charleston, WV 25303, or 
mission
Tell us how your congregation is engaged in Global Mission
     The Presbytery has a long standing relationship with the Presbytery of Nyeri. Many of our congregations engage in Global Mission by supporting mission co-workers around the world. Others do mission trips and pray weekly for a congregations they have connected with in Nyeri.
     How does your congregation connect? We are hoping to get a sense of how we are as whole are making a difference in the world. Please email missions@wvpresbytery.org and let us know what you are doing, so we can add it to our map. Thanks!

Don't know what the three initiatives PCUSA Mission is focusing on are?  
     Find out here!
bluestonesummer
Bluestone Summer Camp News
Summer camp dates
     The four weeks of summer camp at Bluestone are listed below. Camp brochures have been distributed to churches, so you can check with your church for information, or you may register online through the Bluestone website.
     There is a non-refundable registration fee of $75 for mailed registrations or 20 percent of the total cost for online registrations. The total cost varies, so please consult the website or brochure. Save $25 when you register by Saturday. 
  • Week 1: June 10-16
  • Week 2: June 17-23
  • Week 3: June 24-30
  • Week 4: July 1-7
Summer camp scholarships available
     Scholarships (registration fee assistance grants) are available for Bluestone summer campers, thanks to support from the Molly Grant Scholarship Fund. Candidates must apply through their local church; find applications here. Funds will be distributed at the discretion of the Presbytery's Bluestone Committee.

Volunteer at the camp
     Bluestone is seeking individuals who would like to help out for a week of camp. Volunteer opportunities include camp nurse (1 per week), key leaders (3 per week, to lead curriculum studies), craft leaders (3 per week) and general support staff (drivers, kitchen help, grounds and maintenance help, photo/media techs and extra counselor support). If interested, contact Sarah Specht at 304-690-6667 or sarah@bluestonecamp.com. 
eleanor
Students' food drive through the teachers' strike supports Eleanor Presbyterian
     Putnam County kids in need of supplemental weekend food have benefited from the efforts of Eleanor Presbyterian and their own classmates, who even worked through the teachers' strike. On March 13, a two-week food drive at George Washington Elementary School culminated with a food weigh-in, overseen by nutritionist Katherine Clark, to determine which classroom brought in the most food. Last year, students collected 4,119 food items, weighing nearly 1,000 pounds. Click here to read more
SCMT
Stewardship of Creation Ministry Team news: explore West Virginia parks
      Psalm 19:1 -The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (NIV)
     We West Virginians have many opportunities to enjoy the "work of His hands" in the areas where we live. Our state and national parks, lakes, forests, wildlife management areas, and camping areas are available for recreation, hiking, and nature observation. And, of course, our own Bluestone Camp and Conference Center provides outdoor adventures as well. Click here for a list of events families or church groups can experience this spring.
earthday
Earth Day Sunday resources available
     At Creation Justice Ministries, you can now download educational materials, as well as a promotional toolkit, for Earth Day Sunday, which is April 22. This year's theme is  "Sense of Place," focusing on living in harmony with local ecosystems and watersheds. 
     The downloads are free, but you will first need to sign up with some information about your church or organization.  Click here for more information and to download. Click here to join the Earth Day Sunday Facebook event, where you can connect with others who are planning activities for the day. 
sympathy
Prayer Concern
     Rev. Bruce Stevens, Honorably Retired, had surgery in Winchester, VA on Wednesday to replace a heart valve. Please keep Bruce and his family in your prayers. 

Sympathy
     The  Rev. Dr. Philip W. Zebley, who served as the Executive Presbyter of the Grafton and Parkersburg Presbyteries from 1979-1987, passed away March 9 at the Rydal Park Presbyterian Retirement Home in Rydal, PA. Click here to read his obituary. 
     Memorial donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties (PA). Please keep his family in your prayers.
davisstuart
Check out Davis Stuart's new website
     Earlier this month, Davis Stuart unveiled its brand new website, which features more up-to-date information about the care provided to the at-risk youth at their facilities. You can find it online at www.davisstuart.org.

educators
April 9 at the Presbytery office
     The next Educators' Gathering will be Monday, April 9 at the presbytery office, beginning at 10 a.m.  These gatherings are opportunities  for anyone involved in leadership in the educational ministry of their church, whether as paid staff or a volunteer, to share ideas, resources, concerns and support. We will end at approximately 1:30 p.m., following lunch together at a nearby restaurant for those who can stay. For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-645-4568 or  susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com .
pwgathering
Presbyterian Women Annual Gathering
April 14 at Highlawn Presbyterian, Huntington
     The PWV Presbyterian Women's Annual Spring Gathering will begin with registration and coffee at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at Highlawn Presbyterian Church, 2814 Collis Ave., Huntington, WV 25702. It will include a business meeting, speakers, worship, communion and the installation of officers (including new moderator Sheila Brownfield) before concluding with lunch.
     Registration is $5, due by April 9, to Connie Musgrave, 127 Wyngate Dr., Barboursville, WV 25504. Contact her at 304-736-3241 for more information. 
guys
Register by Wednesday, April 25
spring
Register by Wednesday, May 2
myc
June 9-16. Registration ends this month!
      Montreat Youth Conferences provide opportunities for youth in our churches to connect with hundreds of high school youth from across the country to engage in faith conversations through keynote, worship, small groups, fellowship and recreation.
     Youth currently in grades 8-12 are encouraged to join the presbytery's delegation. The cost per person is $350, with $175 due at registration. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31. Click here for information and a registration form. Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-645-4568 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com with questions.
tenebrae
Good Friday Tenebrae Service
March 30 at Riverlawn Presbyterian, St. Albans
     A Good Friday Tenebrae Service will be held at 7 p.m. March 30 at Highlawn Presbyterian Church, 2501 Washington Ave., St. Albans.  This service is sponsored by Riverlawn, Highlawn and First Presbyterian churches in St. Albans and First Presbyterian Church, Nitro. If you are near the area and are not having a Good Friday service at your church, you are invited to join them for this service. 
     Tenebrae services date before the 8th century and progress from light to dark, symbolizing the shadows that surrounded Jesus and the cross, with total darkness reminding us of his death in the tomb; as candles are gradually extinguished, a series of readings and psalms are chanted or recited.   
wpc
April 4-7 in Grand Rapids, MI
     The White Privilege Conference, now in its 19th iteration,  "examines challenging concepts of  privilege and oppression and offers solution and team building strategies to work towards a more equitable world." It allows participants to discuss "how white privilege, white supremacy and oppression affects daily lives, while giving strategies for addressing issues of privilege and oppression and advancing social and economic justice."
     This conference is endorsed by PC(USA), which offers a 10 percent discount code: PCWPC19. They write, " If we in the PC(USA) are serious about justice, antiracism, intercultural ministry, diversity, inclusiveness, and evangelism, we must all grapple with the personal and systemic sin that is holding us back from fully reflecting the Gospel."
     Registration is $280. Click here for more about the conference. Click here to register.  
jeremycamp
Jeremy Camp at the Clay Center
6:30 p.m. April 13. Group rates for churches.
      Christian singer Jeremy Camp will perform at the Clay Center on Friday, April 13, with openers Micah Tyler and MFC Worship. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. The Clay Center is offering group rates for churches with 10 or more people attending; they are $20 per person for the first balcony and $30 per person for the main floor. Call the Clay Center at 304-561-3570.
seed
Seed: A Place for Faith to Grow
April 20-21 at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church
sudconf
Substance Use Disorder Conference
May 31 at West Virginia Wesleyan, Buckhannon
      The West Virginia Council of Churches will hold its second Substance Use Disorder Conference on  May 31  at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. The keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Brumage, recently named director of the Office of Drug Control Policy in West Virginia. 
     Plenaries are Stages of Recovery and Kinship Care: Grandparents and Children in Crisis. There will also be workshops  on strategies for stigma reduction, organizing your community, working with families, and more, as well as Naloxone training (which is limited to 25 people per session). 
     The conference runs 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15, which includes lunch. Click here to register; deadline is April 16.
   
rocky
From the Presbytery Treasurer
Updated tax resources now available
     Two useful federal income tax resources are available from Board of Pensions: the Tax Guide for Ministers (updated for the 2017 tax year) and the Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches: What You Need To Know for 2018. 
     The Tax Guide for Ministers was mailed to active and retired Ministers of the Word and Sacrament. The Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches: What You Need To Know for 2018 covers the impact of the federal Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and changes to the Affordable Health Care Act, and provides guidance for the 2018 tax year. Both are available on the Board of Pensions Benefits Connect website. Ministers who have not received their copy of the ministers' tax guide or church treasurers who like a copy of the Federal Reporting Requirements, please contact the Board of Pensions (1-800-773-7752), or get in touch with me (304-744-7634, treasurer@wvpresbytery.org) and I will help you get a copy.

2018 Shared Mission Request
     Many of our churches have already made a pledge for 2018. Please check with your pastor and/or clerk of session to see that your church has returned their pledge card to this office and, if not, please do so at your earliest convenience.
alpCRE
     This is part of a series highlighting PWV's Authorized  Lay Preacher/Commissioned Ruling Elder Program. In September, we begin a new set of Presby Prep courses, which are prerequisites for this program. Click here f or more information about Presby Prep. Is God tugging at your heart to participate? Presby Prep is a great way to learn more. 
     First of all, I never felt I was called to be an ALP. I was quite clear and up front with the screening committee about this. I was looking forward to the education; I have always enjoyed learning, and I figured being more biblically literate wouldn't hurt as a pastor's spouse. And being a member of a small church, I thought I might be able to satisfy a need for small churches in my area who were temporarily without pastoral leadership or, as is more often the case, will never have the financial means to support a full-time minister. But this was not a call, simply another service I could provide as I tried to find my niche within the larger church.
     So I started the training, and it...Click here to read more
eating
Just Eating? Practicing Our 
Faith at the Table

Read here about this five-week middle school curriculum.
cook
Job opening!
Part-time cook/kitchen manager
First Presbyterian Church, Charleston
     First Presbyterian Church of Charleston is hiring a Cook/Kitchen Manager as part of a two-person team. The major responsibility is to manage the dining facilities and plan, purchase and prepare meals, receptions and other events at the church. 
     The position is part-time, approximately 16-24 hours per week from mid-August to mid-May. During the school year, weekly Wednesday dinners and two monthly Thursday luncheons are regularly scheduled. Other events occur throughout the year. Occasional weekend work may be required. 
     Please call the church office at 304-343-8961 for an application or e-mail your resume to nancy@firstpresby.com .
wvvoad
WV VOAD news
     West Virginia VOAD is the state chapter of the National VOAD. WV VOAD consists of volunteer organizations active in disaster response throughout the state of West Virginia. The VOAD's role is to bring organizations together and enable them to understand each other and work together during times of disaster preparedness, response, relief and recovery. T he group has a newsletter to share information and articles about their projects. 
umbrella
Umbrella found at Presbytery Meeting 
     We found a bluish-purple umbrella with faded writing on it when we were cleaning up after the Presbytery Meeting on Feb. 24. If this is yours, please contact Amy Robinson at 304-744-7634 or office@wvpresbytery.org and describe the writing. We can then find a way to get it back to you. 
beechtree
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 banner and grant buttons) direct links to recent newsletters, the Pray-For church list and Nurturing Faith Ideas for 2017 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), 
or change the piece in some way so that the news stays 
fresh and interesting. 

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