"Still Seeking to be Faithful: Creative Conflict Transformation in a Divided Age"

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20 at Village Chapel, Charleston and on Zoom

Registration deadline is TODAY!

One of the realities we are facing in our churches, our communities, and our state today is relating with others with whom we don’t agree. In a time of heightened partisanship and pronounced divisions, it is harder than ever to maintain the unity of our communities. After over 3 years of Covid distancing us and elections dividing us, the pandemic and politics have taken their toll on our wellbeing. Starting with “Seeking to Be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement,” published by the PCUSA Peacemaking Program several years ago, but still relevant, this event will explore best practices, theological and biblical guidelines, new models, and creative strategies to not only hold the church together but also to strengthen the ties that bind us together in these disruptive and disagreeable times. It will be led by Carl Horton, the coordinator for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Interim Coordinator for the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP). You may register online at www.wvpresbytery.org and pay with a credit card, or download the form and send it, with a check, to Presbytery of WV, P.O. Box 11720, Charleston, WV 25339. The cost is $40. If you wish to participate by Zoom, please email susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com with that information or note it on your registration.

News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

• New West Virginia tax tables available now
• Tax guides & housing allowance letter
• 2023 Shared Mission Pledge Request
• PDA assisting with Cyclone Freddy
• Employee or Independent Contractor

• BOP Toolkits
• Sending Benevolence to the Presbytery
• 2023 IRS mileage
• 2023 Per Capita
• 2023 Special Offerings

Rev. James O. "Jim" Leitch

Jim, an Honorably Retired minister member of the presbytery, passed away on Easter Sunday. Arrangements have not been made at this time, but we will share more information when it becomes available. Please keep his wife, Marcia, in your prayers.

Mark Brent Armentrout

Mark, who was Clerk of Session for 14 years at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elkins, passed away April 6 at age 68 after a months-long battle with brain cancer. Click here for his obituary. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 12, at Davis Memorial. Memorial donations may be made to the Randolph County Humane Society, PO Box 785, Elkins, WV 26241 or the Humane Society of Harrison County, 2450 Saltwell Rd., Shinnston, WV 126431. Please keep his family, including his beloved cats, Baby Cat, Scottie, and Sammie, in your prayers.

William Andrew "Bill" Campbell

Bill was the father of Elizabeth Campbell-Maleke, minister of Waverly-Bethel Presbyterian Church and Williamstown First Presbyterian Church. Recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, he passed away on April 3, following a stroke eight days earlier. Click here for his obituary; an outdoor memorial service will take place this summer. Please keep Elizabeth, her mother Diane, and her whole family in your prayers.

Beckley Presbyterian to host All Women of Faith Gathering

The event, We Are One in the Spirit, based on Ephesians 4: 4-6, will run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at the church. It will focus on God in our lives through worship, song, and fellowship. The registration deadline is this Saturday. All are invited.

Synod "TED Talk" highlights Fairmont First Presbyterian

At the October 2022 Synod Assembly gathering, the Sunday night program included several videos and talks highlighting ministries and initiatives in Synod congregations and presbyteries. The presentations were so well received that they are being shared on the Synod’s YouTube channel for use as a Sunday morning “Minute for Mission” or as a conversation piece during a weekday Bible study. One of the two "TED Talks" being shared this month looks at Fairmont First Presbyterian's Clothing Street Store ministry, where an area is set up along the sidewalk for people to both donate clothing and also take an item if they are in need. To see all of the videos released to date, click here.

Free items available from the PWV

The presbytery office has several items available for free, with pickup at our storage space at Charleston First Presbyterian Church. First, pictured at right, is a hutch desk. Second, is a 40-gallon wheeled storage tote with handle, and third is a set of two blue shelves that each measure 3 feet wide by 7 feet tall by 9.5 inches deep. Interested? Contact Amy Robinson at 304-744-7634 or office@wvpresbytery.org.

Watch Synod of the Trinity grant workshops

The Synod of the Trinity recently provided two online grant workshops that focused on helping grant-seekers with the tools and knowledge to approach funders and apply for the financial support that will push the difference-making initiatives to the next level. The first, "Grant-Seeking: Creating Relationships with Funders," gives you the research tools to pinpoint potential foundations and funding resources within your community and our region. Additional resources from the workshop are these helpful books: The Fundraiser's Guide to Irresistible Communications; It's Not Just About the Money: How to Build Authentic Major Donor Relationships; The Essential Fundraising Handbook for Small Nonprofits; Capital Campaigns: Strategies That Work; and Building Donor Loyalty: The Fundraiser's Guide to Increasing Lifetime Value. The second workshop, "Writing the Grant: How to Start and What to Share," provides the framework and confidence to apply for a grant outside of our denomination, and will teach you how to present your case, and your church or other entity, in the most appealing and critical light.

Request a copy of the 2023 Presbytery Directory

We are currently working on mailing out copies of the directory to those who have asked. If you haven't yet asked, but are interested in one, don't worry; we ordered several extra copies. If you would like to have one of those, please email office@wvpresbytery.org or call Amy Robinson at 304-744-7634. Remember, the directory is also on our website; if you need the password to access it there, contact Amy.