Issue 235 | April 13, 2023 | |
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A Word from our General Presbyter
Each gospel tells the story of Jesus in its own way. In particular, we see that in how they describe the events at Easter. One of the details in the gospel of John that I find striking takes place when Jesus is talking to Mary Magdalene. She does not recognize Jesus and thinking that he is the gardener and somehow responsible for moving the body of our Lord from the tomb (in her mind the best way – and maybe the only way that makes sense – to explain what’s happened), she asks him to tell her where he has moved the body so that she can go get it. Jesus then calls her name. Astonished and probably overwhelmed by joy, Mary responds by calling Jesus “Rabboni,” which means “teacher” in Aramaic. Jesus then tells her, “Don’t hang on to me because I have not yet ascended to my Father.” I can understand why Mary would want to hang on to Jesus. She doesn’t want to lose him again. She wants to preserve the Jesus she used to know. But the resurrected Jesus is – and is not – the same Jesus she used to know. We see that played out in the rest of chapter 20 of John’s gospel.
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"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 [email protected] with that information or note it on your registration.
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From the Stated Clerk: 2022 Session Record Reviews to take place in-person and online in April and May
The review events for Clerks of Session to complete the annual review are set. Clerks may choose between two Zoom events and four in-person gatherings. Each gathering is designed to support one another, share learnings and hear the latest best practices for Clerks of Session, and fulfill the Book of Order requirement to review minutes annually. All Clerks are invited to attend one of the Session Record Review events.
- Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. - Bates Memorial, Huntington
- Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. - Old Stone, Lewisburg
- Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. - Village Chapel, Charleston
- Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m. - Zoom
- Thursday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. - Zoom
- Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. - Bridgeport PC
For those attending a Zoom event, each Clerk invites another member of the session or another ruling elder to review the 2022 minutes. The Session Record Review Checklist has been updated to accommodate both Zoom and in-person events. The Clerk of Session completes the checklist section; the reviewer from the session completes the report section for Zoom events and signs. This must be completed prior to attending one of the Zoom Session Record Review events. All Clerks will provide Maureen Wright with an electronic copy of the completed form ([email protected]) or mail a hard copy of the form to Presbytery of West Virginia, P.O. Box 11720, Charleston, WV 25339. Once the form is received and the Clerk of Session attends the review event, a letter will be sent stating that the records for 2022 have been reviewed. The letter should be included in the minutes for 2023. For those attending an in-person event, the Clerk of Session completes the checklist section. Minutes will be exchanged at the review and the in-person reviewer will complete the section for in-person events. If Clerks of Session have any questions, contact Maureen Wright.
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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
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- BOP Toolkits
- Sending Benevolence to the Presbytery
- 2023 IRS mileage
- 2023 Per Capita
- 2023 Special Offerings
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 [email protected].
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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 [email protected] 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.
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Editor's Note: In order to keep PWV News fresh, articles will generally run for two consecutive issues. If you would like a piece to run longer, please update (with refreshed content, new wording and/or a different photo) and resubmit. | | | | |
