Issue 237 | May 11, 2023

Visit our website
Contact us
Click on an underlined title to go to the full article or link

A Word from our General Presbyter

Idols come in all shapes and sizes. I am not talking about the baals and astartes that we find in the Old Testament. Most of us don’t know how to spell these words, let alone what they mean. They don’t tempt us, though, and most of the time, we can easily avoid any idols made of wood, metal, or stone. However, an idol that many churches seem to get hung up on is that each church needs to have its own full-time pastor. That idol has many variations. For a long time, that meant (and in some cases still means) that the pastor has to be a heterosexual, white male, who has a seminary degree (preferably one who’s married and whose wife plays the piano) and hopefully has some experience. Over time, that model/idol gets pared down and begins to change.

From the Stated Clerk

Remaining 2022 Session Record Reviews

Two chances for Clerks of Session to complete the annual review are left - one on Zoom and one in person. 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.

  • TODAY at 6:30 p.m. - Zoom
  • Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. - Bridgeport Presbyterian Church

Good times at the Bluestone Spring Getaway

The Bluestone Spring Getaway was a great opportunity for family fun time and some lessons on sheep and shepherds. Joe Taylor celebrated his 75th birthday with his wife, Debbie, and their two sons and their families. On Friday night, Pastor John Yeager showed a video of how shepherds separate sheep and goats in Kapal, Kazakhstan. Characteristics of both animals and the shepherds were defined by all. On Saturday morning, adults and children split and did Bible study on how sheep are a common metaphor in scripture. On Saturday night, everyone played games, including ping pong. On Sunday, a worship service was conducted recognizing Good Shepherd Sunday. Special thanks to Mark and Cheryl Miller for being great hosts. 

Teri McDowell Ott books for sale from the Presbytery

Teri McDowell Ott was this year’s Festival of Faith keynote presenter. We have two copies of her book, Necessary Risk: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face, left over if anyone would like to purchase them. They are $15 each. Interested? Contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428.  

WVMAW introduces new Director in Training

As the season begins to really roll in 2023, WVMAW wants to share with you some exciting news. Introducing Peyton Ballard, the Director in Training who will become the next Executive Director of WV Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps. Executive Director Joan Stewart says, “For all of you with whom I have worked for these 18 years, I will be working with Peyton through September.”

The PCUSA is on PBS this month

This month, U.S. households can view the PCUSA on “Viewpoint,” which produces high-quality social and educational documentaries with the mission of positively impacting our communities and the world. The PCUSA segment focuses on the denomination’s Matthew 25 commitment to creating healthy, just communities and a radically inclusive world. In addition to the full segment – about 6.5 minutes – a shorter version will air across a myriad of cable networks like CNN and HLN. See a 30-second promo!

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

Two part-time jobs available at Charleston's Kanawha United

Kanawha United, located in downtown Charleston, has two part-time positions open: a Director of Children & Youth Ministries (10 hours a week, $20 per hour, job description) and a custodian (20 hours a week, $15 per hour, job description). Experience is preferred. Please share with anyone in the Kanawha Valley who might have the requisite skills. Questions? Call Marjorie Cooke at 304-541-9657. Interested? Apply by mail to Kanawha United Presbyterian Church, Attn: Marjorie Cooke, 1009 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301.

230304EWorientation23-227-1500x1000 image

Moving Mountains

By Bex Law, Marshall University | For Presbyterians Today

(...) I am a non-traditional student completing my undergraduate degree. I started at 25. I have no regrets in waiting, because I was not ready for the commitment and discipline college requires when I was 18. Now I enjoy school, homework, and getting involved, which has, by the grace of God, led me to participating in the 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), and hopefully creating a CSW at my university. The first group I got involved in at Marshall University was Marshall UKIRK. Before coming to school, I was not a practicing Christian. I was raised Southern Baptist, and as a queer, independent, liberal woman, a relationship with God and the church was challenging for me...

QUICK LINKS

Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network

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.
LinkedIn Share This Email