Could God be calling you to the next Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Pastor Preparation Program?

We have the required 8 people registered for Presby Prep, so if you have thought about it, but the deadline got past you, it’s not to late to begin the ALP/CP Preparation Program in January 2024. The first year of this program is Presby Prep (see article below). Levels 2 and 3, the second and third years, consist of 9 courses in Level 2 and 6 courses in Level 3 that will meet on a Friday night and all day Saturday once a month from January-June and September-November (Level 2 only). There are advance assignments for all courses. While this program takes a significant time commitment, many who have completed it have found it to be a valuable experience as they serve as pastors in some of our congregations or serve as pulpit supply as needed. Check out this video from those who have participated in prior programs.

Registration deadline for Presby Prep 2024 extended one week to Dec. 8

Presby Prep will definitely begin in January 2024. If the deadline got past you, but you’d still like to participate, register by Dec. 8 in order to get the assignments in a timely manner. You can find complete information and a link to registration at the headline link. Questions? Contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.

Church Officer Training to repeat in February 2024

Are you a newly elected ruling elder or deacon? Are you currently on the session or re-elected to serve on the session or as a deacon? Would you like to know more about the polity (government) of the church, the theology that guides our work, the responsibilities of elders and deacons? Then, join us for Officer Training on Feb. 11 and 18 from 2-5 p.m. on Zoom; this is a repeat of the November offering. These two sessions will build on and connect with each other, so participants are strongly encouraged to participate in both. There is no cost for this training, but you do need to sign up in order to receive the Zoom link and advance assignment. Participants will need a current copy of the Book of Order for the assignment and classes. Register by Feb. 1 by completing this form or sending the information requested to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.

Getting to know our newer pastors: Rob Bane

Retired after a fulfilling career at Union Carbide’s Institute plant and then at Columbia Gas, Robert C. (Rob) Bane II began as pulpit supply at Falls View Presbyterian Church in Charlton Heights in May 2021. He has served as their Commissioned Pastor since January 2023. Rob reports that coming to Falls View feels like coming home to the small Disciples of Christ church in which he grew up. He says, “They are a dear people, and I have already grown close to them.” Parishioners say that “God sent him to us.” It is a feeling he fully reciprocates as he believes he is exactly where God wants him to be.

News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

• 2024 Open Enrollment for Board of Pensions
• Feds roll out new Form I-9
• 2024 Pastor Minimum Compensation
• 2024 Per Capita
• 2024 Shared Mission Pledge Request

• 2024 PWV Budget
• Board of Pensions: New Medicare Advantage plan
• 2023 Special Offerings

Getting to know our newer pastors: Rev. Julie Olt

Rev. Julie Olt has served Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg since June 18. She finds both the congregation and the community to be warm and welcoming. Both are fun places that are open to new ideas. The church staff is experienced and wonderful at their positions. These assets lead her to dream of a common vision and mission for the church and for the community as well.

D&E receives $5 million gift for new residence hall

Glory Hall is the chosen name for Davis & Elkins College’s newest residential facility that will stand alongside Roxanna Booth and Gribble Halls as part of the newly established Freshman Village. As an institution originally founded and proudly affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), this new name affirms the college’s faith-based heritage. Inspiration for Glory Hall comes from alumna and gracious donor, Kathy (Dunbar) Ramsdell, 1974 magna cum laude graduate, who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Her generous $5 million gift to her alma mater provides substantial funding for the construction of Glory Hall and includes the naming rights.

Huntington First celebrates 30 years of LOGOS

First Presbyterian Church in Huntington is celebrating a special milestone this year, entering the 30th year of its Wednesday evening LOGOS youth ministry program. The program was introduced to the congregation in 1993 as a mid-week ministry aimed at bringing youth and adults together in an atmosphere of grace, acceptance, love, and encouragement. Since then, LOGOS has become the congregation's signature intergenerational children and youth ministry. Some 75 adult volunteers and 45 children and youth participate in the weekly program.

Huntington First Presbyterian Church’s “LOGOS Kids” select gift items to pack in Christmas Shoeboxes for needy children around the world.

Children play a Bible-learning game in their LOGOS class.

Historic Presbyterian hymnbooks available

The Upshur County Historical Society is in possession of 70-100 copies of the 1955 red Hymnbook and would like to find a home for them. Hymnbooks are in good shape except the covers have faded on some. If a home is not found by spring, they will be recycled. Additionally, for historians who may be interested in a souvenir, the group also has a few copies of the 1935 blue hymnal. Contact Amy Tenney at buckhannon@hotmail.com.

Upright piano available in South Charleston

A former member of South Charleston First who is moving and would like to donate the upright piano she has to a church in need. If interested, you will have to have a few people come and get it out of the house and transport it to your location. For more information, call Lora Hayes at 304-545-3637 and leave a message on her voicemail.

Sometimes our lives and ministry leave us parched and thirsting for a deeper experience of the water of life. The APCE Annual Event will be a time of renewal and reflection as through keynote, worship, workshops, and more, leaders will address how God is able to renew us as we thirst for justice, thirst for life, thirst for kindness and joy. The event is designed for all in educational ministry – pastors, educators, volunteers, and others. It will take place in the newly renovated Union Station Hotel and Amusement Complex, and for those unable to be in St. Louis, there will also be an online option on Zoom. Complete information, including registration, can be found here. Early registration, which offers the lowest cost, ends Nov. 30. For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.