Board of Pensions 2025 Employer Agreement Deadline and Changes

If you are the pastor whose medical benefits are through the Board of Pensions, if you are the Clerk of Session or the Treasurer of your church, if you are the employer representative to the Board of Pensions, we hope that you have been following the changes to the medical coverage through the Board of Pensions that begins January 1, 2025. The deadline for employers to review their employer agreements is October 4. Please read through the linked information and take action now!

Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox: A Difficult Conversation

9 AM to 1 PM, Saturday, Oct. 26. Registration deadline is Monday!

This course will look at where American Protestantism is today in a time of declining membership and churches, with particular focus on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through presentation and breakout groups, participants will be encouraged that they are not alone; claim hope as resurrection people; identify tools that can help the session clarify its mission and vision and tell the congregation’s story well; and learn about best practices and resources. The registration deadline is Sept. 30 to give participants time to go online prior to Oct. 5 to complete the new “Congregational Financial Health Assessment” on the Presbyterian Foundation’s website; this will generate a report for your congregation, identifying where your congregation is doing well, areas that need attention and those that beg for immediate review. Register here! Learn more in this video from course leader Ellie Johns-Kelley, our Ministry Relations Officer of the Presbyterian Foundation.

News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

• Board of Pensions Annual Enrollment reminder: review your Employer Agreement by Oct. 4
• Board of Pensions 2025 Employer Agreement
• Presbytery approves 2025 budget
• 226th General Assembly approves new churchwide Special Offerings menu

• Church Financial Literacy & Leadership Program
• Get QuickBooks Online from TechSoup
• Church treasurers and finance committees
• 2024 Special Offerings

Presbytery youth events in 2024-2025

A new program year means several opportunities from the Presbytery for youth in grades 6-12 to gather and get to know other Presbyterian youth in the presbytery and across the country. Youth, youth ministers, Christian educators, pastors, Clerks of Session, parents, and grandparents are encouraged to put the following on their calendars.

Nov. 15-17: Fall Youth Retreat, Level Up Your Connection with God and Others, at Bluestone Camp and Retreat. This retreat is for youth in the presbytery and their friends. Get more information here.

April 27: Spring Youth Retreat in Charleston (exact location will be announced in January). Again, this retreat is for youth in the presbytery and their friends.

July 28-31: Presbyterian Youth Triennium in Louisville, KY. This is a gathering of several thousand Presbyterian youth of the PCUSA and Cumberland Presbyterian Church from across the country, even the world. Complete information will be made available in early November.

For more information on any of these events, contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry, at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.

Church officer training

Nov. 17 and 24, 2-5 PM, on Zoom

This two-part course will assist pastors and moderators with the period of study and preparation the Book of Order describes in G-2.0402 for newly-elected Ruling Elders and Deacons. These two sessions will build on and connect with each other, so participants are expected to participate in both. While this training is designed primarily for newly-elected church officers, others are also welcome. There is no cost to attend, but you do need to register in order to receive the Zoom link and advance assignment. All participants will need a copy of the 2023-2025 PCUSA Book of Order. Participants may register as individuals, or whole sessions may register and participate together. The registration deadline is Nov. 7, with the advance assignment sent out Nov. 8 and the Zoom link and handouts to be used during the training shared on Nov. 13. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.

Days of Hope: A Celebration of Prevention & Recovery

This West Virginia Council of Churches annual event supports people with substance use disorders. Every year, the organization designs a new ecumenical litany, interfaith litany, bulletin insert, and informational pamphlet. By doing this work, they hope to reduce stigma toward people with substance use disorders and inspire congregations to help end West Virginia’s opioid epidemic. This year's informational pamphlet is a guide to naloxone for faith communities. Often administered as a nasal spray, this affordable, life-saving drug restores normal breathing in people experiencing an opioid overdose.

Davis & Elkins College scholarship offer for high school senior class of 2025

Applications are being accepted for $400,000 in Citizens Bank of West Virginia Emerging Leaders Scholarships to Davis & Elkins College, including a full-ride scholarship for four years of tuition, room, and board. Deadline to apply is Nov. 17. This scholarship program is offered by Citizens Bank of West Virginia, Davis & Elkins College, and WDTV 5 News. For eligibility and application, click here.