Issue 270 | October 10, 2024 | |
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A Word from our Transitional General Presbyter
When my children were young, one of our favorite things to do was read together. One of the picture books on our shelf was Count Your Blessings. Inspired by the Johnson Oatman, Jr. hymn, “Count Your Blessings,” the book focuses on simple childhood blessings like hugs, a trip to the zoo, and losing a tooth. It is filled with vibrant colors to capture the reader’s attention. The reader discovers the joy and importance of recognizing one’s blessings. We spent many moments reading the book and talking about the blessings in our lives. I still remember its refrain – count your blessings one by one, count your blessings see what God has done. This prompts me to reflect on the blessings of the Presbytery of West Virginia...
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Mark Your Calendar to Join Us for a Blessing in March
I want to invite you to mark your calendars for a special future blessing for the Presbytery. The Co-Moderators of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson will visit the Presbytery as keynote presenters for the 2025 Festival of Faith event on March 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston. It is a rare blessing, a gift, to have both Co-Moderators visit together. I encourage you to make plans to attend the Festival of Faith to meet them, to share some West Virginia hospitality, and to hear their vision for the Presbyterian Church (USA).
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2024 Fall Youth Retreat: Level Up Your Connection with God and Others
Nov. 15-17 at Bluestone Camp & Retreat
This retreat is for youth in the Presbytery, their friends, and adults who work with them. The focus will be on connecting with God through spiritual practices and connecting with others through color jam and real-life video games. Leadership will be provided by the Presbytery's Youth Council and special guest Zane Pinson. Adult advisors, who could be parents, are needed to come with the youth as chaperones. The cost per person is $65, with a registration deadline of Nov. 4. Information, including a church registration form, was emailed to a variety of church leaders on Sept. 24. Those who received it are asked to share it with youth and their parents/guardians/grandparents in your congregation.
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Presbyterian Youth Triennium
July 28-31, 2025 in Louisville, KY
This national gathering of thousands of Presbyterian youth will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center with housing at nearby Triennium-designated hotels. The Presbytery is planning to take a delegation of youth and adults. Eligible youth must currently be in grades 8-12, and adults need to be at least 25 years old. At this point, we are in need of 1 female adult and 2 male adults. The cost for youth will be $375. Because this cost is heavily supplemented by McClintic funds of the Presbytery, there are no additional scholarships available through the Presbytery. Churches are encouraged to assist youth who may be interested with registration costs. The cost for the adults will be covered for the 3 listed above; if other adults are interested, it may be possible for them to attend at the full cost. Information will be sent to church leaders in early November. Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry (304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com) for more information or with any questions.
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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.
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Cohort opportunity for Commissioned Pastors
Commissioned Pastors are invited to apply to participate in a cohort group in 2025. The goals of cohorts are collegial support, sharing new ideas, and learning best practices in ministry. These cohorts, consisting of up to eight participants along with a facilitator, will meet on Zoom for two hours each month, January-December 2025. Topics for engagement by participants will include spiritual practices and disciplines, seasonal needs in the church’s program and life, and the sharing of the needs and concerns of each participant. Preparation for meetings may include short advance reading assignments. Participants will be offered a stipend of $500 for the year. This program is sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary’s PSCE program (Presbyterians Supporting Christian Education), which provides support for those in ministry in the PC(USA). For more information or to submit an application, click here. The application deadline is Nov. 30. For more information, contact Marilyn Johns at marilynjohns2@gmail.com.
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News from the Presbytery's Treasurer
- Presbytery approves 2025 budget
- 226th General Assembly approves new churchwide Special Offerings menu
- Church Financial Literacy & Leadership Program
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- Get QuickBooks Online from TechSoup
- Church treasurers and finance committees
- 2024 Special Offerings
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News from our Congregations & Partners | |
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Synod of South Atlantic prayer service for those impacted by Hurricane Helene
At 1 PM Saturday, the Synod of South Atlantic will host an online worship and prayer service via Zoom for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The synod has had 10 of its 16 presbyteries sustain damage from Hurricane Helene, in addition to those who have been impacted in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The service will be a time of storytelling and prayer for those who have been lost, those suffering, and those responding. Representatives from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Florida Disaster Assistance Network, and South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team will provide an update. The gathering is open to all, but registration is necessary.
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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.
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