Issue 274 | December 19, 2024 | |
Click on an underlined title to go to the full article or link | |
Please note that Presbytery staff will be off Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 due to the holidays.
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A Word from our Transitional General Presbyter
As the Advent season rushes by with only six days until Christmas, I am thankful for the Presbytery of West Virginia. When I talk to colleagues about my work here, I always highlight that in the Presbytery of West Virginia people and relationships matter. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as your Transitional General Presbyter and Stated Clerk. I am thankful to work with a wonderful staff. Chris Alfred, Leslie Bremar, Susan Sharp Campbell, Mark Miller, Amy Robinson, and Kathy Weed join me in wishing you a Merry Christmas! We do so by sharing a Christmas cookie or goodie memory. I invite you to share your own cookie memory in the comment section.
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2024 year-end benevolence processing
As the year comes to an end, churches are encouraged to remit any amount remaining in their Shared Mission pledge, Per Capita, or other benevolence payments for 2024. The General Assembly is allowing us a little extra time to submit payments for this fiscal year, so please, forward all remaining 2024 contributions to the Presbytery office by Thursday, Jan. 9 and those contributions will be included in the 2024 records. Any received after Jan. 9 will be credited in 2025. Email Treasurer Chris Alfred with any questions.
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Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox courses in 2025
The Nurture Committee is again offering several “Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox Courses” in 2025. The purpose of these courses is to offer continuing education opportunities for pastors, educators, preachers, elders, deacons, and congregation members that are local, relatively inexpensive, and for building up the body of Christ. The Leadership Development Coordinating Team has sought to respond to input received and has made some changes for 2025, including that Zoom courses will only be 3 hours long.
The schedule for 2025 is as follows.
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“Get Better Dealing with Difficult People” with Sarah Moore-Nokes, Saturday, Jan.18, 9 AM – noon, on Zoom. See article below for more.
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“Pastoral Care with the Dying and Their Loved Ones” with Kathryn Willoughby Weed, Associate for Ministry to Older Adults for the presbytery, Saturday, March 1, 9 AM – noon, on Zoom. (Reminder: Pastoral Care is not just done by the pastor. W-5.0204 in our Book of Order states: All members are called to take part in the ministry of pastoral care.)
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“Preaching the Bible for Our Times” with Karoline Lewis, Saturday, Oct.18, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, in Charleston and on Zoom.
Registration information will be sent 6-8 weeks in advance of each course. The registration deadline is a week in advance.
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Get Better at Dealing with Difficult People
9 AM - noon, Jan. 18, on Zoom
As you’ve spent time with family and friends over the holidays, have you found yourself in the presence of those you would describe as “difficult?” As you serve in your church family, are there some you struggle with, see as challenging to deal with? Are there people in your workplace whom you wonder if you’re from the same planet? Then this Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox course is for you! Sarah Moore-Nokes will lead participants in looking at power dynamics, social capital, decision making and strategies for navigating challenging situations and dealing with difficult people. The registration deadline is Jan. 10. The cost per person is $20, due with registration. Questions? Contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.
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Church officer training
Feb. 16 and 23, 2-5 PM, on Zoom
This two-part course for newly-elected Ruling Elders and Deacons will be taught by Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry. These two sessions will build on and connect with each other, so participants are expected to participate in both. There is no cost to attend, but you do need to register by Feb. 7 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. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.
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2025 ECCA Retreat: "Be still, and know that I am God" - A Retreat on the Psalms
Feb. 17-18 at St. John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston
This year’s ECCA Retreat - for Christian Educators, Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Pastors, Authorized Lay Preachers, and their spouses - will feature Tyler Mayfield, Professor of Old Testament at Louisville Seminary, who will lead participants in exploring how we might teach and preach the psalms of Israel’s faith, and our faith, to speak to our lives today. It will run from lunch Monday through lunch Tuesday, with content sessions Monday afternoon and evening and Tuesday morning. The registration deadline is Feb. 7. Cost, including housing and meals, is $120/person, with a discount for the second person from the same church. There is also a commuter rate of $90/person, which includes the retreat and 3 meals. If you have questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.
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News from the Presbytery's Treasurer
- Pastor 2025 Medical Cost Grant
- 2025 Per Capita
- 2025 Shared Mission Pledge Request
- Minister and staff appreciation/Christmas gifts
- 2025 Pastor Minimum Compensation
- Presbytery approves 2025 budget
- 226th General Assembly approves new churchwide Special Offerings menu
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- Church Financial Literacy & Leadership Program
- Get QuickBooks Online from TechSoup
- Church treasurers and finance committees
- 2024 Special Offerings
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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. Get information and a registration form here. 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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News from our Congregations & Partners | |
PCUSA rolls out new website
The new PC(USA) website, pcusa.org, which launched in early December, features an enhanced user experience with improved navigation, a faster and more robust search function and easy-to-access links to the information users need when they need it.
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Part-time Administrative Assistant
First Presbyterian Church, St. Albans
Join our team as a part-time Administrative Assistant to support the vibrant ministry of First Presbyterian Church. You'll serve as the welcoming face of our church office, manage communications, maintain records, and provide essential support to the Pastor, Session, and congregation.
Key Highlights:
- Flexible, part-time schedule
- Meaningful work in a faith-based community
- Engage with members, committees, and the community
- Create and coordinate communications, calendars, and materials
Required Skills:
- Solid organizational and multitasking abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with Meta Business Suite and Canva is a big plus
- Creative and an eye for detail
If you're organized, personable, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today! Email your resume and cover letter to fpcsa@firstpresbychurch.com. No phone inquiries, please.
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Good News from Falls View Presbyterian Church
On Nov. 20, the North Fayette Food Pantry set a new record by distributing 317 sacks of groceries and meat. The food pantry, located in Falls View next to the Falls View Presbyterian Church, has been in operation for more than 20 years. Falls View member and director of the food pantry, Fred Mays, has been serving for 16 years. He states our mission by saying, "We will do our best to make sure God's people are fed." An ecumenical effort of several churches - Falls View Presbyterian, Gauley Bridge Baptist, St. Anthony's Roman Catholic in Boomer, Bell Creek Baptist, and Smithers Churches of God - the food pantry serves four counties: Fayette, Clay, Nicholas, and Kanawha.
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