Issue 280 | March 27, 2025 | | Click on an underlined title to go to the full article or link | | |
A Word from our Transitional General Presbyter
Many of you have likely seen the movie The Bucket List, released in 2007. It was directed and produced by Rob Reiner and written by Justin Zackham. Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, it tells the story of two terminally ill men on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.” While the term bucket list predates the movie, after it was released, bucket list became a part of the pop culture lexicon.
| | |
Presbyterian Youth Triennium
July 28-31, 2025 in Louisville, KY
Registration deadline: MONDAY
The 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium is an opportunity for those currently in grades 8-12 and young adults ages 19-23 to join with thousands of Presbyterian youth and their adult leaders from across the country for four days of worship, recreation, Bible study, outreach, and faith formation around the theme “As If We Were Dreaming.” This will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville with housing in nearby hotels. The PWV delegation is still in need of another adult male to be an advisor (the cost is covered); those interested should contact Susan Sharp Campbell. A registration form and flyer with details can be found here. More complete information on event leadership, preachers, the event schedule, and theme grid can be found here. The cost per youth will be $375, which covers housing, meals (except for those on the road), t-shirts, program costs, and transportation. A deposit of $188 is due by Monday with your registration. Forms and payment can be mailed to Presbytery of WV, c/o Susan Sharp Campbell, 683 Dwyer Lane, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Questions? Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-0428.
| | |
PYT seeks volunteers for Care Team and Hotel Team
The Care Team and Hotel Team will play a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming Triennium community and making PYT possible. The Care Team supports the well-being of all PYT participants at events in the Convention Center and as they move to and from their hotels. The Hotel Team helps to nurture a positive, hopeful, and safe environment in which youth and adult participants feel welcome and safe at each hotel. Serving on one of these teams is an awesome opportunity to support families, engage in youth ministry, invest in the next generation of Presbyterians, and be a part of Triennium in a different way. For more information and to apply, visit the PYT Community Life page. Questions? Contact the Community Life Coordinators at pytcommunitylife@gmail.com.
| | | |
Public Domain Hymn Project update
Last summer, we shared that the presbytery is using the balance of its synod Small Church Grant to purchase hymn accompaniment for 10 hymns for each of up to 75 small churches in the presbytery through the Presbytery of the Plains and Peaks’ Public Domain Hymn Project. Currently, there are 82 hymns available, encompassing the themes of Jesus Christ Life, Advent/Christmas, Jesus Christ Passion & Death, Jesus Christ Resurrection, and Service Music. The Presbytery Office has thumb drives available with the video files as well as audio-only CDs. Any small churches in the Presbytery who would like to take advantage of this opportunity may contact Maureen Wright (statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org) or Chris Alfred (treasurer@wvpresbytery.org).
| | |
Spring Youth Retreat to focus on friendship
April 27 at Coonskin Park, Charleston
This retreat for those in grades 6-12 and adults who work/live with them, will run 10 AM-5 PM at Coonskin's Columbia Shelter. (If the weather isn’t cooperative, it will be held at Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church.) Using stories from scripture and pop culture, members of the presbytery’s Youth Council will lead participants in exploring what it means to be a friend. The cost per person is $20, which includes lunch. The registration deadline is April 14. Questions? Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-0428.
| | |
Grants & loans for post-secondary education
The presbytery, through its Nurture Committee, has $1,000 loans available for those seeking post-secondary education; there are also some grant monies available in amounts that vary each year. You will find the application form for these loans and grants here. Please share this information with those in your church, especially high school seniors and parents, although these are not limited to those graduating this year. The application deadline is April 30, including the return of reference letters. Those who have received loans/grants in the past and who wish to renew them should submit a written request, including a brief description of their past year, to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or Presbytery of WV, c/o Susan Sharp Campbell, 683 Dwyer Lane, Lewisburg, WV 24901. They do not have to submit the entire application. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or the above email.
| | |
Youth Council nominations/applications being accepted
In a time when there are fewer youth in our congregations, the presbytery’s Youth Council offers a place for youth to find support, develop leadership skills, and grow in their faith. Do you know youth who are currently in grades 8-11 who might enjoy participating and serving on the Youth Council? If so, please share the information linked above with them. There is also a need for adults who enjoy working with youth to serve in partnership with the youth. If that’s you, please consider applying. If that’s someone else you know in your congregation, please share the information with them. Each congregation/session is invited to nominate youth and/or adults to serve on youth council, realizing that we are committed to involving people from as many churches as possible. Apply by April 30.
| | |
LOOKING AHEAD
Commissioned Pastor/Authorized Lay Preacher Retreat
The 2025 Commissioned Pastor/Authorized Lay Preacher Retreat will be held at Jackson’s Mill near Weston on Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2. The theme this year is “Worship for Such a Time as This.” This event will begin with dinner on Friday evening and end with worship on Saturday afternoon. Workshops will focus on the PCUSA Confessional Standards of the 20th century, preaching, and liturgy for leading worship in times of turmoil, chaos, uncertainty, and disorder. Complete information and registration will be available in mid-May.
| | |
LOOKING AHEAD
Another Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Pastor Preparation Program to begin in September with Presby Prep
Presby Prep is the first, required year of the ALP/CP Preparation Program, which prepares those who would become commissioned to pastoral service as Commissioned Pastors and those who serve as random pulpit supply as Authorized Lay Preachers. It is also an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about what it means to be Presbyterian and part of the Reformed family of churches. Presby Prep is open to anyone, whether or not you’re sensing a call to serve in pastoral leadership or pulpit supply. If you’d just like to grow in your faith, understanding, and knowledge of what it means to be Presbyterian, Presby Prep is the place for you. It will consist of 8 monthly courses (September-November 2025 and January-May 2026), which are 3 hours long and offered on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Each course also has an assignment to be completed in advance. The dates for these courses have not been set, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about being a part. We will need for there to be a minimum of 8 people registered for this to happen; otherwise, it will begin in January 2026. Look for more information, with dates and a registration form, this spring. If you have questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.
| | News from our Congregations & Partners | | |
Charles Marshall "Rab" Snider
Rab Snider 90, of Fairmont, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 23, 2025. He was a faithful member of Fleming Memorial Presbyterian Church in Fairmont, where he served as a longtime treasurer and elder of the church. Click here for his obituary. Friends will be received in the funeral home 2-8 PM today. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday at Fleming Memorial with Rev. James Morley officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 1493 Locust Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554.
| | |
2025 Presbyterian Women synod regional gatherings
The Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Trinity will hold their annual regional gatherings this summer. PWV is in the Southwest Region, which will hold its gathering on July 21-22 at the Best Western Plus in Bridgeport. For more information, including a registration form, use the link above.
| | |
Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully
Rooted: The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity — The Rules that Make Play Possible
The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity section of the PC(USA) Book of Order explores the theology that undergirds the rest of the Book. It does so because polity is so important as a way of living out our affirmation of faith and because polity can easily go wrong.
| | |
2025 Bible & Church Music Conference at Massanetta Springs
Family camp meets continuing education at this conference for all ages of worship leaders. Whether you are ordained or a layperson, staff or volunteer or congregant, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, practice, and worship together. Scholarships are available, and first timers only pay for lodging and meals!
| | |
Kari Preslar is newly installed Administrative Officer for the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE)
Congratulations to Kari Preslar, Commissioned Pastor at Dunbar First Presbyterian Church and a Certified Christian Educator, on her election and installation as the Administrative Officer for APCE. In this role, she will serve as a member of the Executive Team and Leadership Council, taking minutes, executing contracts, and managing the file management system. This is an honor for Kari and for the presbytery as we celebrate this with her.
| | |
Presbyterian mission trip to Korea planned for fall
The Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) is arranging a mission trip to South Korea Oct. 21-30 that is open to Presbyterians and others who are interested in Korea and are concerned about the prospects for peace there. Register through April 30. For more information and to register, visit PPNK.net or email PeaceNetworkforKorea@gmail.com.
| | | | |
