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Quickly go to the articles listed by clicking on the title below.
Use the QUICK LINKS at the bottom of this column to be easily directed to additional news.
Email Presbytery staff using the directory below.
When's the last time
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Ed Thompson
General Presbyter
Maureen Wright
Stated Clerk, Associate for Congregational Support
Rocky Poole
Financial Administration/Treasurer
Barbara Chalfant
Associate Presbyter for Mission
Susan Sharp Campbell
Associate for Educational Ministry
Nellie Howard
Resource Center Director
Mark Miller
Bluestone Camp Director
Amy Robinson
Office Administrator/Communications
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Save the Date: Small Church Conference
The fourth annual Small Church Conference will take place Saturday, September 23, 2017. This will be a
time of joyful reunions and learning ways that God empowers our ministries, as well as gaining a renewed and strengthening sense of what it means to be the people of God, growing stronger together as a presbytery ready for an exciting, meaningful and confident future in faith, hope and love. Save the date magnets are available at the Presbytery office and will also be distributed at the next Presbytery Meeting.
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Prayer List for Churches
Week 24 - June 11
Mingo Presbyterian Church
Old Stone Presbyterian Church, Lewisburg
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Pinch
In Kenya: Gatitu (Gah-TEE'TOE) Presbyterian Church
Week 25 - June 18
Ronceverte Presbyterian Church
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Shady Spring
In Kenya: Rware (Roh-ARE'ray) Parish
Week 26 - June 25
First Presbyterian Church, Weston
Baxter Presbyterian Church, Dunmore
Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Slatyfork
In Kenya: Kigwandi
(
Kay-GWAH'dee
) Presbyterian Church
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Nurturing Faith Ideas
June 11. 18 and 25
Nurturing Faith Ideas are weekly suggestions and activities from the Presbytery's Nurture Committee to link worship and home and to nurture faith development in the family. They are intended for all ages and family types. Add one to your bulletin each week or put them in your monthly newsletter. They could also be sent via email or added to a Facebook page.
Ideas for the entire year can be found near the end of the documents page of wvpresbytery.org.
We hear the story of how God created the world in Genesis 1:1-2:4a. Be creative today! Make a drawing of the creation story using paint, markers, crayons or another favorite tool. Or take a walk and discover all the wonders of God's creation in your part of the world.
June 18
In Matthew 9:35-10:8-23, Jesus gives the 12 disciples instructions and then sends them out to do ministry in his name. There are many things we can do as a disciple of Jesus. What will you do today? Is there someone who needs a special visit? Is there someone you can call on the phone? Make someone's day today by going out and being a disciple.
June 25
As you travel this summer, make time to attend church wherever you are. It's a great blessing to be able to worship with different people and maybe even learn new ways to worship. Be open to sharing your faith with strangers.
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A Word from our General Presbyter
Ed Thompson
The first time I went to camp was when I was working at the Croatan Presbyterian Church near New Bern, NC. The presbytery's camp committee was looking for volunteers for their summer camping program. I took the letter to the session, expecting they would turn it down, but they thought it would be a wonderful educational opportunity for me.
Surveys show that a large number of pastors first felt a call to ministry at summer camp. Advocates for camp will tell you that a week of summer camp provides 144 hours of Christian education compared to the 52 hours a week you get in a year's worth of Sunday School classes.
The Presbytery of West Virginia is fortunate to have Bluestone, where we provide 4 weeks of summer camp, as well as opportunities for retreats during the rest of the year. The first week of summer camp starts this Sunday, June 11.
As we were getting ready for the summer camping season, the Child and Youth Protection Policy was being reviewed. We want to do all we can to keep our kids safe and free from bullying, shaming and harassment.
The Bluestone Committee decided they should have a Statement of Inclusivity to guide our ministry at the camp. It begins, "
Bluestone strives to create a fully inclusive culture and environment that values equality and fosters respect for all people.
We understand Christian spirituality as a shared journey from which no one should be excluded. In alignment with our values, vision and mission, Bluestone welcomes all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, as guests and as full participants in all our programs." Click here to read the full piece
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Presbytery phone number change
Last month, we updated our phone system, including eliminating the
direct dial numbers that some staff members had. Now, the only number you need to call to reach anyone in the office is the
main number, 304-744-7634
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Glenville Presbyterian Church named an Earth Care Congregation
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(Left to right) Robin Blakeman of the Stewardship of Creation Ministry Team presents Glenville Presbyterian Church's Earth Care Congregation certificate to
Pastor Karen Kinney and Kayla Walsh at the May 18 Presbytery Meeting.
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In 2016, Glenville Presbyterian Church began pursuing the goal of becoming a certified Earth Care Congregation.
The certification was completed with the assistance and many helpful ideas of child volunteers and members of the church. Together, they thought of concepts and key points to fulfill each of the four required elements and began to see their church property in an entirely new way.
Through the leadership of Pastor Karen Kinney, the church enveloped a more environmentally-aware worship and promoted environmental education through enrichment, stewardship and outreach, thus impacting the maintenance and upkeep of their facility. A more efficient heating and cooling system was installed, native gardens were planned and installed and future plans were developed for their official Wildlife Habitat and worship space.
They even highlighted their grounds as a habitat that met the needs of the once-native Carolina Mantid in an ongoing conservation effort by a professor at the local college, who used the habitat as a drop point to reintroduce the mantids into the wild.
Glenville Presbyterian Church is dedicated to being stewards of God's earth. They write, "We look forward to what we can do as a church together to promote the importance of environmental preservation and conservation. We have the privilege of seeing and understanding. We have the responsibility of caring. We have the joy of celebrating. We are full of the grace of creation. We are graceful. We are grateful. We rejoice in all life."
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Nominating Committee Accepting General Assembly Commissioner Applications
 The General Assembly will meet June 16-23, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Nominating Committee is now accepting applications for Ruling Elder and Teaching Elder/Minister of Word and Sacrament Commissioner and Young Adult Advisory Delegates. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2017.
The Nominating Committee will be guided in its work by the leading of the Holy Spirit and the appropriate provisio
ns of the Book of Order, particularly F-1.03, F-1.04 and G-3.0302a. Applicants should demonstrate activity in the life of the Church, especially within their congregation and the Presbytery of West Virginia. Commissioners need to have the ability to interpret and communicate the actions of the GA back to the Presbytery and should be prepared to present a brief report at the August 2018 Presbytery Meeting and at other events around the presbytery, as requested. Ruling Elder Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegates must be endorsed by their Session.
Click here to download an application.
(Page 2 is for Teaching Elders, page 3 for Ruling Elders and page 4 for Young Adult Advisory Delegates.)
If you have questions or need more information, please contact General Presbyter Ed Thompson or Stated Clerk Maureen Wright at 304-744-7634.
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News from the Associate for Educational Ministry
Susan Sharp Campbell
Creative Worship for Advent workshop
Sept. 8-9. Register by Aug. 14.
The next Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox course will be Creative Worship for Advent on Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9 at Village Chapel Presbyterian Church, Charleston. This courses is designed for Commissioned Ruling Elders, Authorized Lay Preachers, Christian Educators, Pastors, worship leaders and committee members, church musicians and others in leadership in our congregations, particularly those with limited continuing education funds.
The focus on Friday evening will be texts from the Revised Common Lectionary for Advent Year B. On Saturday, participants will be able to choose two of three workshops: Preaching the Advent Texts, Visual Arts in Advent and Music in Advent. Leaders for those are Mary Odin (Music), Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston; Amy Parker (Visual Arts), Pastoral Assistant and Christian Educator at Village Chapel; and Beverly Zink-Sawyer (Biblical Texts and Preaching), who has recently retired as Professor of Preaching from Union Presbyterian Seminary.
For those needing housing on Friday night, the WV Institute for Spirituality and John XXIII Pastoral Center offer very reasonably priced accommodations.
Child Protection Policy and Training Help
The Constitution of the PC(USA) now requires that each council, including sessions, have a Child and Youth Protection Policy. Many sessions have begun working on these, but others aren't sure what to include, where to start, etc. The Presbytery of West Virginia now has several people across the presbytery who have been trained in assisting sessions in writing child protection policies. If you would like to have one of these trainers meet with those who are developing a policy for your session/congregation, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or Maureen Wright, Stated Clerk, at 304-744-7634 or statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org.
Next ALP/CRE Preparation Program to begin in September 2018
While some of the specifics are still up in the air, the Vocations Committee is planning for another Authorized Lay Preacher/ Commissioned Ruling Elder Preparation Program to begin in September 2018. Are there people in your congregation who have gifts and skills for commissioned pastoral ministry or pulpit supply, who might sense a call to serve churches in our presbytery as Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) or Authorized Lay Preachers (ALPs)? Do you sense a call to do so? Prayerfully consider how you might respond or how you might encourage someone(s) in your congregation to be a part of this preparation program.
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Caring for God's Earth
Vacation Bible School and Summer Study, Part II
 By Nellie Howard, Resource
Center Director
Previously, I gave ideas for stewardship-centered children's Bible School. What about if you want to plan a stewardship study for adults? Is there anything good out there?
YES, there is! The resources in the link provide challenging, inspirational and informational studies for adults who would like to learn how to better take care of our Earth and why we should want to be good Earth stewards. Click here to read more
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David Pettry, the Commissioned Ruling Elder at Clear Creek Presbyterian Church, Marsh Fork Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Colcord, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please keep him, his wife Drema, their family and his congregations in your prayers.
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Membership and Outreach Director
First Presbyterian, Charleston
 The director will
develop and promote the mission of outreach to visitors and be able to articulate the Gospel clearly to those new to the faith, plus work with the Leadership Staff and congregation to gather new people into the life and work of the church and engage existing members to encourage more involvement in our ministries.
The successful candidate will extend Christian hospitality to all, work toward developing a culture for evangelism within the church, have excellent written and oral communication skills and be comfortable working in a collaborative team environment.
Full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume to
nancy@firstpresby.com.
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Full-time Music Director/Organist
Kanawha United Presbyterian, Charleston
Must be able to perform on a Rieger Kloss organ. Responsibilities include organizing the Choral Scholarship Program and working with the adult and children's choir and outside music organizations. Applicants should be imaginative and willing to help rebuild our music ministry. Salary: $35,000 to $50,000. See more information at www.kanawha-church.org
. Help us grow! Deadline to submit resumes is July 14
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Davis & Elkins Chaplain
 Davis & Elkins College invites applications for the position of Benfield-Vick Chaplain with a starting date prior to the beginning of the Fall 2017 semester. The Chaplain will report directly to the President and will serve on the College Management Team.
The successful candidate will serve in a highly collaborative role across academic affairs, enrollment management, and student life to provide vision and leadership for spiritual development on campus. In addition, this person must be qualified to teach at least one course per semester in the academic study of religion and philosophy. This position requires passion, excellent campus ministry skills, diligent management of budgets, and some weekend/evening work. Requirements include a master's degree and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Click here to read the full job posting
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Beyond Addiction Family Support Group Leader Training
 The Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center is holding trainings for those interested in learning how to host and facilitate a Beyond Addiction Support Group.
Leading a group can be as simple as a book study over the course of six sessions. KPCC provides leaders with support, materials, handouts, marketing and consultation.
The Charleston training has already passed, but sessions remain on June 13 at First United Methodist, 170 W. Pike St., Clarksburg and June 20 at First United Methodist, 1001 Juliana St., Parkersburg. Each one runs 9 a.m.-noon and is $40. CE credit is available.
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Introducing New Resources
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Talking about Addiction in Church
By Mike Givler, Presbyterians Today
Lee McDermott is concerned. Opioid addiction is rapidly sweeping out of control in his neighborhood. And while the Presbyterian pastor in a rural southwestern Pennsylvania community is not only worried for those who are struggling with these habits, he's also troubled by the fact that many religious leaders refuse to face the problem. And many congregants don't want to talk about it. As a result, families end up living in fear and shame.
McDermott knows all too well about addiction. For 20 years prior to entering the ministry field, he was a counselor in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in West Virginia.
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GW Elementary students pay it forward at Eleanor Presbyterian
On May 19, students from George Washington Elementary in Eleanor paid it forward by planting flowers at Eleanor Presbyterian Church. This collaboration started when the church began a weekend "Snak Bag" program for kids in need about six years ago.
In March, student leaders from the Lighthouse Team organized a two-week food drive that brought in more than 4,000 food items weighing more than 1,000 pounds. Debbie Yeager, who helps organize the church's program, said the 12 students planted flowers "as a demonstration of their gratitude for what the church has done for them over the years."
Gritt's Midway Greenhouse donated two flats of flowers for the students to plant.
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Regarding Ruling Elders
Finding a Closer Walk with God
By Rev. Dr. Diana Nishita Cheifetz
There is something so compelling about a thoughtful ninety-year-old asking you questions about God. I was intrigued. Her name was Marion, and she had invited me, the new pastor's wife, over for tea and cookies. As we chatted, she pointed to a tall stack of books under her coffee table, mostly theology books. Previous pastors had recommended them to her and she had read all of them.
I scanned the titles, and felt a mixture of sadness and frustration. As interesting as the books were, I could see that they did not address what Marion was seeking. Though she had an avid mind and was interested in theology, what she wanted was something even more personally profound. She wanted a closer relationship with God.
Click here to read more
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Webinar: Unveiling the Invisible Community - Welcoming People with Disabilities into Christ's Church
Do you see people with disabilities in your community, but aren't sure how to truly make them feel welcome and supported? Do your church leaders and volunteers understand the needs - and gifts - of people with varying intellectual abilities? Has your church built inclusive relationships?
In this webinar, we will talk about stages of changing attitudes. We will hear the story of a church making small changes that have made a big difference in the life of a family. We will see how making one church ministry more inclusive can become a gateway for people to experience the gospel. We will begin the conversation for you to continue that practice of invitation in your church and community.
This webinar was recorded May 23, but there is on-demand replay for $29.95 for 1-6 participants from the same church/ministry.
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New Publication!
Older Adult Ministry Newsletter for the Presbytery of WV
We invite you to print and include the newsletter in your bulletins, give it to your congregation and distribute widely. We hope it is helpful for your congregation and community. If you would like to add your name to the free subscription list, please email office@wvpresbytery.org.
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Sign up for The Beech Tree
The Beech Tree, the Friends of Bluestone newsletter, is now electronic. If you wish to receive it, go
here
to sign up!
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*Also on the webpage
You will find located on the Home page of the website (scroll down past the photo) direct links to recent newsletters, Equipping Disciples events, Ministry Toolbox events, the Pray-For church list and Nurturing Faith Ideas for 2017, e-news Archives and more. Please let us know how we can improve the website and whenever you encounter any problem with it. Thank you.
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Editor's Note:
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In order to keep the PWV Newsletter
fresh,
articles sent
for publication will generally run for two consecutive issues.
If you wish for a piece to continue to run, please resubmit.
We encourage you to reword, add a photo (or different photo),
or change the piece in some way so that the news stays
fresh and interesting.
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Presbytery of West Virginia,
520 Second Avenue,
South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone (304) 744-7634, Fax (304) 744-7649,
Office Hours: Monday -Thursday 8:30AM-5:30PM
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