Issue 149 | July 11, 2019
Click on an underlined title to go to the full article
COST: calendar $10, Book of Order $8.50
To be included in the Presbytery's order for  2019-2020 Planning Calendars (which now run September through the following December) and Books of Order 2019-2021 at a reduced price, you must order by July 15. The price is for pickup at the August 24 Presbytery meeting at Bluestone or the Presbytery office; mailing will require additional fees that are dependent on order size. You may pay now, or we will bill you when they arrive. If the above link does not work, you can also email  office@wvpresbytery.org or call 304-744-76334 to order.
Some people are afraid of snakes. Others are afraid of going to the doctor or the dentist. Probably more of us, though, are afraid of criticism. We can hear the voices running through our brain. The voices wear us down. So we give up before we even try, just to avoid the arguments and the complaints. Or maybe that’s just me.
Thank you, Called Presbytery Meeting attendees
Thank you to all who attended the called meeting of Presbytery on July 9. The body approved the guarantee of Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church’s $349,000 loan with the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program to fund new roofing for all of the church’s buildings on Charleston’s West Side. Bream Memorial graciously hosted the gathering. Your support of your brothers and sisters in Christ at Bream is much appreciated.
Here’s what you’ve been waiting for! Part 3 in the Resource Center’s 
series on adult study choices is here .

  • Church giving during summer months
  • 2019 Special Offering Calendar
Make the Presbytery of West Virginia your chosen charitable organization on AmazonSmile and 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon purchases (on Prime Day and beyond) will be donated to the presbytery. 
Congratulations to First Dunbar for being the first Matthew 25 church in WV
First Presbyterian, Dunbar is the first congregation in both the Presbytery of West Virginia and the entire state to accept the PC(USA) Matthew 25 invitation, which calls us to bring about "radical and fearless discipleship" by engaging in three targeted missions: building congregational vitality, dismantling systemic poverty and eradicating structural racism. Click here to become a Matthew 25 church!
On June 28-29, Kanawha United hosted a Pew Quilt Show during Charleston's annual FestivALL celebration, showcasing nearly 90 quilts, ranging from family heirlooms to contemporary creations. More than 200 visitors experienced the artistry on display. Click on the title link to see more photos.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Peter Vial's ordination
On July 6-7, Davis Memorial Presbyterian in Elkins celebrated the 40th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Peter Vial's ordination. Festivities began with a church potluck picnic at Elkins City Park on Saturday and continued with a special worship recognition at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday.
LEFT: Rev. Dr. John Harris, who preached the sermon at Sunday's service; Rev. Dr. Peter Vial and Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson.

ABOVE: Vial (third from left) with Mavis Grant-Lilley, George Lilley, John Bolt, Harris and Margaret Bolt.
Photos courtesy of John Harris.
By Jonathan Weaver, The Bridgeport News
Bridgeport Presbyterian Church will be represented, along with other Presbyterians from across the state, as well as a pastor from Pennsylvania, when they embark for Nyeri, Kenya, this August to build a church. Church Pastor Robin Ray is coordinating the team with Dr. Bob McCutcheon from Elkins for the Aug. 21-Sept. 2 Discipleship Safari. The Presbytery of West Virginia has had a relationship with the group in Kenya for 20 years.
Free webinars this September
All are done through Zoom and are one hour, beginning at 7 p.m. Presented by Practical Resources for Churches.
Thursday, Sept. 5. Leader: Mark Jefferson.
 
Tuesday, Sept. 10. Leader: Richard Gentzler.

Tuesday, Sept. 17. Leader: Sarah Lund.
Thursday, Sept. 19. Leader: Debbie Kolacki.
 
Thursday, Sept. 26. Leader: Karen Ware Jackson.
We invite you to print and include this newsletter in your bulletins or newsletters, share it with your congregation and distribute widely. We hope it is helpful for your congregation and community. Click for the JULY newsletter in two-sided color, two-sided black-and-white, color booklet or black-and-white booklet.
Oct. 15-18 in Louisville
Our Calling with the Generations: Intergenerational Engagement is the theme for this Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network event at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary's Laws Lodge. Keynote speakers are Rev. Dr. Diane L. Givens Moffett and Rev. Dr. Jason Brian Santos of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Some partial scholarships are available to help offset costs, which start at $385 per person.
Bradley celebrates 70th Homecoming
July 21 at the church, 310 Maple Lane, Bradley
Everyone is invited to the Bradley Presbyterian Church 70th Homecoming! After the 11 a.m. service, enjoy a potluck meal at noon in Fellowship Hall, immediately followed by a concert by the Arnold Bolen Group in the chapel. Call 304-877-5865 for more information.
Job opening!
This position, which will serve with other staff and regional leaders, will have primary responsibility for an enhanced grants program, event planning, and a variety of connection and resourcing aspects of the Synod's work. The qualified candidate, preferably a college graduate with PC(USA) connections, should send a cover letter and resume to trinityconnectioncoordinator@gmail.com  by July 26 to start in early-mid-September.
The session of Mannington First Presbyterian Church prides themselves on their relaxed hospitality. “We are a very open, warm, come-as-you-are congregation,” they said. Although they average only about 11 people for worship, they have several children who come, including neighborhood kids, who sometimes come in the middle of the service, which is OK. They obviously feel very welcome.
By Forrest Palmer, PDA National Response Team
I am one of about 100 volunteers for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance ministry. Approaching retirement, I felt a calling to receive more training and offer myself as one who helps others following a disaster. PDA stands ready to go help churches, communities, families and individuals deal with the aftermath effects of a disaster, whether it be a natural disaster or human-caused disaster.
Application deadline: Sept. 23
The General Assembly will meet June 20-27, 2020 in Baltimore, and the Nominating Committee is  now accepting applications for Minister of Word and Sacrament and Ruling Elder Commissioners, as well as Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs). Ruling Elder and YAAD applications require a Session endorsement. Click here for an application, which is also included in the headline link.
Regarding Ruling Elders is a monthly PC(USA) series for spiritual leaders. This piece focuses on child and youth protection policies to keep church events safe for everyone. You can find more Regarding Ruling Elders articles here or sign up for daily or weekly PC(USA) news digests, which will include them when they're available.
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