Issue 188 | March 25, 2021
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A recent blog post by Cameron Trimble got me to thinking about daffodils. I am not really a flower person, but I do love daffodils. When they are sitting in a vase indoors, I can take them or leave them – and mostly I would just as soon leave them since they will eventually wilt or fade and have to be thrown away, which just seems like work that could be avoided. Outdoors, however, I love to see them bloom. They are a sure sign of spring, much better than robins. They seem to pop up out of nowhere, blasting their brilliant yellow flowers in the woods, on the hillsides, by the side of the road. A few seem intentionally placed by a mailbox or by the side of a home. More often, though, they just seem to show up by happenstance - unexpected signs of beauty. In that way, they remind me of God’s love.
2-4:30 p.m. April 11 or 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 on Zoom
For Christians, the Bible is our foundational book as the scriptures within bear witness to God in relationship to God’s people. This event, offered at two different times, will explore the process of how a library of books, written over a period of centuries, was joined into one book that guides us in our faith in Jesus Christ as we seek to be faithful disciples. Anyone who is interested can attend, and there is no cost; however, registration is necessary in order to get the Zoom log-in.
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 24 on Zoom
Are you a pastor, Christian Educator, member of your church’s Christian Education/Nurture/Faith Formation committee, ruling elder, or Sunday school teacher? If so, this course is particularly for you! As we consider the responsibility for teaching in the church, it will consider how to teach in ways that nurture vibrant, relevant, and life-changing faith in the 21st century, using both in-person and virtual settings. Rev. Dr. Rebecca L. Davis, Associate Professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, is the leader. Cost is $25, with payment due at registration. Registration deadline is April 19.
Post-secondary scholarships available
Loan and grant monies are available through the Presbytery’s Nurture Committee to assist with academic or vocational study beyond high school. Information has been emailed to pastors, clerks of session, Christian educators, and youth ministry contacts; you can also get it here or by contacting Susan Sharp Campbell (susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com, 304-667-9428). In addition, those who have received loans in previous years are eligible to renew them; to do so, send a statement updating the committee on your past years and progress toward a degree (no need to resubmit the application). The deadline for applications (including letters of recommendation) and renewal statements is April 30. Email to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or mail to the Presbytery Office, 520 Second Ave., South Charleston, WV 25303.
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 15 at Coonskin Park, Charleston
This year, the Younger Youth Retreat for those in grades 6-8 and their adult advisors will be a one-day event at Coonskin Park Picnic Shelters 19 and 20. Led by the Youth Council, it will explore where we encounter trolls in life, when we are trolls, and how Jesus transforms us away from being trolls. Cost is $10 per person. Registration deadline is April 29. Box lunches will be provided, so be sure to include lunch choices with your registration and payment.
We invite you to print and include this newsletter in your bulletin or church newsletter, share it with members, and/or distribute it in your community. Click for the APRIL newsletter in color or grayscale.
Invitation to think about the church as it emerges from Covid-19
The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is. offering Not Going Back to the Old Normal, a series of six hour-long workshops April 15-17. The workshops each try to answer the question, "What comes next for the church?" They will help pastors and church leaders to reflect, brainstorm, and plan for emerging from the pandemic beyond returning to in-person worship. Participants may attend the entire event or pick and choose workshops that are relevant in their church. The event is free and open to all, but participants must register. Please note on the event and registration websites that workshops are in Central Time.
  • American Rescue Plan Act
  • Board of Pensions tax resources
  • Board of Pensions news for employers
  • Money-saving shutdown maintenance tips
  • Tips for Reality Reshaped
  • 2021 Per Capita
  • 2021 Shared Mission Pledge Request
  • 2021 Special Offerings
Enslow Park celebrates Holy Week with events daily
Beginning Monday, Enslow Park Presbyterian Church in Huntington will celebrate Holy Week with in-person services at 12:15 p.m. daily, plus Faith Flow yoga, in which Pastor John Yeager will recite verses that follow the teachings and life of Christ through a moving meditation of breathing and various poses, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Fellowship Hall (register here) and a Zoom Seder meal at 7:30 p.m.Thursday (with drive-thru food pickup at the church from 5-6 p.m.). For the services, Rev. Parrish Bridges of Huntington First Presbyterian will preach for Money Changer Monday, Bishop Samuel Moore of Full Gospel Assembly for Tricky Tuesday, Pastor Jim Johnston of Huntington Second Presbyterian for Spy Wednesday, ALP Rodrigo Almeida of Enslow Park for Maundy Thursday, and Rev. Jeannie Evans for Good Friday. Call 304-523-9920 or email yeagiyogi@gmail.com for more information, including Zoom details for Seder meal.
The Synod of the Trinity is offering three opportunities in April for pastors, leaders, and congregations to breathe, recalibrate, and revision, moving ahead over what has been, and may still be, a long road. It is hoped that these offerings will give participants encouragement and tools to aid their walk and leadership. Events are The Next Right Thing: Grace-Filled Ministry in a Turbulent World (Through Improvisation), 1-4 p.m. April 6; Moving Through to the Other Side, 9:15-10:45 a.m. April 16, and From Surviving to Thriving: Designing Towards Post-Covid Ministry, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19. Register here for one or all.
7-8:30 p.m. April 14. Register here.
God has gifted each of us with a variety of skills, interests, and talents. As those called to leadership in the church, particularly to the ministries of ruling elder and deacon, many of those gifts are called upon in a variety of ways. Take time to explore and discover your talents, how they can be used to form effective teams, and ways we work together in community as God’s children. During this webinar, you can expect to search within yourself while also being introduced to some tools to use in your congregation.
The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators East region (EAPCE) will hold its Spring Event, focusing on nurturing faith practices in people of all ages, on Zoom April 26-28. Meg Rift and David Maxwell are the primary presenters, with the Rev. Dr. Jim Morgan as the worship and music leader. This would be a good introduction to faith practices prior to PCUSA’s introduction of a new curriculum, “Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living,” this summer. Plus, there will be workshops on a variety of topics. Register by April 13; cost is $50. All are invited to be part of this learning opportunity. Contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.
Do you have questions about becoming a Matthew 25 church?
Is your congregation considering becoming a Matthew 25 church and would like to learn from those who have already begun their Matthew 25 journey? If so, please mark your calendar for 7 p.m. April 29! That is when PWV's Matthew 25 congregations – Clifton, Dunbar, and Bream Memorial – are hosting a panel discussion on Zoom to share their stories and answer your questions about becoming a Matthew 25 church. Join them for this engaging conversation online (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87997293465) or by dialing in (1-301-715-8592) with the Meeting ID 879 9729 3465.
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All positions are part-time.





Facilities & Maintenance Coordinator
Charleston First Presbyterian
This position is charged with providing and maintaining safe, clean, attractive, and well-maintained facilities to enhance the ministry of the church. The Facility and Maintenance Coordinator shall collaborate with church staff to prepare facilities for day-to-day events and certify the completion of regular maintenance according to the maintenance calendar, which includes structural, interior, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. This position will work with the custodian to make sure that the buildings are clean, safe, and secure. Please send a resume and three references to firstpresby@firstpresby.com by April 9.
Music Director
Bream Memorial Presbyterian
Bream is looking for a creative, energetic, committed music director to provide leadership in planning, organizing, and supervising the music ministry of the church, as well as providing piano or organ accompaniment for worship and rehearsals on a part-time basis.
 
The ideal candidate will have strong keyboard skills and be comfortable playing before groups. They will have some experience or familiarity with traditional church music and hymnody, but be able to innovate, improvise, and use their creativity to help our congregation and small choir explore new musical expressions as part of our worship.
 
This is a 10-12 hour/week position. For more information, please call the church (304-346-0426) and leave a message or email Gail Lauerman (glauerman@suddenlink.net) or Pastor Dawn Adamy (breamspastor@gmail.com).
Youth Ministry Worker – Charleston First Presbyterian
This position will develop, coordinate, and implement regular programming and resources for the church's middle school and high school youth. This includes a weekly youth meeting consistent with our Reformed theology and practice. Send resume and three references to firstpresby@firstpresby.com prior to April 9.
A recent email from a Mid Council colleague asking about West Virginia and Workers’ Compensation prompted me to get an answer to the question. My learnings prompt me to encourage our churches to take a closer look at Workers’ Compensation insurance. West Virginia law allows churches to be exempt from Workers’ Compensation laws (see CSR 85-8-4.3d). This means that churches are not required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. However, making the choice to accept the exemption may be short-sighted.
PWV hunger grants available
Please consider submitting a grant proposal for your food pantry. Grant forms can also be accessed through the Presbytery's homepage.
‘A Matter of Faith’ debuted earlier this month from Unbound and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
The PC(USA) and its partners are changing lives and livelihoods in NY, CA, and Zimbabwe.
Grant opportunity for churches involved in social change
Is your congregation working to bring about social change for Christ in your community? Serving in ways that enhance accessibility, eradicate poverty, address hunger and/or racial justice, and strengthen your community? Do you ever collaborate or engage with other organizations to serve these kinds of needs? If so, consider applying for a grant from the Appalachian Community Fund. Email grants@appalachiancommunityfund.org to be added to the Request For Proposals (RFP) list. Grants up to $5,000 are available.
Enslow Park reimagines laying on of hands for online service
Enslow Park Presbyterian Church in Huntington ordinated and installed new elders last month. The service was online, so Michelly Frizao, an artist at the church, made a wrap depicting the laying on of hands since it couldn't be done in person.

Shirley Birchfield (kneeling, in wrap) was ordained and installed. Jan Gossett (left) and Linda Brewster (right) were installed.

Pastor John Yeager called the experience awesome. "I felt like all the hands represented on the wrap were channeling through me. I almost had to stop the prayer. The Holy Spirit was moving!"
Critical need for volunteers
Do you have time to help with COVID vaccine shot distribution? West Virginia VOAD is looking for volunteers to help with everything from parking to paperwork, phone calls to people herding. Interested? Just fill out the volunteer form here, and then a coordinator will call you about your availability and special skills. Counties are organizing now and will likely need volunteers for the next several months.
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Editor's Note: In order to keep PWV News fresh, articles will generally run for two consecutive issues. If you would like a piece to run longer, please update (with refreshed content, new wording and/or a different photo) and resubmit.