Issue 161 | January 23, 2020
Click on an underlined title to go to the full article
Register here  for the Feb. 15 Presbytery meeting at Riverlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans! Advance registration, which is the only way to pay online, ends at noon on Feb. 7.
We will be giving away money! At the November 21 Presbytery meeting, we approved establishing New Life Congregational Grants, which are intended to encourage and support congregations to develop projects that “will strengthen their ministry, enhance their mission, and/or improve relationships in the church and with the community.” That allows plenty of room for your creativity. We’re funding these grants from the sale of vacated church properties.
In December, Clerks of Session received information on the statistical report, year-end forms (including updated Pastor's Compensation and Necrology reports) and the 2020 Listening Events/session record reviews. Pastor Compensation and Necrology reports are due Jan. 27, and Statistical Reports must be completed by Feb. 20. Be sure to click the underlined title for more information on all of these things.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 1
Formerly the Youth Day of Service, this is a day of service on Saturday, Feb. 1, that will be based in different parts of the presbytery: Bream Memorial, Charleston; First, Clarksburg; and Highlawn, Huntington. People ages 10 through adults are encouraged to join together at the sites to participate in local mission in a variety of forms. Pre-registration is vital to help event site coordinators plan; registration must be postmarked by Friday.
Feb. 17-18 at John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston. Register by Jan. 30.
The focus of this retreat will be on how a more literary understanding of the Bible can enrich the life of faith communities. Sarah Ruden, a poet, translator, essayist, and popularizer of Biblical linguistics, will be the presenter. Open to all Christian Educators, Pastors, Commissioned Pastors, Authorized Lay Preachers and their spouses. Cost $80-$200 depending on rooming preference.
One month left to return church information forms for Presbytery directory; only 31 submitted thus far
It is time again for the Presbytery to update our directory for a new year. In order to ensure our information is up-to-date, we ask for your clerk of session, pastoral leader or church secretary to please fill out the directory contact form (link to it); if there is not a contact person for a particular position, please let us know. If your church’s information has not changed from last year’s directory, tell us that. Please send your 2020 information no later than FEBRUARY 27 to office@wvpresbytery.org or Amy Robinson, Presbytery of West Virginia, 520 Second Ave., South Charleston, WV 25303. 
  • Important Dates for Employee Tax Forms
  • 2020 Special Offering Calendar
  • 2020 Standard Mileage Rates
  • Congress repeals "parking tax"
  • Now's the time to designate housing allowances
  • 2020 Per Capita
  • 2020 Shared Mission Pledge Request
We invite you to print and include this newsletter in your bulletins or church newsletters, share it with your members and distribute it widely in your community. Click for the FEBRUARY newsletter in color or black-and-white.
March 6-8 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center
During this retreat for those in grades 6-8, we will use themes from some of the Avengers movies to explore our identity as children of God, where we belong, and how we are accepted and called to accept others. Leaders for the weekend are members of the Presbytery’s Youth Council. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 24. Information, including a registration form, is in the above link, on the Presbytery website and has been sent by email to pastors, session clerks, youth leaders and Christian educators. Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-645-4568 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com with any questions. 
Starting Something New: Discerning God’s Call in the Places God’s Sent Us will be the next Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox course. Taught by Michael Gehrling of PC(USA)'s 1001 New Worshiping Communities, it will look at ways of engaging in our particular contexts and neighbors as a way toward new forms of witness and mission. You can participate in person at the Presbytery office or by Zoom from the comfort of your own location. Cost is $50, regardless of the option chosen. Register by Thursday, Feb. 27. We hope to offer a recording of this event in the future as well.
9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. March 28 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston
This year’s Festival of Faith will feature Presbyterian Outlook Editor Jill Duffield as the Keynote Speaker, focusing her presentation on what people beyond our walls are saying about us, members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). She will also lead one of the many workshops we will offer; plus, there will be fellowship, learning, and worship for all. Complete workshop and registration information will be available soon online and by email. The early registration deadline, which will save you some money, is Thursday, March 12. 
Job opening!
Director of Music (part-time)
First Presbyterian, Bluefield
Bluefield First Presbyterian Church is seeking a Director of Music. This salaried, part-time position will work with the pastor to lead the church’s music programs to the glory of God. All applicants should send a resume with references to pastorfpcblfd@gmail.com or First Presbyterian Church, Attn: Personnel Committee, 208 Tazewell Ave., Bluefield, WV 24701. Call 304-327-9727 with questions.
SCMT News
The West Virginia Environmental Council’s annual E-Day at the Capitol, which brings together representatives from various environmental groups across the state, runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28. There will be speakers, informational materials and table displays. Additionally, click here to get legislative updates on important environmental issues. 
CONDOLENCES
Nancy Vilain, longtime music director at Elk Hills Presbyterian Church in Charleston, died Wednesday, Jan. 22 of complications from metastatic breast cancer. She was at home, and her family was with her; please keep them in your prayers. In addition to being the music director, Nancy served in a number of different roles at the church over the years and was a former member of the Presbytery's Bluestone Committee. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Elk Hills, with visitation two hours prior.

We also send our condolences to the family of Patricia Kennedy, 83, who passed away Jan. 3 at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Myrtle Beach. Previously, she was a member of Montgomery Presbyterian Church and served as the PC(USA) General Assembly Council chair in 1990-91.
The 2020 Montreat Youth Conference, July 11-18, will provide opportunities for youth in our churches to connect with hundreds of high school youth from across the country to engage in faith conversations exploring who God is and who we are. Youth currently in grades 8-12 are invited, though space is limited as the Presbytery only has room for 14 people, including adults.
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