Are you interested in learning more about what it means to be Presbyterian – what we believe, why we do things the way we do? Are you interested in the possibility of becoming a Commissioned Pastor? Then Presby Prep is for you! Join in as, from the Presbyterian perspective, we explore Biblical Interpretation, Reformed Theology, Church History, Presbyterian Polity, Worship, Christian Education, Stewardship and Mission, one course a month January-May and September-November. Presby Prep will take place on Zoom with a 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday night option or a 9 a.m.-noon Saturday morning option; participants can choose which works best for them each month. Register online, or full information, including a snail mail registration, is here. If you have questions or need more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.

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 January newsletter in color or grayscale.

Each Sunday, those who step into a pulpit to preach are expected to bring a word, the Word, to God’s people. Some Sundays that is harder to do than others. It can be a struggle when what we’ve always done doesn’t seem to be working, when other obligations seem to get in the way and drain us, when we’re still trying to find what works for us. Whether you’ve been preaching for months, years, or decades, Reverend Jennifer L. Lord, Dorothy B. Vickery Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will guide participants in this Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox course in reviewing common methods of sermon preparation and exploring what can be learned from artists about the creative process so that our preaching conveys the Good News of Jesus with clarity, relevance and imagination. Register by Monday, Jan. 24.

Some congregation may have held their elections of ruling elders and deacons too late to participate in Zoom Officer Training in November, so here is another chance. To assist Pastors and Session Moderators with the period of study and preparation referenced in G-2.0402, Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry, will offer Officer Training 2-5 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 20 and 27 on Zoom. Participants are expected to attend both sessions; they will need a copy of the PCUSA Book of Order. Register by Friday, Feb. 4. People may register as individuals or register a group. To register, send an email with your name, church, email address, and phone number to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com. If registering more than one person, please include email addresses for everyone.

2022 Educator, Clergy, Commissioned Pastor, Authorized Lay Preacher Retreat

“Father Abraham’s Many Children” is the focus of this retreat with Tyler Mayfield, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. It will explore religious difference by seeing parallels between reading Genesis expansively and engaging our contemporary religious landscape generously. The fuller story of Genesis, especially those figures we do not commonly consider blessed or chosen, the other brothers of Genesis – Cain, Ishmael, and Esau – will be the focal point. Each of these three characters has been derided, overlooked, and dismissed from discussions about Genesis and God’s ways in the world. Likewise, we pay attention to people in other faith traditions who are not regularly deemed faithful and blessed. Overnight rate is $120 per person, with a reduced rate for additional people from the same church; commuter rate, which includes all meals, is $80. Register by Thursday, Feb. 17.

It's almost time for another Presbyterian Youth Triennium! The 2022 PYT will be held Sunday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 27 in Indianapolis. Our delegation will spend the night together in Charleston on July 23 after having met to get to know one another in late May/early June; then, we'll travel by charter bus to Indianapolis. Do you have youth in grades 8-12 who are involved in the life of your church who you think would be interested in joining our delegation, or are you an adult advisor who would like to participate? If so, visit the title link for registration information related to this exciting event. You can find out more about the event itself, including the schedule and leadership, here.

At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27, the Synod will present "Called Out to Serve: Living Out Our Missional Identity in Christ – YES, Even During Covid" with Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson of the PCUSA's Self-Development of People program. This two-hour webinar is for all interested congregations. Register here.

The Reverend Annie McMillan began her ministry with the First Presbyterian Church of Parkersburg on May 3. That means that she and the pastor nominating committee were going through the call process during a pandemic and around the high holy day of Easter. In spite of that, the call process went smoothly and quickly. God is good! She came to the church in Parkersburg between Sundays and preached her “neutral pulpit” sermon there. It was recorded for the PNC, and this same recording was played later for the congregation. Through the advances of technology, she was thus able to lead First Church in worship the day of the congregational vote.

As the Presbytery partners with churches who have chosen to dissolve, small treasures are discovered. The treasures here - including paraments, two silver plate offering plates, and a variety of church certificates - are looking for a good home; if your church can offer that home, please contact the Stated Clerk (statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org). These items are offered on a first come, first served basis.