Issue 189 | April 8, 2021
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White Privilege Conference 22 began Wednesday. I have heard good things about these conferences for several years and intended to go to last year's before the pandemic cancelled it. This year, it’s being held virtually, and I attended. I know I still have a lot to learn about racism. While I don’t think of myself as intentionally racist, I now realize how much I benefit from white privilege. (...) While I can’t say I enjoyed sitting in a Zoom meeting for five hours, the first day was a good use of time. It mainly reinforced things I already knew, but it also affirmed my understanding that being faithful to Jesus Christ is what calls me to address this issue. 
6:30-8 p.m. April 19 and 26. You can attend one workshop or both.
Did you know churches and religious organizations can take advantage of many of grant opportunities their local charitable organizations have received? Let the Synod of the Trinity help you learn how to plan and write a successful proposal through these two workshops. Grant writing does not have to be a painful process. Learn how to imagine and dream your way through a winning proposal. Register here for either or both courses. For more information, email Synod Connections Coordinator Elizabeth Connelly.
2021 PWV directories available
The Presbytery has printed the 2021 directory, and after mailing all the copies requested pre-release, we have 20 remaining. If you or your church would like one, please email office@wvpresbytery.org or call 304-744-7634. Remember, the directory is also on our website; if you need the password to access it there, use the contact information above.
Condolences to the family of Linda Luger, the former longtime Clerk of Session at Dunbar First Presbyterian Church, who passed away April 1. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Clergy Faith and Dementia listening event
Sponsored by the West Virginia Council of Churches and WV CARES, this event for clergy regarding ministry to people with dementia and their families is at 4 p.m. April 20. It will last one hour and provide clergy with the opportunity to reflect on what has worked, what has not, and what help they need in order to reach out effectively to people with dementia and their families. Results from clergy listening events like this one will be used to craft trainings that will be offered around the state. Register here.
The 5th Annual Davis Stuart Horse Show will be held at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg on May 8. A fundraiser for the Davis Stuart equine program, it will include 24 classes and is open to all ages. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the show starts at 10 a.m. For more information, email development@davisstuart.org.
This online course from Columbia Theological Seminary's Center for Lifelong Learning runs April 11-May 14 and will equip ministry leaders to adapt congregational practices to value relationships with people with intellectual disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Based on the premise that people of ALL intellectual abilities strengthen the Body of Christ when our gifts and relationships are valued, it will explore the particular needs of three ages/stages (children, teens, adults) and their implications for ministry. Led by Dr. Evelyn McMullen, executive director of Bright Threads Ministries, it is an asynchronous course, meaning participants do not have to log on at specific times each week to participate. Cost is $190.
  • PPP deadline extension into law
  • American Rescue Plan Act
  • Board of Pensions tax resources
  • Board of Pensions news for employers
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  • Money-saving shutdown maintenance tips
  • Tips for Reality Reshaped
  • 2021 Special Offerings
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.
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.
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.
New PCUSA curriculum available in July
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living features 36 units based on practices Jesus did and taught to his follower; it looks at where these practices are found in Scripture and how they have been used in the Christian faith in the time of Jesus, now, and in between. There will be curriculum available for children, youth, and adults, along with a Congregational Guide that has links to worship, an intergenerational session plan, and more. Watch an introductory video, and find more information - including a sample session, timing of the different units, and new updates - here. Practical Resources for Churches will host a free, in-depth "Follow Me" webinar at 1 p.m. April 28; register here.
The Synod of the Trinity has two remaining 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 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 either or both.
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.
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.
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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.