Issue 207 | January 27, 2022
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Gil Rendle raises a number of questions for congregations to consider in his book Quietly Courageous. The first three on a list on page 249 strike me as critical for a church that wants to do more than just survive: Who are we now? Who is my neighbor now? What does God call us to do now? You’ll notice each question ends with the word “now.”
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 to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com with your name, church, email address, and phone number. If registering multiple people, include email addresses for everyone.
March 19 at Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church
This one-day event at Bream Memorial in Charleston will run 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for youth in grades 6-8 and their adult advisors. With all the things that distract us from God, it’s easy to lose oneself in today’s world; this day will be a time to consider opportunities and find one’s spark again in community with others. Youth Council members will provide leadership. Please note that masks will be required. Cost per person is $15, which is due with registration, as are lunch orders. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 3.
The Presbytery of West Virginia’s Youth Council is an integral part of our ministry with youth. It is composed of up to 14 youth and 8 adults, representing the different areas of our presbytery and as many churches as possible. Now is the time of year to consider again whether there are youth in your congregation who would make good members of the council and who might benefit from connecting with other high school youth across the presbytery (particularly if there aren't many/any other youth in your congregation). The Nurture Committee needs your help in identifying and encouraging youth to consider applying to become members of Youth Council.
Festival of Faith 2022: God Speaks in the Chaos
9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at Charleston First Presbyterian Church
William P. Brown, the Willam Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, will present the keynote, “Just Creation: Shalom for our Common Home,” and also lead a workshop on how God comforts Job within the wildness of creation. In addition, several other workshops will be offered. There will be fellowship, learning, and worship for all. Registration information will be on the website and sent to those on the newsletter mailing list in early February. Early registration deadline is Thursday, March 17. Registration must be received in the office by that date to order lunch. The cost per person by March 17 is $20; the cost for lunch is $13.
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News from PWV's
  • Free Minister Taxes Webinar
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  • 2022 Minister Housing Allowance
  • 2022 IRS Standard Mileage
  • 2022 Per Capita
  • 2022 Shared Mission Pledge Request
  • 2022 Benevolence Remittance Form
  • Board of Pensions news
  • Year-end checklist
  • 2022 Special Offerings
Coming home again has been good for Mark Boyd and his family. Mark grew up in Barboursville in the Baptist Church. While in seminary, he discovered that he was not Baptist and had never really been Baptist. He found that he most closely aligned with the Reformed tradition and the Presbyterian Church. While in seminary at Palmer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Mark served a Presbyterian church in Midia, PA, as director of youth and children’s programs. After ordination, he served as solo pastor of the Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver, PA.
New Synod grant deadlines
The Synod of the Trinity has streamlined their application deadlines in hopes of simplifying the submission process for all. Moving forward, the following deadlines will apply to all Synod grant categories:
  • February 1
  • May 1
  • October 1
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss a potential grant application, do not hesitate to reach out to Elizabeth Connelly, econnelly@syntrinity.org.
Click below for an update from
Feb. 28-March 1 at St. John XXIII Pastoral Center
“Father Abraham’s Many Children” is the focus of this retreat with Tyler Mayfield, the 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. Overnight rate is $120 per person, with a reduced rate for additional folks from the same church; commuter rate, which includes all meals, is $80. Register by Thursday, Feb. 17.
July 24-27, Indianapolis, IN
The 2022 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be held July 24-27 in Indianapolis. Our delegation, having gotten to know one another earlier in the summer, will spend the night together in Charleston on July 23 then 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.
God’s word says, “Behold I am doing a new thing…” Right now, the new thing for West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps, Inc. is a new addition to staff. WVMAW would like to welcome Vic Morris as the Intern for the Executive Director! Vic has a passion for mission and experience in workcamp ministry through the Nazarene Church. In 2021, groups he led collaborated with WVMAW to help families in Nicholas County. Vic’s vision is to expand workcamp ministry in the state, so he is a great fit for WVMAW.
A note from Bluestone
Free to a good home
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.
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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.