Good times at the Bluestone Spring Getaway

The Bluestone Spring Getaway was a great opportunity for family fun time and some lessons on sheep and shepherds. Joe Taylor celebrated his 75th birthday with his wife, Debbie, and their two sons and their families. On Friday night, Pastor John Yeager showed a video of how shepherds separate sheep and goats in Kapal, Kazakhstan. Characteristics of both animals and the shepherds were defined by all. On Saturday morning, adults and children split and did Bible study on how sheep are a common metaphor in scripture. On Saturday night, everyone played games, including ping pong. On Sunday, a worship service was conducted recognizing Good Shepherd Sunday. Special thanks to Mark and Cheryl Miller for being great hosts. 

Teri McDowell Ott books for sale from the Presbytery

Teri McDowell Ott was this year’s Festival of Faith keynote presenter. We have two copies of her book, Necessary Risk: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face, left over if anyone would like to purchase them. They are $15 each. Interested? Contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428.  

WVMAW introduces new Director in Training

As the season begins to really roll in 2023, WVMAW wants to share with you some exciting news. Introducing Peyton Ballard, the Director in Training who will become the next Executive Director of WV Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps. Executive Director Joan Stewart says, “For all of you with whom I have worked for these 18 years, I will be working with Peyton through September.”

The PCUSA is on PBS this month

This month, U.S. households can view the PCUSA on “Viewpoint,” which produces high-quality social and educational documentaries with the mission of positively impacting our communities and the world. The PCUSA segment focuses on the denomination’s Matthew 25 commitment to creating healthy, just communities and a radically inclusive world. In addition to the full segment – about 6.5 minutes – a shorter version will air across a myriad of cable networks like CNN and HLN. See a 30-second promo!

News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

• New West Virginia tax tables available now
• Tax guides & housing allowance letter
• 2023 Shared Mission Pledge Request
• PDA assisting with Cyclone Freddy
• Employee or Independent Contractor

• BOP Toolkits
• Sending Benevolence to the Presbytery
• 2023 IRS mileage
• 2023 Per Capita
• 2023 Special Offerings

Two part-time jobs available at Charleston's Kanawha United

Kanawha United, located in downtown Charleston, has two part-time positions open: a Director of Children & Youth Ministries (10 hours a week, $20 per hour, job description) and a custodian (20 hours a week, $15 per hour, job description). Experience is preferred. Please share with anyone in the Kanawha Valley who might have the requisite skills. Questions? Call Marjorie Cooke at 304-541-9657. Interested? Apply by mail to Kanawha United Presbyterian Church, Attn: Marjorie Cooke, 1009 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301.

Moving Mountains

By Bex Law, Marshall University | For Presbyterians Today

(...) I am a non-traditional student completing my undergraduate degree. I started at 25. I have no regrets in waiting, because I was not ready for the commitment and discipline college requires when I was 18. Now I enjoy school, homework, and getting involved, which has, by the grace of God, led me to participating in the 67th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67), and hopefully creating a CSW at my university. The first group I got involved in at Marshall University was Marshall UKIRK. Before coming to school, I was not a practicing Christian. I was raised Southern Baptist, and as a queer, independent, liberal woman, a relationship with God and the church was challenging for me...