News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

• 2023 Year-End Benevolence Processing
• Minister and Staff Appreciation/Christmas Gifts
• Mastering 17 end-of-year financial tasks
• Feds roll out new Form I-9
• 2024 Pastor Minimum Compensation
• 2024 Per Capita

• 2024 Shared Mission Pledge Request
• 2024 PWV Budget
• Board of Pensions: New Medicare Advantage plan
• 2023 Special Offerings

2023 Session Record Reviews

The Session Record Reviews will be different in 2024. They will be conducted quarterly, both in person and online. Clerks of Session (or a ruling elder representative of the session) need to attend one of the events listed below by October 2024.

• Feb. 4 – Charleston area in-person event, 3 PM
• Feb. 5 – Zoom event, 7 PM
• April 14 – Zoom event, 3 PM
• April 21 – Bridgeport/Clarksburg area in-person event, 3 PM
• Aug. 18 – Lewisburg area in-person event, 3 PM
• Aug. 19 – Zoom event, 7 PM
• Oct. 13 - Zoom event, 3 PM
• Oct. 20 – Huntington area in-person event, 3 PM

Seeing Differently: An Introduction to Systems Thinking is first 2024 Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox course

9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday, Jan. 13 on Zoom

Bowen Family Systems Theory is a different way of looking at relationships, self, and even congregations. This course will include an introduction to the eight concepts of the theory and the insights and lens it provides for looking at congregational life and leadership. It will be led by Dana Runestad and Jennifer Long, who have expertise in the area of Bowen Family Systems Theory having studied in the post-graduate program at the Bowen Center. Designed as Continuing Education for pastoral and congregational leadership, the course is open to all interested persons. The cost per person is $40, and the registration deadline is Thursday, January 12.  

Church Officer Training to repeat in February 2024

Are you a newly elected ruling elder or deacon? Are you currently on the session or re-elected to serve on the session or as a deacon? Would you like to know more about the polity (government) of the church, the theology that guides our work, the responsibilities of elders and deacons? Then, join us for Officer Training on Feb. 11 and 18 from 2-5 PM on Zoom; this is a repeat of the November offering. These two sessions will build on and connect with each other, so participants are strongly encouraged to participate in both. There is no cost for this training, but you do need to sign up in order to receive the Zoom link and advance assignment. Participants will need a current copy of the Book of Order for the assignment and classes. Register by Feb. 1 by completing this form or sending the information requested to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.

Soul Space is the theme for the 2024 Educator, Clergy, Commissioned Pastor, Authorized Lay Preacher Retreat

Feb. 19-20 at St. John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston

This year’s ECCA Retreat - for Christian Educators, Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Pastors, Authorized Lay Preachers, and their spouses - will explore a way of looking at the biblical text through the lens of Soul Space and our own gifts of creativity. It will run from lunch Monday through lunch Tuesday, with content sessions Monday afternoon and evening and Tuesday morning. The registration deadline is Feb. 9. Cost, including housing and meals, is $120/person, with a discount for the second person from the same church. There is also a commuter rate of $90/person, which includes the retreat and 3 meals. If you have questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.         

Getting to know our newer pastors: Rob Bane

Retired after a fulfilling career at Union Carbide’s Institute plant and then at Columbia Gas, Robert C. (Rob) Bane II began as pulpit supply at Falls View Presbyterian Church in Charlton Heights in May 2021. He has served as their Commissioned Pastor since January 2023. Rob reports that coming to Falls View feels like coming home to the small Disciples of Christ church in which he grew up. He says, “They are a dear people, and I have already grown close to them.” Parishioners say that “God sent him to us.” It is a feeling he fully reciprocates as he believes he is exactly where God wants him to be.

Five free and discounted digital services for churches

By Julie Raffety, The Presbyterian Outlook

As a pastor who also builds and maintains websites, I frequently come across churches paying for services they could be receiving for free. Religious groups, considered non-profits, have access to many free or discounted services in the digital marketing space. Here are my top recommendations for (mostly) free digital services for churches.

Protect ministry buildings from freezing temperatures

Freezing weather is a major cause of property claims, especially for churches because they are not occupied all throughout the week. Loss control specialists have seen the damage from when water freezes and expands in pipes, which leads to cracks and leaks. They’ve also seen what happens when water freezes in sprinkler heads - they can break under the pressure, resulting in hundreds of gallons of water raining down from the ceiling, waterlogging sanctuaries, and education wings. Take time now to develop a freezing weather routine to help prevent as much damage as possible. This article from Brotherhood Mutual will help get you started. You’ll learn what steps to take each time a freeze event is predicted for your area, as well as things to do when the weather is warm. 

D&E receives $5 million gift for new residence hall

Glory Hall is the chosen name for Davis & Elkins College’s newest residential facility that will stand alongside Roxanna Booth and Gribble Halls as part of the newly established Freshman Village. As an institution originally founded and proudly affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), this new name affirms the college’s faith-based heritage. Inspiration for Glory Hall comes from alumna and gracious donor, Kathy (Dunbar) Ramsdell, 1974 magna cum laude graduate, who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Her generous $5 million gift to her alma mater provides substantial funding for the construction of Glory Hall and includes the naming rights.

Huntington First celebrates 30 years of LOGOS

First Presbyterian Church in Huntington is celebrating a special milestone this year, entering the 30th year of its Wednesday evening LOGOS youth ministry program. The program was introduced to the congregation in 1993 as a mid-week ministry aimed at bringing youth and adults together in an atmosphere of grace, acceptance, love, and encouragement. Since then, LOGOS has become the congregation's signature intergenerational children and youth ministry. Some 75 adult volunteers and 45 children and youth participate in the weekly program.

Huntington First Presbyterian Church’s “LOGOS Kids” select gift items to pack in Christmas Shoeboxes for needy children around the world.

Children play a Bible-learning game in their LOGOS class.

Historic Presbyterian hymnbooks available

The Upshur County Historical Society is in possession of 70-100 copies of the 1955 red Hymnbook and would like to find a home for them. Hymnbooks are in good shape except the covers have faded on some. If a home is not found by spring, they will be recycled. Additionally, for historians who may be interested in a souvenir, the group also has a few copies of the 1935 blue hymnal. Contact Amy Tenney at buckhannon@hotmail.com.

Sometimes our lives and ministry leave us parched and thirsting for a deeper experience of the water of life. The APCE Annual Event will be a time of renewal and reflection as through keynote, worship, workshops, and more, leaders will address how God is able to renew us as we thirst for justice, thirst for life, thirst for kindness and joy. The event is designed for all in educational ministry – pastors, educators, volunteers, and others. It will take place in the newly renovated Union Station Hotel and Amusement Complex, and for those unable to be in St. Louis, there will also be an online option on Zoom. Complete information, including registration, can be found here. For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-9428.