Dear Presbytery of WV,

It is with sadness and joy that I have tendered my resignation as the Associate for Mission. I have enjoyed the seven and a half years I have spent doing ministry with you. Through flooding and sunshine, we have learned together better what it means to be bringing in the Kingdom of God in West Virginia. I have learned so much from you. I have been called to become the Presbyter for Congregational Life for the Presbytery of the James. It is a new and exciting challenge for me. Please keep me in your prayers as you are always in mine. 

Blessings.

Barbara

Previously shared in this space have been the four in-person Session Record Reviews this month, as well as a Zoom Session Record Review set for Sept. 11. All of those begin at 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. Now, we have a second Zoom event to share, which will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. To recap, below are the remaining events:

Some people’s call to ministry is sudden and dramatic. Others experience the call to ministry as more of a process. In each case, we see the wondrous power of wisdom of the God who loves us. Virginia “Ginna” Taylor grew up in South Charleston. Along with her parents and siblings, she attended First Presbyterian in Charleston. She graduated from West Virginia State University with a degree in accounting and worked as an accountant for nine years – first with the Charleston Marriott Town Center and then with the State of West Virginia. She married her husband, Blair Taylor, and together they adopted a baby and named him Tait, her mother’s maiden name. It was when Tait attended preschool at First, Charleston that Ginna realized she would love to work with young children.

National Religious Partnership for the Environment is currently hosting a mini-grant program in West Virginia called "In Praise and Care of Creation: ​Youth Solutions to Climate Change" that is open to faith and community groups that include participants under the age of 18. It will provide up to $500 of funding to qualified care projects in the fall of 2022 or spring of 2023. A one-hour virtual gathering for potential applicants will be held on Sept. 8 on Zoom; at least one person per group must attend.

Wee Kirk will inspire, equip, motivate, and encourage small churches and provide rest and refreshment for the clergy and lay leaders of those churches. This year's plenary speakers include Asa Lee, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary President and Professor of Theological Formation for Ministry; Sue Washburn, former editor of Presbyterians Today magazine; Charles Cotherman, and Jenn Frayer-Griggs. Click for a conference brochure or online registration. Register by Sept. 24. Individual cost: $150, group registration available. You can participate in person or via Zoom.