Issue 193 | June 10, 2021
Click on an underlined title to go to the full article or link
Each calendar, which runs this September through next December, is $11 when you order through the Presbytery. This price is for pickup at the Presbytery office or, if we receive them from PCUSA in time, the August 19 Presbytery meeting at Bream Memorial in Charleston; if we mail them to you, there will be an additional postage fee, calculated according to order size. An invoice for your total cost will be included with your order; it will contain information on how to pay online by credit card or through the mail by cash or check. Order here, by email at office@wvpresbytery.org or by phone at 304-744-7634. If you leave a voicemail, please include the number of calendars requested, your name and your church. All orders must be received by June 30.
I often hear churches describe themselves as a family or being like a family. I have no doubt that’s said with the best of intentions. People want to convey the safety, security, support, and maybe even the sense of love they feel within their congregation. However, I’m not sure it’s always heard that way by outsiders. Plus, using that term may unintentionally serve to limit our imagination. (...) All things considered, we may be better off thinking of our church as a community. Community provides room for growth and expansion. Community recognizes that people have different gifts, different talents, and different roles to play. Plus, while people can only be born, married, or adopted into a family, people chose which community they belong to. I’m thinking more of a community as a city, town, or village, although I suppose community also applies to other social groupings as well. Language matters. It’s true when we’re talking about God or talking about ourselves, and it’s certainly true when we’re talking about the church. We may have the best of intentions when we describe our church as a family, but those intentions may be holding us back. We’ll be better served if we describe our church in other ways.
From the Stated Clerk: Incorporation of Churches
At the May 20 Presbytery Meeting, Stated Clerk Maureen Wright shared a recommendation from the Moderator, General Presbyter, Financial Administrator, Leadership Team Chair, Trustees Chair, and Stated Clerk that each church in the Presbytery act to approve incorporation and complete the required steps to incorporate. All pastoral leaders and Clerks of Session received a packet of information last week that included an explanation for this and templates of the necessary documents for incorporation. Click here for full information.
  • American Rescue Plan Act
  • Board of Pensions news for employers
  • Tips for Reality Reshaped
  • Ecumenical Stewardship Center closing
  • Pentecost Offering
  • 2021 Special Offerings
Know a student planning to attend a WV college this fall?
The campus ministries related to the Westminster Foundation stand ready to help rising college freshmen make the transition to a West Virginia campus this fall! If you know a student planning to attend Concord University, Davis & Elkins College, Fairmont State University, Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia Tech, West Liberty University, or West Virginia University, please help Westminster make a connection with them to welcome them to campus. Reach out to board president Tina Vial at 304-997-4284 or viala@dewv.edu, and she will connect the student with the appropriate person at their college. Together, we can live out our Baptism commitment to walk with them in every phase of their life as their sisters and brothers in faith.
Dismantling Racism Together to discuss The 1619 Project
Dismantling Racism Together, a virtual outreach activity of Morgantown First Presbyterian, will next meet at 7 p.m. June 21 to discuss “The 1619 Project,” begun by The New York Times Magazine in August 2019, 400 years after the first ship carrying enslaved people arrived from Africa. All are welcome at these meetings. For more information, email dismantlingracismtogether@gmail.com.
5 p.m. June 24. Register here by 3 p.m. June 24.
Whether targeted specifically to a house of worship or the result of carryover from another event, preparation is the key to protecting a house of worship and its members from acts of violence. This free webinar will address the types of violence that can occur and what steps can be taken to prepare for, and respond to, hostile events. Examples of violence at houses of worship will be discussed along with the various motivating factors for the attackers. The webinar will use the GoToMeeting platform, with information emailed to participants on the day of the event.
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 JUNE newsletter in color or grayscale.
Need hymnals?
Edgewood Presbyterian Church has copies of the blue Presbyterian Hymnal free to any congregation in need. Those interested should call the church at 304-645-6536 and leave a message for Larry.
Space still available in weeks 3 & 4. Register now!
Bluestone has been busy creating space for RV camping enthusiasts and can now accommodate travel trailers up to 30 feet in length, as well as smaller motor homes, on six new sites equipped with electric and water service. Seasonal use activity began Memorial Day weekend, with fees just $35 per night (based on double occupancy) plus $10 for each additional person age 12 and up. This price includes use of the pool, shower house, recreational game courts, and hiking trails. Reservations required. Call 304-397-5050 or email mark@bluestonecamp.org.
Next Mission lunch speaker on June 24
The Mission Committee is hosting a free lunchtime speaker series on Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. Next up, in two weeks, Rev. Zac Morton of Morgantown First Presbyterian will speak about houselessness and ways we can act upon it in our own communities. Register here.
PDA awards Cabwaylingo $3,000 grant
After this winter's ice storms and flooding, the Cabwaylingo Presbyterian Chapel in Wayne County responded. They opened the Dunlow Community Center as a shelter and began plans to help their community recover. From refrigerators to food to hot showers, Director Bill Likens and his wife Addie (pictured) gave out supplies and listened to the stories of the people affected. To assist this recovery ministry, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, through a request from the presbytery, awarded a $3,000 grant.
JOB OPENINGS
Music Director (part-time), Elk Hills Presbyterian Church
Elk Hills, just north of Charleston, is seeking a part-time Music Director, who will provide music appropriate for Sunday morning worship services (organ a plus) as well as seasonal services and other church or worship events. For additional information, please contact Personnel Chair Jane Keeney at jkeeney4868@sbcglobal.net.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Director of Christian Education, Charleston First Presbyterian
This is a full-time position with benefits for an initial six-month contract, and the Interim DCE will be permitted to be considered for the permanent position. If you are interested in this role, please email firstpresby@firstpresby.com ASAP. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Music Director (part-time), Old Stone Presbyterian Church
Seeking energetic, creative music director for part-time salaried position in Lewisburg that entails working within a budget to serve as choir director, facilitate music associated with worship, and work with church youth. Formal music training and ability to play piano or organ preferred. Successful applicant will be required to pass a background check, in accordance with the church's Safe Sanctuary Policy. Email office@oldstonechurchwv.com or call 304-645-2676 to apply.
Digging in the dirt
Members of Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg prepare the community vegetable garden to share with the senior citizens and local residents.
Covid-19 Mitigation Strategies for Choirs
.
Lisa Allgood, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Cincinnati and the educational speaker at our May 20 Presbytery meeting, recommends this video regarding choir strategies developed from the NFHS scientific study on aerosol droplets. For more from Lisa, check out her presentation at our meeting.
QUICK LINKS
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.