Summer Sunday School help from the Resource Center

Looking for a stand-alone Sunday School lesson to hand to a volunteer because your teacher just told you they’re going to the beach and can’t teach this week or you’re worried about how behind your students might get if they miss a week or two and you don’t want them to be lost when they return or so you don’t feel like you must spend half of each session reviewing for those who missed the previous week. This article features suggestions from some of our favorite curriculum writers and publishers. 

Gay Mothershed, Vice-Moderator of the 208th General Assembly, dies at age 85

By Mike Ferguson, Presbyterian News Service

Gay Dawn Mothershed, Vice-Moderator of the 208th General Assembly (1996), died peacefully in her home in Black Mountain, North Carolina on May 13. The respected Christian educator served the PC(USA) and its forebear at the congregational, mid council and national levels.

Dismantling Racism: A Service of Remembrance and Repentance for Those Lynched in West Virginia

The West Virginia Council of Churches will hold this service at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 19 on the front steps of the Capitol building (Kanawha Boulevard side). It will be a time of reflection on our state's history with regard to racism and an opportunity to remember and honor those who were lynched. There will be a reading of the names of people who were lynched in West Virginia between 1808 and 1931, as well as a message from Rev. Ron English, President, NAACP, Charleston Chapter. For more information, contact Kay Albright (pastorkay2@gmail.com) or Roberta Smith (charlestoncbma@yahoo.com).

The Stated Clerk of the PC(USA)'s General Assembly sends D&E graduates on the road forward with a reminder to look back sometimes

By Mike Ferguson, Presbyterian News Service

Addressing the Class of 2023 at Davis & Elkins College during Friday, May 12’s baccalaureate service, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II assured graduates that “it doesn’t matter if you came here cum laude or thank you Lordy. If you wear that tassel today, say thank you for the amazing way family and friends have nurtured you.”

Austin College announces full-tuition scholarships for Presbyterian students

Austin College, in Sherman, TX, announces the largest single gift in the College’s history, a $20 million bequest from the estate of Clifford J. Grum. The gift will fully fund the Westminster Scholarship Program for Presbyterian students to attend Austin College with full tuition paid, beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year.

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!

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.