News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

• Board of Pensions 2025 plan update
• QuickBooks Online available from TechSoup
• How long should I keep income tax records?
• Church treasurers and finance committees

• Register for new BoP Benefits Connect
• IRS Standard Mileage
• New Form I-9
• 2024 Special Offerings

Presbytery has copies of 2024 PCUSA planning calendar

The Presbytery has several extra 2023-2024 PCUSA planning calendars. If you need one to get you through this year, please contact Amy Robinson at office@wvpresbytery.org or 304-744-7634. They are $11 each, plus shipping.

Rev. Zac Morton is D&E Baccalaureate speaker

Rev. Zac Morton, an ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the PC(USA) serving First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown will be the speaker for the Davis & Elkins College Class of 2024 Baccalaureate Service and Recognition of Graduates. Zac’s message title, “You Must Make Your Own Map,” is taken from the closing line to the poem "A Map to the Next World" by Joy Harjo, a Native American poet laureate. He will use the image of making a map as a metaphor for creating a new narrative that is always changing as we move through our lives. The theme of God pulling us forward into new space will be explored, as well as how we are challenged to use our imaginations and build on previous narratives and experiences of others as we move towards a hopeful future.

D&E and Davis Health System call Dr. Franklin Tanner Capps as chaplain

Dr. Franklin Tanner Capps, Th.D. has accepted the historic and unique call as Benfield-Vick Chaplain in a shared role with Davis & Elkins College and Davis Health System/Vandalia Health. In this innovative approach, Dr. Capps will share his time in a 60/40 split of his time as chaplain at the College (60%) and Davis Health System (40%). “It isn’t unusual for a College to share pastoral leadership with a church, as we’ve very successfully done before with Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church. So, when we learned that the hospital was in need of chaplain services, it felt like a natural next step to explore that possibility both from a ministry perspective and to share the cost of providing services to students and patients,” said President Chris Wood. “We are thrilled to have a chaplain coming back on campus to serve our campus community.”

Rebuilding West Virginia: A call for comprehensive disaster relief

By Peyton Ballard, WVMAW executive director

West Virginia, like many other states, faces life-altering challenges of severe weather, adverse socioeconomic situations, and an aging population. All of these factors create a perfect storm when disaster strikes. I believe it is time to begin to look at new and better ways to tackle disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts. Disaster often strikes in the Mountain State we know and love with unforgiving force. From devastating floods to crippling storms, West Virginia has faced its share of challenges. However, it’s not just the natural landscape that bears the scars of these calamities; it’s the resilient communities and the steadfast people who call this place home. As we look to the future, it’s imperative to recognize the pressing need for comprehensive disaster relief efforts in West Virginia that extend beyond a response-only strategy.

West Virginia labyrinth survey

West Virginia Council of Churches Executive Director Rev. Jeff Allen is working on a West Virginia Labyrinth project for his renewal leave and is hoping to document the location of labyrinths in West Virginia with the hope of creating a West Virginia Labyrinth Trail. If you know of or have a labyrinth at your church or in your community, please help Jeff by filling out the West Virginia Labyrinth Survey.

Register now for the 2024 Bible & Church Music Conference

This conference is for all ages of worship leaders, be they ordained or lay leaders. Speakers include Rev. Dr. Brian Blount, Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner, and Rev. Bronwen Boswell. The program fee is $245 for adults and $200 for youth and children. Lodging and meals are separate.

Registration open for 2024 Wee Kirk small church conference

Oct. 14-16 at Laurelville Retreat Center, Mount Pleasant, PA

Wee Kirk is an annual conference and retreat for small church leaders (pastors, commissioned pastors, and ruling elders). It offers both learning and renewal, with speakers and worship leaders this year including Roger Owens, Byron Borger, Colleen Molinaro, Edith Ophardt, and Matt Camblin. Registration is $175 for churches up to 150 members, $200 for churches of 151-200 members, or $300 for larger churches; save $25 with registration before Aug. 1.