Register here by 5 PM next Thursday, March 20, for the Called Presbytery Meeting at 5:30 PM March 25 on Zoom

A Word from our Transitional General Presbyter

As many of you know, I have had the opportunity to serve the General Assembly (GA) several times as a parliamentarian or parliamentary assistant for GA committees. Each time, I have been asked to talk with the committee about parliamentary procedure, the Book of Order, and Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. In my work with the Presbytery, first as Stated Clerk, and now as the Transitional General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, I am privileged to visit with the churches of the Presbytery. Sometimes my visits are focused on meeting the congregation, worshipping together, or attending an event of the church. At other times, I visit to resource the session or congregation as they seek to answer a question or solve a problem. Whether I am working with one of the Presbytery’s churches or with a GA committee, I often begin by sharing that the Book of Order reflects the way in which Presbyterians agree to be in community together. The principles and processes outlined in the Book of Order are tools to help discern, to deliberate, to be about the work of the church as followers of Jesus Christ – they help us get where we want to go.

Public Domain Hymn Project update

Last summer, we shared that the presbytery is using the balance of its synod Small Church Grant to purchase hymn accompaniment for 10 hymns for each of up to 75 small churches in the presbytery through the Presbytery of the Plains and Peaks’ Public Domain Hymn Project. Currently, there are 82 hymns available, encompassing the themes of Jesus Christ Life, Advent/Christmas, Jesus Christ Passion & Death, Jesus Christ Resurrection, and Service Music. The Presbytery Office has thumb drives available with the video files as well as audio-only CDs. Any small churches in the Presbytery who would like to take advantage of this opportunity may contact Maureen Wright (statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org) or Chris Alfred (treasurer@wvpresbytery.org).

Christian Education Resources Survey - take by Saturday

When the 226th General Assembly of the PCUSA met last summer, it directed the Office of Christian Formation and the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, in collaboration with Research Service, to study and develop a plan for the future development of Reformed, Christian educational resources for faith formation and nurture, especially for congregational use. In doing so, they realize that they need to determine current Christian education practices and resources needs so that they can respond to those needs. They have developed a survey to assist them in doing so and are asking one person from every congregation - someone who has knowledge of what is happening in their educational/ formation program, their needs, and likes - to respond. This is an opportunity for our voices to be heard, particularly from our many small churches, and for us to have an impact on denominational curriculum development. Please ensure someone from your congregation makes your voice heard.

Festival of Faith is almost here!

March 22 at Charleston First Presbyterian

Our keynote presenters this year are CeCe Armstrong and Tony Larson, Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly, who will share their reflections on the life of the PCUSA. In the past, we’ve had opportunities to hear from a single Co-Moderator, but this will be our first time having both of them with us. They will also be leading a workshop on discerning purpose - one of the wide variety of workshops planned with some great leaders. Other choices include hiking the Camino, preaching justice, playing together, advance directives, planned giving, healthy congregations, and painting. Register online by 6 PM March 17 or at the door on March 22; in either case, you will need to plan to bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry, at susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or Kari Preslar, Planning Team Chair, at kpreslar166@gmail.com.

Presbyterian Youth Triennium

July 28-31, 2025 in Louisville, KY

The 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT), will be here before we know it. PYT is an opportunity for those currently in grades 8-12 and young adults ages 19-23 to join with thousands of Presbyterian youth and their adult leaders from across the country for four days of worship, recreation, Bible study, outreach, and faith formation around the theme “As If We Were Dreaming.” This will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville with housing in nearby hotels. The presbytery, under the leadership of Susan Sharp Campbell, is making plans to take a delegation to this event. A registration form and flyer with details can be found here. More complete information on event leadership, preachers, the event schedule, and theme grid can be found here. The cost per youth will be $375, which covers housing, meals (except for those on the road), t-shirts, program costs, and transportation. The registration deadline is March 31, when a deposit of $188 is also due. Forms and payment can be mailed to Presbytery of WV, Presbyterian Youth Triennium, P.O. Box 11720, Charleston, WV 25339. Questions? Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-0428.

Spring Youth Retreat to focus on friendship

April 27 at Coonskin Park, Charleston

This retreat for those in grades 6-12 and adults who work/live with them, will run 10 AM-5 PM at Coonskin's Columbia Shelter. (If the weather isn’t cooperative, it will be held at Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church.) Using stories from scripture and pop culture, members of the presbytery’s Youth Council will lead participants in exploring what it means to be a friend. The cost per person is $20 which includes lunch. The registration deadline is April 14. Questions? Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell, susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-667-0428.

Grants & loans for post-secondary education

The presbytery, through its Nurture Committee, has $1,000 loans available for those seeking post-secondary education; there are also some grant monies in amounts that vary each year available. You will find the application form for these loans and grants here. Please share this information with those in your church, especially high school seniors and parents, although these are not limited to those graduating this year. The application deadline is April 30, including the return of reference letters. Those who have received loans/grants in the past and who wish to renew them should submit a written request, including a brief description of their past year, to susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or Presbytery of WV, c/o Susan Sharp Campbell, 683 Dwyer Lane, Lewisburg, WV 24901. They do not have to submit the entire application. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or the above email.

Youth Council nominations/applications being accepted

In a time when there are fewer youth in our congregations, the presbytery’s Youth Council offers a place for youth to find support, develop leadership skills, and grow in their faith. Do you know youth who are currently in grades 8-11 who might enjoy participating and serving on the Youth Council? If so, please share the information linked above with them. There is also a need for adults who enjoy working with youth to serve in partnership with the youth. If that’s you, please consider applying. If that’s someone else you know in your congregation, please share the information with them. Each congregation/session is invited to nominate youth and/or adults to serve on youth council, realizing that we are committed to involving people from as many churches as possible. Apply by April 30.

LOOKING AHEAD

Another Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Pastor Preparation Program to begin in September with Presby Prep

Presby Prep is the first, required year of the ALP/CP Preparation Program, which prepares those who would become commissioned to pastoral service as Commissioned Pastors and those who serve as random pulpit supply as Authorized Lay Preachers. It is also an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about what it means to be Presbyterian and part of the Reformed family of churches. Presby Prep is open to anyone, whether or not you’re sensing a call to serve in pastoral leadership or pulpit supply. If you’d just like to grow in your faith, understanding, and knowledge of what it means to be Presbyterian, Presby Prep is the place for you. It will consist of 8 monthly courses (September-November 2025 and January-May 2026), which are 3 hours long and offered on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Each course also has an assignment to be completed in advance. The dates for these courses have not been set, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about being a part. We will need for there to be a minimum of 8 people registered for this to happen; otherwise, it will begin in January 2026. Look for more information, with dates and a registration form, this spring. If you have questions, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.

Get a Bluestone Camp promotional toolkit here!

News from the Presbytery's Treasurer

Pastor 2025 Medical Cost Grant
2025 Per Capita
2025 Shared Mission Pledge Request
Year-end checklist

2025 IRS mileage
2025 Special Offerings Calendar
Church treasurers and finance committees

News from our Congregations & Partners

Kari Preslar is newly installed Administrative Officer for the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE)

Congratulations to Kari Preslar, Commissioned Pastor at Dunbar First Presbyterian Church and a Certified Christian Educator, on her election and installation as the Administrative Officer for APCE. In this role, she will serve as a member of the Executive Team and Leadership Council, taking minutes, executing contracts, and managing the file management system. This is an honor for Kari and for the presbytery as we celebrate this with her.

Presbyterian mission trip to Korea planned for fall

The Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) is arranging a mission trip to South Korea Oct. 21-30 that is open to Presbyterians and others who are interested in Korea and are concerned about the prospects for peace there. The registration period has just begun and will continue through April 30. For more information and to register, visit PPNK.net or email PeaceNetworkforKorea@gmail.com.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 2024 At A Glance

The above link gives quick facts about PDA's international and national responses in 2024, including emergency responses and ongoing long-term recovery.