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March 8, 2018        Issue 118
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stafflist
Presbytery Staff

Ed Thompson
General Presbyter
Maureen Wright
Stated Clerk, Associate for
Congregational Support

Rocky Poole
Financial Administration/Treasurer

Barbara Chalfant
Associate Presbyter for Mission

Susan Sharp Campbell
Associate for Educational Ministry

Nellie Howard
Resource Center Director

Mark Miller
Bluestone Facilities Director

Sarah Specht
Bluestone Program Director

Amy Robinson
Office Administrator/Communications
Prayer List for Churchesprayforchurch

Week 10 - March 11
Teays Valley Presbyterian, Scott Depot
First Presbyterian Church, Welch
Edgewood Presbyterian Church
In Kenya: Kagwathi (Kah-GOWAH'thee) Presbyterian Church

Week 11 - March 18
Anderson Memorial Presbyterian, Welch
Beulah Humble Presbyterian, Elizabeth
First Presbyterian Church, Buckhannon
In Kenya: Kariguini (Kah-REE'goh-ee-nay) Presbyterian Church
Week 12 - March 25
Clear Creek Presbyterian Church
Eleanor Presbyterian Church
Gilbert Presbyterian Church
In Kenya: Kihora (Kay-HOR'Rah) Presbyterian Church
Nurturing Faith Ideas
March 11, 18 & 25 nurturing

Nurturing Faith Ideas are weekly suggestions and activities from the Presbytery's Nurture Committee to link worship and home and to nurture faith development in the family. They are intended for all ages and family types. Add one to your bulletin each week or put them in your monthly newsletter. They could also be sent via email or added to a Facebook page.  Ideas for the entire year can be found here.

March 11
Read John 3:14-21: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." Who do you love? List them on a piece of paper with friends or family and share your lists. Is your list long? Think about God listing everyone God loves. Every creature of the world would be on God's list for God loves the world and all God's creatures. God asks us to love as God loves. Think about your list again and who you may need to add so your list includes all that God loves.

March 18
Read Psalm 119. Verse 10 says, "With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments." What does Jesus remind us is the greatest commandment? "Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Write one way to love God with all your heart, one way to love God with all your soul, and one way to love God with all your mind. Share this with someone else.
 
March 25
Read John 12:12-16. The people shouted, "Hosanna! " What about Jesus makes you want to shout, "Hosanna!" Write down five things about Jesus that you love and may make you want to shout, "Hosanna!" Write "Hosanna!" and put it where you will read it every day of this week until Easter.
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Ed Thompson
      One of my most memorable experiences during Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) happened when the nurses on my floor asked me if I could help them get someone in to see his dying mother. The problem was he was estranged from his 12 siblings, and they didn't want him in the room. The nurses had tried and failed. They turned to me almost as a last resort, although maybe my supervisor told them to send me in to see what would happen. I cannot remember what I said to them. I think it was only by the grace of God that I got him into the room. I stood guard while he spoke to his mom and was glad when we were both safely out in the hallway.
     I sometimes think of that experience when churches tell me, "We're just like a family." Unfortunately, not all families treat each other well. They can be physically abusive as well as verbally abusive. Unfortunately, that also happens in the church. We are clear that physical and sexual abuse is wrong; sometimes, though, we seem willing to put up with verbal abuse. We let people get away with behavior we would not tolerate anywhere else. We think we need to be loving and forgiving. While that is generally true, we can also allow what we think that means to paralyze us, which lets bullies run free - causing harm, creating stress, and driving people away from the church. Click here to read more
listening
FOF

      The  Festival of Faith will begin at 9 a.m. In addition to the keynote, there will also be worship, a wide variety of workshops to choose from, several of our mission/ministry partners to hear from, a bookstore and fair trade coffee and other items for sale. 
        Click here for complete information and registration, which is also on the website and has been sent by email. If you or someone you know would like to receive a copy by snail mail, please let the presbytery office know.
      MARK YOUR CALENDARS and PLAN TO BE PRESENT for this  EXCITING EVENT!
umbrella
Umbrella found at Presbytery Meeting 
     We found a bluish-purple umbrella with faded writing on it when we were cleaning up after the Presbytery Meeting on Feb. 24. If this is yours, please contact Amy Robinson at 304-744-7634 or office@wvpresbytery.org and describe the writing. We can then find a way to get it back to you. 
rocky
From the Presbytery Treasurer
Updated tax resources now available
     Two useful federal income tax resources are available from Board of Pensions: the Tax Guide for Ministers (updated for the 2017 tax year) and the Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches: What You Need To Know for 2018. 
     The Tax Guide for Ministers was mailed to active and retired Ministers of the Word and Sacrament. The Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches: What You Need To Know for 2018 covers the impact of the federal Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and changes to the Affordable Health Care Act, and provides guidance for the 2018 tax year. Both are available on the Board of Pensions Benefits Connect website. Ministers who have not received their copy of the ministers' tax guide or church treasurers who like a copy of the Federal Reporting Requirements, please contact the Board of Pensions (1-800-773-7752), or get in touch with me (304-744-7634, treasurer@wvpresbytery.org) and I will help you get a copy.

2018 Shared Mission Request
     Many of our churches have already made a pledge for 2018. Please check with your pastor and/or clerk of session to see that your church has returned their pledge card to this office and, if not, please do so at your earliest convenience.
bluestonesummer
Bluestone Summer Camp News
Summer camp dates
     The four weeks of summer camp at Bluestone are listed below. Camp brochures have been distributed to churches, so you can check with your church for information, or you may register online through the Bluestone website.
     There is a non-refundable registration fee of $75 for mailed registrations or 20 percent of the total cost for online registrations. The total cost varies, so please consult the website or brochure. Save $25 when you register before April 1. 
  • Week 1: June 10-16
  • Week 2: June 17-23
  • Week 3: June 24-30
  • Week 4: July 1-7
Summer camp scholarships available
     Scholarships (registration fee assistance grants) are available for Bluestone summer campers, thanks to support from the Molly Grant Scholarship Fund. Candidates must apply through their local church; find applications here. Funds will be distributed at the discretion of the Presbytery's Bluestone Committee.

Volunteer at the camp
     Bluestone is seeking individuals who would like to help out for a week of camp. Volunteer opportunities include camp nurse (1 per week), key leaders (3 per week, to lead curriculum studies), craft leaders (3 per week) and general support staff (drivers, kitchen help, grounds and maintenance help, photo/media techs and extra counselor support). If interested, contact Sarah Specht at 304-690-6667 or sarah@bluestonecamp.com. 
eating
Just Eating? Practicing Our 
Faith at the Table

Read here about this five-week middle school curriculum.
resources
Introducing New Resources











mission
Where do you get hunger information by county in West Virginia?
     This is a great resource for information, ideas and resources.

What was the bill noted at the Presbytery Meeting that, if passed, has the potential to increase the need for food pantries by 20-30 percent?
     House Bill  4001, and also Senate Bill 431, introducing work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 18-50 to receive SNAP. As a test, the law was implemented in nine counties with the effect being only a two percent employment success rate and a 30 percent increased demand on food pantries. 

How can I help fight hunger in West Virginia?
     +  Participate in the Cents-Ability offering
     + Give your time to a food pantry, feeding program or        
        backpack program
     + Start a community garden
     + Fight for a living wage for all workers
     + Educate yourself by reading about and engaging in 
        discussions  with others about hunger. There is plenty of food 
        produced in the US to feed everyone and more.
alpCRE
     This is part of a series highlighting PWV's Authorized  Lay Preacher/Commissioned Ruling Elder Program. In September, we begin a new set of Presby Prep courses, which are prerequisites for this program. Click here f or more information about Presby Prep. Is God tugging at your heart to participate? Presby Prep is a great way to learn more. 
     First of all, I never felt I was called to be an ALP. I was quite clear and up front with the screening committee about this. I was looking forward to the education; I have always enjoyed learning, and I figured being more biblically literate wouldn't hurt as a pastor's spouse. And being a member of a small church, I thought I might be able to satisfy a need for small churches in my area who were temporarily without pastoral leadership or, as is more often the case, will never have the financial means to support a full-time minister. But this was not a call, simply another service I could provide as I tried to find my niche within the larger church.
     So I started the training, and it...Click here to read more
wvvoad
WV VOAD news
     West Virginia VOAD is the state chapter of the National VOAD. WV VOAD consists of volunteer organizations active in disaster response throughout the state of West Virginia. The VOAD's role is to bring organizations together and enable them to understand each other and work together during times of disaster preparedness, response, relief and recovery. T he group has a newsletter to share information and articles about their projects. 
sympathy
Prayer Concern
     Mike Brekke, father of Davis & Elkins Chaplain Laura Brekke, recently fell and was hospitalized. Please pray for Mike, Laura and their family as he recovers.
older
 
     We invite you to print and include this newsletter in your bulletins, give it to your congregation and distribute widely. We hope it is helpful for your congregation and community. 
cook
Job opening!
Part-time cook/kitchen manager
First Presbyterian Church, Charleston
     First Presbyterian Church of Charleston is hiring a Cook/Kitchen Manager as part of a two-person team. The major responsibility is to manage the dining facilities and plan, purchase and prepare meals, receptions and other events at the church. 
     The position is part-time, approximately 16-24 hours per week from mid-August to mid-May. During the school year, weekly Wednesday dinners and two monthly Thursday luncheons are regularly scheduled. Other events occur throughout the year. Occasional weekend work may be required. 
     Please call the church office at 304-343-8961 for an application or e-mail your resume to nancy@firstpresby.com .

educators
March 19 at the Presbytery office
     The next Educators' Gathering will be Monday, March 19, at the presbytery office, beginning at 10 a.m.  Those who attended the APCE Annual Event will share gleanings from the workshops they attended. In addition, we'll look at the new Presbyterian Confirmation Curriculum that will be available in June. We will also discuss the book One Hundred Things Every Child Should Know Before Confirmation by Rebecca Kirkpatrick.  
     These gatherings are opportunities  for anyone involved in leadership in the educational ministry of their church, whether as paid staff or a volunteer, to share ideas, resources, concerns and support. We will end at approximately 1:30 p.m., following lunch together at a nearby restaurant for those who can stay. For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-645-4568 or  susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com .
     The April gathering will be Monday, April 9.
mentalhealth
April 17. Register by March 19.
     On Tuesday, April 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the presbytery office, Kathy Dale McNair will lead the second 2018 Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox Course, about mental health concerns and how they affect individuals, their families and your congregations. Experience a new model for adult education that links faith and hope to loss, loneliness, anxiety, depression and grief. Kathy serves in the Presbytery of Chicago, specializing in mental health ministries. 
      Click here for more information, including a list of suggested (not required) reading. Click here for a registration form/flyer. 
PWgathering
Presbyterian Women Annual Gathering
April 14 at Highlawn Presbyterian, Huntington
     The PWV Presbyterian Women's Annual Spring Gathering will begin with registration and coffee at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at Highlawn Presbyterian Church, 2814 Collis Ave., Huntington, WV 25702. It will include a business meeting, speakers, worship, communion and the installation of officers (including new moderator Sheila Brownfield) before concluding with lunch.
     Registration is $5, due by April 9, to Connie Musgrave, 127 Wyngate Dr., Barboursville, WV 25504. Contact her at 304-736-3241 for more information. 
guys
Register by Wednesday, April 25
spring
Register by Wednesday, May 2
myc
June 9-16. Registration ends this month!
      Montreat Youth Conferences provide opportunities for youth in our churches to connect with hundreds of high school youth from across the country to engage in faith conversations through keynote, worship, small groups, fellowship and recreation.
     Youth currently in grades 8-12 are encouraged to join the presbytery's delegation. The cost per person is $350, with $175 due at registration. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31. Click here for information and a registration form. Please contact Susan Sharp Campbell at 304-645-4568 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com with questions.
logos
March 17 at First Presbyterian, Charleston
      On Saturday, March 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an opportunity for anyone interested in providing a weekly intergenerational program designed to nurture children and youth in faith. LOGOS, part of GenOn Ministries, is designed to work in churches of all sizes and settings as it provides opportunities for children and youth to build relationships with adults in the church as well as experience study, fellowship, worship and a shared meal as a child of God and disciple of Jesus Christ.  
     Event participants will experience the four parts of LOGOS and the why behind each; understand why there is a strong emphasis on relationships; discover a Biblical process of calling volunteers to assist and staff the LOGOS program; and network with others who share similar joys and challenges in nurturing people in faith.
     If you are in need of financial assistance, the presbytery has some scholarship funds available through the Nurture Committee. You will find an application  here.  
     For more information on this training, click here, or for more on LOGOS, click here. Register for the event here.
retirement
March 18 at Second Presbyterian, Huntington
     Second Presbyterian Church is hosting a reception for David Richards and his family in honor of his upcoming retirement. It will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 18 in the church's Esther Cotton Fellowship Hall, 901 Jefferson Ave., Huntington, WV 25704.
     All  are invited to come wish him and his family  well in retirement. Small bites, cake, punch and coffee will be served. 
appalachia
March 23-24 at Pipestem Resort State Park
     The Stewardship of Creation Ministry Team invites you to join them in attending the second annual State of Appalachia Conference at Pipestem Resort State Park on March 23-24. The conference will focus on the spiritual, economic and ecological state of the Appalachian region and ways to restore it.  Click here  for more information and to register.
wpc
April 4-7 in Grand Rapids, MI
     The White Privilege Conference, now in its 19th iteration,  "examines challenging concepts of  privilege and oppression and offers solution and team building strategies to work towards a more equitable world." It allows participants to discuss "how white privilege, white supremacy and oppression affects daily lives, while giving strategies for addressing issues of privilege and oppression and advancing social and economic justice."
     This conference is endorsed by PC(USA), which offers a 10 percent discount code: PCWPC19. They write, " If we in the PC(USA) are serious about justice, antiracism, intercultural ministry, diversity, inclusiveness, and evangelism, we must all grapple with the personal and systemic sin that is holding us back from fully reflecting the Gospel."
     Registration is $280. Click here for more about the conference. Click here to register.  
richmond
Step by Step: A Retreat for Leaders of Small Congregations
April 12-13 in Richmond, VA
     If you serve in, work with, or hail from a small congregation and are committed to centering in God and living fully in your community, this retreat, presented by Ashland (VA) Presbyterian Church, is for you.  It seeks to broaden the conversation and reflect on what it means to be people of faith in today's changing context.
     This retreat will introduce you to praying the Labyrinth, challenge you to find your center and know your strengths in God, encourage your efforts to extend hospitality throughout your community, connect you with congregations of similar size and scope, and more.
     The location is Richmond Hill Retreat Center in Richmond, VA. The retreat runs 4 p.m. April 12-4 p.m. April 13. Cost is $150, which includes lodging and meals. Click here for more information and to register. Contact Kerra Becker English at 
jeremycamp
Jeremy Camp at the Clay Center
6:30 p.m. April 13. Group rates for churches.
      Christian singer Jeremy Camp will perform at the Clay Center on Friday, April 13, with openers Micah Tyler and MFC Worship. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. The Clay Center is offering group rates for churches with 10 or more people attending; they are $20 per person for the first balcony and $30 per person for the main floor. Call the Clay Center at 304-561-3570.
seed
Seed: A Place for Faith to Grow
April 20-21 at Teays Valley Presbyterian Church
PWnatl
Aug. 2-5 in Louisville
     This year's Gathering celebrates 30 years of Presbyterian Women. Held at The Galt House in Louisville, it includes deep community and worship, mission opportunities, workshops, Bible study and more.
     Registration is $425 for the weekend or $125 for a single day. Early bird registrants (by May 1) receive a special incentive.
     Additionally, our Presbyterian Women coordinating team has voted to pay for the registration of any PWV woman who would like to attend. To receive your scholarship, mail a copy of your completed registration form and check to Treasurer Connie Musgrave, 127 Wyngate Dr., Barboursville, WV 25504 for reimbursement. 
   
jerrycan

Let Jerry Can teach your congregation's children about natural disasters and what they can do to help
PDA
What has PDA given back to WV?
Funding
2016 West Virginia - $78,000 (Presbytery of West Virginia)
June 2016 - 44 of 51 counties severe flood event
November 2016 - Greater Greenbrier Valley Long-Term Recovery support (June flood)
 
2017 West Virginia - $99,590 (Presbytery of West Virginia)
January 2017 - Summersville, volunteer work team host site (June 2016 flooding) -  Long-Term Recovery - West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy & Workcamps
September 2017 - Long-Term Recovery - WV VOAD Bridge Project

Support
     In 2016 and 2017, PDA sent 14 National Volunteers, who walked flood zones, prayed with homeowners, made contacts, did assessments, made suggestions, shared resources and supported our recovery process.
     They also sent a team of two national members to lead three respite retreats for long-term flood response workers and volunteers.
They have attended daily and weekly state-wide calls as scheduled, updating the progress on flood response and recovery.
     They send one National team member to attend WVVOAD quarterly meetings and walk alongside WVVOAD director Jenny Gannaway, to travel with her and assist in organizational strategies.
     Most recently, Forrest Palmer has been trained and commissioned to be one of our PDA National Volunteers, committing to spend at least four weeks a year serving the church in this vital capacity.

Remember every time you give to One Great Hour of Sharing or directly to PDA, you are making a different in the world and in our own state.
beechtree
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The Beech Tree, the Friends of Bluestone newsletter, is now electronic. If you wish to receive it, go  here  to sign up.
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Editor's Note:
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If you wish for a piece to continue to run, please resubmit. 
We encourage you to reword, add a photo (or different photo), 
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Presbytery of West Virginia, 520 Second Avenue,  South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone (304) 744-7634, Fax (304) 744-7649, 

Office Hours: Monday -Thursday  8:30AM-5:30PM