Make sure the youth of your church worship under the big tent at Cedar Lakes November 18-20. Learn more and download registration forms for this year's event.

• October 9: Undie Sunday 
• October 9: Children's Sabbath
• October 16: Laity Sunday (Awareness)
• October 23: Ministry Exploration Sunday (Awareness)

November 6 is Day of Remembrance Sunday, a time when retired clergy and their spouses are honored for their service to the church. Download a bulletin insert and read more about what the offering is used for here.  

From Twitter and Facebook @wvumc; facbook.com/wvumc

some stories we've highlighted via wvumc social media

 

In this reflection, Beau Friedlander, an Episcopalian, writes about the "un-hipness" of leading a church parade in Brooklyn while Occupy Wall Street demonstrators marched in Manhattan. 

 

Forbes published this piece Oct. 5 on the idea of "Debt Jubilee" (outlined in Leviticus) to kick-start the economy. 

 

Rev. Mary Ellen Finnegan (Central UMC, Fairmont) was featured in a United Methodist News Service (UMNS) article on the DREAM act earlier this week; and West Virginia Wesleyan professor Debra Dean Murphy wrote "The Taxing Truth" Sept. 21, shortly before Troy Davis was executed by the state of Georgia. 

 

Finally, check out the latest research from the Barna Group on why young people leave the church.

West Virginia Council of Churches Annual Assembly

The theme for this year's assembly is "Christian Unity in the 21st century: refocusing the dream." Dr. Bill Wilson will speak at the prayer breakfast Monday, October 17. Learn more here. 

Prayer Request 

Please keep Rev. Larry Patterson (Simpson Memorial UMC, St, Stephens UMC) in prayer. He suffered a stroke last Sunday and is recovering in the hospital. Contact the Midland South District office for more information.