Remembering 9/11
Bishop Steiner Ball offers this prayer for today:
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with families whose lives were changed forever by a single day," said Bishop Steiner Ball. "We also pray for those around the world who continue to live in constant terror; and we pray for peace."
Rev. Amy Shanholtzer shares what ran through her mind as a pastor and mother on 9/11 in this blog post.
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Fall WVUM in mailboxes this week.
The Fall edition of the West Virginia United Methodist includes this story about Bishop Steiner Ball, who has been described as someone "who sets the bar for excellence, and then empowers people to see who they can be."
Check out page 10 for a new feature that we're calling Glory Sightings. We hope you will share photos and stories that show God at work in the West Virginia Annual Conference. The first 10 churches or ministries that submit a photo and/or a story will receive a 2GB jump drive.
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Aging clergy trend continues, says Lewis Center Report
WASHINGTON, DC - The number of older clergy continues to grow according to the Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church report released last week by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. The annual report is prepared with assistance from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of the United Methodist Church; and, for first time since 2008, it includes figures from other denominations.
Some numbers for the WV Annual Conference of note:
*The average age of a WVAC elder is 53
*The single most frequently occurring age among elders is 58
*13 elders are under 35 - or 5.53% of all WVAC elders
*1 deacon is under 35 - or 8.33% of all WVAC deacons
*5 local pastors are under 35 - or 2.13%
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Does your worship reach people?
Worship attendance is vital to the mission of the church. At the
you will learn to use tools and strategies to improve your attendance and reach new disciples. The conference is designed for both laity and clergy and features engaging presentations and practical workshops from knowledgeable experts. Register before Oct. 8 and save money!
"This is a great opportunity for your continuing education and for the formation of your Worship Team. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership and Lovett Weems are great presenters," said JF Lacaria, who directs leadership formation and ministry support for the WV Annual Conference. E-mail JF or call him at 800-788-3746, ext. 27 for more information.
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Conference Journal and Yearbook available online
Visit wvumc.org to view the online edition of the West Virginia Annual Conference Journal and Yearbook. Print and CD copies of the Journal will be mailed this month.
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Work Team Need in Southern W.Va.
Derecho recovery continues in many parts of West Virginia, and you can help. There is a need for roofing work teams in Fayette, Greenbrier, and Kanawha Counties. "FEMA has not provided assistance for these folks, so churches really have an opportunity to help," said conference disaster response co-coordinator, the Rev. Dan Lowther. Contact Dan for more information at dclowther@gmail.com or by calling 304-642-0897 (c) |
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UMW Annual Meeting
Join the United Methodist Women October 19-20 in Huntington for their Annual Meeting. Their theme is "Who's at Your Table?"and features the Rev. Jeff Allen, Director of the West Virginia Council of Churches. Learn more and register here. |
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We Remember
Rev. John Rodefer Grandstaff, 78, of Huntington, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2012. The family is honoring John's wish to have no service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's honor to WV Conference Treasurer, P.O. Box 2469, Charleston, WV 25329 (memo line: UMCOR) or online at www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Give. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has a mission to work globally to alleviate human suffering. Donations in John's honor may also be made to your local food bank. Condolences can be sent to family here.
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