2014 Pledge Cards 

are due by January 15th

  

Board of Pension dues are 35% of  

effective salary

  

Remittances must be in by January 10th to count 

toward 2013

 

IRS Mileage Reimbursement change from $0.565 to $0.56

  

CHECK OUT THE NEW 

LOOK OF THE PWV WEBSITE! 

www.wvpresbytery.org

"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." (NRSV)

As we approach the celebration of Christ's birth, we give thanks for God's love, made known to us through his Son.  We are grateful for how you all radiate that love through your lives, through our congregations and throughout our communities in West Virginia.  We are grateful for your witness and for your ministry, and we wish you the very best Christmas season and a Happy New Year 2014! 

- Your Presbytery Staff

In light of this change of location, there may be others who wish to participate and have not registered.  Thus, registrations will be accepted until December 23.  To register, complete the form found here.  Once your registration is received you will be sent the course assignments.

To all members of the Presbytery of West Virginia,

2013 has not been a good year, financially, for Bluestone Camp & Retreat.  While new programs such as the Send A Kid To Camp have been successful in introducing new children to God through a camping experience, we find ourselves in dire financial need due to a budget deficit as the year quickly draws to a close.  There are several things that have led us to this point.  The summer of 2013 brought fewer campers to Bluestone than previous years, we had a couple of church retreats cancelled, and several creative  initiatives failed to bring in the additional revenue your Bluestone committee had hoped for.

This has left us dangerously close to the edge of a precipice over which we must not fall.  Those of us on the Bluestone Committee as well as many members of the Presbytery of West Virginia believe the ministry provided by Bluestone is a vital part of fulfilling Godʼs call for us to bear witness of Godʼs awesome creative power as well as the unending love God continues to have for each and every one of His people. It is at summer camps and retreats where  our  church  leaders of tomorrow are often formed. Our youth and adult members retreat to Bluestone to become renewed, refreshed and re-connected to God through fellowship, meditation, study and prayer.  Bluestone is a place of beauty that many of us consider a"thin spot," one of those places where we feel particularly in communion with God.

We can each help pull Bluestone out of this deficit.  We ask you to seriously consider making a special gift this Christmas to Bluestone.  Perhaps your church is willing to make a year-end donation to show its support of this important ministry.  Any gift you or your congregation chooses to make will be greatly appreciated.  Together we can strengthen our ties to Bluestone Camp & Retreat.  Our support will keep Bluestone ministering to you,your family, your community and all of Godʼs people touched by the Presbytery of West Virginia.

Special gifts may be mailed to the Presbytery Office made payable to Bluestone Camp.

Thank you, 

Nelle Howard

Bluestone Committee Chair

Youth In Service: Mission Possible  January 25, 2014

Youth in grades 6-12, and their adult advisors, are encouraged to join together for a day of mission and service.  Participants will gather at three different sites (First Presbyterian Church, Clarksburg; Clifton Presbyterian Church, Maxwelton; and Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Hurricane) for a Gathering Time, before going out to serve in the communities.  The day will conclude back at the church sites. 

There is no cost for this event, though each participants needs to bring a lunch.  Because work sites will depend on the number of participants, pre-registration for this event is required.  A registration form, along with an event covenant and medical form, can be downloaded here.

The REGISTRATION DEADLINE is Saturday, January 11 (or Thursday, January 9 if they are hand-delivered to the presbytery office).   

For more information contact Susan Sharp Campbell, susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com or 304-645-4568.

Youth in Service:  Mission Possible - see above

Educator Clergy CRE Retreat (includes spouses) will be February 24-25 at Hawks Nest State Park.  Patricia (Trisha) Tull will lead us in reflecting on how "The Prophets Speak to Us."  Registration information has been sent to Educators, Pastors and Commissioned Ruling Elders.

The Younger Youth Retreat for those in grades 6-8, and their adult advisors, will be March 7-9, at Cedar Lakes Conference Center, Ripley.  Information will be sent to churches in early January.

Youth Council Applications will be sent to churches and leaders in mid-March. These will be due back on May 1. 

Festival of Faith will be Saturday, April 5, at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston.  Neal Presa, Moderator of the General Assembly will be our Keynote Presenter.  Information will be sent to churches in early January.

Middle School Conference at Massanetta Springs Conference Center, June 24-27.  More information below.

Raleigh Youth Mission Trip for High Schoolers, July 13-18.  More information below.

Playology:  Experiencing God Through the Art of Play, Saturday, August 23.  More information to come!

Your Generosity = Lives Changed 2013 Christmas Joy Offering

Click here for more information

 Each month, Christian Educators across the presbytery meet for a time of fellowship, reflection and sharing, with a "pot-luck" salad lunch.  Following this meeting, there is a book discussion for those who wish to participate.  Retired and active, professional or volunteer, Christian educators are invited to participate on an "as you can basis."  Most meetings, unless otherwise noted, are from 10-1:30 pm, with the book discussion from 1:30-2:30 pm on Monday.  Meetings for the remainder of this academic year are as follows:

• January 6:  We will be discussing the book, Why Did Jesus,  Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road by Brian McLaren
• February 10:  Those who attended APCE will share their gleanings.
• February 24 and 25 - Educator Clergy CRE Retreat, February 24-25
• March 17
• April 14 (tentative)
• May 12
• End of year picnic, Friday, May 30.

Part of the calling of the Presbytery's Nurture committee is to nurture faith in families in our congregations.  In early 2014, congregations will receive a Nurturing Faith" list -- weekly suggestions and activities to guide faith development in the family.   Congregations may include them in worship bulletins or newsletters to encourage families to grow together in faith.   

Below you will find an example of what's to come:

January 5:  The wise men brought gifts to Jesus.  What are the gifts or talents that we can use to serve Jesus?

January 12:   When we are born we are given a name.  What does your name mean?  Is there a reason you were given that name?

For those currently in MIDDLE SCHOOL, grades 6-8, we will be taking a group to the Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference, Tuesday, June 24-Friday, June 27.   Youth will join with participants from all around the country for keynotes, music, recreation, workshops and small groups, around the theme "Beyond the Manger," taking a fresh look at a familiar story.  Adult advisors are also needed for this event.  The cost per youth is $345 and $100 per adult.  The registration deadline for this event Is Monday, March 3; at that time registration forms and payments must be received in the Presbytery office.  This conference fills up quickly, which is why the deadline is so early.  Late registrations will be accepted as long as space is available.  

Those currently in High School, grades 9-12, are encouraged to join with other youth from our presbytery and other places for Raleigh Youth Mission, Sunday, July 13-Friday, July 18.  Adult advisors are also needed.  Throughout the week, participants will serve in a variety of settings in Raleigh, with opportunities for reflection, worship, and recreation.  The cost per youth is $295; the cost per adult is $50.  We have reserved spaces for 10 youth and 2 adults, although we can increase our numbers.  The registration deadline for this event is Thursday, April 3, at which time a deposit of $200(youth) or $50(adult), along with the registration form, is due in the presbytery office. 

Gary McGrew, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston,  lost his father Sam on Monday to cancer.  Sam was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer this fall.  He underwent chemo therapy a time or two and was in and out of the hospital since his diagnosis. 

Please click here for service details and an obituary