The Leadership Team for the Presbytery of West Virginia called us to be in a season of prayer.  A commitment was made by the members of Leadership Team to follow the 40 days of prayer that are outlined in Joan Gray's book, Sailboat Church.  It is within that context that I pastorally write to you, calling us to be in the spirit of prayer, suitable for this season of Lent.

As I listen to our presbytery staff, I hear, even from veteran, long-standing staff, that we are extremely busy - maybe even more so than in previous years.  We are busy in that our committees are taking their responsibilities seriously.  We are busy because the rate of change and transition in our churches seems to be increasing.  We are busy responding to the pastoral needs that we experience.  We are busy programmatically, planning and promoting presbytery functions.  We are busy with our own presbytery transitions and desires to perhaps change or tweak the Jeremiah 29:11 mission plan adopted by our presbytery.  We have just held the presbytery meeting in which we discussed, debated and voted on the proposed amendments to the Book of Order, our votes being one of the 171 presbyteries in the PC(USA).  

As one called to listen, pray and serve among you, I occasionally hear unkind comments made about elected committee leadership, staff persons, or pastoral leaders within this presbytery. Sheldon Sorge, Executive Presbytery for Pittsburgh Presbytery - who also was a former member of the Presbytery of West Virginia - recently wrote a reflection in that presbytery's newsletter, he offers a word of caution, when out of our anxiety or busyness, we fall to human frailties and bring into question the integrity of persons called to serve within this presbytery.  Sheldon writes: "Dearly beloved, I urge us to beware of speaking ill of others, especially of those who declare their trust in the same Lord and Savior in whom we place our own trust. We need not call into question the integrity of others in order to establish our own. The grace of God in whose grip lies our sure hope is as much a lifeline for others as it is for us. Our readiness to dismiss others betrays the grace of God that has persevered toward us."

May we call ourselves to continued prayer for all within the portion of the body of Christ we call the Presbytery of West Virginia.  May we call ourselves to prayer and self-examination in this season of Lent, as we look forward to the resurrection of our Lord, celebrating God's amazing grace in our lives.

Forrest Palmer, Interim Executive Presbyter

The Relations Committee has 2 invitations to extend to each person in the presbytery. 

We are looking for 2 new committee members. Simply put, the Relations Committee are the folks in charge of making sure that everyone in this presbytery feels connected to others in this presbytery. If you know someone who's great at forming and nurturing connections, then being a part of the Relations Committee might be just the thing for them! Contact Nancy Tissue at [email protected].

The Tech Affinity group of the Relations Committee is a brand new entity. This informal (and yet-unformed) group will be in charge of helping ministries around the Presbytery create websites, helping churches get into the 1st Century if desired, teaching churches how to incorporate social media into their ministry, and offering overall tech support.

If you know someone who might be a good addition to this new adventure, please contact Patrick Ryan at [email protected] or call him at 304-963-6509.

Melting snow and breezes tinged with warmth remind us that Spring is arriving!  While we are splattered with rain and washed in sunshine we must remember the renewing message of Easter and Pentecost. The resurrection of the Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit shows us that Death, like winter cannot hold us.

How will your congregation witness its renewal? These older selections from your Resource Center may help. Witness may be as simple as teaching our children the Pentecost Alphabet by Phyllis Vos Wezeman is one of our older resources that should not yet be forgotten.  "A is for Acts . . .B is for Breath."  In this book you may guide children and adults through action or rhythm stories, breath prayers using waxed paper and rubber bands...

So be aware of the changing season. Enjoy the warming winds and the breath of the Holy Spirit.  Let them restore and renew you inviting you to remove your coat and step into the day with open arms to announce your faith!

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This past Sunday I had the pleasure of visiting First Presbyterian St. Albans for worship.  It was two cents a meal Sunday.  During the children's time the pastor spoke about having an opportunity to serve someone in a special way.  He them offered the children each a brightly colored bucket and invited them to walk among the congregation and gather the "Cents-ability offering" for those who are hungry so that they may have food to eat.  Quickly the children were up and moving among the pews.  There was one tiny girl named Olivia for whom this was a very new experience.  She could not have been more than 3 years old. She took the bright bucket and stared at it for a moment.  Then with some encouragement from the pastor and the direction of the other children, she too was off wandering the isles... 

What a gift!  To grow up in a congregation that loves children like that, that gives them the opportunity to make a difference, to be a part of the larger mission of the church. How does your congregation collect your "Two Cents A Meal" offering?  Let me know!

Barbara Chalfant, Associate for Mission

[email protected]

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