PWV NEWSLETTER

February 11, 2016        Issue #70

























ANNOUNCEMENTS


Remember to Register for Presbytery Meeting 
Small Church Conference 
April 30, 2016 
Fayetteville Presbyterian Church
Details to be sent to churches soon!




2015 Session Record Review DATES

Huntington & Teays Valley Clusters - March 20, 2016

Charleston Cluster - April 2, 2016 at Festival of Faith

Clarksburg Cluster - April 3, 2016

Mountain Valley Cluster - 
April 10, 2016

Parkersburg Cluster - April 17, 2016

Beckley Cluster - April 24, 2016

Greenbrier Valley Cluster - 
May 1, 2016






















































Prayer List For Churches

Week 7 - February 14 
First Presbyterian Church, Huntington* 
Cabwaylingo Chapel ** 
NYERI PRESBYTERY
Parish: Giakanja
Spoken: Gie-uh-KAH'juh

Week 8 - February 21 
Lakeview Presbyterian Church, Lakebottom 
Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 
Hillsboro 
NYERI PRESBYTERY
Church: Giaichamwenge Pronun: GAY-shah-MWEN'gay Parish: Giakanja Spoken: Gie-uh-KAH'juh

Week 9 - February 28 
Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church, Ripley Richwood Presbyterian Church
NYERI PRESBYTERY
Church: Githunguri New Church Development Pronun: Gay-thoh-GOH'REE Parish: Giakanja Spoken: Gie-uh-KAH'juh













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PRESBYTERY STAFF

Ed Thompson
General Presbyter
wvgeneralpresbyter@wvpresbytery.org

Maureen Wright
Stated Clerk

Rocky Poole
Financial Admin./Treasurer

Barbara Chalfant
Associate for Mission

Susan Sharp Campbell
Associate for Educational Min.

Nellie Howard
Resource Center Director

Mark Miller
Bluestone Camp Director
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING  OGHS
SHARING RESOURCES AND CHANGING LIVES 
Most congregations receive "OGHS" on Easter Sunday, Passion/Palm Sunday or both, while many receive it throughout Lent-however, you can help sustain the important PC(USA) ministries and programs that are supported by One Great Hour of Sharing Offering by making an online gift at any time throughout the year.

A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God's love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed.
For more information click here.
FREE Hunger Teaching Guidehungerteach
THE KIDS TEACHER GUIDE IS AVAILABLE FOR A FREE DOWNLOAD!
Kids Can Make A Difference (KIDS) is pleased to announce that our teacher guide,Finding Solutions to Hunger: Kids Can Make a Difference, is now available for a FREE download. This has been made possible through the generosity of many of our supporters.

For more information click here.
The Lay Academy of Religion  Academy
The Lay Academy of Religion Presents:
Dr. Andrew Newberg
"The Spiritual Brain: Science and Religious Experience"  
Sundays, 5:30-7:00pm, 
February 7- March 13 and April 3-May 8
First Presbyterian Church, Charleston 
in the Activities Bldg. Room 201.

All sessions are free and open to everyone.  Open Forum Discussions/Questions Encouraged. For more information, please call the Church Office (304) 343-8961 
or click here for the flyer or click here for the full article.
BELHAR CONFESSION - The Webinarconfession
The Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is offering a four-part series focusing on the interpretation and application of the Belhar Confession, a belief statement as a response to the challenging and diverse times in which we live.  

The sessions are each designed to be part of a stand-alone education or training session. 

WHEN:  8:00 pm Monday, February 29, March 7, March 14, and March 21, 2016.

COST:  $15.00 each session or $50.00 for all four sessions. All registered attendees will also receive a digital copy of the webinar.

Please contact Nellie Howard by clicking HERE  (by Friday, February 18 if you are interested in watching the video.  If enough people are interested then the Resource Center will purchase the complete set to be available for borrowing.)

For more information and to register for yourself please check online here.

Why participate in the Centsability offering?cents

In West Virginia:

  • In 2014, nearly 2 full-time minimum-wage jobs were necessary to be able to afford a fair market rent two bedroom apartment in West Virginia and still have enough left over for food, utilities and other necessities.
  • More than 23 percent of children lived in households that lacked access to adequate food in 2013.
  • Nearly 34 percent of children ages 10-17 were overweight or obese in 2011-2012.  West Virginia ranked 33rd of 50 states in child food security and 37th in percent of children overweight and obese.
  • Nearly 34 percent of West Virginia children relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to meet their nutritional needs on an average month in FY2013.
  • Nearly 90 percent of West Virginia children receiving a free and reduced-price lunch during the school year did not participate in Summer Nutrition Programs in 2014 - ranking West Virginia 40th of 50 states in ensuring that children have adequate summer nutrition.
Your Centsability Offering creates change through our congregations and Food Pantries, backpack programs and gardening efforts.  Join us!
CSI*: CEDAR LAKES
(* Christians Seeking and Investigating)CSI
Youth in grades 6-8, and their adult advisors, are encouraged to join the Youth Council in investigating their faith and their purpose at the Younger Youth Retreat, March 4-6, at Cedar Lakes Conference Centre.    Complete information and registration materials have been sent to church leaders and can also be found at wvpresbytery.org.

THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22.
Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop  Stephens
Want to learn to care for people who are grieving and reach out to others in a distinctly Christian way? 

On Saturday , March 12, First Presbyterian Church of Charleston will host a Stephen Ministry Introductory workshop from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. The half-day workshop is designed both to enhance participants caregiving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry. Registration begins at 8:00 A.M., and refreshments will be served. The cost of this workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. For more information or to register for this half day Stephen Ministry Workshop, call Stephen Ministries at 324-428-2600 or visit www.stephenministry.org/workshop. 
 
2016 Festival of Faith FOF
Heath Rada, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCUSA, will be our keynote presenter for Festival of Faith, April 2, at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston.   In addition to the keynote presentation, there will be opportunities for worship, workshops, fellowship and fun for all ages.   
                
New this year will be the opportunity to attend 3 workshops during the day.  Some of the workshop offerings and their leaders are:   A Conversation with the Moderator (Heath Rada);  Meet our New General Presbyter (Ed Thompson); Discovering Faith in Calvin and Hobbes (Amy  Parker); and An Invitation to Hospitality: Coloring Grows Up (Jackie Taylor). 
                
Packets of information have been sent to churches.  Check with your Pastor, Clerk of Session, Church Educator for materials.   Complete information can also be found by clicking here! If you would like a packet of information sent to you, please contact office@wvpresbytery.org.
 



EAPCE Spring Event with Holly InglisEAPCE

Don't Check Your Brain at the Door:  
Creating a Whole-Brain Church, April 18-20, Rhodes Grove Conference Center, Chambersburg, PA.
Holly Inglis writes, "In the last 20 years, neuroscience has literally and figuratively opened up our brains to new understandings and new ways of thinking about how human beings learn.  The field of education has begun to appropriate much of this new information in classroom practice and teaching pedagogy.  Until recently, the church has not been part of these conversations between neuroscience and educational theory and practice.  During our time together, we will reflect on what we do and how we do it in light of recent neuroscience, contemplate what a whole-brain church might look like, and consider the possible impact of those who share ministry with us."

Holly is a PCUSA Pastor/Educator serving as the Associate Pastor at Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL.  She holds a Doctorate in Educational Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, where her research focused on the neuroscience of learning and memory - how neuroscience can inform what we teach and how we teach. 

All who are involved in the educational ministry of the church, including Pastors, Christian Educators, Teachers will benefit from this educational opportunity.  In addition to Holly's presentations, there will be  variety of workshops offered.  Complete information can be found by clicking here.

Please note the availability of scholarships for this event on the registration information. 

For more information, contact Susan Sharp Campbell.
Small Church Conference Smallchurch 
Small Church Conference on Saturday, April 30
"Ministry Molded by Mountains, Year II - Mustard Seed Ministry," 
at the Fayetteville Presbyterian Church

For more information click here
Sign Up: Small Church Conference Choir SCCChoir
Come join the Small Church Choir for worship at the Small Church Conference, Fayetteville Presbyterian Church, April 30, 2016.  The only requirement is that you can make a joyful noise!
 
Nancy Villain, Music Director at Elk Hills Presbyterian Church, will direct the choir that will be made up of church members from all over West Virginia joining their voices in praise to God. Please send an email to nvilain@aol.com and let her know you are interested. 

Click Here for more information!
Educator Gatherings & Book Discussions Educator
                Educators Gatherings are designed for those actively serving as professionals or volunteers in the educational ministry of their congregations.  Gatherings are held almost monthly during the academic year.   For the most part, these gatherings are held at the presbytery office in South Charleston from 10 am - 1:30 pm. 

                Dates for Educator Gatherings are as follows:
Monday, March 14; Janet Chambers, First Presbyterian Charleston, will be sharing on Godly Play and communion preparation.

There will not be an Educators' Gathering in April.  Educators and interested others are encouraged to attend the Eastern Region Spring Event, April 18-20, at Rhodes Grove Conference Center, Chambersburg, PA.  Holly Inglis will be the presenter on the creating a whole brain church.

Monday, May 9

Friday, June 3:  End of Year Educators' Picnic

                For more information, or to be added to the educators email list, please contact Susan Sharp Campbell.
Immigration Advocacy TrainingAdvocacytrain    
Are you currently involved in immigration advocacy?

Do you have a strong interest in being involved, but unsure of where to start?

The Office of Immigration Issues is excited to announce a series of network trainings for Presbyterians involved in immigration advocacy! The trainings will be held in six locations across the U.S., and the purpose will be to build connections among Presbyterians with a passion for justice for immigrants!

Join us ...  May 12-14, 2016 in Louisville KY.

For more information click here. 

2016 PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH TRIENNIUM, July (18)19-23, 2016PYCTri
                Note the deadline for Triennium Registration is Thursday,March 31; at this time, the initial registration form and $225 deposit is due in the presbytery office.  All youth in grades 8-12 are encouraged to consider attending this faith transforming event with 5000 youth from across our denomination.   Cost per youth is $425.   Presbytery will be paying for transportation and adults.
                At this point in time, more than enough female adults have expressed interest.  However, there is need for one more male adult; interested males are encouraged to contact Susan Sharp Campbell as soon as possible.
                Information and registration information for our presbyter can be found by clicking here.  

There is also more information at the PYT 2016 website (click Here)
Church Furnishings Available available   
The Brush Creek Presbyterian Church is concluding its ministry as a congregation.  Those who have served as the congregations leaders seek to have the pews and pulpit furniture continue to serve another congregation.  If there is a congregation is need of this furniture, please contact the chair of the Administrative Commission, Doug Heidt at dheidt@cebridge.net
Blue Hymnals available for FREE free 

Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church has quite a number of 1990 Blue Hymnals available for free.  Please contact the church at 304-636-2788 for more information.

Organ for Sale    Organ
First Presbyterian in Welch has an Allen Digital Organ, in good condition, for sale.  For more information please call Vesta Larkin at 304-436-4780 or contact her via Email at tlarkin@citlink.net
For more information about the organ click here.
Needed for Ministry... Needs 
The needs of the world are so big sometimes that we are too overwhelmed to move toward a solution.  But it is the little things that can make a big difference in a single life.  So from time to time we will be including a list of needs we have heard about that are easy or simple ways to make a difference in someone's life. Please check the list to see if you can meet a need!

1.  A pool table, air hockey table or foosball table needed for one of our presbyterian homes for residents to share.

2.  A bed and simple room furnishings are needed for an older adult who has recently moved to a bedbug free apartment.

3.  Someone who will help do once a month birthday party for a Presbyterian Home.

4.  Someone with fundraising experience to walk novices through best practices for fundraising for nonprofits.

5.  Someone who might be interested in serving on a state board that addresses disaster response.  Particularly in the eastern or southern region of the state.

Can you help?  Call Barbara Chalfant at the Presbytery office (304-744-7634)  or email missions@wvpresbytery.org
Mediation Skills Training Institute 
for Church Leaders Mediation
May 9-13, 2016
Grace Lutheran Church - Toledo, Ohio

Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (MSTI) provides 32 hours of training, which is useful for judicatory leaders, clergy, pastors in transitional/interim ministry and lay leaders - anyone who works with people!  This event serves as a continuing education opportunity, as well as for honing mediation and conflict transformation skills.

Register before April 15, 2016, and save $100.

Click here for a brochure with further information and registration form.

Prefer to register online?  Click here.
Healthy Bodies Healthy Spirits Network Healthy

Distance Counseling Available Counseling
Sometimes getting out just isn't easy. It's possible you're physically stuck inside because your town just survived Snowmaggedon 2016. Maybe your sweet but stubborn toddler refuses to wear anything but Ninja Turtle pajamas when you try to leave the house. Perhaps your mood is falling faster than the thermometer, bringing about mid-winter doldrums.

Whatever the reason, we get it. We feel it, too. But rather than just commiserate, we offer a possible solution. KPCC is excited to offer distance counseling.

What is distance counseling? Distance counseling is the delivery of counseling by a mental health professional via secure video, phone, chat, email or other technology mediums. It's also covered by most insurances. That means you can receive secure and HIPAA compliant counseling from the privacy of your own home. Get the care you need without having to leave the house. 

So brew another pot of coffee, put on your (Ninja Turtle) pajamas and give us a call. We want to help.

To learn more about distance counseling, click here.

Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center
16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301
Statistical Reports and Session Records Reviews StatReport 
Statistical Reports: The deadline for completing this report is February 15, 2016. The instruction workbook is available by clicking here or you may use the link found on the Presbytery's website. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Maureen Wright at (304) 720-2065 or statedclerk@wvpresbytery.org
Minutes Review for 2015
Session Records Review events will take place throughout the presbytery. Clerks are invited to attend any of the Session Record Review gatherings in order to complete the Minutes Review requirement (G-3.0108a). 
The dates are as follows with locations TBD
Huntington & Teays Valley Clusters - 03/20/16
Charleston Cluster - 04/02/16 at Festival of Faith
Clarksburg Cluster - 04/03/16
Mountain Valley Cluster - 04/10/16
Parkersburg Cluster - 04/17/16
Beckley Cluster - 04/24/16
Greenbrier Valley Cluster - 05/01/16
Presbytery of West Virginia                   520 Second Avenue                   South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone (304) 744-7634                           Fax (304) 744-7649                              www.wvpresbytery.org
Office Hours: Monday -Thursday  8:30AM-5:30PM