October 27, 2016        Issue #87


 






























When's the last time 
you checked out the 
Presbytery website?  www.wvpresbytery.org 
Presbytery Staff


Ed Thompson
General Presbyter
Maureen Wright
Stated Clerk, Associate for Congregational Support


Rocky Poole
Financial Administration/Treasurer


Barbara Chalfant
Associate Presbyter for Mission


Susan Sharp Campbell
Associate for Educational Ministry


Nellie Howard
Resource Center Director


Mark Miller
Bluestone Camp Director


Office Administrator/Communications


Prayer List For Churches


Week 44 - October 30
Rock Lake Presbyterian Church, South Charleston
Salem Presbyterian Church, Ronceverte
Sugar Grove Presbyterian Church, Morgantwon


Church in Kenya: Ndugamano
Pronun: Doh-gah-mah-NO


Week 45 -  November 6
First Presbyterian Church, Williamson
Chattaroy Chapel


Church in Kenya: Wand


Week 46 - November 13
Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church, Charleston
Church of the Covenant, Grafton
First Presbyterian Church, Dunbar


Church in Kenya: Githakwa
Pronun: Git-AHkwah


Week 47 - November 27
First Presbyterian Church, Hinton
Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church, Barboursville


Church in Kenya: Kagio-ini
Pronun: Kahg-ee-oh-EEnay
Quick Links
 






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Westminster Foundation








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blogA Word from our General Presbyter
--Ed Thompson
The West Virginia Council of Churches held their Annual Assembly on October 16-18 in Charleston. Earlier that week after I had registered for the meeting, I received an email wondering if I'd be willing to participate in the opening worship service. Since I wasn't

adventWhat will you be 
Studying for Advent?


dande

You are invited to D&E College for "Why They come: Understanding the US Immigration Crises" on Thursday, November 3, at 7:00pm. For speakers and location, click here.
visionSeeking God's Vision Workshops
Vision-Casting through Prayer, Music, & Scripture
All are invited on Tuesday, November 1, 6-8 pm, at First Presbyterian Church in Huntington, OR on Tuesday, November 8,

6-8 pm, at 
Elk Hills Presbyterian Church in Charleston.
For this time of worship, we will seek God's vision for our communities, our churches, and ourselves by:

Praying together

Contemplating scripture

Hearing inspiring music

Sharing how God is working in our midst

Discerning how the message we hear in scripture, prayer,

    and worship music applies to our ministry vision

Praying aloud will not be required.  Won't you join us?

Click for printable flyer.
 


harlessFall Newsletter:

          Click for the news.
introducingIntroducing New Resources! 
From angels and light, to unsettled times,

better ways, faith in the digital culture, and God in the waves . . . great new

resources for you to "check out" now!     
expandingExpanding Your Ministry Toolbox 
"Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox" is a series of 2017 courses for all congregational leadership.  The courses (Communication, Self-Care, Stewardship, Creative Worship in Advent, and Family Systems) will be led by those with knowledge and passion in their respective fields. Each event will be on Friday evening and all day Saturday in the Charleston area.  Click here for complete information and a registration form. Also available on the Home webpage.
bluestoneBluestone Announcements:
  • Friends of Bluestone, Inc. will be overhauling the digital format of THE BEECH TREE over the next couple of months using Constant Contact. In the process they hope to build a dedicated contact list.  Would you like to be included? Please click on the button below.  Thank you.
         

pcusaPC(USA) Guidelines on Election Activities
The legal counsel of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has issued a set of guidelines for pastors, congregations and mid-councils during the election season. As tax exempt organizations, the guidelines prohibit PC(USA) entities from campaigning for or against a candidate but allows promotion of or lobbying for or against issues.
Updated for the 2016 Presidential election cycle, guidelines and reference links are available by clicking here.
itemsVarious Church 
Items Available
Choir Robes, Silver Communion Set, Hymnals, Bibles, and more: Montgomery Presbyterian Church will be closing at the end of this year. If you are interested, please contact Sandy Singleton at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sanctuary Set of Today's English Bibles: Available from the Presbytery Office. Call 304-766-7634 if interested.

synodSynod Bulletin Inserts Available
The Synod of the Trinity website (http://www.syntrinity.org/) has many feature stories and numerous resources available. One way to let your congregation know about this information is through a new Synod bulletin insert (clickhere). Please feel free to use this in the coming weeks and look for a new insert in future newsletter emails. Don't hesitate to drop the Synod an email to let them know if you used the insert and how they can make it better: [email protected].
pastorassis
Church Position Available
First Presbyterian Church in Charleston is currently taking applications for a Pastor Administrative Assistant. This is a full-time position with a benefit package. The candidate should have the ability to multi-task and maintain a pleasant demeanor when communicating with all people, while maintaining strict confidentiality. The successful candidate will be capable of working independently, manage projects and contribute to committee and team efforts. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and database software is required. If you know of a person who meets these requirements and would be an asset to our church staff, please have them contact the church office at 304-343-8961 to receive an application.
cliftonClifton Hosts 262 Flood Relief Volunteers 
From July on Weaverland Disaster Service volunteers have stayed at Clifton Presbyterian Church.  They are Mennonites helping with the rebuilding and repair of houses damaged by the flood. Click for photos and more!

nishioka
Challenging the Church - the Rise of the "Nones" 
with Rodger Nishioka on November 12
at Bream Memorial Church, 317 Washington Street West, Charleston
As of 2015, the Pew Forum on Religion and the Public Life reports that the fastest growing religious group in the US is the "Nones," those who when asked their affiliation reply, "none." 
Please join us on Saturday, November 12, as Rodger Nishioka (read his biography on the registration form for this event-see link below) will lead a conversation on:
   1) whose these "nones" are and why they see little need for the Church
   2) best practices that a number of congregations are doing to reach out to these persons and what they congregations are learning
   3) strategies for congregational leaders to apply to their ministry
The cost per person is $25 before Thursday, October 27, and $30 after that or at the door. For those registering prior to October 27, box lunches will be available for an additional $12 which must be paid at the time of registration. For more information, call Susan Sharp Campbell, 304-645-4568. 
sevenways7 Ways to Get Your Congregation Connected
Jesus was a great storyteller. He showed us that sharing a tale or a parable could stir hearts, win people over, inspire the lukewarm, and build up God's realm on earth. Continue reading here.


colulmbiaAre we smart enough to know how smart animals are? 
This is the focus of the lecture on November 3 at Columbia Theological Seminary. Read on here.
Editor's Note:
In order to keep the PWV Newsletter fresh, articles sent for publication will generally run for two consecutive issues.  If you wish for a piece to continue to run, please resubmit. We encourage you to reword, add a photo (or different photo), or change the piece in some way so that the news stays fresh and interesting. 
Presbytery of West Virginia, 520 Second Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone (304) 744-7634, Fax (304) 744-7649, 


Office Hours: Monday -Thursday  8:30AM-5:30PM


Presbytery of West Virginia | 520 Second Ave. | South Charleston | WV | 25303