Read the latest news from the West Virginia Annual Conference

Glory Sighting: More then $80,000 (to date) raised for

Conference Mission Projects

As of publication time, six districts have raised more than $80,000 at their annual Celebration of Mission Events, and over $20,000 in household items have been collected. The Midland South District more than doubled last year's totals by hosting a "taste of the district" event at Christ Church UMC in Charleston. "We decided to try something new, and were very pleased with the event," said the Rev. Darick Biondi. "Our goal was to raise awareness and community spirit as well as money for the good work our projects do."

Rev. Darick Biondi with Jaques, a community member and judge at an April 27 "Taste of the District Event" at Christ Church UMC, Charleston. Photo: Laura Allen

We've been compiling photos sent to us from the districts on the conference flickr feed. Check them out! You can also view the photos from the Potomac Highlands event on Facebook. We will post photos from the Northern District after their event on May 19.

Has God showed up in worship, through ministry, or in your daily life? Share your glory sighting by dropping us an email, and we will share it with the conference. You can also post them on our facebook page. If you tweet, we are using hashtags #GlorySighting and #wvumc.

Around the Conference

Youth had some fun (see photo) and heard from Bishop Steiner Ball during the Bishop's Confirmation Rally last month. JF Lacaria tweeted the bishop's remarks: "Someone somewhere cares about you because God made you valuable! You are a gift from God and not alone."

Speaking of youth - don't forget to sign your youth up for SYC! Registration is now open!

Youth enjoy a game at the Bishop's Confirmation Rally April 27. Photo: Paige Gilpin

Rev. Dr. William H. Wilson received an honorary doctorate degree during Saturday's commencement ceremony at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was nominated by the four bishops he has served during the past 8 years: Bishops Ives, Lyght, Grove, and Steiner Ball.

Bill Wilson received an honorary doctorate May 4. Photo: Dewayne and Ginnie Lowther

Don't forget to register online for this year's Annual Conference. You will get your conference workbook in the mail before conference if you register by May 15 at noon.

Belinda Toms, director of Tyrand Cooperative Ministries in Randolph County received a humanitarian of the year award for her work at Tyrand after superstorm Sandy dumped several feet of snow in the region October 29.

Tyrand Cooperative Ministries Director, Belinda Toms. Photo courtesy of the Inter-Mountain newspaper.

Appointment Announcements

It is the intention of Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball to appoint the following clergy, effective July 1, 2013:

Jim Plyburn, South Parkersburg (Little Kanawha)
Shauna Hyde, First Ravenswood (Little Kanawha)
Jonathan Moon, McHenry (Potomac Highlands)
Kelly Simmons, Mathias (Potomac Highlands)
Chip Bennett, Bellemeade (Western)
David White, Lerona (Southern)
Melissa White, First Hinton (Southern)
Jeff Winter, New Hope/New Salem (Southern)
Cindy Murphy, First Shinnston (MonValley)
Bart Thompson, Warwood-Short Creek (Northern)
Craig Blankenship, Enterprise (MonValley)
Paul Statdleman, FE-R, Waldeck (Wesleyan)
Mark Harris, Mt. Union Buffalo (Midland South)
Kevin Farmer, Claypool (Midland South)
Scott Ingleton, Meadow Bridge (Greenbrier)

Click here for the full list of appointment announcements.

This Mother's Day, Imagine No Malaria

From Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton:

In the time it takes you to read this entire email, one more mother or child will die needlessly. Malaria claims a life every 60 seconds in Africa.

The United Methodist Church has distributed more than 1.2 million mosquito nets in the region. In addition, the church operates 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts throughout Africa. But hundreds of thousands of mothers and children are still at risk and desperately need more nets, medicine and care.

Will your church rise to the occasion and support The United Methodist Church's Imagine No Malaria campaign?

A special offering on Mother's Day will directly help mothers in Africa who are trying to nurture their children as they fight malaria.

Your church can honor the special woman - the mother or grandmother, aunt, teacher or godmother in each person's life on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12. You can also text "Malaria" to 27722 to make a $10 donation to Imagine No Malaria.

Squash Skeeters, help end malaria, during this year's

bike ride to conference

The annual bike ride to conference has a new name. The UM Cares 150: Skeeter Squash will also raise money for Imagine No Malaria this year! Learn more about the ride at wvumc.org/info/ride. Look for more information soon about how you can be a virtual rider!

We Remember

Mary Ann Culbertson, 86, mother of Rev. Sue Culbertson Jarrett (FE-R), passed on to the Lord on Sunday, May 5, at Hospice House in Huntington, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 7, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at Klingel Carpenter Mortuary in Huntington. A Service for the Celebration of Life will be observed on Wednesday, May 8, at 11:00 am, at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Huntington, with Rev. Dr. John W. Lipphardt officiating. There will be additional visitation at the church an hour before the service.