Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Resources Available

Many of our communities are looking forward to celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25, 2010. 

The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute offers many resources for this observance.  Orders must be placed before Dec. 15 for guaranteed delivery in time for your use.  Visit their page to view and order materials.

Please advise us of unique ways in which your congregation celebrates the unity of the faith and works to live the prayer of Jesus, “that they all be one…”   We will share that information with others in the region, as space and time allows.

 

Stewardship Webinar for WV Region

We are pleased to announce a Stewardship Bible Study to be offered as a webinar on Tues., Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., led by the Associate General Minister, Rev. Dr. Todd Adams.   Space is limited.  Reserve your seat.   A confirmation email will follow with instructions on how to join the meeting.   We hope you’ll join us.

System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

 

Reconciliation Offering Supports Priority Ministry

This Sunday marks the end of the week lifting up the offering for Reconcilation Mission, a priority ministry of our church. 

As we celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and of Christ’s church, we also are called to accept the work of God’s reconciling love at the Table, and in our whole community life. 

Read more of one great way that the Reconciliation Mission of the church is going to touch the life of people in the West Virginia Region, and plan now to give as generously as you can. 

50% of your giving to this offering will remain in the Region to support our regional Reconcilation efforts.

 

Bethany Legacy Noted

from The President’s Letter, Bethany College, the following mention is made of the school’s rich heritage:

…This sense of continuity and community leaves an indelible mark on those who live and learn on this magnificent campus, chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia so many years ago. From our home in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, we are now boldly charting our future.

Our future is enriched by our founding ideals. Bethany is proud to participate in the October bicentennial commemoration of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address which inspired unity among Christians throughout the nation. The College honors the educational vision of his son, Alexander Campbell, the founder of our institution. His faith in the intellectual freedom of students who enroll here remains our call to action as a community of scholars; support for this timeless mission continues to grow among alumni and friends of Bethany. Our campus celebration is being led by Dr. Larry Grimes, our recently appointed Director of Church Relations, longtime faculty member at Bethany, and pastor of the Community Christian Church in Beech Bottom, West Virginia.

The hymn “O God, our Help in Ages Past” speaks movingly about “time…like an ever-moving stream.”  Bethany’s rich heritage and tradition are like that, with alumni and friends from seven decades and three generations or more—families such as the Athols and Bados—continually refreshing and revitalizing that stream.   Read President’s Letter in its entirety

You can view a beautiful video slideshow prepared for Homecoming at their website.

 

Ministry News

from Disciples Home Missions:  Applications are now being received for serving on both the Young Adult Commission and the Youth Ministry Commission. 

The Young Adult Commission takes applications from young adults between the ages of 18-33 with an active interest in the future of young adults in our denomination.  The application could be filled out by printing the attached form and mailing it once completed, or by going to docya.org to fill out an application online.  The interest in this ministry is strong and growing and we are looking for people to help take this ministry to the next level.  The application deadline is October 1, 2009. For more information contact Tod Iseminger at tiseming@dhm.disciples.org or Jack Knox at jbkrew@hotmail.com.The Youth Ministry Commission seeks to empower and connect volunteers who minister to the youth. This organization supports those adults who volunteer their time with youth ministries around the country by supplying Bible study series, conference and contributing to the Youth Ministry Backpack.  The application deadline is October 9, 2009. For more information or further questions, please contact Tod Iseminger, Youth Ministry Liaison, at tiseming@dhm.disciples.org  or (888) 346-2631, ext 2649.

Children Worship and Wonder at Parkersburg:  Children Worship and Wonder storyteller training is coming to our area Oct. 23-25 (hosted by First Christian Church, Parkersburg).  Watch for a release on that along with a poster for congregational use on our NewsWire within the next week.  Meanwhile, you can register online at https://secure.disciples.org/cwwtmain.asp?assemblyid=67 or download a pdf registration form to mail in.  Learn  more about the program here.

from Virginia Theological Seminary:  Applications are now available for the Summer Collegium, a project in support of small congregations at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.  Clergy (and their spouses or partners) from 25 small churches of all Christian denominations are invited to spend nine days at Virginia Seminary for encouragement, education, rest and renewal.  All expenses, including travel, books, meals, lodging, child care at home and pulpit supply, are paid by a grant from the Lilly Endowment.  

        The theme of the Summer Collegium this year is Leadership in the Small Congregation.  Our keynote speaker will be Alice Mann, a prolific writer on congregational ministry, and John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland will join our worship team for the conference.   The dates for the Summer Collegium are June 23 – July 1, 2010.  Application forms are on our website, www.vts.edu/education/collegium, or will be sent in the mail by emailing SummerCollegium@vts.edu or by calling 703-461-1760.  Applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2009, to be considered.

 

Congregational News Update

The following information has appeared in the Regional Office since the last publication of the News.  If you have items of congregational news that you’d like to share with the Regional Church, please forward them to us.  Some items from our NewsWire will be included in the congregational snippets in the News at next publication.  Items for print must be received by Oct. 15 (note revised deadline).

Bethany, Memorial (Scott Thayer, Pastor):  Installation Service for Rev. Thayer will be Sun., Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.  Turkey Dinner/Kitchen Dedication was held on Sunday, September 20, with over 130 people from the community attending. Relay for Life will be Nov. 7.  Sunday School classes will begin Oct. 4.  Fall Festival is planned for Sunday, Oct. 18.  Former member and previous ministerial candidate under care of our Region, Carol Cook, will be ordained on Sat., Nov. 14 in Baltimore, and will return to Bethany to preach at the Nov. 22 10:45 worship gathering.  A reception and celebration for the Region will follow at 2 p.m. Visit www.bmcdisciples.org

Princeton, First (Gary Lyons, Pastor):  C.W.F. will offer a Yard Sale/Bake Sale/Hot Dog Sale on Sat., Oct. 3 from 8 am to 2 pm.  J-Crew and N-Fusion groups are sponsoring a “Kidz 4 Kidz Clothing Drive”  beginning Oct. 1; items collect will be sent for children in Afghanistan.  A canned food collection, “Can the Van” will be held in a local grocery store parking lot for the local food pantry.  Fall Festival will be Nov. 1.  Visit www.princetondisciples.org

Wheeling, First (Maggie Sebastian, Pastor):  Women at the Well will be operating a Pumpkin Patch from October 17-31, which will include sale of pumpkins, face painting, crafts, pumpkin painting, and bake sales.  The hours will be weekdays noon – 8 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sundays 12:30 – 6 p.m.  All proceeds will go to Disciple Home Missions.  The church welcomed new members Donna Pearce and Patty Boutis in August, and is pleased to welcome Mary Jo Magyar as Music Director.  Visit www.bigroundwindow.com.

 

New Edition of Legacies Online Now

Click here to read browser version of the current issue of Legacies our Planned Giving Magazine created in cooperation with the Christian Church Foundation.  This issue focuses on end-of-year ways to extend our stewardship, and offers a helpful article on congregational planning for receiving planned gifts.

Order a master copy (11×17 pdf format) or easy-print (8.5×11 pdf format) of Legacies to duplicate for your church (delivered to your email address), or order paper copies of Legacies for yourself or your congregation (indicate number needed).  Just email David Chafin at the Regional Office or call 304-428-1681.

 

More Men’s Photos Online

We’re grateful for an added batch of photos from the Men’s Retreat, courtesy of Jimmy Ford.  You can see them on our Flick’r site.

 

Reconciliation Grant for Seminar Received

The seven Northeastern Inter-Regional Fellowship (“NIRF”) Regions, which includes West Virginia, announce that the Reconciliation Program of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has approved a ten thousand ($10.000.00) dollar grant for the Regions to hold a Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism High School Seminar in Washington, DC at the National City Christian Church, July 3-11, 2010. 

The seminar will offer training for high school students in reconciliation work, living with diversity, how to affect the legislative process and what the current cultural diversity issues are and how they are being dealt with in urban centers.  Participants will be asked to return to their home congregation and Region and share what they have learned and help other youth begin to address these issues.

 The annual Reconciliation Offering for Disciples is to be received September 27 and October 4.  Fifty percent of the Reconciliation Offering remains in the Region of origin and assist in the reconciliation work of that Region.  Many of the NIRF Regions will use some of these funds to help provide the seminar.  We hope that you will be able to be generous with your support of your Regional Reconciliation efforts.

 

Congregational News Updates

The following items are noted from the news of our congregations.  Visit often, and if you have important news of value to the region, please send it directly to Rev. Chafin.  Please be aware that the next News (our hard-copy of Regional interest) will be published soon.  Items for inclusion need to be emailed, faxed (304-428-1684) or mailed to the Regional Office by Oct. 1.

Bluefield, First (Aaron Watkins, Pastor):  Women’s Bible Study groups begin on Mon., Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. and Tues., Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. (9-week class).  Mercer/Tazewell Men’s Gathering was hosted by the church on Sep. 24.  Visit www.citlink.net/~firstchristian.

Cumberland, MD, First (Rae Browning, Pastor):  Study on the Lord’s Prayer continues Tuesdays at 6 p.m.  Baptismal preparation class meets Sunday mornings.  “Gospel Sounds Duet” will be featured in worship on Oct. 4.  The Regional Minister will be preaching at the 9:35 Service of Worship and Communion, followed by a brunch and mission conversation concerning his visit to Haiti.  Visit www.cumberlanddisciples.org.

Fairmont, Central (Josh Patty, Pastor):  Group pilgrimage to Bethany, WV and Washington, PA for the 200th Anniversary of the Declaration and Address will set out on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.   Book Group begins meeting Weds., Oct. 14.  Blue Angel Team sponsors monthly prayer group on second Sundays.  Faith and Film Series will feature Amazing Grace (the story of  William Wilberforce) on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.  Congregation is participating in a Habitat for Humanity build.  Halloween Party scheduled for Oct. 25 at 6:30.  Visit web.centralchristianfairmont.org.

Huntington, Madison Avenue (Jamie Gump, Pastor):  The pastor was installed in worship on Sep. 20 by Rev. Thaddaeus B. Allen, Regional Minister; a fellowship luncheon followed.  A new pictorial directory is being created.  Youth (4th-12th grades) are now gathering on Sunday evenings at 5:30 for dinner and conversation, with youth doing the cooking.   

McMechen, First (Rod Hubbs, Pastor):  Chrisagis Brothers from Yorkville, OH sand at the church picnic.  A Fireman’s Memorial Service was held.  4-week Bible Study has begun.  Children led the church in “Light One Candle” service.

Montgomery, First (Jim Smith, Pastor):  CWF entertained the Montgomery Elderly Care on May 1 with refreshments and Maypole Dance, and new officers for the women were installed in June.  Church picnic was enjoyed at Coonskin Park on Sep. 19 with great food, music and fellowship.  Homecoming Sunday will be Oct. 18.

New Martinsville, First (Jayne Chafin, Int. Pastor):  Fall Festival, hosted by the Love Ladies, was a great success; funds support their ongoing meal ministry.  TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) continues to grow; groups meet in the Disciples Center.  New website will be unveiled soon; sneak a peak at www.nmfcc.com.

St. Albans, First (Bill Pollack, Pastor):  Children are leading a canned food collection for the local food pantry.  Rummage Sale will be Oct. 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; soup beans and cornbread will be served.  Fellowship Hall Painting party is scheduled for Oct. 11.  A Fall Harvest Fellowship is planned for Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and will include a costume contest, games and fun for all ages.  Visit www.saintalbansdisciples.org.

Weirton, First (Kevin Bowers, Pastor):  “Back to Church Sunday” was observed Sep. 20 and included a 1960’s youth group reunion.  Ministerial Appreciation Month will be observed in October.  Visit www.weirtondisciples.org.