Congregations on the Web

You can find information at the click of a mouse by visiting many of our congregations’ websites.  Some of them have been recently rebuilt, including Huntington’s Central Christian Church, and others have new web addresses, such as Bluefield’s First Christian Church.  If you have need of contacting some of our clergy and other church leaders, you may contact the Regional Office, as many have been affected by the recent switch from Verizon to Frontier.

Explore the region’s congregations today, and update your links!

 

Congregational News Update

The following news items were gleaned from the congregational newsletters and other communications as received in the Regional Center.  Please direct your congregation’s news to us for possible inclusion in the next update, and for our regional newsletter.  Be sure to keep us in the loop for items of immediate interest that we may help you publicize, as time and space allow.

Beckley, First (Don Snyder, Pastor).  Youth are preparing a Christmas Play for Dec. 6.  Choir will perform The Splendor of Christmas on Dec. 13.  Women are planning a basket auction for November. 

Bethany, Memorial (Scott Thayer, Pastor).  The pastor will be installed at a special service, planned for Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.  Former member Carol Cook will be ordained in Baltimore on Nov. 14, and the church will host a celebration and recognition of the event on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.  Carol will also be preaching at the 10:45 service that day.  The church will house the annual costume judging following the village parade (at 5:15 p.m.) on Halloween.  www.bmcdisciples.org.

Bluefield, First (Aaron Watkins, Pastor).  A bake sale will be offered at the Nicaragua Fundraiser Dinner, Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m.  Pastor’s Open House will be Dec. 11 from 4-7 p.m.  Halloween Party is planned for Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.  http://www.citlink.net/~firstchristian/

Cameron, Big Run & Fork Ridge (Andrea Brownlee, Pastor).  Worship is led monthly at the Cameron Nursing Home.  Men continue to meet for breakfast and Women for dinner.  Vespers are held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Big Run.  A new roof will be installed at Big Run. 

Charleston, United (Steven Smith, Pastor).  A “Holy”ween Party was scheduled for Oct. 16.  Progress continues on the new property acquisition.  More at www.uniteddisciples.org.

Fairmont, Central (Joshua Patty, Pastor).  Fall Yard Sale is Nov. 6-7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym.  Book Goup is reading Signs and Wonders by Philip Gulley.  Pastor will continue a 13 session introduction to the New Testament on Nov. 3 and 17.   Vocal Tapestry will perform annual Christmas Concert Nov. 29 at 3 p.m.  Reception will follow.  http://web.centralchristianfairmont.org

Huntington, Madison Avenue (Jamie Gump, Pastor).  Minister was honored with a new stole in celebration of Pastor Appreciation Week.    Judy Lambert, organist, was honored recently in worship for over 40 years of service.  College Class is collecting food for the local pantry and City Mission.  Financial Peace program is being offered on Mondays.

Logan, First (Kenny Hardway, Pastor).  Church enjoyed a Family Bowling Night on Oct. 17.  http://www.orgsites.com/wv/fccoflogan/index.html.  The pastor will be installed at the 11 a.m. service on Nov. 1.

Mannington, First (Lynn White, Pastor).  Special music is planned for the Nov. 1 worship, which will follow a time of refreshments at 10:30.  Monthly dinner is planned for Nov. 22.

Matoaka, Matoaka (Craig Hammond, Pastor).  Pastor Appreciation Dinner was celebrated Oct. 4.  Matoaka fall festival is Oct. 31.  Church is looking for a back-up keyboard.

Morgantown, First (Rick Howard, Pastor).  Scouting program is active in the church.  Pot-luck dinners are enjoyed on the 2nd Sunday of each month.  Church office provides “Last Wishes” forms for members to complete, assisting the church and family in planning for celebrating the member’s life.  www.morgantownwvdisciples.org.

Parkersburg, First (Sandy Downs, Pastor).  Tim Graves, a seminarian at Lexington and member of the Wheeling First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has begun an internship in the congregation as a student associate minister.  Fall Festival will be held Nov. 7, including vendors and crafts from around the area.  The Disciples Coffee Project will also be available for purchases.  Church will offer their annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner at noon, which draws many from the church and community for fellowship.  Visit www.movpdoc.org.

St. Albans, First (Bill Pollack, Pastor).  Building improvements continue.  Fall Harvest Fellowship is planned for Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.  Ladies Night Out was Oct. 17.   http://www.saintalbansdisciples.org/

Weirton, First (Kevin Bowers, Pastor).  Church landscaping is being renewed.  Week of the ministry was celebrated Oct. 25.  Fall Bash is planned for Nov. 1, including a “Pie Buffet”.  Plans are well underway for hosting the 2010 Regional Assembly.  www.weirtondisciples.org.

Wheeling, First (Magdalyn Sebastian, Pastor).  The pastor addressed the Washington, PA gathering in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Declaration and Address.  The Bentrotts (our Global Ministries Partners in Haiti) partnered with the congregation in worship on Oct. 4 (World Communion Sunday).  Faith Formation Class (preparation for baptism celebration on Palm Sunday) begins Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m.  Thanksgiving Baskets are being prepared by Outreach.  The Pumkin Patch continues to operate through the end of October.  Details on the website:  www.bigroundwindow.com

Wheeling, Island (Judy Bennett, Pastor).  The church will celebrate VIP Sunday on Nov. 22, with the Rev. Dr. William B. Allen, Regional Minister Emeritus, as preacher; a fellowship dinner will follow.  A book club has begun.  Prayer and Sharing Group meets Mondays at 9:30 a.m.  More at http://www.island-christian-church.org/.

 

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.

 

Congregational News Updates

These updates of news have been received in our office since the publication of the News.  Please keep your congregational news coming to us:  dchafin@wvdisciples.org.

Bluefield, First (Aaron Watkins, Pastor). Youth Kick-Off (ChiRho and CYF) is scheduled for Sept. 13 from 6-8 p.m.  Choir has resumed rehearsals.  Women’s exercise group continues to meet 3 times per week.

Moundsville, First (Mark Mills, Pastor).  First Christian Church’s Relay for Life team raised over $7,800 (second highest team in Marshall County).  Soles4Souls drive by Education Dept. brought over 200 pairs of new and slightly worn shoes for distribution to those who need them.  Youth group begins to meet Sept. 13.  Promotion Sunday is scheduled for Aug. 30.  Disciples Women will be hosting “Shoppers Paradise” on Sat., Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Visit www.moundsvilledisciples.com (not “org”).

Parkersburg, First (Sandy Downs, Pastor).  First Christian Church Women’s Guild continues to support Marie House, a local homeless shelter with donations of paper and plastic, kitchen supplies, coffee, cocoa, tea, and microwavable foods  Five Love Languages seminar will be held Sat., Sept. 19.  Contact church for details.  Celebration of the congregation’s ongoing parish partnership with Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Marietta, OH, will feature an annual riverboat ride, Sept. 27.  Visit www.movpdoc.org.

Princeton, First (Gary Lyons, Pastor).  The King’s Kids (seniors) travel to Florida has been changed, due to schedule conflicts, to a two-day visit to the Great Smoky Mountains and the musical drama The Miracle on Sept 1.  Visit www.princetondisciples.org.

Wheeling, First (Magdalyn Sebastian, Pastor).  First Christian Church will begin a four week study on Disciples Who? on Monday nights beginning September 14 and ending October 4.  The study will be about Disciples Identity and Polity.  Two new members were welcomed on August 16.  Donna Pearce and Patty Boutis.  They joined others for a New Members’ luncheon held August 16.  Photos are available from the recent Relay for Life on the church website.

 

Congregational News Updates

The following items were plucked from recent newsletters of our congregations.  If you have news of interest to the Regional Church that you would like to have published more expediently, please email us.  We’ll make every effort to get the word out!

Bethany – Memorial    Easter morning pancake breakfast planned following sunrise service at the Seidewitz home.  Monthly Game Night scheduled for April 17 at 6:30 p.m.  CWF sent 23 hygiene kits to Church World Service.

Bluefield – First   April Fellowship Project features “Cooking a 4-course Meal” on 4/18.  Women’s Bible Studies, and Excercise sessions continue.

Fairmont – Central  Disciples Women’s Luncheon is set for April 19.  Rev. Patty’s weekly sermons are podcast at http://preacherforhire.blogspot.com/.  Rev. Lois K. Almond led a discussion on March 11.  All-Church Retreat is scheduled for May 9.  Congregation is forming a team for ACS Relay for Life (June 12).  Junior Youth Fellowship presented treat bags at the “Soup Opera”.

Huntington – Madison Avenue    Rev. James “Jamie” Gump and his wife Carol have arrived and are enjoying their new beginning with the congregation.  The church continues to participate in meal-preparation and serving at the City Mission. 

Moundsville – First   Church library continues to grow, and the newsletter features notes on new volumes.  Youth gather weekly on Sundays (at 3:01 p.m.).  Funds being raised for the Relay for Life.  The church website is being rebuilt, and up-to-date news can be found at http://moundsvilledisciples.wordpress.com/.

New Martinsville – First   The early “Expresso Service” is followed weekly by Second Helping – a 20 minute intergenerational discussion on the theme presented in worship.  A new couples small group is being formed to strengthen marriages.  Newly-purchased Disciples House is being worked on.  Wheeling Health Right will be occupying a portion of the space.

Princeton – First   Egg cartons collected for April 11th’s Eggstravaganza.  “King’s Kids” – senior citizen youth group – continues to travel.  Noah’s Ark Children’s Library has reopened.  A children’s and youth focus group (of parents, grandparents) is being formed to help with the rapidly-growing ministry with youth.

St. Albans – First    Spring Flea Market is scheduled for May 2.  Church-wide fellowship dinner is planned for April 19 following worship.  First Annual Community Soup Bean Dinner was a great success, with over 35 meals served (free, of course) with great hospitality.

Weirton – First   The weekly worship experience is recorded on DVD for those who would enjoy a copy.  Feed My Sheep ministry continues to reach out with grocery and personal hygiene items to those who need them in the community.  Child sponsorship through Global Ministries continues to be supported by members of the congregation; currently 4 children are sponsored in Haiti.

Wheeling – First    S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience) emphasis is helping persons through small groups discover their spiritual gifts and create “Personal Mission Statements” which will be celebrated in worship April 19.  Prayer Shawls were brought to worship on April 5.  St. Baldrick’s Day was a great success (including Rev. Sebastian’s new “do”), with over $22,000 expected to be collected for children’s cancer research.

 

Congregations Welcome You in Holy Week

If you’re away from your home church during Holy Week and want to join with one of our congregations for worship, some of the known special services are listed below (some with details, others without), listed by city.  You would be most welcome in any of our celebrations!

 

Beckley – First

Maundy Thursday Service beginning at 6:00 p.m.  A church-wide dinner will be served (you don’t have to bring anything, just let us know how many in your family will be attending).  After the dinner we will enjoy the play The Last Supper, with various thespians from our congregation performing.  This promises to be an enjoyable night as we prepare for Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. Call the office with your reservations, and don’t forget to invite someone.

Easter Worship will center around the choir’s presentation of  Man of Sorrows, King of Glory.  Interspersed with the cantata will be Don’s sermon on Jesus’ death and resurrection.  This promises to be a powerful worship service, centered on our Lord’s rising from the dead.  http://www.beckleydisciples.org

 

Beech Bottom – Community

Maundy Thursday – 7:00 p.m.

April 9-10 – Prayer Vigil

Saturday – Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Easter Worship – 10:45 a.m.

http://www.bbccc.org

 

Bethany – Memorial

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae and Communion – 8:00 p.m.

Good Friday Prayer Vigil

Easter sunrise 6:30 a.m. at the home of Paul and Wendy Seidewitz

Great Service of Easter –  10:45 a.m.

 

Bluefield – First

Maundy Thursday Service – Noon

Easter Sunrise Service – (contact church for location and time)

Easter Worship – 11:00 a.m.

 

Cameron – First

Easter Breakfast 8:00 a.m.

http://www.orgsites.com/wv/thedisciple

 

Charleston – United

Easter Worship 11:00

http://www.uniteddisciples.org

 

Fairmont – Central

Central Christian Church of Fairmont will hold several special Holy Week services from Palm Sunday, April 5, through Easter, April 12, 2009.  The theme of this year’s services, “Embodying the Story of Christ’s Passion,” focuses on the connections between modern lives and the experiences of Jesus’ earliest disciples.

The services are:

·         Palm Sunday: Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 10:00 am.  “Vox Populi (The Voice of the People)”  Worship service with procession of palms, special music, and Holy Communion.

·         Maundy Thursday: Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm.  “The Longest Night”  A Service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae, with a meditation, special music, and traditional scripture readings.

·         Good Friday: Friday, April 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm.  “The Seven Last Words of Christ”  A service featuring short reflections on Christ’s seven statements from the cross.

·         Holy Saturday: Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 8:00 pm.  “Watching, Waiting, Remembering” The Great Vigil of Easter, featuring a meditation, special music, traditional scripture readings, and Holy Communion.

·         Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 10:00 am.  “Reconciliation and Resurrection” Worship service with special music and Holy Communion.

All services will be held at Central Christian Church, located 1640 Big Tree Drive, Fairmont, WV.  http://www.centralchristianfairmont.org

 

Huntington – Central

Palm Sunday Healing Service & Dinner:  5:00PM for our annual healing and prayer service. A Fellowship Dinner will follow – please bring a side, salad, or dessert to share.
Maundy Thursday Service-7:00PM
Good Friday Downtown Churches -Noon
Saturday: Easter Egg Hunt & Party-11:00AM at Barboursville Park – bring your own lunch
Sunday, April 12th: Early Service-8:00AM; The Great Celebration-10:45AM

http://www.huntingtoncentral.org

 

Huntington – Madison Avenue

24-Hour Chain of Prayer April 9-11

Maundy Thursday Service of shadows 7 p.m.

Good Friday – Union Service 5:30 at Central U.M.C.

Saturday – Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunrise – 6:45 a.m.

Easter Worship – 9:45 a.m.

 

Logan – First

Easter Cantata: Sunday, April 5, at 11:00 a.m. CWF will host a Soup and Cornbread Dinner after the Cantata.

Seder Meal: Thursday, April 9, at 6:00 p.m.

Good Friday Service: Friday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m.

Easter Sunrise: 5:00 a.m.

Easter Worship 11:00 a.m.

http://www.orgsites.com/wv/fccoflogan

 

Matoaka – Matoaka

Good Friday Service – 7 p.m.

 

Morgantown – First

Holy Week Schedule:

Palm Sunday is April 5th. Christian Education classes and Morning Worship will be at their usual times of 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. respectively.

Maundy Thursday will be observed on Thursday, April 9th, with a worship service with communion at 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday will once again see us offering an early service at 7 a.m., to be followed by our

annual Easter pot-luck breakfast at 7:45ish. Christian Education classes will meet at 9:30 a.m. and Morning Worship will be at 10:45a.m.

http://www.morgantowndisciples.org

 

Moundsville – First

The FCC Maundy Thursday worship will be at 7 p.m., April 9 in the sanctuary.

The Moundsville Area Ministerial Association will sponsor the Procession of the Cross as well as a noon ecumenical service on Good Friday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church (1st and Cedar), stops at six churches along the way and includes hymns, scripture readings, and prayer. The Procession ends at St. Francis Xavier Church where a noon ecumenical service will be held with Charley Adams, Captain of the Moundsville Salvation Army, as the speaker. The community is warmly invited to participate in both services.

Easter Worship – 10:30

moundsvilledisciples.wordpress.com

 

New Martinsville – First

Palm Sunday – Cantata at 10:45 service

Maundy Thursday Seder and Communion – 6:00 p.m.

Good Friday Tenebrae – 7:30 p.m.

Prayer Vigil – Holy Saturday

Easter Sunrise 6:30 a.m.

Early Service – 9:00 a.m.

Traditional Service – 10:45 a.m.

 

Parkersburg – First (Mid-Ohio Valley Parish)

Maundy Thursday Observance – 7 p.m. at Marietta Central Christian Church

Good Friday: Prayer Vigil

Easter Worship: 10:45 a.m.

http://www.movpdoc.org       

 

Weirton – First

Palm Sunday Cantata – 10:45 am

Maundy Thursday Service – 7:00 pm

Join in for the 24 hour prayer vigil, 9:00 pm – Maundy Thursday through 9:00 pm Good Friday

Blessed Easter Sunday: Worship Service 10:45 am

http://www.weirtondisciples.org

 

Wheeling – First

Maundy Thursday Seder 6:30 p.m.; reserve for meal at 304-242-1520

Good Friday: Gather Around the Cross –  7:30 p.m.

Easter breakfast 9:30; Worship 10:45

http://www.bigroundwindow.com

 

Wheeling – Island

Maundy Thursday Communion – 7 p.m.

Good Friday “Cross Walk” 6:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service –  7:45 a.m.; Breakfast – 8:15; Celebration of the Resurrection 9:30 a.m.; Easter Egg Hunt 10:45 a.m.

http://www.island-christian-church.org

 

Please send updates of your congregation’s news to David Chafin.  We will update our news as often as possible.

 

Southern Gospel Music @ Bluefield

On April 4th at 7 p.m. Bluefield First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will host Genesis -a female Southern Gospel duo from Beckley/Charleston.  The public is welcome to the event.

 

Bluefield to Offer Labyrinth Workshops

Labyrinth Workshops will be held at Bluefield First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2200 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV, March 20 and 21, 2009. There is a limit of 14 people per session and sessions are one and one-half hours long.  They will be led by Rev. Dawna Watkins.  You must make reservation ahead of time. Call the Church office to register (304) 327-5633.  We can work with walking disabilities, please notify us when registering.

 

Congregational News Update

Below is more news from our Congregations.  We hope you find it encouraging and helpful!

Bluefield, First:  Annual “Souper Bowl of Caring” to be observed Feb. 1, followed that evening by a Youth Super Bowl Party at the pastor’s house.  Mari Gras Pancake Breakfast (Feb. 24) will benefit Bluefield Union Mission.  Family Game Night is Feb. 28.  Labyrinth Workshop, using the Region’s portable labyrinth, will be led by Rev. Dawna Watkins Mar. 20 & Mar. 21; limited space available.

Huntington, Madison Avenue:  New minister, Rev. Jamie Gump, will begin service at the church on March 30; he comes from Mt. Vernon, OH First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).   Youth held a lock-in in Jan.  Yada, Yada Book Club continues to meet; new book is “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Moundsville, First:  Rev. Mark Mills has been called to serve the church, beginning March 1.  Dr. Walter McNutt is being thanked for his interim leadership as Pastor.  Church is again sponsoring a team for Relay for Life, June 19. 

Parkersburg, First:  Men are joining with the Princeton and Beckley churches in a work trip to the Gulf coast.  Space is still available.  Healthy Living Lecture series continues (3rd Thursdays each month).  Family Fun Night scheduled for Feb. 28.  Church newsletter is being offered in a variety of formats, and can be viewed from the website: www.movpdoc.org.

Princeton, First: Men’s fellowship is collecting “A Mile of Pennies” to help fund the annual mission to the Gulf.  The goal is 84,480 pennies ($844.40).  Blanket Sunday is being lifted up.

Weirton, First:  Dorothy Brownlee will preach at the Laity Sunday event, Jan. 25.  Church is sponsoring a Pre-General Assembly work trip in Indianapolis.  Congregation sponsors Haitian child through Global Ministries. “Souper Bowl Sunday” will feature a soup sale by CWF.  Website: www.weirtondisciples.org.

Please share your congregation’s news with us!  Email David today.

 

Local Church News

Because we are publishing the News less frequently on paper, we thought it might be good to send you a few tidbits of what has been happening in our congregations of late.  If you have local church news to share, please forward it soon.  We will try to update these entries online occasionally.

Beckley, First  (Donald R. Snyder, Pastor) A Tent of Hope was placed by the church at the rally in Washington, D.C.  Seminary Intern will be hosted in 2009. Worship now broadcast on WQAZ weekly.  Youth led the hanging of the greens and Advent worship. Choir presented cantata decked in new choir robes. Snyders hosted parsonage open house on the 21st. New paraments and a funeral pall were created by Worship Dept.

Bethany, Memorial Church (David Chafin, Visiting Pastor)  Rev. Bob Cueni was thanked for his leadership in Nov.-Dec., and Rev. Chafin was welcomed to serve as visiting pastor as the new year began. Many from BMC participated in the Relay for Life, raising over $1000 for cancer research.  Ourtreach-Palooza brought many together for numerous outreach projects for the community in Dec.  www.BMCDisciples.org 

 

 

 

Bluefield, First (Aaron Watkins, Pastor) Youth presented a Christmas play, and a Christmas Dinner was enjoyed in Dec., along with the 2nd Annual Pastor’s Open House.

Cameron, Big Run & Fork Ridge (Andrea Brownlee, Pastor) Children’s Christmas party was celebrated, and a play was presented by them in worship at Big Run prior to the annual Christmas dinner.  Men’s and Women’s groups continue to meet monthly.  Fork Ridge offered Christmas lunch, and held a cookie exchange during Advent.

Charleston, United Disciples of Christ (Steven Smith, Pastor) Christmas caroling and a cantata were key holiday experiences.  Dennis and Rebecca Sparks offered presentation on Bethlehem. Spiritual Gifts, Five Love Languages, and Disciples History classes now offered.  Children are rehearsing handchimes. Loving Relationships Dinners continue.  Visit www.uniteddisciples.org.

Clarksburg, Central (Earl Klein, Interim Pastor) Many improvements are beginning and others are wrapping up in this new year.  Music program continues to grow.

Cumberland, MD, First (Rae Browning, Pastor) Bible Study focuses on Luke’s gospel and the poor. Disciples Mission Fund presented congregation with membership in Centennial Giving Society for their 2007 contributions.  Congregation made “Cram Exam” packages for Frostburg U. students during exam week.  Visit www.CumberlandDisciples.org.    

Fairmont, Central (Joshua Patty, Pastor)  Youth Christmas program, and an evening of Christmas music from film was presented by Rev. Patty in preparation for the Christmas celebration. Visit www.centralchristianfairmont.org.

Huntington, Central (Dr. Gary Patton, Interim Pastor) New hearing assistance devices installed.  Pastor conducted an Advent study during Sunday School. Christmas drama presented at the all-church Christmas dinner. Congregation went caroling to shut-in members.   www.HuntingtonCentral.org

Huntington, Madison Avenue (Russell Smith, Interim Pastor)  Funds are being collected for new choir robes. Youth participated in city Christmas Parade, and hosted a Parents Day Out. Choir offered cantata and a white Gifts and Children’s program presented Dec. 14.

Huntington, Vinson (Pablo Gonzales, Interim Pastor) Men’s and Women’s fellowships continue to meet.  A Christmas Cantata was followed by lunch with Santa. 

Logan, First (Charles Wood, Pastor)  Living Nativity and Advent Luncheons highlighted the season. A community dinner, Tea with Santa, and a teen Christmas play were also in Dec.  Elders and Deacons retreat scheduled in January.  Men’s and Women’s groups remain active.  Visit www.orgsites.com/wv/fccoflogan.

Mannington, First (Lynn White, Pastor)  Christmas fellowship dinner and Christmas Eve worship capped the Advent season.  Christmas Shoebox ministry was supported. A new awning has been added to the fellowship hall entry. 

Matoaka (Craig Hammond, Pastor)  Cards and food were collected for the area mission.  Sunday School class members exchanged gifts at Christmas.  Many enjoyed caroling residents at the senior home.   Congregation will be sending cards regularly to Mother of Christ Jolinoel Nursing Home.

McMechen (Rod Hubbs, Pastor)  Church active in advocacy for children, veterans, and domestic violence victims in the past fall.  Hosted ecumenical Thanksgiving service, and a Christmas fellowship dinner.

Morgantown, First (Richard Howard, Pastor)  A Christmas Cookie Baking Day brought members together for fellowship. Musical and luncheon were enjoyed on Dec. 14.  Scouting and chess club continue to meet at the church. Newsletter now to be offered via internet/email. Visit www.morgantownwvdisciples.org

Moundsville, First (Walter McNutt, Interim Pastor)  All-church Christmas Dinner and Play: “The Grouch that Saved Christmas” were enjoyed in Dec.  New windows project is complete. Teen Service Ministry Class continues to serve the church.   

New Martinsville, First (Robert D. Brooks, Pastor) Congregation participated in “Warm Up America” campaign, as well as collected jars of coins for Christmas.

Parkersburg, First (Sanford Downs,   Pastor)   A Christmas Cantata was presented Dec. 7, followed by Christmas Dinner. Silent auction benefited the women’s mission commitment with over $400 raised.  Visit www.movpdoc.org.

Princeton, First (Gary F. Lyons, Pastor)  Hosted open house for 148 children and numerous adults in Oct. Youth especially supported funding for Operation Christmas Child in Nov. Christmas meals, a shopping trip, cantata and children’s program prepared all for the big celebration.   www.princetondisciples.org.   

St. Albans, First (Bill Pollack, Pastor)  New church newsletter and many updates can be seen at www.saintalbansdisciples.org.

Weirton, First (Kevin Bowers, Pastor) Elders call for church-wide prayer emphasis during the stewardship emphasis and Advent.  Church Christmas dinner and program celebrated on the 14th.  Congregation is sponsoring a Haitian child through Global Ministries program. New website:  www.WeirtonDisciples.org.

Wheeling, First (Magdalyn M.  Sebastian, Pastor)  Weekday morning Bible studies began in Dec. “Longest Night” service was held Dec. 21. Youth raised $200 for youth ministries at their Christmas sale. Church is hosting Interfaith Prayer Group. Several Bible studies are being offered, including one on John’s Epistles by Rev. Bill Flewelling.   www.BigRoundWindow.com.

 

Send your church news to info@wvdisciples.org!

 

 

 

 

Bluefield to Host Labyrinth Walks

Rev. Dawna Watkins shares plans for a Lenten Labyrinth event.  The Regional Church’s labyrinth will be at the Bluefield First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for March 20-21 workshops.  Flyer for the days is posted below. 

March 20-21, 2009

Labyrinth Workshops

 

1:30 hour sessions

“What is a Labyrinth and How to Use Them in Your Spiritual Walk”

Lead by Rev. Dawna Watkins

Limit 14 people per session on Fri & Sat

Friday times 8 am; 10 am; 1pm; 3 pm; 6 pm; 8 pm

in Bethany Hall at

First Christian Church Church (DOC)

2200 Bland Road, Bluefield, West Virginia

 

Call the Church office to register (304)327-5633

 

Please wear or bring socks as

no shoes are allowed on Walking Labyrinth

Also we have Walking Impaired Resources

If your congregation has an upcoming event you’d like to share with the Regional Church, or if you’d like to schedule the Labyrinth for use in your community, please send the information to David.

 

Regional Minister: Pray for Pastor, Church at Installation

Dearest Regional Church-

On Sunday the 6th of April, the Reverend Aaron Watkins will be installed as Senior Minister of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Bluefield, West Virginia. This solemn and sacred event will take place during morning worship. As a sign of our unity I invite us to remember Aaron and his fine parish in moments of both personal and corporate prayer. Sunday morning prayers in our congregations are most appropriate. Aaron is the husband of Dawna, a minister herself, and the proud father of Nicholas.

Easter love to you all,
Thaddaeus Allen