Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia

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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia N E W S Volume 46, Issue 3 Fall, 2012 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is a careful steward of your congregation s

and workshops for women, men & youth Care and growth opportunities for the Order of Ministry Provide communication and networking opportunities for congregations and church leaders Regular

1 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia N E W S Volume 46, Issue 3 Fall, 2012 The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is a careful steward of your congregation s trust, and is committed to building on vital ministries already at work around West Virginia and Western Maryland, including: Camp & conference programming for children and youth Retreats, assemblies and workshops for women, men & youth Care and growth opportunities for the Order of Ministry Provide communication and networking opportunities for congregations and church leaders Regular congregational visitation and consultation Assistance with search and call of pastors Providing resources for faithful Christian service Substantive ecumenical dialogues and linkage with WV Council of Churches Celebration of milestone events among our congregations Interpreting the Disciples Mission Fund and its many ministries Creating learning events for deepening discipleship, stewardship, and worship life in congregations Counsel for planned stewardship and major gifts Interpreting the needs of congregations in the wider church Interpreting the wider church within the region s congregations Sponsoring mission visits and work camps in and beyond the region Working with and arranging visits of Global Ministries partners Providing disaster response and recovery efforts Our Statement of Calling says: Through the grace of God, the mission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is to glorify God by sharing the gospel and love revealed to us in and through Jesus Christ. As people of God we are called to model faithful servanthood and live in the covenant that binds the Church of Jesus Christ together in all of its manifestations. Thank you for your generous and faithful support of the Christmas Offering for Regional Ministries, through which our covenant is strengthened, to the glory of our coming Savior! Keith Reed Faithful Camper

2 Page 2 WITH OUR CONGREGATIONS Beckley: First (Don Snyder, Pastor) Served over 200 meals in Sept. Beckley Kid s Classic. Cantata On Christmas Day offered Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Youth preparing p r e s e n t a t i o n f o r D e c Bethany: Memorial (Scott Thayer, Pastor) Congregation and college represented and honored at National City Church in Oct. Window restoration project continues. Bluefield: First (Aaron Watkins, Pastor) Successful bazaar in November. Hanging of the Greens scheduled for Dec. 1. Christmas Cantata planned for Dec. 9. Kids program Dec Cameron: First (Doug Richardson, Pastor) Church dinner's first Monday of the month started in Oct. Men preparing to make holiday food baskets. Youth group meets twice monthly. Women s Christmas project helps those in temporary housing. orgsites.com/ wv/thedisciple Charleston: United (Steven Smith, Pastor) Youth to present Holy, Holly Christmas during worship Dec. 2. Recycled jewelry being rejuvenated for sale to support new kitchen fund. Building has begun! uniteddisciples.org Cumberland, MD: First (Rae Browning, Pastor) Luncheon Oct. 21 honored guests from Commission on Ministry and the Regional Minister, who spent the day with the congregation. cumberlanddisciples.org Huntington: Central (Kevin Snow, Pastor) Hosted interfaith Thanksgiving Service Nov. 18. Living the Questions series for young adults continues. Harvest dinner in Nov. Holiday food baskets being filled for distribution. HuntingtonCentral.org Huntington: Madison Avenue (Jamie Gump, Pastor) Classes preparing for Christmas parties and to sponsor families for Christmas including toys, clothing and food baskets. Children's Program Dec. 16 cont d. right column Gratitude The Regional Church has been the recipient of many gifts for the Christmas Offering, Annual Fund, All Saints Fund, the William B. Allen Fund for Ecumenical Ministry, the Margaret A. Green Fund, the Tad Fitzsimmons Fund for Youth Ministry, and Disciples Mission Fund. We want to better express our gratitude for your support of these funds, and better utilize our publication space in the News throughout the year. Therefore, we will insert a Thank You issue of Legacies in the next News issue, to recognize donors and to lift up the work of each of our funds. Next News Deadline: Feb. 28, 2013 Send your congregation s news and any updates of household mailing addresses to: CCWV News 1402 Washington Ave. Parkersburg, WV or jpotts@wvdisciples.org WEST VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) NEWS Published by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia, Fairmont: Central (Johnna Mansuetto, in the interest of Christ in the Pastor) Congregation collecting items for West Virginia Region. Phone: Fax: annual Toy Drive of Marion Co. Dinner and skit from active youth group offered Dec. info@wvdisciples.org 2. Pageant on Dec. 16 in worship. web.centralchristianfairmont.org Thaddaeus B. Allen, Managing Editor and Regional Minister William B. Allen Regional Minister Emeritus David T. Chafin, Deputy Regional Minister Kevin M. Snow, Assoc. Reg. Min. Youth & Young Adults Kenneth M. Hardway, Assoc. Reg. Min. Youth & Young Adults Mary Uhl Women s Coordinator Joel A. Potts, III Men s Coordinator Phil Auten Minister of Visitation Earl E. Shaw, Jr. Minister of the W ord Jayne L. Chafin Search & Call Assistant Carol Robinson Receptionist With Our Congregations, cont. Huntington: Vinson Memorial (Pablo Gonzales, Pastor) See recent 130th Anniversary celebration photo on page 4. Logan: First (Andy Wade, Pastor) IThe congregation said farewell to Interim Pastor Greg Widener and welcomed the Wades to Logan. Cantata Dec. 9. Advent Lunches with Logan neighbor churches throughout the season. Mannington: First (Lynn White, Pastor) Congregation staffs local food pantry. Fellowship dinners held monthly. Matoaka: Matoaka (Craig Hammond, Pastor) Christmas Program Journey to Bethlehem offered in Dec. Annual gift exchange Dec. 23. Congregation s recipes n o w av a i l a b l e o n w e b s i t e. McMechen: First (Rodney Hubbs, Pastor) Participated in singspiration in the park. Dedicated new restroom and hallway. Honored pastor with luncheon in Oct. Morgantown: First (Richard Howard, Pastor) Potluck dinner Dec. 9. Christmas children s party Dec. 15. Cantata Dec. 16. Collecting outer-wear for Christian Help. Youth leading Angel Tree shopping for 3 teens. Moundsville: First (Wesley Howsare, Pastor) Rev. Howsare was Commissioned for Ministry and installed as pastor on Oct. 27. Youth placed a float in Thanksgiving Parade. New Martinsville: First (Vic Hunter, Pastor) Harvest Dinner great success. Youth to cont d. next page Upcoming Events December Christmas Eve/Day (Office closed) January, New Year s Day (Office closed) Men s Commission Retreat Week of Prayer for Christian Unity February 8-10 Midwinter Youth Retreat 13 Ash Wednesday March 9 Regional Board 31 Easter Watch for Men s & Women s Spring Gatherings Access regional calendar at WVDisciples.org

With Our Congregations, cont... host a loaded baked potato sale Dec. 9. First Friends weekday children s program continues. Christmas cantata Noel and Alleluia on Dec. 16. www.nmfcc.

2, s upports loc al c lothing minis try. www.movpdoc.com Princeton: First (Bill Pollack, Pastor) All Saints Sunday celebrated Nov. 1. Fall Festival great success.

3 With Our Congregations, cont... host a loaded baked potato sale Dec. 9. First Friends weekday children s program continues. Christmas cantata Noel and Alleluia on Dec Parkersburg: First (Janice Hill, Pastor) Election day communion service held. Annual f ree Thanksgiving Dinner for community well received. Undie Sunday, Dec. 2, s upports loc al c lothing minis try. Princeton: First (Bill Pollack, Pastor) All Saints Sunday celebrated Nov. 1. Fall Festival great success. Mooney s Barbecue Fundraiser supported Impact Movement a n d F C C C h a n c e l R i n g e r s. Ravenswood: First (Jayne Chafin, Pastor) The congregation is helping to provide housing to local immigrant family. Hanging of the Greens followed a luncheon on 11/25. Was hington: Bethany Christmas Carol Sing scheduled for Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Weirton: First (Kevin Bowers, Pastor) Church offered food vending at annual Christmas Parade. Christmas dinner planned Dec. 16. Cantata Dec. 23. Church provides meals at Christian Center for youth each month. WeirtonDisciples.org Wheeling: First (Kenny Hardway, Pastor) Annual Pumpkin Patch made over $2000 for 3 local outreach efforts. Pastor spoke at local interfaith Thanksgiving service. Wheeling: Island (Judith Bennett, Pastor) Hanging of the Greens service held Nov. 25. Women s Christmas Party Dec. 5. Mitten Tree will warm hands this winter. Rest in Peace The Regional Church is sad to note the death of Rev. John O. Atkins, former pastor in Bluefield and Charleston in this region, on October 15. Our deepest sympathies to his wife, Anne, and their family and friends. Page 3 From the Regional Minister As the faithful have gathered, I am reminded again and again just how much I love our church and just how precious these holy days are. From the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany (January 6) we live in holy space with holy people. At the center of all stands the Christ. As one who intimately experiences the gift of Jesus in the Incarnation and in the Resurrection, I gladly offer up as holy all the days God gives. Life eternal and life abundant are the same, and this gives us great energy and joy for the time in which we live and serve. In the light of Christ who has come, Christ who is coming, and Christ who will come may each day of this holiday season be a holy day in our lives. In Advent the prophets call us to a God, embodied in Jesus the Christ, who will bring forth the mighty twins of justice and peace. Jesus is Lord of all creation! This is wonderfully good news! In Bethlehem the Word takes on flesh and the Incarnation affirms humanity as God's beloved. I love Christmas and claim it again and again as a sign of grace for each one as we celebrate in high fashion! We are so loved by God and it is that which we are called on to embody in a broken world. And the Epiphany calls us to radically consider the other. Christ-like living calls us to consider others and even to love those whom we can barely understand, and to do all that we do in a spirit of gentleness. The Holy Days call us to a life that is marked by a total commitment to the total Christ who lives and reigns among us. As Disciples of Christ, we affirm that Christ is with us. We don t need to worry about putting Christ back into Christmas. Christ has never left! May we present Jesus to the world in his fullness. There are many people who know very little about the faith. We have the high and holy privilege of teaching them the truth. May Christ be born in us again in these days. Mark them as holy, for God has made them so. In Christ I stand and live. And in this season I rejoice in the evidence that you and our church does, too! I give thanks for each of you in my prayers. In Christmas love I remain your brother and servant,

Page 4 Vinson Memorial Church Celebrates 130 Years Weirton First Church Honors 50+ Members First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Weirton honored members who have been a part of the church

14th, a special service celebrating 130 years of history of ministry featured former ministers and Regional Staff reflecting on their time at VMCC, Rev. Ike Nicolson, Rev. Richard Flowers and Rev.

Jamie Gump of the Madison Avenue Christian Church joined in leadership of the celebration along with Pastor Pablo Gonzales. Rev.

4 Page 4 Vinson Memorial Church Celebrates 130 Years Weirton First Church Honors 50+ Members First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Weirton honored members who have been a part of the church for 50 years or more year members at their Homecoming Celebration On Oct. 14th, a special service celebrating 130 years of history of ministry featured former ministers and Regional Staff reflecting on their time at VMCC, Rev. Ike Nicolson, Rev. Richard Flowers and Rev. Phillip Warren gave testimony to the place of the congregation in their lives, and Rev. Thad Allen and Rev. David Chafin of the Christian Church in West Virginia, and Rev. Jamie Gump of the Madison Avenue Christian Church joined in leadership of the celebration along with Pastor Pablo Gonzales. Rev. Kevin Snow, a Timothy of Vinson Memorial, now pastor at Central Christian Church joined the gathering following worship at Central. Following worship, a congregational dinner continued the celebration. Advent Prayerscapes The seasonal offering of Prayerscapes is available online and on paper for you and those you love. This free devotional resource, offering meditations and a prayer for each day of Advent through New Year s Day, is created each year by the ministers of our congregations in WV and Western MD. We hope you are taking advantage of some very creative and inspiring writing. If you would like a paper copy of Prayerscapes sent to your home, check with your congregation s office or contact the Regional Office at We ll be glad to put it in the mail to you right away. A downloadable booklet form is available on our website, or you can subscribe or read daily at prayerscapes.wordpress.com. We hope you ll read and share Prayerscapes with those you love. Life in Liturgy Growing in Usership The Region s Life in Liturgy website, offering worship planning helps from Disciples and the broader Tradition, has a growing audience from around the USA. Ministers and others who assist in worship planning are encouraged to visit the link to the site, located on the Regional Homepage: wvdisciples.org. Rev. David Chafin manages the page and welcomes contributions from users of the site, which offers suggested prayers and hymns based on the lectionary for each Sunday, and special entries with resources for each season and major festival of the church year. In addition to materials from the wider church tradition, the site offers a venue for original materials from local writers. Rev. William Flewelling, a Disciples pastor in WV, is a regular contributor of prayers and hymns. Video Greeting Available If you haven t seen it already, be sure to visit the homepage of the Regional Church: There, you ll find a video greeting card with photos from recent regional happenings, as a way of saying thank you for your generous support of the Christmas Offering. Congregations have been offered a DVD version of the video, and if needed we can forward one to yours rather quickly. Just contact the Regional Office as soon as possible.

Howsare Commissioned The Rev. Wesley How sare of Moundsville, WV w as commissioned to Christian ministry at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Moundsville on Oct. 27. Rev. Howsare, who was installed as pastor at that time, had formerly served as interim pastor at Fork Ridge and Big Run congregations, also in Marshall County.

The preacher and presider for the day was the Regional Minister. We rejoice to w elcome Wesley to the Order of Ministry!

Andy Wade, formerly of the Youngstown, Ohio area, as pastor. Rev. Wade and wife Patricia are settling in well and enjoying the new friendships being made in the church and community.

5 Howsare Commissioned The Rev. Wesley How sare of Moundsville, WV w as commissioned to Christian ministry at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Moundsville on Oct. 27. Rev. Howsare, who was installed as pastor at that time, had formerly served as interim pastor at Fork Ridge and Big Run congregations, also in Marshall County. The celebration, w hich w as a great occasion for the large congregation gathered, including many colleagues and friends from neighboring churches, w as follow ed by a supper and time of fellowship. The preacher and presider for the day was the Regional Minister. We rejoice to w elcome Wesley to the Order of Ministry! Page 5 Logan Church Welcomes New Pastor The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Logan has welcomed the Rev. Andy Wade, formerly of the Youngstown, Ohio area, as pastor. Rev. Wade and wife Patricia are settling in well and enjoying the new friendships being made in the church and community. R i c h ar d F l ower s Honored Minister The ministry of the Rev. Richard Flowers of Beckley, along with his wife Arma Jane, were celebrated as he received the Honored Minister s Pin at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Beckley, Sep. 23. The service featuring the presentation of the pin, created by the Pension Fund of the C h r i s t i a n Church (Disciples of Christ), was a surprise to Rev. Flowers which began to unfold as the Regional Minister began the sermon with quotes from his earlier writings. Other News of the Order of Ministry Rev. Johnna Mansuetto was installed as pastor of the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fairmont in the Sunday Worship gathering on Nov. 11. Photo at left includes Jeff Carpenter, board chair, Dorothy Brownlee, preacher for the day, Rev. Mansuetto, and Rev. Allen, who presided at the installation. Shaw and Rodgers to Serve Interim Pastorate at Big Run. Earl Shaw, soon to be commissioned to ministry in service as Minister of the Word for the Regional Church, and his granddaughter, Lanette Gilbert Rodgers a youth minister at the Island Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wheeling and seminarian at Lexington Theological Seminary will serve as co-pastors ad interim at the Big Run Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at Cameron. Both of the ministers will continue their other church responsibilities and are looking forward to the opportunity to serve together. Order of Ministry Family Commemorations 12/11 David Chafin Ordination Anniversary 12/20 Larry Grimes Birthday 12/30 Daw na Watkins Birthday 1/2 Doug Richardson Ordination Anniversary 1/20 Wesley & Vicki Howsare Wedding Anniversary 1/22 Nanette Pollack Birthday 2/2 Vicki Howsare Birthday 2/4 Thaddaeus Allen Ordination Anniversary 2/17 Del Parris Birthday 2/18 Fritz Bennett Birthday 3/11 Janice Hill Birthday Whoops! We missed these recent celebrations: 11/2 Jamie & Carol Gump Wedding Anniversary 11/17 Jamie Gump Birthday 11/25 Carol Gump Birthday Please keep us advised of upcoming celebrations in your ministerial family!

Page 6 Disciples Women & Disciples Men Show Growth in Retreats The annual regional fall gatherings of Disciples Men and Disciples Women have show n significant growth in recent years.

As expected, the majority of attendees continue to be those w ho have been at the events in years past, but currently the trend is tow ard a higher number of first-time attendees.

the recent spirit and shape of retreats is feeding the enthusiasm for repeat attendance.

6 Page 6 Disciples Women & Disciples Men Show Growth in Retreats The annual regional fall gatherings of Disciples Men and Disciples Women have show n significant growth in recent years. The growth has come from w ithin and w ithout. As expected, the majority of attendees continue to be those w ho have been at the events in years past, but currently the trend is tow ard a higher number of first-time attendees. While those w ho plan the retreats are working hard to encourage full participation from the regulars, those w ho have been to retreats are clearly inviting friends and family to come w ith them. Invitation makes for good discipleship. Youngest attendee, Rosemary, attends with sister, mother, aunt and grandma Women s Retreat: Mary Uhl, Executive Director of Women s Ministries and Associate to the Regional Minister, indicates that the recent spirit and shape of retreats is feeding the enthusiasm for repeat attendance. More and more of the region s w omen know that they can expect the kinds of restful, encouraging, and inspiring experience that has come to mark the annual event. It s easy to share that kind of positive w ord with others. The Rev. Dr. Patricia Donahoo, Executive Director of Disciples Women, w as the keynote speaker at the event and w as received with rave reviews. The quality of presenters and nature of the fellow ship are high on the list of plusses noted by those w ho offered comments and reviews. Of course, we always have room to improve, and the Women s Cabinet take criticism w ell. Our women can look forw ard to further improvements at the 2013 Spiritual Life Retreat, scheduled for Sept. 6-8 at Cedar Lakes. Women of Wheeling First Christian Church enjoy the time away with 150 of their closest friends Archie Jenkins, Pres. of the General Conference of Disciples Men, receives a welcome from 2012 retreatants. The Rev. Dr. Victor Hunter, pastor of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New Martinsville, and a noted speaker, author, and retreat leader, keynoted the 2012 event and w as warmly received by all in attendance. As alw ays, the men enjoyed a pre-retreat golf outing, now pegged as The Hunter Open, honoring Harry Hunter w ho has coordinated that activity for years. Fellow ship at campfire and around tables, in lobbies and bookstore, and gathered around Joel s coffee and cookies is alw ays a welcome highlight of autumn for the men w ho gather. The 2013 Men s Retreat w ill be at Cedar Lakes on Oct Men s Retreat: The men of the region have seen significant retreat attendance grow th the past few years, according to Joel Potts, Coordinator of Men s Ministries. This year, for the first time in recent decades, the group topped the 60-mark. A grow ing number of those in attendance at men s retreats have been those under the age of 40. This notes a positive forw ard-look at the w ork of men s ministries. It was a joyful experience to actually need to provide childcare at the event for the first time in it s history. The Table holds center place at our retreats. This one, created by Parkersburg women, featured quilt hanging depicting region s congregations.

Page 7 2013 Midwinter Youth Retreat Feb. 8-10, 2013 Cedar Lakes Conference Center Ripley, WV 6th 12th grade students Post-high gathering on site Register Now! $100 Visit www.wvdisciples.

7 Page Midwinter Youth Retreat Feb. 8-10, 2013 Cedar Lakes Conference Center Ripley, WV 6th 12th grade students Post-high gathering on site Register Now! $100 Visit or get registration form from your Church Office Registration Deadline: Jan. 31 Support for Midwinter Retreat, like numerous other life-giving opportunities for Disciples of all ages, is largely made possible by your faithful support of the Christmas Offering for Regional Ministries. Thank you, on behalf of all who attend, for your generosity!

Return Service Requested Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia 1402 Washington Avenue Parkersburg, WV 26101 Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Parkersburg WV 26101 Permit # 158 Online giving now through PayPal may be accessed from our website: www.

See page 7 Huntington s Central Church Turkey Trot Team Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Huntington was represented by 16 of their own in the annual Turkey Trot, Nov.

If you re in a pinch for Christmas gift shopping, or are seeking an online source for books, music, movies, gifts, or everyday items for self and home, be sure to keep us in mind.

8 Return Service Requested Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia 1402 Washington Avenue Parkersburg, WV Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Parkersburg WV Permit # 158 Online giving now through PayPal may be accessed from our website: Like Us on Facebook. WV-Disciples check it out! Regional Amazon Store 2012 Midwinter Youth Retreat REGISTER NOW FOR 2013! See page 7 Huntington s Central Church Turkey Trot Team Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Huntington was represented by 16 of their own in the annual Turkey Trot, Nov. 22, to benefit a local no-kill animal shelter. Jessica Price, 3rd from right, placed 6th among women and 25th overall. If you re in a pinch for Christmas gift shopping, or are seeking an online source for books, music, movies, gifts, or everyday items for self and home, be sure to keep us in mind. Your Amazon shopping can benefit the work of the WV Region. Just start your search at the link on our website (wvdisciples.org), and any purchases made during that session on your internet browser will be credited to the Regional Church for a small commission. Commissions add up to good work in West Virginia and Western Maryland. Thanks for your support of regional ministries!

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia N E W S Volume 47, Issue 1 Spring, 2013 National Benevolent Association and WV Region Introduce Gift of Years Project The National Benevolent Association