“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:2-3
Ministry is not just about property or committee meetings or activity. Ministry is not simply handing out food or reading Scripture from the pulpit. Ministry does not take place one day a week nor does it stop like a 9 to 5 job. Ministry is not just building a relationship with the community, first responders and schools. Ministry is not just letting community organizations use the church space. Ministry is not simply providing utility grants and helping provide a roof over a persons’ head. These are all great things, but ministry is not ministry unless it is done with love!!! Ministry is not just a checklist…it is an obligation to love. As the above passage reminds us, we can have the greatest gifts and do wonderful things, but if we “…have not love, I am nothing.” So, let’s rethink what ministry is. Let me encourage you to build connections within your community by loving the people who live there and work there. Also, be willing to move into the communities, states and nations beyond your own to be an expression of God’s love. Let me encourage you to make provisions for the less fortunate by not only providing for their physical needs but their spiritual needs as well. May they see and experience the Jesus who lives and dwells within you and the people within whom you serve alongside. Let me encourage you to utilize the space God has blessed us with as a holy space that extends the love of God to ALL people. Providing a meeting space is good but providing a hospitality space where relationships are built is even better. Let me encourage you to experience and share God’s love 24/7 and not just one day a week. We are disciples of Christ, the holy and loving God! May we go forth as such, empowered to love in all that we do! May God Bless you!
In Christ,
Scott
Upcoming Opportunities
March 3rd
· Introduction to Conference Certified Lay Ministry Course
· Time – 7:00 p.m.
· Registration Link- Conference Certified Lay Ministry Course to be Offered | West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (wvumc.org)
· Purpose – to provide a guided and shared experience of the Certified Lay Ministry curriculum that is enhanced with training from Conference “experts” in the fields of study in the course. Those who are interested in the course are invited to attend the introductory session without commitment to learn more about the course and its requirements.
March 8th
· 9:30 a.m. to Noon – Clergy Gathering at First, Keyser. Masks and physical distancing
will be required.
Spring Heights Summer Camp
· Interested in being a counselor at our Conference Summer Camp???
· Details on the link provided – Serve at Summer Camp! | West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (wvumc.org)
PORTICO
· Let me encourage you to check out the Conference Learning Management System. You can take courses that will qualify for Continuing Education hours!!!
· Portico | West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (wvumc.org)
Lay Academy
Topic: Prayer (Taught by Zoom)
o Dates: February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th
o Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
o Instructor: Rev. Dr. Bill Wilson
o Location: Zoom
o Curriculum: “Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession” by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher.
o Registration: Contact Betty Rizer at (304) 788-3150 or btbrize@gmail.com
o Fee: No Fee
Topic: TBD (Taught by Zoom)
o Dates – April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th & May 16th
o Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
o Instructor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Paugh
o Location: Zoom
o Curriculum: TBD
o Registration: Contact Betty Rizer at (304) 788-3150 or btbrize@gmail.com
o Fee: No Fee
Topic: Our United Methodist Heritage (Taught by Zoom & In-Person)
o Dates: May 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th
o Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
o Instructor: Rev. Mark Flynn
o Location: Zoom & Duffey Memorial Fellowship Hall (Limited # of 8)
o Curriculum: Materials will be provided
o Registration: Contact Betty Rizer at (304) 788-3150 or btbrize@gmail.com
o Fee: No Fee
Topic: Evangelism (Taught in person)
o Dates: May 6th & 7th
o Time: May 6th (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) & May 7th (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
o Instructor: Rev. Dr. Stephon Reed & Rev. Shirley Reed
o Location: Rees Chapel
o Registration: Contact Betty Rizer at (304) 788-3150 or btbrize@gmail.com
o Fee: No Fee
· Classes already taught in 2021/2022: Basic (twice), Polity, Small Groups, Preaching, Heritage & Spiritual Gifts
Special Sunday Offering
Congregational Vitality Grants
· Areas of availability include: Worship Technology, First-Time Guest Hospitality, Evangelism, Discipleship, Generative Ministry, Celebrate Recovery/Recovery Ministry, New Church Start.
· For more information – Congregational Vitality Grants | West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (wvumc.org)
· Questions can be directed to Christina Ridgway at cridgway@wvumc.org or by calling (304) 344-8331 ext. 30.
COVID-19 Information:
· Link to Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball’s December 31st letter – https://www.wvumc.org/2021/12/covid-19-update-from-bishop-heading-into-2022/
Potomac Highlands Apportioned Churches – 2022
(Total # of churches – 145)
|
2022 |
Jan. |
Feb. |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug. |
Sept. |
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
|
Total # of churches on track to meet 100%. |
40 |
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Total # of churches that have already met 100%. |
4 |
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Total # of churches behind but have paid more than 0%. |
3 |
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Total # of churches that have paid 0% |
102 |
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Total % paid from Potomac Highlands. |
4% |
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What % should we be at? |
8% |
17% |
25% |
33% |
42% |
50% |
58% |
67% |
75% |
83% |
92% |
100% |
|
Total % paid for District Fair Share. |
24.3% |
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Churches that have paid 100% of Fair Share – Mt. Hebron, Mt. Sarah, Nethken Hill, Wesley Chapel (Rowlesburg) |
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WVUMC Vision
To be a Christ led, spiritual breath of fresh air that changes the world.
WVUMC Mission
To discover, develop and deploy passionate spiritual leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.