“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
– Proverbs 21:3
In the Old Testament, sacrifice was required for restitution. It was required to be a saving grace. It was a way in which individuals would honor the Lord. In the New Testament, we experience the ultimate sacrifice when Jesus gave His life as restitution for the sins of all humanity. In following Christ’s example, we may make sacrifices that deflect personal gain. In the above Proverb, we read that “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” This doesn’t mean we will never make any sacrifices because we will. But, as this passage reminds us, it is more acceptable to God to do that which is “right and just”. As people of faith, we are called to be just in our ways…we are called to do that which is right, even when it would be easier to make contrary decisions. Though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does (2 Corinthians 10:3). We treat the un-lovables of the world with love. We offer provisions to those in need. We provide a hand up rather than a hand down. We care when it seems like nobody else does. We don’t degrade or make people feel “less than”. We build up, strengthen and encourage. We don’t save but we lead them to the One who can save them. We go out of our way to help. When we disagree, we disagree with love and compassion. We use our voices to proclaim the glory of God. We train our bodies to fulfill the call God has placed on our lives. We recognize that ministry is not about our wants and desires but fulfilling the call God places within each of our hearts. So may we make the necessary sacrifices to do all that is just and right. I hope that each day brings new opportunities to do what is right and just as we serve the Lord. May God Bless you!
In Christ,
Scott
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. – Noon – Clergy Gathering at First, Keyser. Masks and physical distancing will
be strongly Encouraged and Recommended.
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: Preaching (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 Registration: Contact Betty Rizer at (304) 788-3150 or btbrize@gmail.com
o Fee: No Fee
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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 | |||||||||||
| Total # of churches that have already met 100%. | 4 | |||||||||||
| Total # of churches behind but have paid more than 0%. | 3 | |||||||||||
| Total # of churches that have paid 0% | 102 | |||||||||||
| Total % paid from Potomac Highlands. | 4% | |||||||||||
| 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% | |||||||||||
| Churches that have paid 100% of Fair Share – Mt. Hebron, Mt. Sarah, Nethken Hill, Wesley Chapel (Rowlesburg) | ||||||||||||
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.
Potomac Highlands District of the UMC