“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
– John 14:27
I’m thankful for the reminder that Jesus gives us in the above passage. He is sharing with His disciples that His teachings are trustworthy and that God will send the Holy Spirit to teach and remind them of everything He has already spoken to them. In light of the events that are happening in the world today, I’m grateful for the peace we are able to find in Christ. When the world speaks of war, Jesus speaks of peace. When the world offers fear and trouble, Jesus offers peace. And He sends the Holy Spirit to remind us of that (vs. 26)! My heart hurts and aches as I watch the news and hear reports of the war taking place in the Ukraine. I grieve for the innocent, as well as, the actions of the guilty. I am angered by the selfishness of others and hurt that political gain is elevated about human life and dignity. So, my prayers are with all…for those who are innocent to be protected and for those who are guilty to recognize the error of their way and turn to the Lord. You see, Jesus has given us the ability to know His peace. If the entire world would simply focus on the Lord, then we would not be troubled or afraid. May we choose to live a life filled with the peace of Christ even when there are times when the threat of war is all around us. May God Bless you!
In Christ,
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.
2022 Lenten Devotionals
· written by Laity of the WV Conference are available at: https://www.wvumc.org/2022-lenten-devotions/
· To sign up to receive the devotional by email each day, go to: https://www.wvumc.org/conference-email-subscription/
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
· 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)
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2022 |
Jan. |
Feb. |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug. |
Sept. |
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
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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% |
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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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