Happening Around the Presbytery

Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery

907 National Road

Wheeling, WV  26003

304-232-3490

www.uovpresby.org

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In an emergency after office hours: Call 740-359-1813

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PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS:

Mike Lenno Gene Toot Susan McMannis Linda Turner Vickie Whinnery Homer Harden Donna Todd

Karen Edwards Susan Lehosky Philip Keevil David Schoolcraft Gary Nylund Debbie Hale Dave Roberts

Matt Camlin R. H. “Mac” McCuen Sharon Willits Cherilyn Bown Joe Hendricks Mike O’Neil Judy Walton

David Brocklehurst Dr. Lew & Ruth Stevens Dakota Partnership Melanie Blount Domasi Partnership All Service men & women

Pray for those sick with the corona virus, first responders, nurses, doctors, and the families who lost loved ones.
Pray for our presbyters, family members, and friends hospitalized or in nursing homes.
Pray for peace and an end to violence and hatred.
Please keep us informed of any prayer concerns you may have.

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PRAYER FOR UOVP PASTORS. Select one of these pastors and remember him/her in your prayers this week: Sue McMannis, Deb Messham, Bob Meyer, Bob Morgan, Robert Nagy.

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A PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S Spring/Summer “Connecting Link” is fresh off the press. See it on our website www.uovpresby.org under Items of Interest, and watch for it in your mail box.

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FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF OUR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA), the denomination's General Assembly will be held online only. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) voted unanimously to approve a plan for a reduced Assembly gathering that will require everyone involved – commissioners, advisory delegates, corresponding members, and staff – to participate in a digital General Assembly. The Assembly will take place over three days: Friday, June 19; Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. Please keep our General Assembly Commissioners from Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery in your prayers: Ruling Elder Bob Milner and the Rev. Dr. Ruth Ellen Bates.

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IS GOD CALLING YOU TO FURTHER LEADERSHIP? If you are a Ruling Elder, God might be calling you to preach or become more involved in pastoral service. Our Presbytery, along with three neighboring presbyteries, will be continuing the training program for the preparation of possible “Commissioned Ruling Elders" for the future. New students may begin in the fall of 2020. The program includes both classroom and hands-on experiences, and you will receive training and mentorship that will help you grow as a leader in Christ's Church. If interested, please contact Dee Kovach, deekovach@att.net, for descriptions and details.

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DEAR BEAVER CREEK CHURCH CAMP COMMUNITY, It is with great regret that we announce that we will not hold our regular camps this summer. We have come to this decision through prayerful consideration of our campers, directors, staff and counselors, and our top priority of keeping everyone safe. We are so sorry to disappoint all of you who may have been looking forward to hiking in the woods, swimming in the pool, inner tubing down the creek, attending vespers and participating in all of the other activities we normally provide. In the meanwhile, there are possibilities for limited weekend camping, if you are interested, but there will be special conditions to meet and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Ronnie or Scott or see our website for further details. We are also planning some online fun for those of you who have kids or grandkids at home this summer – stay tuned for announcements on that in the near future – and we are hopeful that we may be able to have a family camp weekend sometime in August. We will let everyone know about that, and the various ways everyone can participate in that. Hoping you are all safe and well, Beaver Creek Church Camp Board of Trustees

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LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL is looking for high school or adult volunteers for the summer program! Summer day camp begins on Monday, June 22, and runs through August 14. Our summer program has been changed to keep groups small to accommodate healthy practices in light of COVID-19. Each day is divided into two sessions: 9-noon for grades K-2 and noon - 3 for grades 3-5. Come lend a hand for crafting, recreation, reading, monitoring healthy habits, and more! We welcome volunteers for a day, a week, or more. For more info, call the Chapel 304-232-2632 or email us laughlinchapel@lumos.net. Join us!

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Happy Birthday:

June 11 ~ Ruth Ellen Bates, storyteller1001@comcast.net

June 12 ~ Katherine Horstman, kahorstman.eccles@gmail.com

June 16 ~ Claudia Brown, claudiabrown7@msn.com

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PCUSA STORE. Having a solid leadership training program for your church, as well as additional reference and continuing education materials, is integral to the success of your members as they step into their new positions. To help fill out your leadership training library, we've curated a selection of books, downloadable studies, and curriculum programs. Simply click the buttons here to get started: Browse Book Options   Browse Downloadable Study Options  Browse Being Reformed Curriculum Program Options.

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PCUSA NEWS.

Stated Clerk remembers recent victims of racial violence. J. Herbert Nelson, II calls for change.

The hope of the church in the nasty here and now. Diane Moffett caps a service of lament with a stirring, yet sobering, reflection.

Synergy between PC(USA) assembly and Poor People’s Campaign continues online. Live General Assembly in Baltimore and Moral March on Washington had to become virtual events but continue in concert.

Online Bible study opens new opportunities for the 224th General Assembly (2020). Leaders hope to engage entire families.

‘We fall to our knees with you.’ A statement by the National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus.

‘Thank you for changing your Facebook profile or liking a post — but more is needed.’ In the midst of protests, churches in Pittsburgh Presbytery work to dismantle structural racism.

‘Racism is a sin against humanity.’ PC(USA) Washington office calls for action following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

Hispanic/Latinx National Presbyterian Caucus ‘stands in strong solidarity’ with African American siblings. Says violence against black people remains the most egregious example of white privilege and supremacy.

Responding to the trauma of gun violence. Pastor reflects on mass shooting at South Carolina church.

Once upon a time in a pandemic. A Presbyterian grandmother’s story of social distancing

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PCUSA STORE ~ ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES. We at PC(USA) Store stand in solidarity with the protesters who are crying out for justice—for George Floyd, for Breonna Taylor, for Ahmaud Arbery, and for all the victims of the insidious racism that has infected our society for far too long. To all those risking your safety by lifting your voices, we say be strong, and be safe. Additionally, we believe that in order to fully support people of color, white individuals must educate themselves, have conversations with each other, and figure out how they can work to create a more just society. Here are resources intended to begin anti-racism work either individually or with your church community. Free Downloadable Resources.

"White Privilege." This one-session adult study is part of the "Racism Study Pack" from The Thoughtful Christian. They are offering this downloadable resource for free at the links below. We encourage you to form a study group or email to members as a starting point. Consider purchasing the study pack from The Thoughtful Christian to continue your study as well. Download: Participant Handout | Leader's Guide Purchase the "Racism Study Pack"

"Responding to Racism." This one-session youth study from The Thoughtful Christian helps leaders guide preteens and teens through the complicated subject of racism. We encourage you to either lead your youth through this study (in-person or virtually depending on your situation) or email to parents to encourage a family study. Download: Participant Handout | Leader's Guide.

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World. This discussion and activity guide includes suggestions on how parents and teachers can talk with children about race and violence, ideas on how to create a safe space for meaningful dialogue, and more. It was written by the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, KY, a multicultural center and museum committed to promoting respect, hope, and understanding⁠. The guide is inspired by For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World, an upcoming picture book by Michael W. Waters that will be available this September. It tells the story of a boy named Jeremiah and his family who discover hopeful forms of activism and advocacy in response to racism and gun violence in their community. Download the Discussion and Activity Guide, Preorder For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World.

Anti-Racism Books & Resources

Below you will find a few featured resources. Additional resources can be found here.

Good White Racist? Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice. Kerry Connelly exposes the ways white people participate in, benefit from, and unknowingly perpetuate racism—despite their best “good person” intentions. Readers will learn that even though it may not be our fault or choice to participate in a racist system, we all do, and it’s our responsibility to do something about it. Download: Excerpt from the Book | Discussion Guide Purchase Now.

Ten Essential Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation. This book is a collection of wisdom and best practices to help congregations build immunity from racial and ethnic tensions that threaten to divide rather than unite. Use the workbook with your planning team, board members, lay leaders, and staff. Download an Excerpt, Purchase Now.

Brian the Brave. This picture book provides a creative way to talk about bias based on race and language with very young children. It is not only ideal for households, but also during children's time at church. Download an Excerpt, Purchase Now.

Recovering from Un-Natural Disasters. This is a necessary handbook for congregations across the United States. It provides pastors and leaders with resources for guiding their congregation through human-caused disasters such as gun violence. Example worship resources, including prayers, music suggestions, and sermons that are appropriate to use during periods of trauma and recovery, are included. Download an Excerpt, Purchase Now.

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HAPPENINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE UNDER ITEMS OF INTEREST. Each issue will be posted for three weeks.

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