SEPTEMBER CIRCUIT
VOLUME 2/NUMBER 5
The West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church
Ministry can happen A N Y W H E R E By Bev Columbo, Associate Pastor, Lewisburg UMC
Ministering to youth began for me as a Young Life leader in 1988, some 20 years ago. Youth ministry changes in a fluid way as our society changes. But a few things remain steady, constant, and effective. Students desire relationship, a sense of belonging, and love! We as youth ministers know Jesus is the answer to all three of these needs. Like Jesus, effective ministry happens when we seek people out and walk alongside them in their world. Youth ministry connected to a church begins not just within the church walls but in the students' world. If a church does not have student-aged folks, identify ONE parishioner's child, grandchild, niece or neighbor. Build a relationship with that child. To claim students for Christ we must be involved in their school or their sporting event or simply meet them at their local hang out. A simple strategy for this is volunteering at school lunch, enjoying the Friday night football game, or supporting their events. Showing up for teens and loving them where they are is powerful. As you "earn the right to be heard," earn trust and true connection, a mentor relationship organically blossoms. Cont. on page 3
Building TEAM By Amy and David Maher Duffey Memorial United Methodist Church in Moorefield, WV has a talented and faithful group of teenagers. It is an amazing blessing! Duffey Youth Group is open to all in the 7th through 12th grade, with 25 regular members meeting Tuesday evenings.
It was an intense four-day trip, and we were really impressed at how the youth worked all day, every day, to help out in the heat with no complaints. Most of the homeowners were there alongside our group and all were very appreciative. Getting to know the residents was an important part of the trip. It was a humbling experience to see what the people of Clendenin had experienced in the flood. Our youth group verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.� This verse served us well on the mission trip. We accomplished many projects and we were blessed by our time with the residents of Clendenin. When you serve like Jesus you are changed!
This summer Duffey Youth traveled to Clendenin for a four-day trip to help with flood relief. Many residents have been living in temporary housing since the flood of June 2016, and there are many projects left to finish to get them back into their homes. Our team of 24 was comprised of 12 adults and 12 youth, and we teamed Our trips and outings are team 2016 Duffey Memorial work team in Clendenin up with the Greater building experiences that allow Kanawha Long-Term youth to share their faith outside Recovery Committee to identify projects in Clendenin of the walls of the church. Duffey youth are looking that could use the help. forward to another exciting year of faith in action. Amy and David Maher are Youth Leaders at Duffey Memorial UMC in Moorefield, W.Va.
Youth volunteers painting on a home project
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THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 2017
WALK This Way By Hannah Povroznik One may walk a thousand miles but never really start a journey. It is only when the heart makes peace with God’s direction that the greatest expedition unfolds. This past June, thirty-seven members of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church volunteered to share the love of Christ with our brothers and sisters in Charleston, South Carolina. During our week, we fused into a group of God’s warriors who brought light and love to all those we encountered.
an overwhelming beauty on this island with its pristine beaches teaming with sea creatures like whelk, sand dollars, and horseshoe crabs. Our service was a crucial step in keeping water resources healthy and the habitat safe for estuary wildlife.
One of the most sentimental moments of our mission trip was the beachside campfire on our final night. The starry sky and crackling fire enveloped our senses as we savored the moment and reflected on the friendships we formed. Circling the fire, hand in hand, we sang hymns to the Lord. It was God who called our hearts together to be transformed Work Team in Charleston, S.C. The team’s most inspiring by the experiences in Charleston. As we and educational day took continue to walk with God, may we find place on Bulls Island, an undeveloped barrier island balance and faith in our steps and remember that great within the Cape Romain Natural Wildlife Refuge. journeys are not founded by a single leap but by small Upon our arrival, we boarded a white ferry named steps of courage and hope. Wherever we go, may our Caretta. As the boat navigated through fields of footprints leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of those Spartina grass and brackish waters, we learned about we encounter. the importance of maritime forest and freshwater marshes for a variety of animals. When we arrived on Read more at: www.wvumc.org/2017/08/missiontrip. the island, we set out with garbage bags in hand for the beach sweep. We removed plastic bags from the sandy Hannah Povroznik is a sophomore at Bridgeport High beaches and rusted crates from the shorelines. There is School, and active in youth group at Bridgeport UMC.
Cont. from page 1 Youth ministry can happen at the local coffee shop or ice cream parlor or city park. Gathering students after school and enjoying an hour at a local establishment reminds students that God is accessible ANYwhere. Sharing scriptures of encouragement or Godcentered conversations can be the start of a deeper Bible study or faith focused ministry. Gods word NEVER returns void and Jesus presence, no matter how casual the setting, makes a heart hungry for more of Jesus! Bev Colombo, “Rev Bev,” is the associate pastor at Lewisburg UMC in Lewisburg, WV.
Lewisburg UMC Youth Group
“WE ARE A CHRIST-LED, SPIRITUAL BREATH OF FRESH AIR THAT CHANGES THE WORLD!”
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CAMPUS
MINISTRIES
Each of these ministries extends the reach of God’s love to students on campuses across our Conference. Connect young people you know with a campus minister and college community of faith! You’ll find contact information below.
UNIVERSITY OF CHARLESTON Janet Harman, Campus Minister, Deacon Associate at St Marks UMC, Charleston janet@stmarkswv.org
Campus ministry at University of Charleston aims to be a welcoming presence for students and faculty, with the goal of forming relationships throughout the year. We minister to the UC community through greeting & movein help, attending sports games, hospitality picnics, bible studies, service opportunities, and more. Janet’s office is located in Geary Student Center in the Student Life Center (3rd floor), and she is thrilled to see students!
MARSHALL UNIVERSITY Benjamin Wells, Campus Minister
bwells@nccumc.org
"Campus Ministry provided me an opportunity to be myself while making friends and developing my relationship with God." - Heather Barker, Class of
2019
In campus ministry at Marshall University, we try to begin with the end in mind. We hope to see each young person graduate from college ready to be a mature adult, wholly devoted to Jesus Christ, with a clear sense of calling, a passion to serve their neighbor in need, a love for congregational living, and the courage to live and witness their faith in the world. We form relationships through fellowship, fun, food, activities, and Bible Study, and other learning. We are heavily involved in serving others through our mission trips and projects. Our previous mission work has included flood relief and service projects in our own community to help others in Huntington and the surrounding areas. We would love for you to join in.
VINE & BRANCHES CAMPUS MINISTRY AT CONCORD UNIVERSITY David Johnston, Pastor, Concord UMC, Athens, W.Va. johnstond@gmail.com
Vine & Branches exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through relationships. We believe that authentic relationships with God and others is essential to the Christian life as seen in Jesus' own life and teachings. We are currently building relationships through a pop-up espresso bar to give out free coffee and hosting dinners with international students once a month. We are a new ministry, having existed for less than a year and officially launching the Fall 2017 semester. If you are Concord student, then we hope you will join us in this new thing that God is doing. If you're an alumnus or want to see the gospel of Jesus Christ transforms the lives of young adults, then we hope you will connect with us and consider supporting us through your prayers and gifts.
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THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 2017
WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE Christopher Scott, Chaplain & Director of Religious and Spiritual Life scott.c@wvwc.edu
Chris serves as pastor to students, faculty, and staff. Through his involvement in worship, programming and support of student-led ministries, the chaplain forms relationships that help students go deeper in faith. In addition to service opportunities on campus and in the community, alternative break trips offer the chance to serve and learn in other areas, like Washington DC or in areas impacted by flooding.
"Campus Ministry offered me a safe place to express myself." - Jacob Thomas, Class of
2017
WESLEY FOUNDATION AT GLENVILLE STATE COLLEGE Jeffrey Kanode, Campus Minister
jeffreykanode@gmail.com
College can be a blessed season of awakenings, epiphanies, and growth. It can also be an unsettling period of doubt, loneliness, and fear. Most college students live at least a sample of all of these experiences. The Wesley Foundation campus ministry at Glenville State College seeks to meet each student where they are in their journey, and walk with them through the dark places, and rejoice with them through the bright spots. Our Unity House is open daily for students to find sanctuary and safe space. From pausing to meditate in our chapel, to chatting with me or another campus minister; from finding a snack in our kitchen, to meeting new friends to hang out, the Unity House’s doors are open. There will be weekly worship and bible study, retreats and mission projects. This is my first year as a campus pastor, and I welcome all students to come and explore with me the spiritual adventure of finding and following Christ and his love in the midst of academic halls, fraternity and sororities, playing fields, and dorm life.
IGNITE U AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY Beth Johnson, Campus Minister beth.johnson1113@gmail.com
What difference would Ignite U make in the life of a student? As a new student at a large state school, it is so easy to get lost. We provide a community of people where you can belong - and it feels something like home. The relationships you build in campus ministry will sustain and encourage you throughout your time at WVU. Not to mention that we love all things food, life changing scoop cake, and there’s free laundry. “WE ARE A CHRIST-LED, SPIRITUAL BREATH OF FRESH AIR THAT CHANGES THE WORLD!”
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POTOMAC STATE COLLEGE Lauren Godwin, Pastor, Grace UMC, Keyser, W.Va. revlaurengodwin@gmail.com
Campus Ministry at Potomac State College exists to nurture the faith life of students, help them discern their gifts and graces, and find ways to be in service to the Keyser community and beyond. The Campus and Community Involvement (CCI) program provides resources, services, and programs designed to nurture, develop, and enrich the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth of students. We create opportunities for students and community members to build relationships and work together to discover life-long passions for community service. What excites me most is seeing the students form a deeper relationship with Jesus, themselves, and the larger community. It happens in many ways, but I really see it when we enter the mission field together.
FUSION AT WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Debra Dague, Campus Minister ddague@westliberty.edu
“Fusion� is our name and showing students where God and life meet is our mission. Many students are leaving home and meeting life head-on for the first time. That is where Fusion makes the difference in their college experience. Some students will become homesick, others will feel discouraged as they are trying to learn how to study in a college environment or are feeling the pressure of graduation and life after the big day. Still other will experience the temptations of college life. Many will make good decisions and others will make not so good decisions. Fusion walks with our students in their everyday lives and then we take those everyday lives and entwine them with God. Worship, Bible Studies, service projects, and fellowship are just a few ways we help God and their life to meet. In the end we see students who do not give up and continue with their college education and we experience the fusion of God and life as we see young men and women growth in faith.
WESLEY HOUSE AT FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY AND PIERPONT COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE Maria Wiblin, Campus Minister maria.wiblin@gmail.com
Wesley House at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College offers students the love of Christ through food and fellowship. We offer free lunch and conversation to students on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and every Thursday, thanks to the support of neighboring congregations. Sunday Soul Feast provides devotions with soup and sandwiches. And through it all, we talk about the bible as it relates to everyday life.
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THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 2017
EVENTS CALENDAR Conference Event Highlights - The role of the Conference Calendar is to share the event and business of conference level agencies and ministries.
PO Box 2313 Charleston, WV 25328 Voice: 304.344.8331 Email: wvumc@wvumc.org
Resident Bishop:
September
Sandra Steiner Ball
Director of Connectional Ministries
8-10
UMM Annual Meeting | Circuit Rider/ Scouting Weekend (Jackson's Mill)
11-13
4th Annual LARCUM Conference (John XXIII)
22-24
Minister's Mates Fellowship (John XXIII)
24-27
Three Day Academy for Spiritual Formation (John XXIII)
28-Oct.1
44th Annual Burlington Apple Harvest Festival (Burlington UM Family Services)
October 6 6-7
Stewardship Seminar (Cedar Lakes)
15-17
WV Council of Churches Annual Assembly
19-21
Gathering in Grace, WV Conference Clergy Orders Gathering (Christ Church, Charleston)
Bishop's Summit on Diversity & Inclusion (Cedar Lakes)
November 17-19
The Monthly Circuit
Ken Krimmel
Communications Director: Deborah Coble
Communications Assistant/Publication Design: Whitney Cherry
Communications Chair: Cheryl George, Potomac Highlands
Conference Communications Team: Judy Pysell, Greenbrier Ken Peters, Little Kanawha Carl Tribett, Northern Dusty Merrill, MonValley George Hohmann, Midland South Wayne Richmond, Southern *Maria Wiblin, MonValley *Brad Bennett, MonValley *Jake Steele, Northern *Jonathan Nettles, Little Kanawha *Joe Webb, Little Kanawha *Jennifer Kniceley Sprouse, Wesleyan *Member At-Large
SPECIAL SUNDAYS OCTOBER *World Communion Sunday - 1st
Fall Workshop (Cedar Lakes) wvumc.org/fall-workshop
This is an event for middle school and high school youth!
For full details and event locations, visit the conference calendar online at wvumc.org/events
Children's Sabbath Sunday - 8th Undie Sunday - 8th Laity Sunday - 15th Ministry Exploration Sunday - 22nd
NOVEMBER *Day of Remembrance - 5th *Special Offering
“WE ARE A CHRIST-LED, SPIRITUAL BREATH OF FRESH AIR THAT CHANGES THE WORLD!”
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WV Annual Conference of UMC PO Box 2313 Charleston, WV 25328
https://www.facebook.com/wvumc https://twitter.com/WVUMC
Bishop's Summit on Diversity & Inclusion: Building Holy Relationships October 6-7, 2017 Cedar Lakes Conference Center Ripley, W.Va. Registration deadline is Sept. 30, 2017! Pre-registration is required. Visit wvumc.org/event/bishops-summit for info and registration!
2/22/16 11:52 PM
Don't miss out on the Stewardship Seminar, Growing in Christ Through Giving, just before the start of Bishop's Summit! Visit wvumc.org/event/stewardship for info and registration!