community - Mon Valley District

“COMMUNITY”
MonValley District Newsletter
MonValley District Office
307 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554
Phone: 304-366-6811 ~ Fax: 304-333-0224
Rev. Richard (Rick) K. DeQuasie
To Be Appointed by Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball
As MonValley District Superintendent July 1
In anticipation of Ellis Conley being
appointed to the Forrest Burdette UMC, the Rev
Richard (Rick) DeQuasie will be appointed District
Superintendent of the MonValley District effective
July 1. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball and Rev DeQuasie
met with the MonValley District Superintendency
Committee on Thursday, February 27 and it was
announced Sunday, March 2, to the Morris Memorial
UMC, Charleston, where he serves as Senior Pastor.
Rick is a graduate of Parkersburg South High School,
West Virginia Wesleyan College, and the Methodist
Theological School in Ohio. An Elder in Full
Connection with the Annual Conference, his service record includes: Palestine, 1972;
Gihon, 1975; Weston Circuit, 1976; Sand Hill, 1979, Southside, 1983; First, Milton,
1992; Washington, 1997; Trinity, Point Pleasant, 2003; and Morris Memorial, 2011.
Rick brings a history of effective ministry and leadership in a variety of setting
throughout the Annual Conference and is appreciated for his preaching, his
administrative leadership, and his pastor’s heart. I have witnessed his ministry first hand
during the years he served Trinity, Point Pleasant, my home church. He has served on
a variety of Annual Conference Boards and Agencies, as well as district committees,
currently serving on the Board of Pensions and as the Chair of the Midland South
District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
MARCH
2014
Inside this issue:
DS Calendar
2
C.O.M.E. Date
Ministers’ Mates Fellowship
Growing Your Church
3
Looking/Planning Ahead
4
It Worked For Me
5
Sympathy & Congrats
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Lay Servant Academy
6
Spiritual Growth Retreat
7
WV Family Grief Center
Mission & Ministry News
8
Cooperative Parish News
Conference Fair Share
9
District Fair Share
District Lead Team Letter
10
Rick and his wife, Susie, have 5 grown married children: Brian, Beth, Heather,
Jasen, and Shellie. Rick and Susie are excited about beginning ministry in the
MonValley District and getting to know the pastors and congregations of the district.
The Superintendency Committee is already making plans to welcome Rick and Susan
into the District and you will want to pray for them during this time of transition.
You may send cards/notes of greeting to:
Rev Richard and Susie DeQuasie
733 Lower Donnally Rd
Charleston, WV 25304
[email protected]
District Website
Monvalleyumc.org
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COMMUNITY
MonValley District Superintendents’ Calendar
Ellis E Conley
March 2014
(Weekday office hours 9AM—Noon)
2
5
7-8
8
9
10
11
12-14
14
15
Church Visitation
Preaching Ash Wednesday Service—Central UMC, Fairmont
Covenant Council—John 23rd Pastoral Center, Charleston
District Lead Team—Valley Chapel UMC, Fairmont
Church Visitation
Clergy Evaluation Training for Full-Time Pastors, 7PM—Westover UMC, Morgantown
Heart and Hand Board—Philippi
Cabinet—John 23rd Pastoral Center, Charleston
United Seminary In-Context Visitation—Buckhannon
Lay Servant Academy—Central UMC, Fairmont
Clergy Evaluation Training for Full-Time Pastors, 10AM—Central UMC, Fairmont
16
Church Visitation
Clergy Evaluation Training for Full-Time Pastors, 3PM—Crim Memorial, Philippi
18
District Clergy Meeting, 10 AM—Crim UMC, Philippi
6 PM—District parsonage, 938 Pine Hill Dr, Fairmont
19
Lenten Lunch Speaker—Gateway UMC, Fairmont
22
Lay Servant Academy—Central UMC, Fairmont
23
Church Visitation
24-26 Cabinet—John 23rd Pastoral Center, Charleston
26
Episcopal Committee, Conference Center—Charleston
27
Preaching—Barrackville UMC
30
Preaching—Sugar Creek and Corley UMC’s
2014 Celebration of Mission Event
Saturday, May10,2014
Middletown Mall, Fairmont
Ministers’ Mates Fellowship
MonValley District Ministers’ Mates will meet for supper
at the Fairmont Cracker Barrel
on Monday, March 10 at 6 pm.
Come on out for some fun, fellowship and a nice meal!
And bring a friend.
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COMMUNITY
Page 4
COMMUNITY
Looking/Planning Ahead for Your Local Church
March, 2014 - May, 2014
March
Plan Special Holy Week Services, Complete Your Plans for the Celebration of
Mission Event
5
Ash Wednesday – plan a special service of the imposition of ashes and communion
7
World Day of Prayer – United Methodist Women
9
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Girl Scout Sunday (celebrate the Girl Scouting Ministries in your church) If you don’t have any
find out how to start a group.
15
District Lay Servant Academy – Central UMC, Fairmont
18
District Clergy Meeting - 10 AM, Crim Memorial, Philippi
6 PM, District Parsonage, 938 Pine Hill Dr.
22
District Lay Servant Academy – Central UMC, Fairmont
29
Spring United Methodist Women’s Meeting – Westover UMC
30
One Great Hour of Sharing (offering for United Methodist Committee on Relief)
April
Complete Plans for Mother’s Day and the Celebration of Mission Event
5-6
Grow Your Church Event – Ramada Inn, Morgantown
6
United Methodist Foundation Sunday – Informs and educates about the work of the Conference
Foundation and opportunities for giving.
12
Conference Confirmation Rally – West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon
13
Passion/Palm Sunday (distribute a palm branch to everyone in worship)
17
Maundy Thursday – Plan an Upper Room Communion Service
19
Good Friday – Plan a Tenebrae Service
20
Easter – Celebrate the Resurrection – prepare for visitor and prospects
27
Golden Cross Sunday (offering) – Burlington Family Services and Glenwood Park
May
Honor High School and College Grads/ Plan To Attend District Conference and the Celebration of
Mission Event/ Complete Summer Planning for VBS, Camps, Mission Trips, Summer Special Events
4
District Conference – 3 PM, Gateway UMC, Fairmont
Native American Ministries Sunday (offering) – Supports ministries with Native Americans and
provides Scholarships for Native Americans attending seminary
10
Celebration of Mission Event – Middletown Mall
11
Mother’s Day/Festival of the Christian Home – Plan something special for women in the church.
18
Heritage Sunday – Celebrates the history of our denomination and brings attention to WV
Conference historical sites
25
Memorial Day Sunday
26
Memorial Day
31
Clergy Evaluation due in District Office from Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
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COMMUNITY
It Worked for Me
Special Offerings
As a pastor, I was never shy about receiving
a special offering for a Conference Advance Special,
a district need, a community ministry, or the church.
I would publicize the special offering as much as
possible, provide special envelopes or the proper
designation for a check, and remind the
congregation about the offering at the beginning of
worship in a positive way. I would also receive
special offerings at Easter, Thanksgiving, and
Christmas, for the church budget or special
ministries. I learned early in ministry that I did not
need to guard people’s pocketbooks! If folks did not
want to give they did not have to give, but I wanted
to present everyone with the opportunity. Sometimes the offerings were larger, other times they
were small, but it was a reminder of our
connectional ministry as United Methodists. I found
that while one or two persons might complain about
many special offerings, many appreciated the
opportunity to give in a way they had not previously
considered, even if it was a couple of dollars.
Dollars represent ministry in so many ways. Don’t
neglect the opportunity to let your folks make a
difference is this positive way.
Special offerings worked for me, and they
just might work for you. Don’t shy away from
them, give your folks a chance to give.
In Sympathy
Betty Kerr Lynch—
sister of Rev James Kerr (FE-R) died February 5
Reverend Newton Poling (AM-R) died February 17
Elmer Whitlatch—
Father of Rev Ron Whitlatch died February 17
Congratulations
Rev Alice Keener Williams (FE-R) and Nelson
Hocking who were joined in marriage on February 1
Birthdays
MARCH
1
2
5
Mavis Martin
Eric Stewart
James Riggs
8
Edward Craft
9
Nellie Jean Bennett
15
Libby Michael
18
Michael Waide
20
Jessica Walker Collins
20
Elizabeth Smith Wycoff
21
Reva Halloran
23
Terry Osborne
28
Martin Berisford
28
Sue Lowther
29
Ellis Conley
29
Richard Sheppard
31
Michael Atkinson
31
Linda Brosky
Anniversaries
MARCH
1
5
7
Mark and Sherry Rawlings
Ishmeal and Janet Graddy
Tm and Kelly Allen
12
Eric and Gina Stewart
30
Bill and Donna Kinsey
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COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Page 7
WVAC UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
55th SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT
Cedar Lakes – Ripley, West Virginia
Theme: Change Me – Make It Happen!
Midweek Retreat – April 3-4, 2014
Weekend Retreat – April 5-6, 2014
Leader – Sue Owens
Music— Rev. Bruce Reed & Rhonda Adkins
West Virginia Family Grief Center
Helping Children and Families Cope with the Death of a Loved One
Groups will meet weekly, on Thursdays, at the
Morgantown Church of Christ,
361 Scott Avenue
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
Greet, Meet and Eat! Dinner is provided by volunteers
Break Out Sessions
* Parents and Caregivers
* Littles: ages 3-7
* Middles I: ages 8-10
* Middles II: ages 11-14
* Teens: ages 15-18
7:30 pm
Convene and Conclude
Services are offered at no cost to participating families
Mission:
To provide caring support to grieving children and families
in a safe and comfortable environment
WVFGC promotes an atmosphere of hope and healing where you and your family can learn that your
emotions are normal. Sharing stories, feelings and similar experiences with others of the same age in a safe
setting allows children to see that they are not alone in their grief. Everyone can safely talk without feeling
different and unconnected.
Numerous volunteer opportunities are available at the Grief Center. Some of these positions require
specialized training, which is offered at the Center. For more information on how you can become a
volunteer, contact 304-282-4935 or [email protected].
Financial gifts can also make a difference. With your generous support WVFGC can continue to offer lifechanging programs to the people of your area. Your donation is tax deductible.
West Virginia Family Grief Center, 364 Patteson Drive #309, Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: 304-282-4935, Email: [email protected], Website: www.wvfgc.org
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COMMUNITY
Mission
And
Ministry News
Heart and Hand House, Inc.: During the months of March and April, Heart and Hand will be
participating in the annual “Feinstein Challenge.” This year’s 17th Annual $1 Million Giveaway to Fight
Hunger, sponsored by The Feinstein Foundation, is a matching fund program that supports the efforts of
agencies nationwide in raising donations to specifically fight hunger. At the end of the challenge period,
the Feinstein Foundation will divide $1 million proportionately among participating agencies, with a
minimum award of $250 and a maximum of $35,000. The more donations we receive between March 1
and April 30, the more Feinstein money we are eligible to receive. Please help support us in this effort and
help fight hunger by considering a donation of cash, check or food items between now and the end of
April. Donations should be clearly marked for the “Feinstein Challenge” and may be mailed to Heart and
Hand House, Inc., at P.O. Box 128, Philippi, WV, 26416, or dropped off at the ministry office, located at
110 Mason Street. As always, thank you for your prayers and support!
- Brenda Hunt, Executive Director
Scott’s Run Settlement House: Winter has thoroughly tweaked our noses! Scott's Run Settlement House,
like all others, have struggled to find normalcy with snow, ice and polar vortexes. We continue to serve
more and more neighbors in need through the food panty; we topped 6,800 indivduals served in 2013. Our
backpack feeding program is providing food each weekend to nearly 870 children! Our next opportunity
for growth is to begin serving children in middle and high schools. We are thrilled by a new opportunity to
expand services; we will begin sharing space with Tyrone UMC shortly. As we pine for spring, we are
looking for volunteers who are handy to help with our home repair and weatherization program; to get
involved in this awesome program, give us a call at (304) 599-5020. As always. we are grateful for the
love, generosity and prayers for our ministry. Blessings .
- Julie Harris, Executive Director
Cooperative Parish News
Morgantown West Cooperative Parish: We are having a parish Ash Wednesday service on March 5th at
7:00pm at Laurel Point UMC on Rt. 19 South. Pastor Tammy Phillips is in charge of the service. All are
invited to come and worship with us as we prepare to enter into the Lenten Season.
- Jo McCartney, Coordinator
Shinnston Cooperative Parish: As we begin March we find ourselves looking toward the future plans we
have along with preparing for the Lenten season. The Shinnston community takes part in an Ecumenical
Lenten Service. This service includes a Bible Study taught by First UMC-Shinnston member Dorothy
Stalnaker and a different minister bringing a message each week along with lunch being provided by
different churches around the area. Different churches in the Shinnston area are also partnering with
“Shinnston Thrives” wellness initiative. First UMC-Shinnston will be hosting six Mini-Health fairs at
their facility. Also, the Shinnston Parish will be participating in a community garden in downtown
Shinnston. There is more to come as we prepare for our big projects in the fall. Stay tuned…
- Cindy Murphy, Coordinator
COMMUNITY
Page 9
MonValley District Conference Apportionment Update
Through January 31, 2014
Thank you for your faithfulness Churches that have paid 100%: (of 182 churches)
Corley, Hopewell (Catawba), Wadestown
Churches that are ahead:
Avery, Bee Gum, Benton Ferry, Bethlehem, Bruceton Mills, Camp Chapel, Central Chapel, Colfax,
Crim Memorial, Cross Roads, East High Street, Enterprise, Fetterman, Grace Chapel, Highland Park,
Johnson Chapel, Jones Run, Kasson, Logansport, Masontown, Mt. Morris, Olive, Philippi, Pleasant Valley,
Reedsville, Sugar Creek, Trinity (Grafton), Wana, Wesley (Morgantown), Westover, Ziesing
Churches that are on target: (8.33%)
Asbury (Belington), Astor, Berea, Brookhaven, Buckeye, Carolina, Eldora, Hopewell (Bruceton Mills Ct.),
Hutchinson, Kanes Creek, Knottsville, Levels, Lumberport, Mansfield, Miracle Run, Mt. Pleasant
(Knottsville), Mt. Vernon (Kanes Creek), Mt. Vernon (Mansfield), New Hope Valley, Otterbein,
Pine Bluff, Rivesville, Sabra, Victor Chapel, Walnut Grove, Wesley Chapel (Knottsville), West Side
Sunday, March 30
MonValley District Office Apportionment Update
The following churches have paid 100% of their 2014 District Apportionment
Arden, Arnettsville, Asbury (Belington), Astor, Barrackville, Blackshere, Brookhaven, Bruceton Mills,
Buckeye, Camp Chapel, Colfax, Community, Crim Memorial, Cross Roads, East High Street, Eden,
Eldora, Elk City, Fetterman, Flemington, Gateway, Green Hill, Gypsy, Highland Avenue, Highland Park,
Hopewell (Catawba), Janes Memorial, Johnson Chapel, Jones, Jones Run, Kanes Creek, Kasson,
Knottsville, Levels, Logansport, Mansfield, Mariah’s Chapel, Miracle Run, Monumental, Mt. Morris,
Mt. Pleasant (Harner Chapel), Mt. Pleasant (Knottsville), Mt. Vernon (Kanes Creek), Mt. Vernon
(Mansfield), Mt. Zion (Evansville), Olive, Peora, Pisgah (Meadowdale), Pleasant Creek, Pleasant Valley,
Reedsville, Rymer, Sabra, Sturgiss Chapel, Sugar Valley, Talbott, Trinity (Fairmont), Trinity (Grafton),
Tunnelton, Valley Chapel (Fairmont), Victor Chapel, Wadestown, Walnut Grove, Wesley (Morgantown),
Wesley Chapel (Knottsville), Westover, Westside, Woodland, Ziesing
Page 10
COMMUNITY
Lead Team Letter
Below is a copy of the letter from the MonValley District Lead Team that will be going out to all clergy.
Please read and share with others in your congregation that everyone may be aware of the function of this
new important district team. I would encourage you to help your Lead Team Member in way you can.
Thank you.
MonValley District
The United Methodist Church
307 Fairmont Avenue
Fairmont WV 26554
Phone: 304-366-6811
Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm M-F
Fax: 304-333-0224
District Office Email: [email protected]
Ellis Conley’s Email: [email protected]
District Office Website: monvalleyumc.org
Dr. Ellis E. Conley
Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball
District Superintendent
Resident & Presiding Bishop
West Virginia Annual Conference
MONVALLEY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
If you receive this newsletter from a printed source and would like to have it sent to you
electronically please send your email address to the district office at [email protected].