October/November Circuit
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER CIRCUIT PUBLISHED BY THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | Volume 3 / Number 3 of West Virginia Harvest Now, a sustainable fresh produce effort in which correctional center inmates plant and harvest vegetables to feed the hungry in West Virginia. This summer, 12 bushels of green beans were produced by the inmates at Pruntytown Correctional Center, and distributed to food pantry clients. Other projects have begun as a result of the partnership between St. Matthew, the Family Resource Network (FRN) and the Lewis County Food Pantry. In July, kid-friendly food items, such as peanut butter, non-perishable milk, granola and cereal were given to children who live in isolated areas of the county. This provided kids with supplies to make simple, nutritious meals. The items were collected by Lewis County First. “This kind of cooperation shows how people, agencies, and churches are pulling together,” said Dean Bennett, who serves as the communications coordinator for the Wesleyan District. Future plans include a diaper bank, which if funded, would be the first in West Virginia. The Food Bank continues to work on a self-sustainability plan to ensure viability. Call for details: 304-269-4000. By Laura Allen A year ago, the Lewis County Food Pantry was weeks from closing. But God had other plans. For several years the congregation of St. Matthew Church in Weston, West Virginia prayed, studied, and visited food banks, considering how they could minister to the hungry in Lewis County. Rather than compete with other churches and agencies that received donations from the Mountaineer Food Bank, the church decided to partner with the Lewis County Food Pantry. “Our outlook has completely shifted,” said Charlene Sprouse, who directs the pantry and also manages the county’s Family Resource Network. “And we have St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church to thank for it.” St. Matthew’s congregation has faithfully provided funds to the food pantry, and last month, 200 families - more than 500 people - were able to get food in Lewis County. “Without the support of the church, it is likely we wouldn’t be open today, and those 200 families would not have been served,” said Sprouse. Because they have managed to stay open and serve the community, the pantry was able to take advantage
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Read about how a local church partnered with a food pantry and served 200 families. Plus, Fall events and special Sundays.
Transcript of October/November Circuit
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER CIRCUITPUBLISHED BY THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | Volume 3 / Number 3
of West Virginia Harvest Now, a sustainable fresh produce effort in which correctional center inmates plant and harvest vegetables to feed the hungry in West Virginia. This summer, 12 bushels of green beans were produced by the inmates at Pruntytown Correctional Center, and distributed to food pantry clients.
Other projects have begun as a result of the partnership between St. Matthew, the Family Resource Network (FRN) and the Lewis County Food Pantry.
In July, kid-friendly food items, such as peanut butter, non-perishable milk, granola and cereal were given to children who live in isolated areas of the county. This provided kids with supplies to make simple, nutritious meals. The items were collected by Lewis County First. “This kind of cooperation shows how people, agencies, and churches are pulling together,” said Dean Bennett, who serves as the communications coordinator for the Wesleyan District.
Future plans include a diaper bank, which if funded, would be the first in West Virginia. The Food Bank continues to work on a self-sustainability plan to ensure viability.
Call for details: 304-269-4000.
By Laura Allen
A year ago, the Lewis County Food Pantry was weeks from closing.
But God had other plans. For several years the congregation of St. Matthew Church in Weston, West Virginia prayed, studied, and visited food banks, considering how they could minister to the hungry in Lewis County. Rather than compete with other churches and agencies that received donations from the Mountaineer Food Bank, the church decided to partner with the Lewis County Food Pantry.
“Our outlook has completely shifted,” said Charlene Sprouse, who directs the pantry and also manages the county’s Family Resource Network. “And we have St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church to thank for it.”
St. Matthew’s congregation has faithfully provided funds to the food pantry, and last month, 200 families - more than 500 people - were able to get food in Lewis County. “Without the support of the church, it is likely we wouldn’t be open today, and those 200 families would not have been served,” said Sprouse.
Because they have managed to stay open and serve the community, the pantry was able to take advantage
October / November 2015
WE REMEMBER Glen Barton, father of Pastor Bradly Barton, St. George Charge. has passed away.
Peter Donathan, father of David Donathan (FD- Christ Church, Charleston) passed away July 17, 2015.
Zelda Elkins, mother of Rev. Ken Price, (AM) at Carr Memorial passed away on August 13.
June Gray, wife of Chaplain (Col-Retired)George H. Gray who formerly served the Franklin UMC, Wellsburg passed away June 28, 2015. June was a native of St. Albans, WV.
Janet Elizabeth Moll, mother of Barry Moll (FE - St. Peters Trinity Charge) and Grandmother of Brandon Moll (PTLP-Webster Springs Charge) passed away July 8.
Shelly Nichols, (PTLP-Cross Lanes UMC) passed away July 9.
William R. Price, father of the Rev. W. Ford Price (FE-R) and grandfather of the Rev. Matthew Price passed away July 1.
Randall Rumberg, brother of Rev. David Rumberg, (PTLP) at Raleigh Shared passed away August 11th.
Rev. Joseph Samaroo, (FE-R) died on August 2, 2015 in Wheeling, WV
Audrey Webb, mother of George Webb, (PTLP Midland South District) died on Sunday, August 2 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.
Rev. James White, an affiliate member of our Annual Conference and full member of the Virginia Annual Conference died August 8, 2015
CALENDARConference Event Highlights - The role of the Conference Calendar is to share the events and business of conference level agencies and ministries.
View events online at wvumc.org/events
September
26 Lay Mobilization Institute
October
13 - 15 Clergy School22 - 24 Bishop’s Summit on Diversity and Inclusion23 - 24 UMW Fall Meeting
November
20 - 22 Youth Fall Workshop26 - 27 Conference Center closed/ Thanksgiving Blessings!29 First Sunday of Advent
View the conference calendar online atwvumc.org/events
Special Sundays
The West Virginia Conference raises awareness and funds for causes that show our faith in action through 20 special Sundays each year. For more information on all special Sundays, please visit http://www.umcgiving.org.
October4 World Communion Sunday11 Undie Sunday11 Children’s Sabbath Sunday18 Laity Sunday25 Ministry Exploration Sunday
November1 Day of Remembrance8 Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday29 United Methodist Student Day
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER CIRCUIT
The Mountain CircuitP.O. Box 2313Charleston, WV 25328
Voice: (304) 344-8331
Fax: (304) 344-2871
Email: [email protected]
Resident Bishop: Sandra Steiner Ball
Contributors
Whitney CherryCommunications Specialist
Laura AllenWriter
2 | THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER CIRCUIT
THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | 3
5 Things About The New Communications Specialist
By Laura Allen
One of my last tasks for the conference was to interview Whitney Cherry, the new communications specialist for the West Virginia Annual Conference. Whitney started working for the conference September 1.
LHA: Tell me a little bit about yourself. WC: I’m a native of Hurricane, West Virginia and lifelong Kanawha-Putnam-Cabell County resident. I went to Marshall University, where I received a BA in Public Relations. I also have a MS in Human Resources Management, but communications is definitely where my passion is.
I grew up in the Nazarene tradition - and my faith is very important to me. Now that I have a daughter, I see the church through her eyes and realize just how important it is to have a life grounded in faith.
LHA: Why were you attracted to working for the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church?WC: I really look forward to using my gifts and graces to serve the Lord. I’ve never really had that opportunity before and am very passionate about the opportunity to do this through my work in the conference. This is the kind of work that fulfills me at a deep personal level.
LHA: What strengths and gifts do you bring to the conference?WC: My deep personal faith. I am passionate about seeing the church grow and thrive, and communications can do so much to help with that. As a photographer, I love the way in which images can convey the Gospel message in creative ways. I also love writing, and look forward to the chance to do that in my role as communications specialist as well.
LHA: What do you do for fun?WC: I love taking photos in my spare time. I love spending time with my husband, Justin and with my daughter, Riley. She’s 3 years old and really keeps me busy! We love to take walks, play in the park, and visit with our extended family.
I am also the most avid Marshall fan ever!
LHA: What do you want the people of the West Virginia Conference to know about your work?WC: I’m here to serve with them to share the Gospel - to help the church tell its story with 21st century tools. I look forward to hearing from folks!
The best way to reach me is through my email address: [email protected] or by calling me at 1-800-788-3746, ext. 28.
WANTED: Adults Who Disciple Middle School Teens
If you are looking for a way to help teens in your church in community learn more about scripture, spiritual disciplines and even membership in the United Methodist Church, we’d love to have your help.
We’re developing a youth discipleship-training tool for the teens of conference. We’ll introduce the resources and get your feedback at this retreat. Please join us on October 9-10, 2015 at Asbury Woods Campground in Cabell County. We’ll begin at 7:00 pm on Friday and conclude Saturday afternoon. It’s just $10 and registrations are limited to just 30 adults. Your fee covers all materials, lodging, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and, of course, s’mores. We couldn’t leave out s’mores.
For more registration information call or email: Amy Shanholtzer, [email protected] or 1.800.788.3746 ext. 26.
Photo: Rev. Dr. Joe Kenaston
The Bishop’s Cabinet served more than 200 people at eyeglass clinics in Haiti this July. “I learn from the folks in Haiti to deepen my prayer and faith life and to spend less time and energy thinking about myself,” said the Rev. Michael Estep, superintendent of the Potomac Highlands District.
“One woman was so happy with her glasses, she sang a song of praise for us.”
View photos of the cabinet’s trip at flickr.com/wvumc.
Youth will gather for Fall workshop November 20-22. Watch wvumc.org for registration and more information soon. Photo: Laura Allen
Fall Workshop
October / November 2015
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER CIRCUIT
