There is no doubt that we are accomplishing much in our efforts to reach 2400+ new persons for Christ. However, we don’t just want to stop at simply introducing them to Christ and we don’t want to stop our journey with new folks for Christ after they have said, “Yes, Lord, I Believe!”
This year we are asking you to send picture(s) of how you are helping to make Disciples – how you are walking people into a deeper relationship with Christ after they have made professions of faith. These could be pictures of Bible study classes, or outreach ministries, new worship services or new ministries that meet the needs of new people.
In the resurrection season of Easter – we want to see, hear, and celebrate how your congregation is a vehicle for resurrection and new life for the people of your community!
To Submit Your Story!
May 31, 2017 – Trinity UMC – Southern District
Trinity United Methodist Church in Bluefield is blessed to have 10 children under the age of four years. We have always been a church that loves children. Our Bible School is a community Bible School. We offer a healthy snack, Bible lesson, crafts, play time and musical opening.The children bring a new sense of HOPE to all of us.
May 30, 2017 – Lewisburg UMC – Greenbrier District
Instead of dying eggs we dyed each other at a “paint war” for youth! And shared the good news of Jesus!
May 29, 2017 – Franklin UMC – Northern District
Discipleship through sharing of gifts and talents — Members of the Franklin UMC, Wellsburg, WV, Northern District, lend their sewing talents to making weighted vests and blankets to special needs students in the Brooke County school system. Research has shown that students with autism, who struggle with sensory processing because of overstimulation, are able to be calmed and more focused when utilizing these weighted vests/blankets — they become like a big hug to the students. The ladies pictured here are part of a group called Quilts of Valor, which makes special quilts for veterans.
May 28, 2017 – Romney First UMC – Potomac Highlands District
The Recovery Ministry at Romney First UMC has Prayer Walkers that pray for our community regularly as a part of a wellness regime. Pastor Thomas Matthews heads up this group that encourages all people to come to know the regenerating power of Jesus Christ. For more information about fitness and recovery contact Pastor Tom at thomasmatthews@frontier.com.
May 27, 2017 – St. Luke’s UMC – Greenbrier District
St. Luke’s UMC in Craigsville, hosts a Community Spaghetti Dinner once a month (most months). The meal is well attended by many in the community. The meals are available to carry out or to be eaten at the church’s Activities Building. Through these meals, St. Luke’s has gotten to know a lot of folks who do not normally attend our Sunday worship services.
The meals will continue in the fall, because the Activities Building will be utilized by the Appalachian Service Projects group to house work teams who assist with home repairs in the area.
We look forward to both the work teams and continuing the spaghetti dinners.
God is Good!
May 26, 2017 – Jenkins Chapel UMC – Potomac Highlands District
The Mathias Charge Jenkins Chapel United Methodist Church Ramp Dinner was on May 20, 2017. The people of Jenkins Chapel have been having this annual dinner for over 20 years. People come from all over WV and VA. We have had people from from Florida, Pennsylvania and several other states. The ramps are always a hit for the community. This year over 300 people were served and more than $2,300 was raised through a free will offering and will be used in mission in the community and beyond. Praise God!
May 25, 2017 – Cedar Grove UMC – Little Kanawha District
A beautiful Easter service at Cedar Grove UMC.
May 24, 2017 – Duffey Memorial UMC – Potomac Highlands District
Duffey Memorial’s Confirmands basking in the glory of God’s creation. Indeed, God’s fingerprint is all over the mountains of southern Hardy County. These are Easter Season Confirmands who have been challenged to become disciples who will make disciples for the transformation of the world. They have been encouraged to become church members who recognize that every set of eyes they ever encounter represent a person who matters deeply to God.
May 23, 2017 – Glen Dale UMC – Northern District
The Glen Dale United Methodist Church used the pastor’s pension holiday to employ a part-time youth director to help re-energize their children’s programs. Although the number of children attending church had been increasing in the last several years, this addition has increased the number of children attending church as well, including several new youth as well as several of their parents. Their Wednesday night meetings have many youth that have not been attending any church.
From once not having enough children for a Christmas pageant, we now have over 20 on a normal Sunday.
May 22, 2017 –
Shinnston Area Cooperative Parish – MonValley District
Every fall for many years, the Shinnston Area Cooperative Parish has a Coats for Kids Campaign. Throughout the year each of the churches raise money for the Coats for Kids campaign to provide coats for those who need them at Lumberport and Big Elm Elementary Schools. The Parish raises over $5,000 each year to provide more than 525 coats to local children. We come together not only to raise money but to go to both elementary schools to help the kids try on their coats to make sure they fit.
Over the past several years the First United Methodist Church in Shinnston has provided hats and gloves to each of the students with extras staying at the school for winter. This is only one of the many ministries of the Shinnston Cooperative Parish throughout the year. We are always looking for ways to serve our communities together so that everyone feels the love of Christ through our efforts.
May 21, 2017 – Wesleyan District
Eleven of the twelve youth who were confirmed on Sunday, April 30 are pictured with the lead teacher, Rev. Janet Flanagan. Confirmation at Wesley ran for twelve weeks during the Sunday School hour with one Saturday retreat. The Credo curriculum was adapted for these sessions. Wesley welcomes and celebrates these new disciples of Jesus Christ.
May 20, 2017 – Wesleyan District
Rev. Greg Godwin and Rev. Harry Jenkins presented a check to Mike Stewart of Northern Appalachian Teen Challenge for the new Women’s Center. The new facility will be a place for women to break their bondage from drug addiction.
May 19, 2017 – Christ UMC – Northern District
Each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. from the first week of September through the end of the school year, members and friends of UM Temple, Beckley, gather in Friendship Hall of the main church building on the UMT campus and pack nutritious snack foods for elementary aged school children to take home over the weekend. During the current school year, 733 children have been served in 9 elementary schools and the UMT daycare. Freddie Meredith, JR, (back row in red F.O.L.K. – Feed Our Local Kids shirt) coordinates this ministry.
Lead Pastor Randy Adkins; Associate Pastor Adam Justice
May 18, 2017 – Christ UMC – Northern District
On a day that celebrated our mothers and the maternal influences of women around the world, Christ UMC also affirmed 11 confirmands who are taking another step on a path of discipleship. One other middle-schooler (not pictured) will be confirmed on May 28th, making a total of twelve disciples! Through nine weeks, with nine adult mentors, and utilizing the WV Annual Conference Confirmation Curriculum, “After the Altar Call,” we revisited the significance of the sacraments, embraced what it means to be called Children of God and gained a richer understanding of being the church versus simply going to church. Confirmands visited the House of the Carpenter to sort C.O.M.E. items and distribute food for a local backpack ministry.
May 17, 2017 – First UMC – Wesleyan District
On April 30, First United Methodist hosted a Prayer Walk at the Buckhannon River Trail. Approximately 25 people walked the trail and spent time in prayer and meditation for each other, our family and friends, those who have encouraged our spiritual growth journey, and our community and neighbors. Scripture was read and soft hymn music was played. This idea came from our Grow Team through the Reaching New People project.
One gentleman approached our group, asked what we were doing and if he could join us (of course!). Two other individuals asked what church we were from and when we held worship services. We invited them all to join us at FUMC. As Pastor Steve Meadows says, “A growing church is a praying church!”
May 16, 2017 – Pleasant UMC – Little Kanawha District
A recent baptisms at Mt. Pleasant UMC, Mineral Wells.
May 15, 2017 – Short Creek UMC – Northern District
A group from Short Creek UMC hid candy-filled, plastic eggs around the homes of children whose parents had signed up for this experience. One plastic egg was empty, signifying the empty tomb. We learned later that some of the children were looking for the empty tomb more than the candy.
The Eggers worked from 10PM-1:30AM on the Friday night of Palm Sunday weekend. They had a lot of fun, and judging by the photos posted on Facebook, the kids did, too. One family even left a basket of water and treats for the Eggers!
May 14, 2017 – Crim Memorial UMC – MonValley District
On Friday April 28, 2017, Crim Memorial UMC took part in the Art Stroll sponsored by the Philippi Main Street committee. The sanctuary was open and the hand bell choir played a selection of music several times in the 5:30-8pm time period. In the sanctuary there was a display of the various forms of art made by the members of the congregation. Quilts made by several members covered over half of the pews. There were also displays of stained glass, water colors, knit and crocheted items, and basket weaving. Those that stopped by were also treated to homemade cookies and punch. It is estimated that about 40 people came by. This was part of the way Crim Memorial is reaching out to “Reach new people”.
May 13, 2017 – Nicholas Charge – Greenbrier District
The Nicholas Charge with Rev. John McKee and Tom King, CLM have been conducting the “Lighthouse Club” as an afterschool outreach program for students of the Glade Creek Elementary School. This has become church for the 66 children currently enrolled. After school each Tuesday, the children enjoy Bible study, crafts, games, a snack and memorizing Bible verses.
May 12, 2017 – Wardensville UMC – Potomac Highlands District
We celebrated the 2nd Sunday of Easter by baptizing baby Amelia Brill during our worship service at Wardensville UMC. Big brothers Bodie and Ian participated as well by pledging to help Baby Kate to grow up learning to love Jesus just as they do. Following Amelia’s baptism Dad, Bodie and Ian helped Pastor Carl serve Holy Communion to the congregation which included 32 family members, which included their maternal and paternal grandparents and their paternal great grandparents as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
May 11, 2017 – Franklin UMC – Northern District
Discipleship through outreach — For the past 3 years, the Franklin UMC, Wellsburg, has been serving up a hot meal on Wednesdays each week from October through March. What was started as a ministry to feed the hungry passerby on the pike that runs by the church, the weekly event has become a gathering place for church members, friends, local gas well/pipeline workers, business persons, and folks from other churches in the area. In the past couple of years, soup is also sold by the quart, with the proceeds being used to pay conference apportionments, as well as to donate to local hunger ministries, including the church’s Weekend Buddies program (a partnership with the Franklin Primary School), local food pantries, and other mission work. The ministry truly feeds both the body and the spirit.
May 10, 2017 – Potomac Highlands District
Community gathering together to pray as a part of the National Day of Prayer celebration at Rowlesburg Town Park in the Potomac Highlands, led by Pastor Harold George with Pastors Paul Rebelo, Charles May, Eric Beeman and Cheryl George. Lay servant Dwight Haiskell prayed as well as music by Dale COsner & Woody Williams. Taking Christ out to the community!
May 9, 2017 –
Calcutta/Raven Rock Charge – Little Kanawha District
French Creek was slightly high and pretty cold, but the water could not chill the hearts or quench the Holy Spirit as three individuals from Calcutta UMC and two from Raven Rock UMC were baptized on the Sunday after Easter, 2017. Shown in the picture are Madelyn Smith, Ella Smith, Tim Reed, Isaac Anderson, and Andre Anderson.
May 8, 2017 – Riverton Charge – Potomac Highlands District
The Riverton Charge, Potomac Highlands District, recently had a confirmation class for five youth. All five professed faith in Christ and were baptized. Pastor Cindy Skinner reports that all of the youth continue to grow in faith and service; they are active members of the Charge’s Awanas program, serve as acolytes, read scripture and serve as liturgists during worship, and take part in a student prayer group at school.
May 6, 2017 – Big Isaac UMC – Wesleyan District
The Big Isaac UMC can be found continuing fellowship after Sunday services at various restaurants in the area. Our lunch group may be as few as 3 or 4 but sometimes as large as 20.
On Sunday, April 30, we visited the Fairview Diner in Smithburg (West Union) with 13 of our congregation joining the group. When we first started this lunch tradition we would see families enjoying lunch together and sometimes one other church group. Over the years we have seen more churches gathering for lunch after services – hopefully we have been the inspiration for other churches to continue their Sunday fellowship over lunch. On occasion we have asked friends from other congregations to join us so that they didn’t have to eat alone. We jokingly say that the Big Isaac Church runs on its stomach, but we are following Christ’s example of breaking bread together.
May 5, 2017 – First UMC, Parsons – Potomac Highlands District
The first Friday of each month, First UMC in Parsons, with Rev. Bill Brown, have a community meal, open to anyone. This is a time of fellowship and community outreach. Many people in the community who may not feel comfortable coming to a church service enjoy the meal and often find that Christ & the people of Christ aren’t as scary as they thought. Relationship building leads to disciple making!
May 4, 2017 – Madison UMC – Midland South District
On the fourth Thursday of each month, the Madison United Methodist Church feeds students who stay after school for their Project Goal (Scott High School). The students are fed a complete meal that is fixed in our kitchen, and they are invited to take boxes of leftover food home with them.
May 3, 2017 – Milton UMC – Western District
During Cabell County’s recent Spring Break, the youth of Milton United Methodist Church spent a day as volunteers at Eastern Cabell County Humanities Organization (ECCHO,Inc), which is a food and clothing pantry located in Milton, WV. The youth helped stock shelves, hang clothing, clean, organize items, etc. They learned about the mission of the pantry, met clients, and invited others to join them in church.
May 2, 2017 – First UMC – Wesleyan District
First United Methodist Church in Clarksburg children and youth took the congregation on an exciting trip to Whoville for worship Sunday, April 30, 2017. They witnessed to The Golden Rule, a timely message for their lives and the world. The liturgy for service was written by Donald Gardner, the Director of Music and Church Operations, in the literary style of Dr. Suess. “The Golden Rule” Matthew 7:12 and the “Do Justice” Micah 6: 8 passages are cut out into the large door hinges of the front doors to the church. The doors are a weekly reminder for our congregation of how we are to treat others and to do justice.
May 1, 2017 – Carr Memoral UMC – Southern District
At this year’s Carr Memorial Easter Egg Hunt, Pastor Gerald Roberts shared the Resurrection story of Jesus. There were 4,000 eggs hidden and the Easter Bunny even showed up!
April 30, 2017 – Stout Memoral UMC – Little Kanawha District
Stout Memorial celebrated paying off their debt with a special service, including a visit from District Superintendent Rick Sale.
April 29, 2017 – Blacksville Charge – MonValley District
February 5, 2017, the Jr. and Sr. youth from the Blacksville Charge got together at Miracle Run UMC to fill Blessing Bags for the homeless. The bags consisted of a 2-1/2 gallon bag filled with assorted wrapped snacks, Slim Jims, breakfast bars, applesauce, pudding, hand wipes, hand warmers, chap sticks, bottles of water, and juices. We delivered and distributed the items to people in need on February 12 on the Monongalia County Courthouse square. There we added a table with fresh fruit, socks, hats, scarfs, and gloves. We had nine Sr. youth and five adults attend. We received more of a blessing than the homeless and had a very enjoyable and bonding day.
April 28, 2017 – Canaan and St. Marks UMC – Midland South District
Members of the congregations of Canaan and St. Marks United Methodist Churches joined for a prayer walk April 27, 2017 on Charleston’s westside.
April 27, 2017 – First UMC – Wesleyan District
First United Methodist – Buckhannon has been hosting “Disciple Me” activities for children, once per month since February. The curriculum is based on the “Despicable Me” and “Minions” movies. In this photo four of the children show off their spyglasses and the banana pudding they made. Two of these children witnessed an infant baptism a few weeks ago during worship and then went home and asked their parents if they, too, could be baptized. They were baptized on Palm Sunday.
Disciple Me activities explain and demonstrate to children a bit about how to be disciples of Christ. Each activity includes a special theme, lesson with scripture, games, crafts, and snacks. The first lesson theme was ‘Change of Heart’ where they learned that even villains can change into good guys and gals. The second lesson theme was ‘Secret Weapon’ where the children learned that the Bible is our secret weapon against evil. The third lesson theme was BANANA! where the kids learned that you cannot let distractions get in the way of staying focused on Jesus. The fourth and final lesson theme will be ‘Loyalty’ in mid-May where the children will learn to be loyal to Jesus and accept Him to be their Savior. The final activity also combines all four themes so the children leave knowing more about what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
The children have loved these activities. We look forward to going to see the new movie “Despicable Me 3” together when it comes out in June!
April 26, 2017 – Barboursville First UMC – Western District
Barboursville First UMC wanted to encourage members to regularly and intentionally be involved in acts of piety as well as acts of charity or service during the season of Easter, so we distributed “Pop-Up Jars.” Pop-Up Jars are just glass jars that have slips of paper in them. You pull a slip of paper out and do what it says. Some slips instruct you to read a chapter of the Bible; some instruct you to pray for specific requests, and some invite you to do something kind or charitable. “Refill” slips will be distributed during the Sundays of Easter.
The photo shows one family’s Pop-Up that invited them to make a gift basket of food that would feed a family of four, and they went all out!
April 25, 2017 – St. Luke’s UMC – Greenbrier District
The photo below is of the Wednesday morning Bible study group at Morris Memorial in Charleston. We meet at 10:30 a.m. Some of us stay and have lunch together, and then some deliver meals to some of our homebound members. We had thirty in attendance the day that the photos were taken. This group is one of 13 groups at Morris whose primary purpose is bible study. This particular group is studying the Book of Revelation. Our Wednesday evening group is studying the Book of Acts. We are winding up a Disciple Fast Track group and a Disciple IV group. Our Sunday afternoon group does a topical study of the Bible. During the Sunday School hour (9:45 a.m.) we have four adult classes, a youth class, and three children’s classes. Our young adult class just started a survey of the bible, beginning with Genesis. One adult class uses quarterlies based on the International Lesson series, one uses a variety of video resources based on the bible, and another works through books of the bible one at a time.
April 24, 2017 – Morris Memorial UMC – Midland South District
The photo below is of the Wednesday morning Bible study group at Morris Memorial in Charleston. We meet at 10:30 a.m. Some of us stay and have lunch together, and then some deliver meals to some of our homebound members. We had thirty in attendance the day that the photos were taken. This group is one of 13 groups at Morris whose primary purpose is bible study. This particular group is studying the Book of Revelation. Our Wednesday evening group is studying the Book of Acts. We are winding up a Disciple Fast Track group and a Disciple IV group. Our Sunday afternoon group does a topical study of the Bible. During the Sunday School hour (9:45 a.m.) we have four adult classes, a youth class, and three children’s classes. Our young adult class just started a survey of the bible, beginning with Genesis. One adult class uses quarterlies based on the International Lesson series, one uses a variety of video resources based on the bible, and another works through books of the bible one at a time.
April 23, 2017 – Warwood UMC – Northern District
These disciples studied the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in the 24-week Disciple Fast Track Class at Warwood United Methodist Church in Wheeling, WV. Members of the class include: seated, left to right-Debbie Hatfield, Crystal Welsh, Sandy Mauck, Anne White and Rose Soares. Standing, left to right – Mike Soares, Jeff Mauck, Jim Daily, Gary Johnson and Jim Delbrugge. Alan Dunaway and Chuck Lee were also participants in the class. The class was taught by Rev. Bart Thompson and Jeff Mauck.
April 22, 2017 – New Haven UMC – Western District
Members of our Upper Bend Area Community Choir joined forces this year with members of the Main Street Community Choir from Point Plesant to present an Easter Cantata for the folks in New Haven and in Point Plesant. We performed “The Tomb is Empty Now” by Joel Lindsey and Cliff Duren. It was a blessing to share the Easter message as an ecumenical group. The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident as we shared the powerful Easter message through scripture and song.
The photo below was taken at New Haven UMC (UM churches represented were Union, New Haven, Oak Grove, Krebs Chapel, Good Shepherd, and Bellemead.) Other churches included were Main Street Baptist, New Hope Baptist, Fairview Bible Church, Point Plesant Presbyterian, Oma Chapel, and First Church of God. We are eager to combine forces for a Christmas cantata in the fall!
April 21, 2017 – Wellsburg UMC – Northern District
Confirmands Cody Utt (left, in blue shirt) and Matthew Stewart (right, in light green shirt) serving communion on the first Sunday of Lent, with Rev. Carl Tribett presiding. Cody and Matt completed confirmation in October of last year and were taken into membership at Wellsburg United Methodist Church in the Northern District. As a continuation of their discipling, they serve as acolytes, readers, ushers and, now, communion servers. Their primary leader in confirmation was Pat Ramsey, CLM candidate. Both of these boys also participate in Sunday school class at the church as well.
April 20, 2017 – Raven Rock UMC – Little Kanawha District
This is a photo of Sadie Greene at Bruce McDonald Memorial UMC in Man, WV on March 19, 2017; her parents are Kelli Rozzell and John Greene. Sadie turned one-year-old last month and began walking about three days before this picture. On Sunday mornings we have a Penny March conducted by the children after their Bible story during worship. After the story, they collect pennies from the congregation which usually around November are rolled and deposited with a check provided to the Cooperative Food Pantry at the Baptist Church across the street – the last donation was approximately $328. She was accompanied by Sawyer Wolfe who is not pictured as he got away. We currently have three children one years of age or younger in the church on Sundays.
April 19, 2017 – Bruce McDonald Memorial UMC – Midland South District
This is a photo of Sadie Greene at Bruce McDonald Memorial UMC in Man, WV on March 19, 2017; her parents are Kelli Rozzell and John Greene. Sadie turned one-year-old last month and began walking about three days before this picture. On Sunday mornings we have a Penny March conducted by the children after their Bible story during worship. After the story, they collect pennies from the congregation which usually around November are rolled and deposited with a check provided to the Cooperative Food Pantry at the Baptist Church across the street – the last donation was approximately $328. She was accompanied by Sawyer Wolfe who is not pictured as he got away. We currently have three children one years of age or younger in the church on Sundays.
April 18, 2017
Pastor Bonnie Starkey and the Vincent Memorial ‘egg-citing’ crew share their Easter story. Their congregation set out to reach every household in the community with a gift just before Holy Week. The exciting thing is that fruit is already being born!
Watch the video to the right to hear how they are reaching their community!
