As the Presbytery develops new ways to communicate and share the good news with others, it seemed only fitting that a new name be found for its new communication piece. It occurred to us that very few of our 140+ churches are very far from one of West Virginia’s many beautiful streams. Sometimes we are heard to say, “gee, the water is really low this month”, or “my goodness, that stream is out of its banks.” We are awe struck by the streams’ beauty as well as by the steams’ tremendous power and ability to destroy. As we share the news of our common life as a presbytery, we are reminded that the breadth of our experience together ranges from a peaceful trickle to the challenge of a raging flood of disaster bent on altering our lives in serious ways.
As a people who depend on the Biblical story, we know that images of water cover the pages of scripture in many ways as well. With over 300 references to water and over 80 on rain, the Bible reminds us of one of the universe’s very basic components; water. In Scripture we absorb the symbol of water as a cleansing agent, a messenger of destruction as well as a promise of spiritual vitality. We remember special stories such as the promise of Jesus that He will give us the water that will forever quench our thirst for everlasting life. Water in scripture is all around us for life, for renewal, and a reminder of God’s awesome power.
I have traveled this Presbytery for seven years visiting churches and church leaders helping congregations to consider anew God’s call to them to drink of the living water and meet their future full of hope. On the way to these destinations I have crossed bridges over streams, driven parallel to streams and in a couple of instances forded streams. We are a people of water who are blessed with its life giving essence as well as its call for respect for its awesome power. Follow the stream to a future of new hope and renewal for you and your people. Let the waters of Scripture remind you of God’s promises. Let the streams of West Virginia inspire you on your journey here and yon.
Amos cried out, “Let justice run down as waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” So rolls the heart of our loving and just God. So are we called to follow God’s mission of justice and righteousness where we live among the streams of West Virginia.
Enjoy “The Stream” as our family’s new communication tool as we move forward during days of promise, change and new life!
Peter A. Vial, D.Min.
Pastor of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church, Elkins.