By Maureen Wright

When my children were young, one of our favorite things to do was read together. One of the picture books on our shelf was Count Your Blessings. Inspired by the Johnson Oatman, Jr. hymn, “Count Your Blessings,” the book focuses on simple childhood blessings like hugs, a trip to the zoo, and losing a tooth. It is filled with vibrant colors to capture the reader’s attention. The reader discovers the joy and importance of recognizing one’s blessings. We spent many moments reading the book and talking about the blessings in our lives. I still remember its refrain – count your blessings one by one, count your blessings see what God has done. This prompts me to reflect on the blessings of the Presbytery of West Virginia.

Blessing one is for the 116 churches of the Presbytery. For the ministry and mission of each congregation and for their witness in their community. For the worship of each congregation that praises and witnesses to God and sustains each community of faith. For the ministries and missions that tell the Good News of Jesus Christ – the food pantries, the backpack programs, the blessing boxes, the community gardens, the preschools, the health clinics, the shared meals, and much more. For the opportunities for discipleship and learning – Sunday school, Logos, bible studies, and Presbyterian Women. For the fellowship when our churches gather for coffee, for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner. For the financial gifts shared through special offerings, mission giving, and per capita.

Blessing two is for the pastoral leaders in the Presbytery. For the ministers of Word and Sacrament and for the Commissioned Pastors. For the leaders from our ecumenical partners. For our Authorized Lay Preachers who travel, lead worship, and preach in places throughout the Presbytery.

Blessing three is for those who sustain the structure of the Presbytery. For the Moderator of Presbytery. For the Leadership Team chair and for those who chair all of the committees of the Presbytery. For the nearly 100 members of the Presbytery committees and the volunteers that support the work of events like the Small Church Conference, Festival of Faith, youth retreats, and more. For the host churches for our Presbytery meetings and their members who offer gracious welcome and hospitality.

Blessing four is for Bluestone Camp and Retreat. For the year-round and summer staff who plan and provide retreats and summer camp. For those who welcome groups outside the Presbytery who rent the facilities that help support the ministry of the camp.

Blessing five is for the resources of the Presbytery. For the Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Pastor preparation program which seek to support our churches by training pastoral leaders. For Festival of Faith, Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox events, the Small Church Conference, officer training events, the Resource Center, and more.

Blessing six is for the Presbytery staff. For those who seek to support the work of our churches. For the questions answered, the events planned, the newsletters sent, the grass mown, the committee supported and guided. For all the staff does that is known and for that which is done without notice.

Blessing seven is for the financial resources that make the ministry, mission, and relationships of the Presbytery possible. For per capita giving. For mission giving. For those who have given gifts and bequests. For the wise stewardship of those who guide our funds.

Count your blessings one by one, count your blessings see what God has done. God is at work through every blessing given to the Presbytery. God has provided for the Presbytery in the past. God provides for the Presbytery now. God will continue to provide for the Presbytery into the future. What blessings do you count when you think of the Presbytery? I invite you to share a blessing below. Let’s count our blessings one by one, count our blessings and see what God has done.

Mark Your Calendar to Join us for a Blessing in March

I want to invite you to mark your calendars for a special future blessing for the Presbytery. The Co-Moderators of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson will visit the Presbytery as keynote presenters for the 2025 Festival of Faith event on March 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston. It is a rare blessing, a gift, to have both Co-Moderators visit together. I encourage you to make plans to attend the Festival of Faith to meet them, to share some West Virginia hospitality, and to hear their vision for the Presbyterian Church (USA).