Rector’s Recommendations

Stay up to date on the latest from around the Diocese with their email newsletter.

Author Stephanie Duncan Smith writes of Mary’s yes to God as a choice for expansion over contraction, mirroring God’s own yes in creation.

Brian McLaren highlights how gratefulness is a recurring theme in the Gospels.

Spiritual writer Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder describes the almost universal experience of transcendence in the natural world.

After the conclusion of its meeting Oct. 20-21 at Kanuga conference center in Hendersonville, North Carolina, The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council shared the following letter to the church.

Following are opening remarks, lightly edited for clarity, by House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris to the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting Oct. 20-21 at Kanuga conference center in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Episcopal priest beautifully explains patriotism vs. nationalism and what sets them apart.

Spilling the Black Girl Tea: Birthing Hope is a conversation between Royce Lyden and Staysha Quentrill, West Virginia’s only Black Certified Professional Midwife. Royce is a Faith Collective Co-Chair, a grandma, a certified rural chaplain, and a kickass community organizer from Fairmont.

Clergy and loved ones of incarcerated West Virginians convinced Commissioner Kelly to have a sit-down meeting to address concerns. It’s a small victory, but small victories call to mind the parable of the mustard seed.

Parishioner Larry Rowe recently spoke at the dedication of a monument honoring Jane Ferguson, Booker T. Washington’s mother. Read his remarks here.

Reflections to start the week for July 28, 2025.

Ways that we in The Episcopal Church can respond to Archbishop Hosam’s call for help.

Following the conclusion of its meeting June 23-25 in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council shared the following letter to the church.

Nearly 60 West Virginia food banks, farms, congregations—including St. John’s Episcopal Church—and other organizations have signed an open letter urging Senator Jim Justice to oppose proposed SNAP cuts that would hurt families, seniors, and small farmers across the state.

“Father Richard explores midrash, the ancient Jewish practice of reading sacred texts that Jesus would have been familiar with.”

West Virginia Council of Churches explains Welcome the Stranger Weekend and how you can help.

May 21, 2025 - Episcopal News Service article by David Paulsen

3-19-25 Theologian Christine Pohl reflects on the biblical call to hospitality.

You’re invited to subscribe to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditations! Visit their website to register for daily meditation emails, written by Jerusalem Jackson Greer, on the divine gifts we find in community.

From The Episcopal Church office of Public Affairs, 2/11/25

The Rev. Jay Sidebothan reflects on Psalm 36:5-10 and going deeper into spiritual life.

Theologian Diana Butler Bass reflects on the devastation of the LA Wildfires.