February is starting with a bang and will stay busy all month long—there’s lots to look forward to!
Messy Church continues to bring families together from across our ecumenical partner churches—First Christian Church, St. Mark Lutheran, and Vance Presbyterian—on the first Monday of each month. We’ll gather again on February 2nd at our church, where we’ll explore The Lord’s Prayer. Our church is responsible for the meal this month, so if you’d like to help, please talk with Tammy Tomazoli or Diann Nickerson.
We are hosting Scout Sunday on February 15th, and yes, this is a rescheduled date (originally Feb. 1st). Laughlin Chapel Girl Scout Troop #10467 will join us for the 11:00 AM worship service, and they’ll be selling Girl Scout Cookies afterward. Cookies are $6 per box with payment due at the time of ordering. You can also order online at https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/troop10467c289
That same afternoon, we’ll be hosting a Community Ice Skating Party at the Wheeling Park Ice Skating Rink. Scouts from Troop #10467, our Messy Church families, and our Christ Church family are all invited for an afternoon of fun. Please RSVP to Diann at nickerson246@gmail.com or Carla at christumcwheeling@gmail.com by February 12th if you plan to attend.
Mark your calendar for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner on February 17th from 5:00–7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are needed – a sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.
We also invite everyone to participate in our Lenten Luncheon Series, beginning Sunday, February 22nd, and continuing weekly through Palm Sunday, March 29th. Following the 11:00 AM worship service, we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall for a soup and salad lunch and discussion centered on the book An Unlikely Lent by Rachel Billups.
About the study:
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of Easter—but they unfolded in the presence of a crowd. This study invites us to look at the Easter story through the eyes of those often overlooked: the side characters, the quiet moments, and the unanswered questions.
Together, we’ll reflect on themes of:
- Devotion
- Opposition
- Freedom
- Courage
- Companionship
- Alliances
A sign-up sheet is posted in the Narthex if you would like to bring any one of the following for the luncheon: soup, salad, bread or dessert. Please contact Diann by February 10th if you plan to participate and would like a book ordered. This will also help us plan how much food to prepare. We hope you’ll participate!
Looking ahead, Pastor Joe and Diann recently met with Ohio Valley Christian Home Educators (OVCHE) to discuss potential opportunities within our church and community. The group will be meeting here on Pi Day (March 14th) for fun, math-themed activities celebrating the number 3.14.
We also have another chance to serve with the Moundsville Rotary Club’s Rise Against Hunger event on March 14th from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM in Glen Dale, WV. Volunteers will help prepare meal packets for those in need. To participate or learn more, please contact Larry Blalock or register online at http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/Moundsville2026
See the poster on the Narthex bulletin board for more information.
The spring semester began with an Organizational Fair at West Liberty University, where Diann and several students connected with new and returning students and shared information about Campus Ministry programs, service opportunities, and Bible studies. Campus Ministry Bible Study meets on Mondays at 4:00 PM, with students selecting the topics for the spring semester.
There are also two ongoing mission opportunities this semester:
- Volunteering at Hope UMC’s Food Pantry on the third Wednesday of each month from 3:30–5:30 PM at 99 Valley Boulevard in Wheeling
- Weekly work with student organizations to sort and fill backpacks for West Liberty Elementary School students
Both projects welcome participation from congregation members, and we encourage everyone to join us as we serve alongside our students.