A Council of the PC(USA) in the Highlands of Virginia.
Abingdon Presbytery seeks by the grace of God to nurture its congregations and pastors and to foster Christian unity among them, and to offer and develop leadership in order that congregations will grow in faith and in numbers, and to exhibit the Kingdom of God, thereby witnessing to the Lordship of Jesus Christ throughout Southwest Virginia and the world.
Presbytery Office Office Location: 285 Church Street Wytheville, VA 24382 Send mail to: P.O. Box 317 Wytheville, VA 24382 Voice: (276) 378-7688, Fax: (276) 378-7689 Presbytery Staff Stated Clerk: Bill Parish Office Manager: April C. DiYorio Abingdon Presbytery Way Forward Vision Team UpdateThe Way Forward Committee held their first meeting with our consultant, Rev. Jim Moseley, on April 26. After a time of devotions and prayer, we spent some time introducing ourselves to Jim and talking about our progress over the past year. We worked with Jim on a timeline of events that went back to the committee's formation and continued into the future. We spent the final hours of our meeting discussing possible scenarios of Presbytery leadership.
We were asked to communicate the objectives of the committee. These are the areas we have communicated previously to Council and at the November 2017 Presbytery meeting.
The Way Forward Vision Team may be reached by email at 2018wayforward@gmail.com Church Development Committee Announces New Grant Opportunities for CongregationsThe Church Development Committee of Abingdon Presbytery is committed to partnering and working with the congregations of our Presbytery when it comes to revitalization and renewal. To show this commitment, the Church Development Committee is making a portion of Church Development funds available in the form of cost-sharing grants to assist our congregations in revitalization and renewal efforts.
The Presbytery of Abingdon.
Have you ever heard the word “Wild” used in the context of church?Wild Goose Christian Community is a non-traditional worshiping community in Floyd County. Our purpose is simple: to reach out to those that might never darken the door of a traditional church, and to talk about the Good News of Jesus Christ--maybe in a way you've never heard it before.
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm wildgoosecc.com |
Highlighting Our Congregations!Each month or so, two congregations in the Presbytery will be highlighted below. Come join us for worship in Abingdon Presbytery!
Two of Our Yoked Churches
Buchanan First
21223 Riverside Drive Grundy, VA 24616 Sunday School: 10:00am, Worship: 11:00am Vansant Presbyterian Church 1058 Baxter Hill Road Vansant, VA 24656 Worship: 9:30am 
Buchanan First Presbyterian Church. On February 11, 1909, a meeting was held at the home of Mrs. G.S. Watkins for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church. On this date, by the grace of God, Buchanan First Presbyterian Church came into being. The Rev. R.D. Carson, an Evangelist of Abingdon Presbytery, was Chairman of the meeting. Preaching services were held throughout Buchanan County by the Rev. W.W. Arrowood, who was ordained as an Evangelist in September, 1909. Rev. Arrowood also taught and preached in the Presbyterian School in Grundy. On April 7, 1910, a lot was given to the church on which a building was erected. In 1954, a lot was purchased between Route 460 and the Levisa River. The Rev. Frank E. Clark served after Rev. Arrowood’s departure and served the church and the school. A number of pastors served during the next three decades. In 1956, The Rev. Paul Gess arrived as Pastor and it was soon determined that the time had arrived to plan for the construction of a new church building. On August 10, 1958, the present facility was dedicated and in the words of Pastor Gess, This beautiful church plant is your spiritual home on earth, therefore, it behooves each one so to live for Christ in this home that others may be led to find Christ as their personal Savior and join the household of God. Buchanan First has always been active in our community and in our Abingdon Presbytery. The Rev. Brad Napier arrived as Pastor on May 31, 2014 and continues the ministry of Word and Sacrament that those who have preached, taught, and served for over 108 years have engaged. On August 1, 2017, Rev. Brad Napier began his work as Pastor of Vansant Presbyterian Church, continuing a tradition of sharing pastors with Buchanan First beginning with The Rev. Charles M. Hannah in October of 1938. May our Lord and Savior continues to bless the ministry of Buchanan First Presbyterian Church in our community, our Presbytery and our world.
The Presbyterian Women of Buchanan First lead a very active and consistent life. From a weekly Bible study circle to a monthly scheduled “Focus on Giving”, members of our ladies’ group can be found in and around our church. During the summer, we welcome our interns into our class, as well as, our private homes. We have four hostess committees and cover a quarterly fellowship dinner plus providing food for our members and friends during illnesses and bereavement. We are always available for a quick comfort meal in our “Ruth and Mabel Ministry”. Two of our ladies were well-known for providing food, i.e. soup and bread, for anyone in need. In honor them, we try to follow their excellent examples. Our focus on giving covers the local human society, the domestic violence shelter, school supplies, children’s hospital gifts bags, “The Connection” (a local group for disadvantaged youth), the local food bank and art or bingo supplies for the local Heritage Hall nursing facility. We also provide gifts baskets at Christian for the shut-in members. We sponsor the Hanging of the Greens at Christmas. Household and baby showers are offered and given when appropriate. Basically, if you want help, we will do the best we can to supply and provide it. Our PW has many members who have served on Abingdon Presbytery committees. Our church hosted the Spring Gathering of the PW in April 2017. We have PW members who are in charge of our church’s website and Facebook pages. All the women of the church are given opportunities to join in the activities and to be part of the group. From a cheerfully decorated Fellowship Hall, to well maintained classrooms, anyone can see the Buchanan First PW’s handiwork present. Hospitality is one of our utmost goals. Praying for those in need and studying God’s word is a top priority for our PW. Vansant Presbyterian Church As a result of an Evangelistic Meeting held by the Reverend Dan Graham in September 1926, a large number of people were converted in the Vansant community and received into the membership of the Buchanan First Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Wilson W. Moore was placed in charge of this work and a Sunday School was opened in an old store building at the Mouth of Big Prater. The attendance was large and enthusiastic. About 1929, a chapel was built at the present location with money given by Mrs. F. S. Royster, Norfolk, Virginia. Between 1929 and 1938, Sunday School was held regularly under the leadership of Mr. R. L. Stuart. During this same period, frequent preaching services were held by the Reverends Moore, F. E. Clark, H. M. Wilson and W. A. Murray. In May 1938, the Reverend C. M. Hanna became pastor of the Buchanan First Presbyterian Church and began regular Sunday night preaching services at the Vansant Chapel. Early in August 1938, a group of 41 petitioned Abingdon Presbytery to organize a Presbyterian Church at Vansant. Vansant Presbyterian was organized into an active church October 2, 1938. The Rev. Brad Napier began his ministry as Pastor of Vansant Presbyterian Church on August 1, 2017 and, pending Presbytery action in November, will be installed as pastor. May God continue to bless and prosper the ministry of Vansant Presbyterian Church. | ||