West Virginia is known as “Almost Heaven.” This is especially true when Autumn arrives in the Mountain State. There is a crispness in the air and the trees become emblazed in vibrant colors. Football season is in full swing. And Fall Festivals are everywhere. October brings all these wonderful things and the Weirton United Methodist Charge is gearing up for the fall season.

            WUMC is all abuzz with activity this month. In addition to our regular Sunday services, you can join us every other Thursday for our Prayer Group. The location alternates among the three churches. On October 10th, the meeting will be at First UMC and on October 24th, we will meet at Pleasant Valley UMC. All Prayer Group meetings start at 6:15 p.m. Join us as we pray for healing, hope and happiness, and share the praises of answered prayers. If you are in need of prayer but cannot make it to the meeting, please email the WUMC office at weirtonumccharge@gmail.com and you will be added to the Prayer Group’s prayer list.

            Beginning October 16th, the Weirton Charge will be studying The Difficult Words of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine. Join us for this six-week journey to learn about the teachings of Jesus that are often seen as challenging, and how can these complicated issues be interpreted in context of the Gospel of Love. The Bible Study will be held at Christ UMC each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for the duration of the six weeks. The book The Difficult Words of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine can be bought on Amazon. Hope to see you at the Bible Study.

            Finally, October is known for ghosts and goblins, candy and corn mazes, and fun for kids of all ages. And the Weirton Charge will be enjoying the spooky season as well. Our kids and youth are busy with Sunday school, and participating in various services throughout the month. And on Sunday, October 27th, they will be having their monthly kid’s fellowship after church at First UMC. They will be playing Halloween Bingo, and enjoying snacks. This is open for kids aged 5 – teens. Matthew 18: 5 says, “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

            As you can see, the Weirton United Methodist Charge is welcoming October with fun, fellowship, prayer and learning about our God and Savior. And while our three churches sitting in Weirton, WV might be in “Almost Heaven” right now, we are keeping our eyes on the actual Heaven, and striving to be more Christ-like while loving and serving our churches, our charge, and our community. Be blessed and come back next month for more highlights of what’s happening at the Weirton United Methodist Charge.