LARCUM 2024

The LARCUM Planning Team has been meeting in anticipation of LARCUM 2024. We will gather under the theme, "Holy Communion: Contemporary Questions," at John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston, WV, 20-22 May 2024. Rather than rehashing past conversations, the attendees of LARCUM 2023 asked for a conversation about Holy Communion that looked at recent questions, thought, and practice. LARCUM planners are at work on the details for the event. Expect them to be posted here in the spring. In the meantime, mark you calendars and plan on attending. Be sure to spread the word and invite your local ecumenical partner.

Social media users, we do have a Facebook event for Holy Communion: Contemporary Questions. RSVPing on the fbevent is a great way to be kept abreast of developments. Sharing the fbevent (and inviting people through the fbevent) is a great way to spread the word.

LARCUM 2023

LARCUM 2023 was held under the title, "Evangelism?" 8-10 May 2023, at John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston, WV. We moved the news about LARCUM 2023 to our LARCUM Archive. Click here to learn about the topic in detail—it might not be exactly what you think it is—and learn about out presenters.

What Is LARCUM WV?

LARUCM WV is a four-partner conference held annually (except when there is a pandemic) in WV. The partners are

• Lutheran — West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Anglican — The Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, The Episcopal Church
• Roman Catholic — The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Roman Catholic Church
• United Methodist — The West Virginia Conference, United Methodist Church

It's origins are rooted in the ARC (Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue) in West Virginia more than four decades ago. The Lutherans were invited to join, making it LARC, the longest running LARC at that time in the USA, at three decades. Roughly ten years ago, the United Methodist were invited to join.

LARCUM planning is a joint activity of the four traditions. The topic for each LARCUM Conference is selected by the participants of the preceding LARCUM Conference.

Method

Most of the time—well, almost always, each tradition brings its own presenter, and each presenter is then given two-three hours in formal session. Outside of formal sessions, there are meals, social hours, and free time for more conversation among participants (or, as in the case of free time, a chance for private prayer, refreshment, study, etc.). There is also worship, with each tradition taking its turn leading services from its own tradition.

Who Can Attend LARCUM?

One does not need to be a member of the participating judicatories nor even the traditions more generally. If you are interested in the topic, want to enjoy conversation with folk from different traditions, or look forward to experiencing another tradition's worship, you are most welcome. LARCUM is open to laity and clergy. LARCUM is also open to folks from outside WV.

LARCUM and Social Media

Yes, we do have a social media presence. Check out out "WV LARCUM" Facebook page—follow and/or like us while you are there. Lutherans can even join Team Wittenberg, a subgoup attached to the page—if you are jealous, convince your tradition's planners to set up a tradition-specific group. We also create Facebook events for specific conferences, e.g., "LARCUM 2023." Since we have a social media presence, don't be shy about sharing.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about LARCUM, call West Virginia-Western Maryland HQ at 304-363-4030 or email Bishop@WV-WMD.org.