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.
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