The Pastor s Notes. Inside This Month s Issue. Finding direction by following Jesus. George C. Anderson. January 2018

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1 Finding direction by following Jesus. January 2018 The Pastor s Notes George C. Anderson Introduction of Deacon Ball On Sunday, December 10, Deacon Rick Ball was introduced at worship as our new Seminary Intern. Many of you met him and his wife, Rev. Sylvia Ball, at the Christmas Dinner that evening. This is a part-time, unpaid position that will last till April. The internship will help Deacon Ball gain valuable experience while earning class credit at the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond. He is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Christian Education. He will be supervised by all three pastors, with special attention from Rev. Link and Rev. Thompson because of his specialty. He will assist in liturgy, attend and teach classes and youth events, participate in visitation, and explore other aspects of ministry. Deacon Ball has a full time job, attends seminary on the weekends and is heavily involved at his home congregation, Sweet Union Baptist Church where his wife is the minister. Second Presbyterian Church was recommended to him because of its reputation as a Teaching Congregation. Please welcome and get to know Deacon Ball when you have the opportunity. Trent Symposium The participants for the 2018 Trent Symposium have been selected. Look through the names and churches printed below to see if you have a connection with one of the ministers or the church. We look forward to welcoming them in March. (Symposium dates: March 9-14) Melanie Marsh Baum (works with Rev. Amy Starr Redwine) Church of the Covenant Cleveland, OH Joshua Musser Gritter First Presbyterian Church Greensboro, NC Leslie Lang Fourth Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC Seth Lovell Olivet Presbyterian Church Charlottesville, VA (continued next page) Inside This Month s Issue Pastor s Notes 1-2 West End Center Angel Tree 2 Twentieth Anniversary 3 Christian Education 4-5 Congregational Care 6 New Member Profiles 7 News & Notes 8 Youth/Young Adults 9 January 18 Calendar 10 Financial Focus 11 Around Second 12

2 Patrick McElwaine (Child of Second Presbyterian Church) Clemmons Presbyterian Church Clemmons, NC Molly Spangler Second Presbyterian Church Richmond, VA Brittany Tamminga The Presbyterian Church Fredericksburg, VA Anna George Traynham Central Presbyterian Church Atlanta, GA Note: 2018 I look forward to beginning my third decade serving Second Presbyterian Church as its Senior Minister. I do so with immense gratitude for the congregation that I am so honored to serve, and for the pastoral team that makes it possible for me to continue to serve with energy and joy. I would wish the congregation a Happy New Year, but that seems too secular for the Second Sheet. Instead, I pray that we will continue to grow in grace together, offering significant ministry to each other and the world, and moving forward in a way that will ensure that our witness remains vital for generations to come. Congratulations, SPC Angels! The West End Center asked us to provide gift bags of clothing for 115 deserving children that the Center serves. All 115 children were adopted by our members, and 115 children received tangible reminders of God s Love, displayed through the generosity of our members. West End Center personnel are overwhelmed every year at your amazing response to the needs of the clients they serve. To each of our SPC angels: Thank You and Well Done! 20th Anniversary SAVE the DATE Sunday, February 11, 2018 Reception at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall To commemorate a benchmark 2oth Anniversary of Service by Senior Pastor Dr. George C. Anderson to Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke. A Salute to the Visionary A Special Guest Lecturer will be invited to speak at the early and late services (9:00 and 11:00 a.m.) If you d like to help with refreshments, Helen Butler (hbutler858@gmail.com). We also seek your photos of George. They can be mailed, ed, or left in my Session mailbox at the church by January 16. Maria Hammond (mbhammond1@cox.net ). The Second Sheet of Second Presbyterian Church 214 Mountain Avenue, SW; Roanoke, VA Phone: Fax: info@spres.org Webpage: Second Sheet is published monthly, and submissions are due by noon the second Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. You may also view Second Sheet online at To receive a full-color copy by , send request to sally@spres.org. The church occasionally uses photos of people and groups on the website and in publications. Those objecting to use of their photos (or photos of their minor children) should so inform the church. page 2 The sleigh when all loaded up for a trip to the West End Center brought warm clothes and good wishes to the children they serve year-round! Submitted by Diana Harvey Christmas Pageant Photos submitted by Lawrence I Anson page 3

3 Christian Education Elizabeth Link January 7 Pancake Breakfast: Say Thanks! to a Sunday School Teacher and Welcome! to 2017 s New Members On Sunday, January 7, members and visitors of all ages are invited to attend this very special pancake breakfast during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday school hour in Fellowship Hall. This breakfast is sponsored in partnership by the Christian Education Committee and the Congregational Life Committee. Let us take time to share a meal together, get to know recent members and confirmands from the 2017 year, and give thanks to those Sunday school teachers who work tirelessly all year long. Regularly scheduled Sunday school classes will not meet on January 7. There will be plenty of hot pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast goodies. A special salute of thanks to Lorah and Frank Pruette who are supplying the bacon and sausage for breakfast next Sunday. Make this Sunday an opportunity to join in fellowship and to recommit to the Sunday school year! Save-the-Date: Trent Massanetta Get-Away Join us August at Massanetta Springs for our annual church-wide retreat! Registration begins early this spring you won t want to miss this opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal! Kairos Worship: καιρός 6:00-6:30 p.m., Wednesday Evenings in Lent There is an ancient Greek word for finding or making space in our lives. It is a word that means the right or opportune moment. This word, kairos (καιρός), has been used over the centuries to describe time for spiritual reflection, and even, to put it simply, God s time. For six Wednesdays during Lent, we invite you to explore worship in a new way. Join us for Kairos Evening Worship. The schedule below lists the dates and types of worship being offered. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, we hope this Kairos time may be a space for you to pause and connect to something deeper. *More information regarding Kairos classes will be shared in the coming weeks. Kairos Evening Worship (6:00-6:30 p.m.): February 14*: Service of Reflection and Imposition of Ashes, Matthew 4:1-11 February 21: Worship, Luke 5:1-11 February 28: Worship, John 11:1-45 (selected verses) March 7: Worship, Psalm 23 March 14: Worship, John 13:1-20 March 21: Worship with Communion, Luke 22:7-22 *Kairos Ash Wednesday Service of Reflection and Imposition of Ashes: Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. During this particular service, worshipers will have the opportunity to come forward and receive the imposition of ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead or hand. This practice serves as a sign of mortality and repentance that has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. Historically, these ashes signify purification and sorrow for sins. The imposition of ashes is voluntary, and anyone may abstain from participating during this portion of the service. KAIROS EVENING STUDIES (6:40-7:30 p.m.): Following the Wednesday Evening Kairos Worship Services, there will be opportunities for study. > Lauren Ellerman is offering a five-week study on race in America. Join the class as they explore Debby Irving s 2016 memoir Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Called one of the most important books on race in recent memory, Irving s story tells how she stumbled into troubling and even shocking revelations about racial inequalities after what she describes as a blissfully sheltered, upper-middle-class suburban childhood. KAIROS CLASS SCHEDULE: February 14: No Class Registration will still be open February 21: Class will meet February 28: Class will meet March 7: Class will meet March 14: Class will meet March 21: Class will meet Dear Second Presbyterian Church Family, You are cordially invited to a baby shower in honor of Elizabeth and Chris Link on Sunday, January 28, at 12:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. We will be serving appetizers, desserts, and cake. The shower theme is "Twinkle, twinkle little star, what a gift from God you are." We will have books available for guests to write a special note for baby girl Link. In lieu of individual baby gifts, we are collecting monetary donations to outfit baby Link's nursery (crib, mattress, and dresser). If you would like to contribute, checks can be written to Kathy Gilchrist (will collect and pool donations.) Please write in the check's comment section "Baby Link Shower." Checks can be mailed directly to Kathy Gilchrist at 3220 Allendale Street Roanoke, VA 24014, contact her at kathyfgilchrist@gmail.com, or drop off a check at Church. At Elizabeth's request, we will be collecting new board books (ages 0 to 3) to donate to Turn the Page. This wonderful, local charity will donate these books to infants receiving care at Carilion Memorial Hospital's NICU. If you have any questions about the shower, you can contact Jennifer Lynch at lynch.jennifer4@gmail.com. A huge thank you to the many shower co-hosts including Susan Lancaster, Sally Nichols, Christal Pearson, Alison Conte, Emily Connelly, Kathy Gilchrist, and Jennifer Lynch. page 4 page 5

4 Congregational Care Beef Stew Collection for Highland Park Thanks so much for your generous donations of school supplies last fall! You helped our Highland Park children start the school year prepared and ready to learn. Now we hope to fill some hungry tummies with beef stew this winter! The Service and Outreach Committee is sponsoring a beef stew drive throughout the month of January to benefit the Pack-A-Snack program at Highland Park. Please help our Highland Park children by donating 15 oz. cans of beef stew. Any brand of stew is fine, but we can only use 15 oz. cans due to packing constraints. Place your donations in the designated box in the Kirk Hall collection closet. If you have questions or would like someone to pick up your donation, call or Virginia Garden at or vgarden@cox.net. Thanks so much for your generosity and for bringing the love of Christ to children in our community. Submitted by Virginia Garden Knit Hats and Warm Hearts Rachel and I delivered almost 150 hand-knitted hats to Highland Park School. This program was started by Margaret Foss and is a wonderful legacy. The Kindergarten classes were having Pajama Day and the Pre-K class was preparing to take a field trip to Barnes & Noble. The new hats seemed to rank right up there with watching The Polar Express and taking a first bus trip. Thanks to my many knitters who answered my appeal. Some ladies are fall knitters and some knit all year. Most are church members but some are friends and relatives of church members. The Park - Oak Grove found some hats which had been knitted by Mary Dickey. I like to think that it is never too late to contribute, even in sainthood. The children and teachers were most appreciative and send their thanks to the following ladies: Suzanne Avis, Audrey Bates, Ann Breslin, Helen Fizpatrick, Margaret Foss, Betty Henson, Kay Pearson, Stacy Potter, Bobbi Richardson, Betty Shaver, Charlotte Sieber, Jo Ann Talbott, Betty White, and Marilyn Williams. We had enough hats for grades Pre-K through second grade. A photo showing more children is featured on page 11. Submitted by Emily Mallory Lunch Bunch group members met before Christmas at local Red Lobster Restaurant. Submitted by Penny Baynton Greet the Allen Family Second Presbyterian warmly welcomed David and Jennifer Allen and their family into membership on May 28, David joined by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian of High Point, NC, and Jennifer joined by transfer from Oak Ridge United Methodist Church of Greensboro, NC. They have two children. Their son, Fletcher, is in 6th grade at Madison Middle School, and their daughter, Campbell, is in 4th grade at Crystal Spring Elementary. David was born and raised in High Point to a long line of Presbyterian ministers. His grandfather was a Presbyterian minister, and his brother is a Presbyterian minister in Asheville, NC. David graduated from St. Andrew s College, and attended graduate school at Yale. He and Jennifer moved to Roanoke several years ago when David became president of BNC Bank, which is now Pinnacle Bank, and they just finished renovations to their new home on Somerset Street. David enjoys golf, tennis, and watching their children s sports events. Jennifer was raised in Greensboro, and attended Appalachian State University. She is employed by BB&T Bank as a leadership development trainer. Jennifer enjoys the arts, painting, cooking with her daughter, and being with family and friends. Second Presbyterian came highly recommended by David s grandmother. His grandfather, Kirk Allen, was the minister at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, TN, where George Anderson served as an associate minister. George and David s older sister knew each other while attending St. Andrew s, so George was thrilled that the family chose Second as their new church home. We re so fortunate to have the Allen family as new members. They will be such as asset to our congregation! Welcome Chrissy Underwood and Her Family! Chrissy Underwood joined our Second Presbyterian church family on May 30, 2017, by reaffirmation of faith. She is married to Nate, and they have two children, Drew (9) and Ellie (6). Chrissy and her sister grew up in Hagerstown, MD. She attended Roanoke College, and liked the area so much that she decided to stay. For 12 years, Chrissy practiced law with as a health care attorney with Woods Rogers. She recently decided to take a break from her law career to spend more time with her young children. When parenting duties allow, Chrissy loves to travel, garden, and spend time with her dogs, Lola and Chubby. She serves on the Board of DePaul Community Services, as well. When asked what attracted her to Second, Chrissy cited our children s programs and ministry, and she believes in supporting those programs with her time and talents. She has volunteered for VBS, and is looking forward to next year! If you haven t had the pleasure, please welcome Chrissy and her family into our growing community of faith. She s a delight! New member profiles submitted by Ann Lawson page 6 page 7

5 Youth and Young Adults Flowers News & Notes On November 12, 2017, the flowers were given by Jim and Ruth Robertson and John and Mary Robertson Delaney in loving memory of their parents, Jim and Nancy Robertson, and their brother, John Robertson... On November 19, 2017, the flowers were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Pat and George Vaughan and Jack Stanley, by John and Lisa Stanley... On November 26, 2017, the flowers were given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents, Ralph and Mary Steinhardt, and her brother-in-law, Joseph Pribyl, by Therry Neilsen-Steinhardt... On December 3, 2017, the flowers were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Judge Beverly T. Fitzpatrick by Helen Fitzpatrick.... On December 3, 2017, the flowers in Kirk Hall were from the memorial service for Dan Yardley held here; they were given by the Covenant Conversation class and friends. Sympathy Sympathy is expressed to Edie Naughton on the loss of her brother, John DeGroote of Massachusetts, who died on November 4, Sympathy is expressed to Sharyn Pugh, and her daughter Catherine, on the loss of their husband and father, James Christopher Pugh of Salem, who died on November 10, A memorial service was held November 17 at Oakey's South Chapel... We extend sympathy to Tom and Kelly Gilson and their family (children: Percival, Aralyn, and Solomon) after the death of Tom s father Kent Stansmore Gill who passed away in Cary, North Carolina on November 11, Sympathy is expressed to Daniel and Rebekah Gunn, on the death of Daniel s grandmother, Jean Gunn of North Carolina who died on November 12, We extend sympathy to Carol Williams on the passing of her husband, Melvin Charles Williams, who died November 16. A Chapel memorial service was held December We extend sympathy to Bob Williams on the death of his wife, Jeanette Williams who died November 22, A memorial service was held December 7 in the Sanctuary with a reception following... Sympathy is expressed to Kelsey Yardley on the death of her husband, Daniel Kirkbride Yardley, who died November 24, We also expess deepest sympathy to Kelsey and Dan s children, Wynn Kirkbride Yardley, Sidney Ellen Yardley, and Hollis Grace Yardley. A memorial service was held on November 30 in the Sanctuary here... We extend sympathy to Shelley Lyons, and her family (Ken, Madelyn and Foster) on the loss of her father Robert Foster of Montvale, VA, who died November 29, A memorial service was held in Montvale on December 4. Baptisms The Mutter family (Jaret, Amy, Kayla, Alex) came forward on November 12, 2017, to be baptized into the church. Serving as the Presiding Elder was Jeff Smith. Upcoming Youth Events: Sunday, January 7 Youth Group, 5:00 The Intersection Sunday, January 14 Youth Group, 5:00 The Intersection Saturday, January 20-Sunday, January 21 All Youth 5:00 The Intersection Sunday, January 28 Youth Sunday Rehearsal, 5:00 The Intersection All Youth Lock-In Saturday, January 20 (5:00 p.m.) through Sunday, January 21 (9:00 a.m.) Save the date for our first annual lock-in! All middle and high school youth are invited to join us for a funfilled evening of food, games, bowling, movies, and more. We hope that as many youth as possible will be able to join us. RSVP to rachel@spres.org by Thursday, January 18. Rachel s 2017 Top Ten As we begin a new year, I ve been reflecting on some of the highlights of Our youth program continues to grow and flourish, and it is such an honor to be involved in the lives of these amazing young people was full of great moments for our youth, so many reminders of God s power and presence and love, but here are my top ten: 1. Hunger Busters Twice during 2017 we gathered food and delivered it to the PCC. The youth love being involved in mission, and I love seeing the joy they find in helping others. 2. Trent Youth Rally Our youth really stepped up this year to welcome the group and lead energizers. I love watching them grow in confidence. 3. Worship on the dock at our All-Youth Retreat We closed our retreat this fall with a service of worship and communion on the dock at Claytor Lake. It s peaceful and moving, and for me, it s one of the most meaningful moments of the year. Rachel Thompson 4. Bibles and Bricks I can t say enough about our trip to the DR this summer. Watching our youth serve the people of San Juan de la Maguana, and watching as they developed deeper relationships with God and one another was a great joy. 5. Massanetta and Montreat Something special happens when youth are able to get away from home and spend time relaxing, playing, and learning together at these conferences. 6. Senior High Mission Trip Appalachia Service Project, KY I have never been covered in so much mud, or laughed so hard, as I did on our trip to Kentucky. Our small band of young women learned how to use power tools, dug holes, built a porch, and had an incredibly empowering experience. 7. PoPYoCo Retreat The Presbytery retreats were a great opportunity for fun and learning for our youth. Several of our youth are on the Presbytery Youth Council, and it was a gift to see their leadership skills in action. 8. Mission project with Habitat for Humanity Our Senior High youth built a picnic table for a Habitat for Humanity family this spring. We had a great time working together, and we loved being able to offer it as a gift to the family when they moved into their new home. 9. Manna Picnic on Mill Mountain Midweek Manna has continued to be a vibrant, closeknit group of young women. We concluded our program year in the spring with a special time of celebration, prayer, and blessing for our graduating seniors. 10. Youth Sunday 2017 I don t know if I have ever been prouder of our youth than I was last February on Youth Sunday. A group of 35 young people led the congregation in worship, offered insightful reflections, and blessed our church with music. I look forward to another wonderful Youth Sunday in 2018! page 8 page 9

6 JANUARY 2018 Organ Fund In honor of Patricia and Michael Sisk, given by: In honor of Sandra and Cecil Kelley, given by: In honor of Jeff and Marianne Sandborg, given by: In honor of Chancel Choir Members, given by: Property, Maintenance and Repair Fund In honor of Dick and Gloria Burleigh, given by: Noel Fuller Cliff and Amy Jarrett In memory of Phyllis Stephens, given by: Richard and Carol Trice In memory of Chris Pugh, given by: In memory of John DeGroote, given by: Bill and Susan Blaylock In honor of Ken and Stacy Potter, given by: Nancy Leggett In memory of Ada Peterman, given by: Alpha Omega House Mission Fund In memory of Dan Yardley, given by: Ann Hoff Covenant Conversation Sunday School Class Philip and Mary Ruth Payne Renate and H.D. Kemp Missionary Support Fund In memory of Jeanette Williams, given by: Sara Airheart Joe and Spuzzie Duckwall Pauline Minter Gary Glontz Kipper Nottingham Timothy Solak Handbell Refurbishment Fund In memory of Mary Dickey, given by: Joyce McElwaine Other funds are available for your contributions. Please contact Mark Wigginton at or * We sincerely regret any errors or omissions in this list. Please contact Stacy in the church office, , to help us get it corrected. Contributions received and/or recorded after month s end will be included in next month s list is here... Thanks go out to all who have now turned in their 2018 pledge cards. There are still a few who pledged last year but have not this year. Please remember to let me know because the church budget is based on your pledges. For those who still need to finish up their 2017 pledges, try to get those in as soon as you are able. Thanks again and Happy New Year! ~Mark Wigginton Two-Cents-A-Meal Helpers We appreciate the help of those who held the Two-Cents-A-Meal collection bags on Sunday, November 26. Early service: Trevor, Carson, and Garrett Waters (parents Cindy and Mark). Late service: Ann Colston Light and her mother, Alice Light). page 10 page 11

7 SecONd PReSbyteRiaN church 214 MOUNtaiN avenue, SW ROaNOke, ViRgiNia Address Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 406 Roanoke, Virginia Save the Date for A Gift of Music! Christmas Dinner was made very festive thanks to member Robin Hobbs who decorated the tables in Fellowship Hall. Fourth and fifth graders are the ones who sharpen and refresh the pencils in the Sanctuary a few times each semester. Submitted by Russell Bailey We welcome the Roanoke Valley Children s Choir! The C Choir Church Tour will sing at Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Ave. SW; Roanoke, VA Date - Sunday, January 21 Second Presbyterian Church They will be singing at both services (9:00 and 11:00 a.m.), so we encourage you to come and enjoy! They are under the direction of Kim Davidson, and based at Hollins University.