May 21, 2026

Dear Friends,

Recently, an old friend from Peaks Presbytery shared with me information related to Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on how many people quietly carry unseen burdens.

We often recognize visible disabilities, but many challenges remain invisible—anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health struggles. Statistics tell us that a significant number of individuals living with disabilities or mental health challenges experience loneliness, isolation, and stigma. Perhaps even more striking is the reality that many people first turn to their faith community when they are hurting.

As we move into the summer months, schedules shift, vacations begin, and routines change. It can become easy to lose touch with the relationships and communities that help sustain us spiritually and emotionally. I want to encourage us to remain connected to worship, to friendship, to prayer, and to one another. Know that no matter the season, this church family is here for you.

May we continue to hold in prayer all who live with disabilities, mental health challenges, and for their families, care givers, and counselors. And if you or someone you know is struggling, know that reaching out for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Grace and peace,

Elizabeth Link

Important phone contacts:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: 741-741 (text “Home”)

May 24, 2026: (No Sunday School OR Children, Worship, & Wonder)

• Pentecost Sunday
• 8:45am Worship Service, Sanctuary
• 11:00am Worship Service, Sanctuary/Live Stream

See the full calendar HERE.

www.spres.org/worship/livestream/

Holiday Closing

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Welcome Summer Pastoral Intern, Kylie Young

Congratulations Eagle Scout, Madelyn Lyons

Evening VBS for All Ages

June 7–10 (Sun.–Wed.)
June 7: 6–8 p.m. with dinner

June 8–10: 6:30–7:45 p.m. with refreshments

We’re excited to kick off the summer with our Evening Vacation Bible School beginning Sunday, June 7, with a shared dinner and opening program. Adults are invited to join a special study led by mission co-worker Dr. John McCall, who will guide us in diving deeper into Scripture and growing together in faith. Meanwhile, children (Pre-K through 5th grade) will enjoy a theatre-themed VBS experience, full of creativity, storytelling, and faith-filled fun! Childcare will also be available for our youngest participants. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow as a church family, side by side across generations.

Adult Evening Study Theme: “Paying Attention to God in Daily Life”

Following Jesus is a lifelong journey of growing in His love. As we learn to love God and our neighbor, the pace and pressures of daily life can easily distract us from spiritual growth. Yet God continually invites us to notice His presence. During our evenings together, we’ll explore practical and meaningful ways to cultivate an attentive, God-centered life in the midst of everyday routines.

For 4 Year Olds–Middle School: Children’s Theatre Camp

This summer, we’re thrilled to welcome back Meghan Griffith as the leader for our Evening VBS Children’s Theatre Camp! Children are welcome to bring friends.

Dinner: June 7th will kick off Evening VBS with a congregational meal from Three Little Pigs BBQ! Menu includes Pork BBQ, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Garden Salad, Hot Dogs and Chips.

Cost: Adult – $15.00. Child 5 to 12 yrs old – $7.00. Child Under 5 – Free.

Register by Sunday, May 31.

Volunteers Needed for FUN DAY at Highland Park

Friday, May 29 | 8:00–11:00 a.m. | Highland Park Elementary School

Churchwide Retreat | "Love Builds Up"

August 21–23 | Eagle Eyrie Conference Center

Join us August 21–23 at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg for our annual churchwide retreat! You won’t want to miss this intergenerational opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday, and ends following mid-morning worship on Sunday. Our guest speaker for the retreat is the Rev. Dr. Rachel Thompson Orfield, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville.

Check out the brochure for more details. A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration. Register by Monday, June 1.

*This event is made possible by a generous grant from the Richter Fund, with guest speaker funding from the Trent Fund.

"Build It Together"

2026 Habitat for Humanity Partnership Build with St. John's Episcopal | Volunteer Dates Available Through June

Morning VBS | "Jospeh's Journey"

July 20–23 (Mon.–Th.) | 8:30 a.m.–12 noon

This year’s Morning Vacation Bible School (Pre-K–5th grade) will explore the inspiring story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Together, children will discover how God was always with Joseph (like God is always with us) through challenges, change, and moments of great need. Register today!

Our VBS programs thrive thanks to the energy and commitment of our youth and adult volunteers! If you’re interested in helping with crafts, games, storytelling, or snacks, we’d love to have you join the team. To volunteer, please contact Maria Blackshaw or Meredith Koliba.

VBS After Care Camps* | July 20–23 (Mon.–Th.) | 12 noon–4:00 p.m.

We’re pleased to again offer VBS After Care Camps for families seeking extended care during VBS week! In partnership with local sports and arts organizations, children will enjoy fun, enriching afternoon “mini camps” held right here at the church. This opportunity allows families to take full advantage of the free Morning VBS while adding engaging afternoon activities. Please note that space will be limited and a $180 fee will apply for the aftercare portion. Register for After Care Camps today!

*Note: After Care Camps are open to Kindergarten–5th grade children.

DR Bibles & Bricks Mission Team Donations

Realm Connect

For more information on Realm Connect, check out the Realm page of the church website. Contact Meredith Koliba with any questions.

CW Houghton

BJ Millar

Campbell Tims

A memorial service in celebration of the life and Christian witness of William Lovell "Bill" Neal will be held on Friday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary and via live stream. A reception will follow in Kirk Hall.

Sympathy is extended to Alice and Barry Holman on the death of Alice’s sister, Naomi Kohen, on Friday, May 15. 

The Outreach Offering for the month of May will benefit House of Bread, a job skills and mentoring program for under-resourced women in Roanoke that emphasizes building relationships across social classes and fostering understanding among people from different walks of life. With House of Bread’s emphasis on relationships, participants become part of a community, and they learn in an environment where they are afforded dignity and respect. Our May Outreach Offering will support the development of a second-chance employer network where graduates can be placed in apprenticeships as a bridge to full, independent employment. As of Tuesday, May 19, $4,485 has been collected. 

Monthly Food Collection for PCC: The food items for the month of May are cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, and syrup. Pull top cans preferred. A donation bin is in the coat closet (please check the expiration date before donating).

*Click the image above to RSVP for the PCC's Open House event.

Second Presbyterian Church

214 Mountain Avenue SW

Roanoke, VA 24016

Office Hours:

Mon.–Thurs.: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM