|
Dear Church,
This past Sunday, the Service and Outreach Committee—with help from Congregational Life—hosted our 3rd Mission Fair, welcoming local mission partners for a morning of connection, storytelling, and gratitude. It was a joy to see so many relationships, both old and newly formed, gathered in one space. I am deeply thankful for the work and witness of this church—and for the partners who extend that witness far beyond our walls. Here is what some of our partners say about the Mission Fair:
“We always look forward to Second Presbyterian’s Mission Fair! Your congregation’s ongoing support means so much to everyone at Bradley Free Clinic. It’s wonderful to be able to thank you face-to-face and share what’s new with the Clinic in such a friendly, caring environment.”
– Joanne Jones, Director of Development & Fundraising at Bradley Free Clinic
“The Rescue Mission knows that Missions Fairs are vital to let people know of the many great programs that are going on in the Roanoke Valley. These opportunities are beneficial to our ministry because we get a chance to speak to individuals about the specific ways that we serve those in need in our community and answer questions and maybe even dispel any misconceptions. It is good for our staff members to hear directly from the caring public, and we are also always pleased to learn from other community partners and find additional ways to network and better serve our clients. Thanks to Second Pres for providing this opportunity.”
– Gina Dunnavant, Volunteer Engagement Manager at the Rescue Mission of Roanoke
“West End Center is always honored to be included in the mission fair along with all of the other amazing local non-profits. It feels important for your members to be able to see what the church supports and to ask us questions. It also is a wonderful opportunity for the non-profits to share their new endeavors and also meet potential volunteers. Your members are always curious, informed and engaged with the nonprofits in the room and it feels like a gathering of friends.”
– Karen Pillis, Executive Director of West End Center for Youth
“The Mission Fair is an important part of our partnership with Second Presbyterian. It provides a valuable opportunity for our organization to connect directly with those who already support our work, as well as introduce ourselves to others who may not yet be familiar with our mission. We also appreciate the chance to engage with fellow community partners, many of whom we collaborate. Together we serve as the hands and feet of the work being done across the Roanoke Valley.”
– Nicole Jennings, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Community Center
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity the Mission Fair provided to connect with such a caring and engaged congregation. It was especially meaningful to speak one-on-one with individuals who understand that supporting local nonprofits creates an immediate impact for neighbors facing real challenges. I also appreciated the chance to share how Family Service of Roanoke Valley is strengthening mental health and well-being for individuals and families across our community.”
– Linda Hentschel, President/CEO of Family Service of Roanoke Valley
And this week, we welcome eight newly ordained ministers from across the country for the Trent Symposium (which begins tomorrow). Made possible by the Kitty Susan Trent Fund, these pastors arrive at a formative moment in their ministries, seeking wisdom, encouragement, and renewal.
Taken together, the Mission Fair and the Trent Symposium tell a deeper story about who we are. We are a church committed not only to doing the work of mission, but to forming people for it. We are both a mission-minded church and a teaching church.
This is not new to us. Mission and education have always been foundational to the life of Second. And one of the quiet but powerful new ways this commitment grows is through the Richter Fund—a gift from Gene and Treva Richter that allows us to invest in mission and educational opportunities beyond what our operating budget can sustain.
What we witnessed last Sunday, and what we will experience this week, are not separate events. They are expressions of the heartbeat of Second: formation that moves outward.
I hope you will join us this Sunday in worship as we welcome these pastors into our life together. Your presence is part of that formation—an encouragement to them and a reminder of who we are called to be.
Feeling blessed,
Ben Brannan
| 
