August 7, 2025

Dear friends, 

I am glad to be back with you at 2PC!

My sabbatical was an incredible gift—an opportunity to un-plug from my pastoral responsibilities and embrace a season of study, rest, and renewal. I’m deeply grateful to those of you who took on additional responsibilities to make this time possible.

After leading our church trip to Scotland in May, I returned home to focus on reading and writing in preparation for the start of my Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program. In June, I traveled back to Edinburgh for two intensive courses at New College, the University of Edinburgh’s Divinity School: Research Methods and Theology in Context. My professors were knowledgeable and engaging. It was such a joy to be back in the classroom again!

Our DMin cohort includes 19 ministers from a wide range of places, from the Outer Hebrides to Washington state. Seven serve in the Church of Scotland, and the remaining participants come from the PC(USA), Reformed Church in America, and Episcopal Church. It’s a gift to begin this journey with such a thoughtful and faithful group of colleagues.

Once back home, I soaked up time with my family, driving Eleanor to swim team practice, taking long walks, cooking, baking, and continuing my coursework. We also enjoyed a family week at Montreat, a little Cub Scout camping, time at Lake Hartwell in South Carolina, and even a weekend trip to Dollywood!

I learned more about our theological roots and am looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve been studying at our College of Elders dinner in September. As my DMin journey continues, Second will serve as a kind of “living laboratory” for my research and final project (topic still TBD!). I see you all as vital partners in this journey, and I’m deeply grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and for the generous support of the Trustees Fund and the Trent Fund.

After 12 weeks away, I’ve jumped back into church life, full swing. A lot happened while I was gone, but please know that you were always on my heart and in my prayers. I look forward to spending meaningful time with many of you this weekend at the Trent Getaway and have already enjoyed reconnecting with staff and members during worship, in the office, and on pastoral visits. I am glad to be back!

Grace and peace,

Elizabeth Link

University of Edinburgh School of Divinity, New College (above and below).

Statue of John Knox (above).

Hike to Arthur’s Seat (a dead volcano) in Edinburgh (below).

Worship at St Giles' Cathedral, where John Knox was pastor (below).

Free day by the North Sea in Berwick, Scotland (below).

August 10, 2025:



• Family Trent Getaway
• 10:00am Worship Service, Sanctuary/Live Stream

See the full calendar HERE.

www.spres.org/worship/livestream/

Young Adult / College Student Trivia Night

Tuesday, August 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Twisted Track

Young adults and college students are invited to close out the summer with some TRIVIA!! We will meet at Twisted Track on August 12th at 6:30 p.m. for food, fellowship, and fact-checking our knowledge of weird and fanatic information. Friends and neighbors are welcome to join! See you there Second PresbyTRIVIANS! Questions? Contact Ben Brannan.

Plan to join your church family for our very exciting Rally Day Picnic at Braeloch (the farm of Nancy and Al Hammond) at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 24! This is a wonderful opportunity to kick off the new church year with outdoor worship, fellowship, and a delicious picnic lunch.

What’s on the Menu?

Enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring favorites from Three Li’l Pigs Barbeque, including: Vinegar pulled pork, chicken (sauces on the side) • Potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon • Green salad with dressings • Ice cream bar (toppings on the side) • Homemade desserts • Lemonade and water (options will be available for dietary restrictions—i.e. gluten free, vegan).

Fun for All Ages!

Bring the whole family! Activities will include a fabulous bounce house, balloon art, face painting, and more! Congregants are invited to bring outdoor games for entertainment, and those who love fishing are welcome to bring a pole and bait to fish from the dock.

Need a Ride?

Commonwealth Coach and Trolley will provide transportation from the church to Braeloch for anyone who needs a lift (just indicate in your registration form).

Want to Help?

We need volunteers for set-up, clean-up, and dessert donations. Please sign up through our SignUpGenius.

We can’t wait to celebrate Rally Day with you! Please register by Sunday, Aug. 17.

Summer Pastoral Intern Capstone Sermon

Sunday, August 17 Following Worship | Chapel

Our Summer Pastoral Intern Ramsay Reid will preach his Summer Internship Capstone Sermon following worship on Sunday, August 17 in the chapel. This will also be Ramsay's last day with us. All are invited to join. 

Preschool Spots Available for 2025-26

Second Presbyterian Preschool has some availability for 2, 3, and 4 year olds for the new school year, beginning mid August. Please email Preschool Director Alice Light to learn more.

Realm Connect

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

Hayden Hollingsworth

John Nelson

Cindy Reilly

Shelby Ruley

Our sympathies extend to the family and loved ones of Patricia Mason Huff who died on Monday, July 28. A memorial service in celebration of Patricia's life and Christian witness will be held on Friday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.

Our sympathies extend to Fred and Lynn Genheimer on the death of Fred’s brother, William P. Shackelford, Jr. of Princess Anne, MD, on Sunday, August 3. 

Congratulations to Whitney and Jack Wilkes on the birth of their son, Charles "Charlie" Stuart Wilkes, on Wednesday, July 30. Proud big brothers are Henry and Walter. Proud grandparents are Randy and Phyllis Norbo. 

The Outreach Offering for August will support Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Roanoke. LEAP is dedicated to creating and growing programs that support our local food community and building a more equitable food and farming system. LEAP creates community spaces where people can access fresh, local food through three community gardens, a light processing kitchen and five food outlets: Grandin Village Farmers Market, West End Farmers Market, LEAP Mobile Market, LEAP Farm Share, and the LEAP Community Store. To make fresh food more affordable to those with limited food budgets and reduce food insecurity in our community, LEAP raises money to operate the Harvest Bucks program, which provides a $1 for $1 match for fresh fruits and vegetables to participants of SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. Your outreach offering during the month of August will support the Harvest Bucks program, helping individuals and families continue to improve their nutrition security and autonomy, while helping to grow strong and economically viable markets for local farmers, and building a more resilient food system in Roanoke. To learn more, visit leapforlocalfood.org. As of Thursday, August 7, $1,219 has been collected. 

Monthly Food Collection for PCC: The food item for the month of August is canned beans (pinto, baked beans). A donation bin is in the coat closet (please check the expiration date before donating).

Family Promise Volunteers Needed

Family Promise has a few upcoming weeks without a scheduled host or support congregation, and they’re looking for caring volunteers to step in and help create a welcoming, successful experience for families in need. Whether you can offer a few hours or a few days, your support would make a big difference.

If you are interested in volunteering, learn more and sign up via the SignUpGenius.

Second Presbyterian Church

214 Mountain Avenue SW

Roanoke, VA 24016

Office Hours:

Mon.–Thurs.: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.