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Dear Friends,
My heart is full after a wonderful weekend together at our church retreat at Eagle Eyrie! Nearly 100 of us gathered for a time of laughter, learning, worship, conversation, and fellowship.
We were especially grateful to welcome Dr. Rachel Thompson Orfield as our guest speaker. Rachel invited us to reflect on Paul’s words in I Corinthians about how “love builds up.” It was a beautiful theme for our church retreat and, really, for the life of our church. Our children had a wonderful program of their own, and our youth enjoyed a great daytrip offsite. It was a joy to see people of all ages sharing the weekend together. My heart is full!
And now we turn toward another wonderful day of gathering: Rally Day Picnic this Sunday at Braeloch Pavilion!
Many thanks to Nancy and Al Hammond for hosting us, and to the many volunteers who make this annual celebration possible. Special thanks to our picnic czarina and czar, Carol and Bill Broadhurst, and to their many helpers for all the work that goes into making this day happen.
And, for the first time ever, we're going to be as “green” as we can be! Thanks to the partnership and assistance of our Green Team and Star City Compost, we’ll be making some changes to reduce waste and compost as much as possible.
Finally, don’t forget to look through your Christian Education booklet for all the opportunities available this fall. Join a class, sign up for a 2PC Club, or find another way to get connected. Our theme for Christian Education this year is “This Is Our Story,” and I hope you’ll find a place where your story can become part of our story, and where our story becomes part of God’s great, big story of love, community, and hope.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Elizabeth Link
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THIS SUNDAY @ SECOND BRAELOCH
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August 30, 2026: RALLY DAY PICNIC & FALL KICKOFF
- Two Cents a Meal
- 10:00am Rally Day Picnic Sunday at Braeloch Pavilion
See the full calendar HERE.
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Join us this Sunday for our end of-summer Rally Day Picnic at Braeloch (the farm of Nancy and Al Hammond located at 2353 Hammond Dr, Vinton, VA 24179) at 10:00 a.m. on August 30! We will worship, enjoy a meal, hear about opportunities for learning and fellowship, and celebrate being together. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!!!
Following lunch, you are invited to stay and sign up for classes and 2PC Clubs. There will be a bounce house, balloon art, face painting, and other fun activities! Congregants are invited to bring outdoor games for entertainment, including fishing poles and bait for those who wish to fish from the dock. We want people to come and enjoy the day, linger into the afternoon, and get excited for a wonderful fall full of education and opportunity.
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New this year: Compostable Place Settings and Composting of Food and Beverages at the Rally Day Picnic
Thanks to those who are responsible for introducing compostable place settings and the composting of food and beverages at this year's picnic: Picnic Czars, Congregational Life Committee, Property Committee, 2PC Green Team, and Star City Compost.
As a reminder, please dispose of all plates, cups, napkins, utensils, food, and beverage items in the Star City Compost bins. While the utensils may look like plastic, they are made of plant-based material and are compostable.
If you bring anything from home such as single-use plastic water bottles, plastic food containers, aluminum cans, or glass containers, please dispose of them in the trash receptacles. Ask a Green Team member (identified by their aprons) if you have a question. They will be stationed near the Star City Compost bins and are happy to help.
Thank you for helping Second Presbyterian Church become better stewards of God's creation.
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Additional Info: Many of you may wonder what happens to the picnic leftovers after everyone has had their fill. A local charity is chosen each year, and this year the donated food will go to the Ronald MacDonald House. Additionally, the Two Cents-a-Meal offering will be collected during picnic worship.
For those who indicated their intent to ride the Commonwealth Coach and Trolley for transportation, please meet at the church parking lot by 9:00 a.m. Ride times are as follows: 9:15 a.m. Church to Picnic | 12:15 p.m. Return to Church.
DIRECTIONS: (2353 Hammond Dr., Vinton, VA 24179)
- Take Elm Ave. (Route 24) east towards Vinton (about 3.2 miles from Jefferson Street).
- Bear RIGHT on Hardy Road (Route 634) just past Lake Drive Plaza.
- Continue 1.6 miles to the stone parkway bridge.
- Pass under the bridge and make an immediate RIGHT turn onto Hammond Drive.
- Continue to the entrance gates to the property, where you will be directed to parking areas.
**A prerecorded worship service will be made available online Sunday morning for those who cannot attend Rally Day at Braeloch. The online service can be viewed on the church's website or YouTube channel.**
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"This Is Our Story" | Christian Education 2026–27
“We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…”
– Psalm 78:4
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“This is my story, this is my song….” For generations, Christians across denominations and in many different languages have sung these familiar words. But our stories are never ours alone to hold. They are woven into the larger story of God’s people—a story of grace, worship, service, and learning that stretches across time and continues to build and unfold in each new generation.
This year, our Christian education theme, “This Is Our Story,” invites us to remember that faith is something we share together. We gather around Scripture in community not simply to gain knowledge, but to be formed as disciples of Jesus Christ. In sanctuaries and classrooms, fellowship halls and mission projects, choir rehearsal rooms and meals shared around tables, we learn God’s story so that it becomes the story that shapes our lives.
| | Whether you are testing the waters and dipping your toe into an adult education class or returning to a group of seekers you already know and love, there is a place for you in this year’s journey. Called together, we will learn, ask questions, laugh, serve, pray, and witness anew the good news of God’s great love. Welcome to another year of learning, growing, and belonging! | | |
A Special Word of Thanks
We received this very special video message from the Taiwanese youth who joined our 2PC Youth for a week of worship, fellowship, and joy at this summer’s Montreat Youth Conference. Along with Dr. John McCall, our Evening VBS Speaker and PCUSA mission co-worker, they felt moved to speak directly to our congregation. We invite you to pause for a moment, listen to their words of gratitude, and receive the blessing they share with us.
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Summer Pastoral Intern Capstone Sermon
Our Summer Pastoral Intern Kylie Young offered her Summer Internship Capstone Sermon following worship on Sunday, August 9 in the chapel. The sermon was recorded and is available at the video link below. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the energy, creativity, and dedication she shared with our church family. May God bless her in all her future endeavors!
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Theology on Tap
Tuesday, September 1 | 6:00 p.m. | Big Lick Brewing Company
Men are invited to join us for our next night of Theology on Tap, 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Big Lick Brewing Company. This group continues to grow and evolve as we discuss theological topics in a relaxed environment. Men of all ages are invited to gather for Bible and brews, Calvin with some crafts, pints and predestination, or just good company and conversaion.
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ATTENTION SINGERS! Choir Begins
Join the Chancel Choir for rehearsals as we start a new year. Learn some anthems and build your singing skills. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings, 7:00–8:15, beginning August 27.
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Upcoming Dates:
- Aug. 27
- Sept. 3, 10, & 17
Let Jeff know of your interest so that we can have music for you. And, if you’d like a voice lesson before or after we begin, just let Jeff know! Jeff Sandborg, Chancel Choir Director.
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A Special Opportunity for Handbells
Everyone is invited to come and try our recently updated 3-octave set of White Chapel Handbells on Sunday, September 6 from 11:00–11:45. If this date does not work for you, contact director Beth Vaught Jenkins to set up another date.
The handbell room is located on the third floor near the Children's Music Suite.
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Rehearsal Schedule:
Our regular rehearsal date/time will begin in September:
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Sundays, September 13 & 27, 9:45–10:45 a.m.
Do you have questions about playing handbells? Contact Beth Vaught Jenkins, director.
| | | 2PC Clubs for Congregational Life 2026–27 | |
Looking for a small group where you can build friendships and enjoy your favorite hobbies? 2PC Clubs are the perfect place to connect! Check out the clubs available below and sign up by Sunday, September 13 at www.spres.org, via the QR code, or by calling the church office. You may sign up for more than one club. If you are already involved in a club, please sign up again so we have an accurate count of partici pants. Club coordinators will contact members by phone or email; the first meetings will be in October.
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BOOK CLUB – Church members select and read new books each month and gather to discuss.
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COFFEE CLUB – Church members meet monthly at local coffee shops. A different location is chosen each month.
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KNITTING GROUP – Church members meet in the church parlor on Thursday mornings to knit hats for Highland Park Elementary school children. Novice knit ters or anyone wishing to learn to knit is welcome.
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LUNCH BUNCH(ES) – Church members gather monthly at a local restaurant for lunch.
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MORNING WALKING CLUB – Church members meet once a week or every other week to walk on the greenway or other local sites.
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MOVIE CLUB – Church members meet monthly at a local movie theater.
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PICKLEBALL GROUP – Church members who wish to play will gather at a local court once every two weeks. Novices and newcomers welcome! Location(s): TBD.
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RESTAURANT CLUB(S) – Church members meet at local restaurants each month; each month would be a different venue.
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ROOTS AND WINGS – Church members of college age students gather once a month for a meal or event, rotating locations each month.
Questions about Second's clubs? Contact Beth Vaught Jenkins.
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College of Elders Dinner
Thursday, September 17 | 6:00 p.m.
| Attention Elders of Second Presbyterian! Join us for the College of Elders Dinner on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m.—a time of fellowship, sharing, and inspiration. We’ll hear about this year’s theme “We are Needed” within our congregation and enjoy hearing from George Anderson about his sabbatical experience. The dinner is free of cost to you as an elder of the church. Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 9. | |
Preschool Spots Available for 2026–27
The preschool has a few spots open in the Twos Plus and Threes classes for the new school year, beginning mid-August. There is also space on the waitlist for Young Twos and PreK. Please email Preschool Director Alice Light to learn more or enroll.
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Ed Lesko
BJ Millar
Campbell Tims
Congratulations to Gary Glontz on the birth of his grandson, Elliott Alexander Glontz, born on Friday, July 17 to parents Alexander and Alexandra Glontz of Charlotte, NC.
Congratulations to Catherine and Matt Prescott on the arrival of their granddaughter, Imogen Odell Prescott, born on Wednesday, August 19 to parents Sam and Summer Prescott. Proud great-grandmother is Nancy Barbour.
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The Outreach Offering for August will support Highland Park Elementary and Morningside Elementary Schools. The teachers at both schools use their own money to enhance their classrooms and buy supplies their children need that the school or parents cannot make available. Our monetary offering can help these schools meet the needs of students who sometimes lack personal necessities, books, and supplies. The teachers at both schools are very appreciative of all that Second Presbyterian does to support them. As of Monday, August 24, $4,009 has been collected.
Both schools need volunteers to work with students during school hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the following people:
Your help is greatly appreciated by these schools!
Monthly Food Collection for PCC: The food items for the month of August are canned beans (pinto, baked beans). Pull top cans preferred. A donation bin is in the coat closet (please check the expiration date before donating).
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Second Presbyterian Church
214 Mountain Avenue SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
Office Hours:
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Mon.–Thurs.: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
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Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
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