November 6, 2025

Dear Church,

Millie and I were surprised and deeply honored last year when George Cartledge III established a Cornerstone Fund in our name to promote pastoral excellence. Elizabeth Link and Andrew Whaley, Senior Minister of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, joined me in planning the fund’s first major project: The Cornerstone Colloquy with Dr. Andy Root.

Dr. Root teaches Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary and has written a shelf full of thoughtful, practical books on ministry in a secular age. On Monday and Tuesday mornings, about 23 pastors from around the country—each of whom has drawn on Andy’s work—will gather in our Session Room. Six of them will give presentations on particular areas of ministry, and the rest of us will join in lively conversation. The goal is to build fellowship and share wisdom among bright, committed ministers who care deeply about the Church’s future.

Pray for Andy, because we’re going to wear him out. Not only will he be part of those morning and afternoon sessions, but he’ll also deliver the Edmunds Lectures both evenings. And did I mention—he’s an introvert? Still, he’s taking on this Herculean schedule because he believes so passionately in the life and renewal of the Church, and he’s excited about what this colloquy might stir up.

I hope you’ll join us Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. to hear him speak. A reception will follow each lecture, giving you a chance to meet Andy in person.

Gratefully,

Geo. Anderson

A Colloquy Participant

P.S.

The Gene and Triva Richter Fund is assisting The Cornerstone Fund in making the Colloquy possible, and the Edmunds Fund is making the lectures possible.




November 9, 2025:

• 8:45am Worship Service, Sanctuary 
• 9:45am Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 
• 9:45am Sunday School 
• 11:00am Worship Service, Sanctuary/Live Stream 
• 5:00pm Kid's Fellowship, Fellowship Hall 
• 5:00pm - 6:30pm Parenting Group, Hospitality Room 
• 5:00pm Youth Group

See the full calendar HERE.

www.spres.org/worship/livestream/

Remember Your Commitment

Men's Retreat

“Revelation and Reggae”

Fri-Sat, November 7-8 | Eagle Eyrie Conference Center

Thanks to all who registered for this year’s Men’s Retreat, “Revelation & Reggae,” with guest speaker Rev. Chris Vogado. We look forward to our time together this weekend at Eagle Eyrie.

Gals' Gathering Day Retreat

“Love’s Ancient Song: The Beauty and Wisdom of Song of Songs”

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 9AM–4PM | Fellowship Hall

REGISTER BY THIS SUNDAY!

Join us for Gals’ Gathering, a day-long women’s retreat of spiritual reflection, connection, and fellowship, right here at the church on Saturday, Nov. 15. Guided by Dr. Sarah Wiles, pastor of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, we’ll explore the depth, poetry, and enduring power of love found in this unique book of the Bible.

Cost: $35 (includes lunch & craft). Register by Sunday, November 9.

Want to volunteer with Gals? Contact co-chairs: Chasity Fitzpatrick or Rhesa Bailey.

Edmunds Lecture Series 2025

“The Church in a Secular Age” ft. Andrew Root

November 10 & 11 | 7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

Hunger Busters Collection

Donations due by November 16

Middle school youth are collecting all canned goods through Sunday, November 16 for the Presbyterian Community Center’s Hunger Buster Initiative as they stock their shelves to share with neighbors in Southeast Roanoke and beyond. You may pick up your donation bag (take as many as you can fill) from the sanctuary on Sundays or from the front desk on weekdays. Return your filled bag(s) to the stage in Fellowship Hall by Sunday, Nov. 16. Thank you for helping to feed those in need in Roanoke!

Suggested Holiday Meal Items:

Cereal (Boxes or Bags), Canned Fruits or Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Jelly Crackers, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Pancake Mix and Syrup, Powdered Milk Thicker Stews and Soups, Dessert Mixes, Canned Meats (Chicken, Tuna, Spam)

Holding Grief & Joy: A Holiday Workshop

November 17 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Session Room

Led by Frances Gaeta, LCSW, from the Center for Grief and Healing

The holiday season can stir up tender memories and emotions, especially after the loss of a loved one. Join us for a supportive workshop that offers space to honor those we remember, while also exploring ways to discover light and joy during the holidays. This workshop is led by Frances Gaeta, LCSW, from the Center for Grief and Healing. Together we’ll honor loved ones, share reflections, and learn coping strategies for navigating grief and joy. Register by Friday, November 14.

Advent Workshop & Potluck Dinner

November 23 | 4:45-6:30 p.m. | Fellowship Hall

Join us for an evening of fellowship and preparation as we gather for a potluck dinner followed by a hands-on Advent workshop! Households of all shapes and sizes are invited to create a set of five beautiful Advent candles—hand-rolled from colored beeswax sheets (simple and fun for all ages). Traditional, pre-made candles will also be available.

Please bring a dish to share. Dinner begins at 4:45pm, and we’ll wrap up by 6:30pm.*

We hope you’ll join us as we begin the Advent season together! Register by Monday, November 17.

*Kids’ Fellowship participants will be rehearsing from 6-6:30.

Faithful Families: The Anxious Generation (8-week study)

Beginning January 18, 2026

Info meeting November 23 | 9:45 a.m. | Klein Classroom

Join Ben Brannan and Elizabeth Link for an 8-week parenting class based on Jonathan Haidt’s acclaimed book The Anxious Generation, exploring how faith can guide us in raising resilient, grounded children in today’s digital world. Together we’ll share wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools for nurturing courage and connection in our families.

An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, Nov 23 @ 9:45 a.m. in the Klein Classroom (downstairs!). The series will begin on January 18, 2026 during the Sunday School hour.

If you are interested in attending this study, please let us know. Please purchase a copy of the book from your favorite bookseller.

Walmart Gift Card Collection for West End Center for Youth

During the month of November, the Service and Outreach Committee will be collecting Walmart gift cards to give to the West End Center to be included in the Christmas bags given to each child who is a part of their program. The cards should be from Walmart in increments of $5 ($25 max). You can leave them in the box provided at the front desk on Sundays or in Meredith’s office during the week. Thank you, Second  congregation, for your generous giving.

A Solution for Unused Christmas Cards

Have extra or unused Christmas cards? Bring them to church and place them in the Jail Ministry box in the Coat Closet.

Beginning November 1st, as part of our Jail Ministry, the Service and Outreach Committee is collecting unused cards to share with chaplains at local jails. These cards will be given to incarcerated men and women so they can send messages to their loved ones this Christmas. Stamps will also be provided to help cover postage.

Thank you for helping share hope and connection this holiday season.

Poinsettias 2025

Order online by Friday, December 5

If you would like to give memorial or celebration poinsettias for the Christmas season services, please complete the online registration form. The deadline for receiving orders is Friday, December 5. Poinsettias will be displayed during services on December 14 (pink) and 21 through Christmas Eve (red).

George Frideric Handel: MESSIAH

Sunday, December 14 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

FREE ADMISSION

Volunteers Needed for Our Family Promise Hosting Week

Thank you to all who have volunteered for our upcoming Family Promise host week! All slots are full.

Second Presbyterian's next host week is December 21st through 24th. We will be providing hospitality without the help of another church this week. The holidays will be here before you know it and what a wonderful time to support our community. 

At this time, we will need dinner Monday and Tuesday (Dec. 22 & 23, 5:30-7PM), evening Monday and Tuesday (Dec. 22 & 23, 7-9PM), and overnight Tuesday (Dec. 23, 9PM–7AM). Please email Lucinda Hancock at luhhancock@gmail.com to sign up. 

Realm Connect

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

Susan Carter 

Hayden Hollingsworth

CW Houghton 

John Nelson

Bill Stevens

Sympathy is extended to Barry and Ann Green on the death of Barry’s mother, Majorie Green, on Friday, October 31. 

Our sympathies extend to Robert Rider and family on the death of his wife, Jo Rider, on Wednesday, November 5. Our prayers are also with their daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Troy Rech, and their grandchildren, Grayson and Campbell Rech. 

Congratulations to Pam and Rick Murray on the arrival of their granddaughter, Kinzy Kehle, born on Tuesday, October 14 to parents Peter and Kathryn Kehle of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Proud big brother is Kai.

Congratulations to Mike and Sharon Stewart on the birth of their granddaughter, Saylor Jan Stewart, on Tuesday, October 21 to parents Nick and Caitlin Stewart of Virginia Beach. 

(January 2026) A memorial service in celebration of the life and Christian witness of Virginia Wells Blain will be held on Friday, January 9 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Second Presbyterian Church, the William R. Klein Fund.

The Outreach Offering for November will benefit Local Office on Aging (LOA). “We are dedicated to our mission of helping older persons remain independent for as long as possible.” LOA’s mission statement is their passion and commitment. LOA serves seniors and their families in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding area with services including Meals on Wheels, Vital Services Transportation, Congregate Meal Program, Emergency Food Pantry, Insurance Counseling, Falls Prevention Programs, Caregiver Resource Referral, and many more! Donors and volunteers are  the heart of their mission, ensuring that many of their services, especially the Meals on Wheels program, are available for every senior in need. Learn more about LOA and how you can get involved at www.loaa.org. 

The Outreach Offering for October supported The Lion’s Share. The monthly total came to $5,284. 



Monthly Food Collection for PCC: November's food collection will support 

the middle school youth Hunger Busters event. See announcement above for more details.

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.