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Dear friends,
This Sunday, March 15, we will hold our annual congregational meeting immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and to look ahead with gratitude and hope for what God is continuing to do among us.
Our 2025 Annual Report has been beautifully compiled and designed by Andrea Boone, our wonderful Media and Communications Specialist. We are grateful for the thoughtful work that brings together the stories, numbers, and milestones that help tell the story of our shared ministry.
As Dr. Anderson shares in his introduction to the report, the stories of the past help shape our imagination for the future. Over the past year, we have seen faithful participation in worship, learning, and care for one another; growing engagement in local mission and outreach; and meaningful partnerships in national and international mission. These ministries are possible because of the generosity, service, and presence of this church.
At our meeting, we will briefly review the year, celebrate the work God is doing, and attend to the necessary business of the congregation. We hope you will plan to stay for a few minutes after worship and take part in this important moment in the life of our church.
You are also encouraged to take the time to read through the Annual Report beforehand.
Thank you for the many ways you support and strengthen the ministry of Second Presbyterian Church. I look forward to being with you this Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Elizabeth Link
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Annual Congregational Meeting | March 15
Please plan to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting that will be held immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 15. The 2025 Annual Report has been published, is available online, and was emailed to members prior to this meeting. Hard copies are available at the church in the informational racks and at the back of the sanctuary.
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On This Rock | Lenten Sermon Series
Sundays, Feb. 22–Apr. 5
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“On this rock I will build my church,” Jesus says to Peter. On the authority of that promise, the Roman Church has named its popes. But what did Jesus really mean? That Peter’s faith was so solid, so unshakable, that it could bear the weight of the church? If so, it is striking that the Gospels tell us just as much about Peter’s failures as they do about his faith—his impulsiveness, his misunderstandings, even his denial of Jesus. So what is this “rock” on which the church is built? In our Lenten sermon series, On This Rock, we will get to know Peter more deeply, in both his courage and his fragility. And in doing so, we may come to understand not only what Jesus was saying about Peter, but also what he is saying about us: that God builds the church not on perfection, but on grace-filled, imperfect faith.
Kairos Worship Schedule:
Midweek Reflections | Wednesdays in Lent
- Feb. 25–April 1: “The Other Disciples,” Weekly Kairos Reflections via YouTube and Facebook
Maundy Thursday | April 2
- 6:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion, Kirk Hall
- On Maundy Thursday, the church remembers the final evening Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. That night in the upper room included three significant moments: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and his new commandment that his followers love one another. This service marks the beginning of the Triduum, the three-day period from sunset on Thursday to sunset on Easter Day. The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum novum, meaning “new commandment,” referring to Jesus’ words in John 13:34: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
- Because this is the only midweek service during Holy Week at Second, our worship will reflect both the intimate moments of the upper room and the solemn events that lead to Good Friday.
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"The Other Disciples: Matthew the Tax Collector and Simon the Zealot"
Kairos Reflection by Dr. George C. Anderson
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If you would like to give memorial or celebration flowers for the April 5 Easter services, please complete the online order form here. The deadline for receiving orders is Monday, March 23.
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3rd–5th Grade Communicants Class
Sunday, March 22 | Noon–1:30 p.m. | Hospitality Suite
Parents & Children Invited to Attend Together (Lunch provided)
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Children and parents are invited to explore the meaning of the sacrament of communion together. As a part of Christ’s Church, children are always welcome at the Lord’s Table. This learning opportunity is offered to help children understand more fully what happens when we celebrate communion and why.
We will meet on Sunday March 22 in the Session and Hospitality Rooms, following the late worship service. This is ahead of the Maundy Thursday (6PM) and Easter Sunday worship services (8:45 and 11AM) when communion will be served. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about and then partake in this sacrament together. Please register by THIS MONDAY, March 16 so we may have an accurate count for lunch, and indicate whether you will need childcare for any younger children. If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Koliba.
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Whist Game Night, Now Open to All!
Sunday, March 22 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
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Whist is a classic four-player, trick-taking card game, typically played in two partnerships, using a standard deck. And the excitement only rises when you have competing teams. Teams of 4 compete to win the most hands, as 2 players from each team travel to other tables to play. Is this night just about playing cards? No! This style of Whist provides the opportunity to meet everyone in the room, share in some friendly competition, and join in fellowship with others. And perhaps even find out you have a new favorite card game… or playing partner. Capacity is 40, so register now if you plan to come! Childcare will be available; please indicate your needs on the form.
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Sunday School Invitations
The Open Door:
Join the Open Door class as they begin a new study on March 1, focusing on the book Saving Jesus by Diana Butler Bass. This hybrid class meets weekly in the Session Room and via Zoom. Contact Kay Saleeby with questions. Everyone is welcome.
Words on the Word:
The Words on the Word class meets in the Lemon Library to explore Scripture, usually following the lectionary readings. This spring, the class plans to include literature that sheds new light on Scripture and its application to daily life. Beginning this Sunday, March 8, the class will discuss Flannery O’Connor’s short story Greenleaf, a story that focuses searingly on what happens when we abandon Jesus’ blessings for the dubious ‘blessings’ of power and wealth. All are welcome to join the conversation. Contact Dave Speno with questions.
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Second Family, that is—the volunteer church members who serve as a "second family" to fellow members who have lost a loved one. If you would be willing to provide various finger foods (such as deviled eggs, sandwiches, cookies) for the receptions following each memorial service, please join Second Family by emailing Meredith Koliba. You will be notified each time there is a memorial reception, but you only need to respond when it is convenient for you to contribute food for the reception.
| | Volunteers Needed for Family Promise Hosting Week | |
March 29–April 4
Dinner (5:30–7PM) | Evening (7–9PM) | Overnight (9PM–7AM)
Our church is volunteering without the help of Beth Israel the week of March 29th–April 4th, so we need extra volunteers!
We are responsible for dinner (5:30–7), Evening (7–9) and overnight (9pm–7am). We have 2 volunteers signed up for grocery items (i.e. grab and go breakfast, milk, juice, snacks, fruit, etc). The following HAVE NOT been filled as of this posting. It takes a village, and we, along with the families in the program, need your help. As always, thank you!
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Monday 3/30: Evening
Tuesday 3/31: Dinner
Wednesday 4/1: Overnight
Thursday 4/2: Dinner, Evening, Overnight
Friday 4/3: Overnight
Saturday 4/4: Dinner, Evening
Contact Lucinda Hancock or Lauren Ellerman to volunteer or with questions.
| | "Build It Together" 2026 Habitat for Humanity Build | | |
Get ready! We’re about to kick off our 2026 Partnership Build with Habitat for Humanity alongside St. John’s Episcopal—and we need YOU! We’ll be serving on the 1st/3rd Saturdays, as well as the 2nd/4th Thursdays. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome; no experience necessary. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or brand new to construction, there’s a place for you on this team.
Our start date is March 26. Learn more and sign up today via SignUpGenuis.
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Trent Symposium Congregational Dinner & Program
Featuring Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty
Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
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The Kittye Susan Trent Symposium for Newly Ordained Ministers is a congregation based continuing education event for newly ordained ministers. From April 17–22, we will welcome eight ministers from across the country to Roanoke to participate in this program. On Sunday, April 19, the participants will join us in worship and attend our Sunday school classes. While they are with us, please join us in welcoming them into our vibrant congregation as we worship and learn together.
On Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m., we will have our annual Trent Symposium Dinner. During this time, we will enjoy a meal together followed by a program offered by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty titled, “Sustaining Rootedness in an Age of Fragmentation.”
Details (Menu from Lib & Amy Catering):
- Apricot Dijon Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Fresh Green Beans with Pancetta, Roasted Garlic Rosemary Potatoes,
- Spring Mix Salad, Rolls, and Assorted Desserts.
- Cost: $15 per adult | $7 for children ages 5–12 | Children under 5 free.
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Register by Sunday, April 12.
About the Program: “Sustaining Rootedness in an Age of Fragmentation”
Within the context of the 16th-century reformations, John Calvin envisioned the local congregation as the nexus of social change, with tremendous potential to model alternative ways of living and to create communities of belonging. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty will draw upon new research being done by religious leaders and scholars in Brazil, the Netherlands, and South Africa to invite you into a conversation about how remaining rooted within the Reformed tradition can be life-giving, sustaining, and transformative as the nation and churches experience a great deal of growing cynicism and instability.
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About the Speaker: Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty
Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty is the J. Roy Davis Chair of Theology and History at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is often called upon to speak or preach on matters of faith and public life. Her most recent book, Authentic Christian Freedom: Deconstructing the American Gospel of Liberty, was featured among the top book recommendations made by The Presbyterian Outlook in 2025. She and her husband, Lee, make their home in Charlotte, NC. You can learn more about her current research and other interests at elizabethhinsonhasty.com.
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Call for VBS Shirts
Do you have one (or more) of these shirts hidden away in your closet?
We would love for you to proudly wear it as a VBS volunteer this summer!
But, if it’s going unused, please drop it off at the front desk so we can replenish our supply.
Thank you!
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The Outreach Offering for the month of March will benefit Child Health Investment Partnership (CHIP) of Roanoke Valley, which works to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families by reducing barriers to healthcare, strengthening families, and promoting healthy early childhood development. Through its home visiting and supportive services, CHIP partners with families to address medical, developmental, and social needs so that children can grow up healthy and ready to learn. Recently, CHIP expanded its Mental Health Therapy services to include teenagers living in the households of CHIP-enrolled families. By offering therapy to teens as well as caregivers and younger children, CHIP is able to support the well-being of the entire family. Adolescents often face unique stressors, and providing them with access to counseling ensures they have a safe, supportive space to talk through challenges and build healthy coping skills. Our offering will help CHIP convert an existing filing room in their Mental Health Building into a welcoming therapy space where the Director of Mental Health can meet weekly with teens and older youth. Since CHIP has transitioned to electronic filing, the room is no longer needed for paper records. Transforming this space into a dedicated therapy room will allow CHIP to better serve adolescents in a comfortable and supportive environment, ensuring they have access to the care and connection they need to thrive. As of Monday, March 9, $2,301 has been collected.
Monthly Food Collection for PCC: The food items for the month of March are pasta, spaghetti, macaroni, and sauces. Pull top cans preferred. A donation bin is in the coat closet (please check the expiration date before donating).
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