Summer Worship Schedule
From now through September 6, there will be only one service at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary.
Livestream, Nursery, & Children’s Worship will all be available.
| | |
One is the Loneliest Number
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 (ESV): “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Is there a better verse to explain the practical reasons for a church? This provides, in very few words, an explanation for why our church is still today so practically created to help its members. I can think of so many times in my life when having a church family has been a blessing. I have watched others, including members of my extended family, struggle in times of loss, sickness, loss of work, or even just malaise, when church has been critical to getting through the crisis. We are supposed to lift each other up in any way that is needed. Food, a visit, a pat on the back, whatever, is also a reminder that we are not alone. We have people to help us as we go through this life.
Some commentators have also suggested that this is a reflection on marriage. Maybe. It certainly is a partial description of a good marriage, where we support and love each other. It also is a good description of a healthy friendship, a productive business partnership, a good team dynamic. Notice, however, that it also imposes a duty to be the one who lifts up when someone is struggling. You are not allowed to just sit and watch, saying “How sad!” You must reach out to help in meaningful ways.
Whenever I hear this passage, I think of the song by Three Dog Night, a wonderful band from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s (and still active today, with different members, of course). One of their big hits – there were many – was “One is the Loneliest Number.” One stanza says:
No is the saddest experience you’ll ever know
Yes, it’s the saddest experience you’ll ever know
“Cause one is the loneliest number you’ll ever do
One is the loneliest number, whoa-oh, worse than two.
People do get lonely. We instinctively pine for connection. Loss of a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a friend, even a pet, can send us into great sadness. It is difficult to be productive when we are frozen by this sadness. When you see this, reach out, become the “more than one.” Help someone avoid “the loneliest number.”
Christ was an excellent scholar of the scriptures. He knew Ecclesiastes. He also knew human nature. He sent his disciples out in twos, so that they could support each other. [Mark 6:7] These verses in Ecclesiastes and this song remind us that we are designed by God to live in Community. It is only by finding our Community and living as an active member of that Community that we begin to approach what Christ taught us, to seek the Kingdom of God. It is also the best way to find our own happiness.
-Hugh Wellons, Elder
| |
Camp Bethel
If your child aged kindergarten through high school senior is headed to Camp Bethel this summer, the Presbytery of the Peaks has a tuition discount you can use!
Register your child with Camp Bethel by July 1st using the Transfer Code: Presbytery. The Presbytery will then cover 1/2 of the tuition for camp. If you've already registered and paid, reach out to Camp Bethel to let them know you're part of the Presbytery of the Peaks, so they can add this tuition discount for your camper(s) and then reimburse you for the difference.
| |
Worship on Mill Mountain Forgotten Items
Did you forget something at the potluck portion of last weeks's worship service? They are now at the church. Send Julie Satterwhite (julie@rcpres.org) an email if you left something behind.
| |
Summer Fellowship Hours After Worship
June 21; July 5 & 19; August 2 & 16
Fellowship Hour Volunteers
The Fellowship Committee would welcome help from anyone who would like to help with Summer Fellowship Hours. You can help with set up (preparing coffee and water), providing snacks (baking/cooking or buying), or clean up (cleaning out coffee pots, water pitchers, and putting away supplies). If you're interested in helping, please contact Kathy Sebolt at 540-520-2538.
|
Summer Office Hours - Financial Administrator
For the months of June through August, Lori Tosoni’s officer hours will be Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM each day.
| |
Savvy Seniors
Tuesday, June 16 at 10:00 AM
The Savvy Seniors have been having a great time meeting, learning, and playing new games, hearing interesting presentations from Delayne Caldwell of the LOA and Nelson Harris, and enjoying socializing over lunch. But, it doesn't end there. On June 16th, we will be playing games again and continuing to better our skills at Mahjong, Bridge, and Five Crowns. Please feel free to bring other games to share if you would like, and bring a snack to share. We are also offering a class starting on Thursdays, June 18- August 6, 1:30 PM—3:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall, led by staff from the Local Office on Aging. "A Matter of Balance" is an 8-week course that addresses the issues of aging and physical balance. There is a cap of 12 members for the class, so sign up soon in the Gathering Area. A second class will be offered in the fall. On Sunday, July 19, we are planning lunch out after church; more information soon. We hope to see you at the next Savvy Senior event. Please see all sign-ups on the clipboard in the Gathering Area.
| | Christian Education & Worship | |
Bible & Music Camp 2026 - Registration now open!
Rescue in the Night: The Story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den
July 27-30, 2026 | Registration deadline June 30
This summer we step into the dramatic story of Daniel, a man of unwavering faith who found himself facing a den of lions after courageously standing up to the jealousy and deception of King Darius’ officials. Through engaging Bible lessons, music-making, and play, campers will explore how Daniel’s courage can inspire their own lives today. Daniel teaches us that our faith is stronger than our fear, and God is always with us when we stand strong in doing what is right. At the heart of the week is our featured musical production, “Rescue in the Night.” Campers, led by members of our Youth Choir, will take part in bringing this story to life through singing, dancing, acting, and working together to prepare a lively and meaningful performance for family and friends at the end of camp. The structure of Bible and Music Camp contains half-day & full-day programming schedules to allow for the participation of a variety of age group. Registration details online at rcpres.org/biblemusiccamp
|
Bible & Music Camp Shepherds
The job of a Shepherd at Bible and Music Camp is to nurture the group you are shepherding by leading them to their different activities, assisting the leader of that activity, and helping and encouraging the children as they worship, sing, learn, create, and play. You are not alone as a shepherd! Each group has at least 3 shepherds. The beauty of this job is that your essential task is to engage with the wonderful young people of our church! You will be blessed by getting to know these children. We hope you will sign up to shepherd them along in their faith!
| | |
Sermon Series for
May 31- August 30:
The Judges: Challenging Leadership in Chaotic Times
Israel lives in a season of communal transition. No more are they nomads wandering in the wilderness. They have entered the Promised Land, but Judges tells us this new life is far from peaceful. We are still many years from the later stability created by David and his kingship. Judges is the in-between times, the season of transition from one generation to another and from a tenuous desert life to a settled generational existence.
This summer we will journey with the Judges through this season of intrigue, turmoil, acts of heroism, decisions of great hubris, and see how these stories speak to our lives in times of uncertainty, instability, and transition.
June 21 – Gideon
Judges 6:1-27 – Demolition Man
June 28 – Gideon
Judges 6:26-40 – Morning Dew
July 5 – Gideon
Judges 8:22-28; 33-35 – Tyranny & Idolatry
July 12 – Abimelech
Judges 9:1-6 – Playing Dress Up
July 19 – Samson
Judges 13:1-14; 24-25 – What to Expect When You’re Expecting
July 26 – Samson
Judges 14:1-20 – Petulant
August 2 – Samson
Judges 15:1-8 – Turning Tail
August 9 – Samson
Judges 16:4-22 – Pillow Talk
August 16 – Samson
Judges 16:23-31 – Ego’s End
August 23 – Micah
Judges 17:1-13 – Shelia-ism
August 30 – Ending
Judges 21:25 – In Our Own Eyes
| |
Guest Preacher and Lecturers for the Summer Sermon Series
Dr. Amy Merrill Willis
Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM
“Deborah, Jael, and Women in Judges”
Dr. Willis is the Director of General Education at the University of Lynchburg. She holds a MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia and a PhD in the Hebrew Bible from Emory University.
Rabbi Howie Stein
Wednesday, July 1 at 6:00 PM
“Judges in the Jewish Canon”
Rabbi Stein is the current rabbi at Temple Emmanuel in Roanoke. He holds a BS in Computer Science from Cornell University and studied at Hebrew Union College before being ordained in 2009. He has served congregations in South Dakota, Colorado, Tennessee, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and now Roanoke. Although a product of the Reform movement, Rabbi Stein’s career has spanned the breadth of the Jewish community.
Dr. Elna K. Solvang
Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 PM
“Reckoning with Violence and Trauma in Judges”
Dr. Solvang is a professor in the Religion Department at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. She is the author of A Woman’s Place Is in the House: Royal Women of Judah and Their Involvement in the House of David and of essays examining women’s agency in ancient royal households and in the Hebrew Bible.
The Rev. Dr. Jacq Lapsley
Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 AM
Sermon: “In Our Own Eyes” & After Worship Gathering
Jacqueline E. Lapsley, first female president of Union Presbyterian Seminary, is a leading scholar of the Old Testament. Previously, she was the dean and vice president of academic affairs, and a longtime professor at Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary.
| |
Flower Dedication
The RCPC Floral Guild offers to arrange flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one. If you would like to honor a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion on a specific Sunday, please contact Julie Satterwhite at julie@rcpres.org or call the church at 540 343-5541. The cost is $80, which is for two arrangements placed in the Chancel of the Sanctuary.
| |
Chorister for a Day
Sunday, July 12
Join members of the Sanctuary Choir for a Sunday of singing in the choir loft! The choir will meet at 9:00 AM in the chancel to prepare a simple anthem and hymns for the Sunday worship service. We invite all interested singers to “jump in” and join us for this opportunity to sing and give choir at try! No week-night rehearsal, robing, or procession—just come sing with us! The Chorister-for-a-Day Sundays are open to all adult and youth singers. For more information, please contact Dillon J. Swanson, Director of Music Ministries at dillon@rcpres.org.
Sign up here
| Opportunity for Generosity & Mission Updates | |
Mission Partner Support
Each month, we designate all cash and coin to one of our local mission partners. For the month of June, we are supporting the Rescue Mission. You can place your money in the offering plate or make an online gift, noting that it is for Mission and making a note for the Rescue Mission in the text box.
| |
Rescue Mission
Supporting Our Neighbors Through the Rescue Mission of Roanoke In June, our loose plate offerings will support the vital work of the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, an organization dedicated to caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community with compassion, dignity, and hope. Specifically, our giving will help sustain the Mission's Community Health Worker, Greyson. In this role, Greyson reaches beyond the walls of the Rescue Mission to connect with individuals who are not currently using Rescue Mission servicesmany of whom are experiencing homelessness, isolation, or significant health challenges. Through consistent outreach, listening, and relationship-building, Greyson helps connect people with medical care, resources, and pathways toward stability. For those who are already guests of the Rescue Mission, Greyson provides a deeper level of personal contact-walking alongside them, understanding their individual needs, and helping coordinate care that supports both physical and emotional well-being. This position has been funded through a grant, but that grant has ended. Our loose plate offering in June will help to bridge funding to continue this service until the Rescue Mission finds a more permanent solution.
| | |
Raleigh Court Presbyterian Plawkers
The earth care committee is hosting weekly Plawking (pick up litter while walking) each Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join for a 45-minute walk and litter pick up! Email Jordan Nallen at jordancnallen@gmail.com to sign up or add your name to the sign up sheet in the Gathering Area.
| |
Prayer Requests
Marvin & Roena Barbre, Dawn Blakeman, Beverly Day & family (friend of Camilla & Johnsey Cabaniss), Nate Ellison (son of Jay & Polly Ellison), Nancy Farthing, Chuck Garst, Carolyn Hampton (Mary Hampton’s sister-in-law), Debra Harris, Jackie Hart (friend of Susan & Al Knighton), Mary Hopkins (great-aunt of Tyler Person), Cameron & Susie Hutto, Susan Lindstrom, Louise Morris, Connie Pearlman, Amy Starr Redwine, Kim Richards, Shirley Scruggs (sister of Susan Davis), Campbell Tims (granddaughter of Kay Tims), and all caregivers.
(Prayers request as of Friday, June 5. Names in bold indicate an addition to the prayer list this week.)
| |
Birthdays: June 815-21
6/15 Stephanie Danco
6/16 Jessi Beckett, Marshall Chapman
6/17 Rebekah Wellons
6/18 Patrick Callahan, Jennifer Carignan, Sherry Frantz
6/19 Rachel Brockman
6/20 Harry Anderson, Helen Favor, Jonah Hanks
6/21 Connie Barker, Susan Kessler
| | |
Monday, June 15
Montreat Youth Conference
4:30 PM - Personnel & Administration
5:30 PM - Capital Campaign
5:30 PM - Stewardship & Finance
6:30 PM - Generosity
Tuesday, June 16
Montreat Youth Conference
9:00 AM - Staff Meeting
10:00 AM - Savvy Seniors
1:15 PM - Worship & Music
4:00 PM - Small Group: Dixon
5:00 PM - Mission Committee
5:30 PM - Endowment Board
6:30 PM - Adult Small Group Leader Gathering
Wednesday, June 17
Montreat Youth Conference
4:00 PM - God Alive Pool Party
7:00 PM - Guest Lecture with Dr. Willis
| |  | |
Thursday, June 18
Montreat Youth Conference
1:30 PM - Savvy Seniors: Matter of Balance Class
Friday, June 19
Montreat Youth Conference
Saturday, June 20
Sunday, June 21
10:00 AM - Worship: Sanctuary
10:00 AM - Ordination & Installation of New Officers
| | |
WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR GROUPS
- Centering Prayer at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church: Monday, 10:00 AM
- AA-Primary Purpose: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 AM
- Tai Chi: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 PM
- Al-Anon: Friday, 11:45 AM
| | |
The Herald - Deadline for Articles: 10th of each month
This Week @ RCPC - Deadline for Articles: Wednesday of each week
Send submissions for The Herald and This Week @ RCPC to Julie Satterwhite
Video Board in the Gathering Area - Send Information to Carole Banks
| | | | |
