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Worship Service Times
9:00 AM - Chapel
10:00 AM - Sunday School
11:00 AM - Sanctuary & Livestream
Baby & Toddler Nursery is available during both services
Podcast November Raleigh Court Herald
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
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But since we belong to the day, let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
-1 Thessalonians 5: 8-11
An excerpt from the Evening Thanksgiving Service on November 24, 2024
Sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. tells a story about his own childhood playing baseball. It was a little league game. Ernie was eleven years old. The pitcher threw a ball down the middle of the plate, and the batter drilled it to left-center field, one-hopping the fence for a ground-rule double.
The runners and fielders, therefore, watched as the left fielder and center fielder hopped over the fence and began to plod through the woodsThe players and coaches stood watching and waiting, watching and waiting. The game couldn’t resume until the boys returned with the ball.
Eventually they had been gone so long the other players ran to the fence and hopped over, now not only searching for the ball but for their teammates. They spotted the ball quickly and then some paces beyond, the boys spotted their teammates. They stood before a blackberry bush, cheeks stuffed like chipmunks, purple juice dripping down their chins. They had found these beautiful blackberries and had chosen, instead of accomplishing their task of retrieving the ball and continuing the game, to take a few moments and enjoy the fresh fruit before them.
Johnson says that as he has reflected on this story over his lifetime, he’s come to see it as “a modern-day parable. Sometimes you just need to step away from the game and enjoy the blackberry moments.”
Because of our trust in Jesus Christ, we are free to enjoy the blackberry moments. But I confess that it can be easy to forget to put on faith, hope, and love. Sometimes we wear fear, dread, and indifference. It is often tempting to just find the ball behind the fence and get back to the game. Meet the deadlines, finish the project, prepare the audition. Dust the living room, buy the groceries, prep the dressing, brine the turkey. Fight for justice, save the planet, read the news, analyze the moment, doom scroll social media.
How many ripe blackberries are around you and me every single day that sit there on the vine waiting to be picked but never seen? What does it say that our God makes the world in such a way that in the midst of the forest, sweet fruits spring forth to be discovered? What does it say that our God fashions the earth so that mountain creeks rush over boulders and create hidden waterfalls that people just happen to discover? What does it say of our God that springs rise up in the soil to nourish the earth and our bodies?
What does it say about our God that in the place of death and decay, at the entrance to a tomb that is supposed to be filled with rotten flesh, the risen Jesus comes alive and reconciles with his disciples? The Easter news is a blackberry moment, a surprise to the grieving and the guilty, those just trying to do their tasks and get back in the game. It is sweet, nourishing, hopeful, and breaks the manufactured rhythms we create for ourselves.
I don’t want to miss those resurrection moments. I don’t want to forget to wear faith, love, and hope. I bet you don’t either. And so Paul tells his church, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” He’s encouraging us to be a people of blackberry moments. In the midst of calamity and uncertainty and the end of the world, we encourage one another to wear the breastplate of faith and love and put on the helmet of hope. We encourage one another to see the power of God working around us in ways hidden but sometimes accidentally discovered. A surprise of grace. Happy Thanksgiving!
-The Rev. Andrew C. Whaley, Head of Staff
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Generosity Campaign: Renewing the Covenant
"There is a great task before us. Shall we go into it half-heartedly and reluctantly? I know that we will not. But all pulling together as one, with a sincere desire to do the Lord's work, we will go on and on from one great accomplishment to another and carry with us the blessing of God.”
- Dr. G.M. Maxwell, May 1925
As we began October, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church (October 4, 1924). Since that day, we have sought to follow the ways of Jesus Christ within our community and beyond. This means that the fall of 2024 is the beginning of our second century of witness to the Gospel! This summer we have conducted Centennial Conversations to strengthen our connection and listen for God together. We anticipate a deepening of faith as a result of these endeavors. As we continue this process of listening for God, we ask you to be in prayer for how you can support our church's witness in 2025.
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A Common Prayer for the Next Century of
Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church
If you were unable to be in worship on Sunday, October 27 when we presented and signed our new prayer, we are leaving the prayer in the Gathering Area for the next few weeks so all have time to sign.
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Fellowship Dinners - Wednesdays at 6:15 PM
Layers of deliciousness will be found in next week’s dinner entrée (Wednesday, December 4)– either with meat or without. Your lasagna will be accompanied by green beans and garlic bread; be sure to leave room for chocolate cake! Sign up online at rcpres.org/dinner or in the Gathering Area: suggested donation of $25 for the whole family or $8/person. If you need a take-home container, please bring your own.
Menu 12/4 - Lasagna, Italian Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Chocolate Cake, Veggie Lasagna
Takeout Meals: In our efforts to become an Earth Care Church, the Fellowship Committee asks you to please bring your own container if you would like a takeout meal on Wednesday nights. We thank you for your help with this.
Volunteers are always needed to help with various tasks including set-up, clean-up, serving, check-in,
and transporting leftovers to RAM House. Details and dates at the link below.
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Poinsettias for Advent
If you would like to dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of someone special, please complete the form in the This Week @ RCPC with name(s) for dedication or complete the envelope in the pews and place the envelope in the offering plate. Please note on the memo line of the check “Poinsettia” or the notes field if paying online. The deadline to order is December 15. A list will be included in the bulletin on December 22. The cost per dedication is $12. Online ordering available at tinyurl.com/RCPCPoinsettias2024
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RCPC Ornament
To continue with our celebration of 100 years of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, we have created a pewter ornament that is a replica of the Celtic cross that hangs in our sanctuary! The ornaments will be for sale on Sundays starting November 24. They are $20. Hang one on your tree! Buy one for someone you know who loves RCPC! Any questions, reach out to Emily Jarrett at 662-610-2705.
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Christian Education & Worship | |
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Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 PM – RCPC Chapel
December is almost here! And with it there are many things we are carrying. Some are carrying lists of presents to buy and parties to plan, Nutcracker costumes to sew, and tickets to purchase. The exhaustion of making Christmas "perfect" weighs us down. Others carry sorrow and loneliness in this season as grief grips hearts. We mourn for those who have died, those from whom we are estranged, and for those who are struggling. Some of us carry large weights of worry about the world, the planet, our community. Whatever you carry this Advent, this worship service is an opportunity to lay it down before Christ, to trust that Christ actually comes in our waiting. Come and find a center, a peace, a hope to guide us through this season of darkness and light.
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Congregational Retreat – Early Bird Registration
Retreat: March 14-16, 2025
"....and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Doesn't it feel like life gets faster and faster? The promises of contemporary society, technology, and convenience have not led us to spend more time in contemplation, recreation, and relationships. Instead, they have driven us to increase our capacity to produce and accomplish more. It feels like we are in an accelerated age and everything from the planet to our own lives is "burning out." Besides eternity with God, there is no way out of this modern malaise, but as Christians we are given moments of resonance, where the Good News of God interrupts the speeding up of life, surprises us, breaks in, and gives us a moment of rest. Such is our retreat in March—a moment of reflection, recreation, and rest—two days of resonance. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Join us this spring as we explore a life a little more "Unplugged" from the pressures, expectations, and envy of modern life. Book your room at Massanetta Springs for the 2025 Congregational Retreat today to lock in the early bird pricing! Form and payment are due by November 30 to Leigh Sackett or Julie Satterwhite. Forms are available in the Gathering Area or register online at the link below.
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Adult Small Groups
The Small Group lessons are based on the Sunday sermons and scripture. Being part of a Small Group is an experience rich in personal connection and spiritual growth. Small Groups discuss what is shared in worship, therefore the experience of worship is more deeply ingrained in our minds and hearts. As we contemplate it all together, the concepts take root and our faith grows!
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Sermon Reflections: Mondays 12:30 PM-2:00 PM - Andrew Whaley, Room 102
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The Fools: Tuesdays 4:00 PM-5:30 PM - David Dixon, Room 102
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Soul Sisters: Tuesdays 8:00 PM-9:30 PM - Emilie Biddle, Rotating Houses
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The After Dinner Crowd: Wednesdays 7:00 PM-8:30 PM - Leigh Sackett, Room 102
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Thursday Theology: Thursdays 10:30 AM-12:00 PM - Elise Hansard, Room 101
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Intergenerational Sunday School
Advent Creation
Led by Leigh Sackett, Fellowship Hall.
Parents and children come, join us for a hands-on exploration of creating some memorable Advent traditions that you can continue year to year. We will create an Advent wreath, we will make ornaments to give as presents to grandparents or other family members, we will frost cookies for our neighbors, and we will create a Tree of Hope for friends in need.
Class descriptions and full schedules are available online at rcpres.org/adult-education
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Sermon Series: Christmas Can Happen
Manufactured Christmas is everywhere now. Old and new films, carols and jingles and pop anthems are in our air pods and speakers. Cards are sent and gifts are purchased and parties are planned. We act as though Christmas can be created through our effort to produce it. Such is modern life. But Christmas as the incarnate God entering the world is nothing we can create, produce, or manufacture. It is gift, and it is surprise. An Advent people, then, become a people who know the light, resist the light, await the light, and celebrate the light. And within those waiting people, Christmas Can Happen.
December 1—Light Always—John 1:1-4
December 8—I’m Baaaaa-aaaack!!—Luke 1:5-25 & John 1:6-8; 19-28
December 15—Thirsting for Light—Luke 1:26-38 & John 1:9-13
December 33—Light in the Darkness—Luke 1:39-45 & John 1:5, 16-18
December 24—Shining—Luke 2:1-20
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Rehearsal Schedules
- Youth Choir: Sundays at 5:00 PM
- Genesis Ringers: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
- Raleigh Court Ringers: Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
- God Alive Choir: Wednesdays during God Alive
- Christmas Choir: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
- Sanctuary Choir: Wednesdays at 7:45 PM
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Progressive Dinner
Sunday, December 8
6:00 PM—8:30 PM
It's time for one of our youth's favorite Christmas festivities! Don't forget on Sunday, December 8 that Youth Group is on the go. Drop-off is at the Whaley's at 6:00 PM and pick-up is at the Swanner's at 8:30 PM. Addresses will be in the weekly e-newsletter. Be sure to wear something festive.
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Advent Youth Sunday School
Film & Theology: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Each week we'll watch 30 minutes of this Christmas Classic and then discuss connections between the film and our faith! Film will begin at 10:05 AM on the dot giving students time to make their cups of hot cocoa and to provide time for conversation at the end. You won't want to miss it!
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Meals Needed for Youth Group
Over 30 youth and 8 advisors gather at the church most Sunday nights for a meal, recreation, a mini lesson and time exploring scripture through small groups. While our leaders plan and carry out most of youth group, we rely on the wider congregation to support us by providing a meal during the year. Providing a meal gives you a chance to spend time with our youth and to live into the baptismal vows you made for them to continue raising them in their faith. Please take a look at this sign up to see all the dates available for dinner and consider signing up for a meal. Popular dinners are: Baked potato bar, stews/soups, Tacos, Spaghetti and Meatballs.
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Opportunity for Generosity & Mission Updates | |
Earth Care - Tree Planting
The Earth Care Team at RCPC is excited to join the Roanoke Tree Stewards for their December planting on Saturday, December 7 at 9:00 AM at Raleigh Court Park. Roanoke City declared 2024 to be the Year of the Tree. In addition to the beauty and importance to wildlife, our city's trees have tangible value in many ways, including reducing stormwater runoff and providing canopy cover and shade which helps reduce the heat island effect. Planting trees in our yards and in our neighborhood is a simple way we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen our communities. Come learn more! If you're interested in joining us, please text Chris Bryant at 540-314-9977.
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Sudanese Well Update
Water—glorious water! This is the well that will provide fresh drinking water to the Makerdit community and the farm workers, who are farming 50 acres of land to grow food for Abukloi School. Also, they will water the crops using this water. The RCPC Endowment Fund is responsible for this life-changing hole in the ground! Hope demands action—here is that action:
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Prayer Requests
Marvin & Roena Barbre, Dawn Blakeman, Jackie Blakeman, Mayuen Chice, Beverly Day and family (friend of Camilla and Johnsey Cabaniss), Susan Lindstrom, Megan Mallare (friend of Kathy Grove), Melissa Martin (friend of Lisa Boylan), Rusty McCown, Jon Nance (Bill and Betty Nance's son/stepson), Steve Pottinger (Bob & India Atkinson’s son-in-law), and all caregivers.
(Prayers request as of Friday, November 22. Names in bold indicate an addition to the prayer list this week.)
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Birthdays: November 25-December 1
11/25 Phil Brundrett
11/26 Anne Agee, Austen Earls
11/27 Eric Kessler
11/28 Eliza Goad, Beth Snead
11/29 Martin Trussell
11/30 Juliana Wilcher
12/1 Fred Davis
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Monday, November 25
9:00 AM - Hunger Mission Packing
10:00 AM - Monday Morning Prayer Group
12:30 AM - Small Group: Whaley
7:00 PM - Session
Tuesday, November 26
9:00 AM - Staff Meeting
Wednesday, November 27
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Thursday, November 28
Church Office Closed
Friday, November 29
Church Office Closed
Saturday, November 30
9:00 AM - Hanging of the Greens
Sunday, December 1
Advent
9:00 AM - Worship – Chapel
10:00 AM - Sunday School
11:00 AM - Worship - Sanctuary
5:00 PM - Youth Choir
6:00 PM - Youth Group
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR GROUPS
- Preschool: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Centering Prayer at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church: Monday, 10:00 AM
- Cub Scouts: Monday, 6:30 PM
- BSA Troop 2: Monday, 7:00 PM
- Roanoke Valley Choral Society, Monday, 7:00 PM
- AA-Primary Purpose: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 AM
- AA-Seeds of Hope: Tuesday, 5:30 PM
- Tai Chi: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:30 PM
- Hip Sober Chicks: Thursday, 6:30 PM
- Al-Anon: Friday, 11:45 AM
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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
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