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

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

    And who shall stand in his holy place?

Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,

    who do not lift up their souls to what is false

    and do not swear deceitfully.

They will receive blessing from the Lord

    and vindication from the God of their salvation.

Such is the company of those who seek him,

    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

-Psalm 24: 3-6

I heard an interview recently with Charles Fain Lehman, a crime and drug policy researcher at the Manhattan Institute.  He was discussing both the crime statistics in America and the broader feeling of “disorder” that many people experience.  Over the course of the interview, he brought up how “vice” has become more acceptable in American culture.

In that realm he included the legalization of marijuana and the deleterious effects of that policy in addition to the spread of fentanyl.  He discussed cities that have allowed certain sections to be used for open drug use.  He talked about legalization of gambling and in particular online sports gambling.  Access to pornography, the public wearing of vulgar language on clothing, and the lack of concern around sexual fidelity were all mentioned.  

In my observation, people seem generally more confrontational than we were some fifteen years ago.  We are encouraged to take pride in our willingness to voice our views and defend our positions and to do so with harsh language and insults if necessary.  Respectful debate is not the goal.

I wonder if confrontation and vice is the result of losing a sense of what is holy.  A sense of divine order serves to temper our behaviors and actions.  If we have some understanding of what a peaceful world could look like, we can bend our actions and words toward that goal.  The psalmist calls this “clean hands and pure hearts,” refusing to succumb to “what is false.”

Tomorrow is election day, and half the country will be glad of the results and half will believe that they are a sign of terrible things to come.  I wonder if we might, no matter the outcome, commit to a holy vision that refuses to indulge vice or delight in vicious confrontation.  



PRAYER:

Calm our hearts, O God,

and enliven our trust in you.

Quiet our tongues from hateful speech

and stop our thumbs from typing it.

Make us witnesses to your holy vision,

and bring your peace upon earth.

Amen.

-The Rev. Andrew C. Whaley, Head of Staff

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.

Fellowship Outing: Roanoke Railyard Dawgs Hockey Game

Our next Roanoke Railyard Dawgs hockey outing is Saturday, November 16 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $14; team staff also recommends buying a Berglund Center parking pass for $5, or fans can take the shuttle from the Elmwood Park garage. Anyone wanting to attend can sign up here, or in the gathering area. Ticket money can be turned in to Dawn Long's mailbox outside the Church Office.

Drumstick Dash

In-person is Thursday, November 28, and Virtual is November 1-30. You can use the discount code (Williams15) to receive a 15% discount on the registration fee. You can also sign up your pup to walk or run with you! One lucky participant will receive their entrance fee for free! Move your feet (and paws) so others can eat!!

All RCPC Presbyterian Women

Join us for Line Dancing and Lots of Food on Friday, November 22 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall! Bring a heavy hors d'oeuvre and enjoy fellowship with women of all ages. Following food and fellowship, we invite you to join in or watch an introductory line dancing lesson. Please RSVP to Ellen Austin at ebaustin11@gmail.com by Monday, November 18, or on the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Area.

Save the date for future PW events:

• January 24: Game Night
• February 21: Women, Wine, and the Word
• March 29: Walk, Talk, and Taste at Mill Mountain Gardens
• April 26: Paint and Praise
• May 25: Taste, Talk, and Walk on the Roanoke Greenway (lunch at Wasena Tap and Grill)

Please reach out to Ellen Austin (ebaustin11@gmail.com) with any questions.

A NOTE FROM RCPC PRESCHOOL

RCPC’s Annual Fall Festival was so much fun! It was wonderful to have representation from the congregation, preschool and local community in attendance! We estimated to have over 350 people enjoy this special event.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, purchased raffle tickets, and contributed to dinner donations!   A big appreciation to Texas Tavern who donated the hotdogs, buns, chili and fixings!

All proceeds from dinner donations and raffle sales go to RCPC Preschool which currently serves over 85 students! This year, the Fall Festival raised over $3500 for the preschool!

TOWNSIDE GARDEN HOLIDAY PLANT SALES:

RCPC Preschool has partnered with Townside Gardens and is selling beautiful holiday plants and garland through November 4th . The plants will be delivered to the Church on December 2^nd.  Order forms are in the gathering area and can be paid via cash, check or online (via VANCO)

PRESCHOOL AMAZON WISHLIST

Are you looking for other ways to support RCPC Preschool? We have created an Amazon wishlist for anyone looking to purchase something for the classrooms this holiday season (or anytime of year!) 

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WEEZ5FT5CES6?ref=cm_sw_sm_r_un_un_BZbRR0ycruy1m

Thank you for loving and supporting our school!

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!

• Sermon Reflections: Mondays 12:30 PM-2:00 PM - Andrew Whaley, Room 102
• The Fools: Tuesdays 4:00 PM-5:30 PM - David Dixon, Room 102
• Soul Sisters: Tuesdays 8:00 PM-9:30 PM - Emilie Biddle, Parlor
• The After Dinner Crowd: Wednesdays 7:00 PM-8:30 PM - Leigh Sackett, Room 102
• Thursday Theology: Thursdays 10:30 AM-12:00 PM - Elise Hansard, Room 101

Thanksgiving Service: The Feast of Creation

Sunday, November 24

Dinner at 6:00 PM—Fellowship Hall; Worship at 7:00 PM—Chapel

A Service of Thanksgiving for Creation. Our fall evening prayer series culminates in the Feast of Creation. Following a season of repentance for our sinful desecration of the gift of Creation and prayer for its healing, the Feast honors God as Creator and commemorates the great mystery of the creation of the cosmos. We give thanks for this foundational mystery of our Christian faith and join together around the table singing and praying in gratitude for the One who gives life to all creation.

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.

Adult Sunday School—November Classes

History of Christian Theology led by Mike Lockaby - Room 101

Ever wanted to learn about how Christians think by thinking along with them as they grappled with what it means to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and teach it to others? This course is designed to think along with the people before us in the Christian tradition, rather than remember dates, places, and names. The class will follow along with a series of half-hour lectures on the History of Christian Theology by Dr. Phillip Cary, a professor of philosophy at Eastern University and a widely published scholar of Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, and Protestantism. Following each lecture will be a 20 to 30 minute discussion of the subject matter led by Mike Lockaby, who will also provide copies of additional related materials to people who are interested. Come join us beginning this Sunday, October 27.

The Seekers - Room 201

The Seekers finish their last two weeks of "God in America," and then on November 10-24, the Earth Care Team will present a three part series on the joys and challenges of loving and caring for our natural environment and the ways in which God calls us to be stewards of the land and all things that live and breathe.

Topics will include:

· ·An overview of earth care within our church and local community

· Local and global impacts of carbon emissions and climate change

· The amazing world of trees and their incredible impacts on our environment, soil health, and small-scale composting.

Each lesson will provide opportunities for engagement and connection for every age and ability!

Parent as a Verb - Room 102

Join us in Parent as a Verb October 27 - November 24 for an engaging class on Spirituality and Children's Literature, led by Charles Richards. We will open ourselves to spirituality and Christian themes found in children's literature. We will use these books to explore new perspectives and build community amongst one another, within our families, and out in the world!

Class descriptions and full schedules available online at rcpres.org/adult-education 

Requiem by John Rutter – Sunday, November 10 at 4:00 PM

We honor the legacy of the deceased members in RCPC history with an All Saints Concert featuring John Rutter’s Requiem. This concert will be presented by the Sanctuary Choir and a chamber ensemble of six instrumentalists and the organ. Rutter’s eclectic setting of the Requiem in one of the most popular choral works composed in the last 35 years praised for its simplicity, brevity, and memorable melodies. 

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

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. 

Mission Partner Support 

Each month, we are designating all cash and coin to one of our local mission partners. For the month of November, we are supporting Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM). You can place your money in the offering plate or make an online gift using the QR code, noting that it is for Mission and making a note for the Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) in the text box.

Last month, we’re thankful for your generosity as we raised $1,834.05 for the Rescue Mission.

Wrapped in Love

Are you interested to learn how to crochet or knit? Do you have a yarn project you'd like to work on surrounded by friends? Come join the Wrapped in Love ministry for coffee and refreshments on Saturday, November 9 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at the home of Emily Jarrett.

RSVP to Rebecca Whaley at

rebecca.whaley@gmail.com for more details. All ages and experience levels welcome!

Earth Care - Tree Planting

The Earth Care Team at RCPC is excited to join the Roanoke Tree Stewards for two tree planting events this Winter, November 16 and December 7. The first opportunity on November 16 will be hosted by Chris Bryant at Fishburn Park where she will be offering a planting demonstration for us to learn the best way to transplant trees and share about their importance in our community. Then on December 7 we have the opportunity to volunteer as a church group and plant trees to serve the community in Old Southwest! 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 to both or either event to learn more! If you're interested in joining us, please text Chris Bryant at 540-314-9977.

Prayer Requests

George Baldwin, Marvin & Roena Barbre, Dawn Blakeman, Jackie Blakeman, Mayuen Chice, Beverly Day and family (friend of Camilla and Johnsey Cabaniss), Nancy Farthing, Betty Garner, Susan Lindstrom, Megan Mallare (friend of Kathy Grove), Melissa Martin (friend of Lisa Boylan), Rusty McCown, Billie Murphree (Dawn Long's mother), Jon Nance (Bill and Betty Nance's son/stepson), Hugh Wellons, and all caregivers.

(Prayers request as of Friday, November 1. Names in bold indicate an addition to the prayer list this week.)

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

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