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 October Raleigh Court Herald

Church Office Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Friday 8:30 AM-1:00 PM

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3: 22-23

How can something that “never ceases” continue to be “new every morning?”  It would seem like for something to be “new” that there must be something “old” or “completed.”  This is how our minds understand time and events.  They cirrus in an order- beginning, middle, end.  Something ends so that something else can begin anew.

But scripture, here and elsewhere, doesn’t adhere to our linear time at all times.  A steadfast love can be new every morning.  Past, future, and present are not so distinct for the faithful.  Time overlaps and expands.

Perhaps you experienced this on Rally Day yesterday in the RCPC Time Machine.  Past, future, and present all realities of God’s faithfulness, distinct in a sense but woven together also.

As we celebrate our 100th anniversary date in October, we are engaging the scripture in this non-linear time. “Remembering the Future, Expecting the Past” isn’t a typo; it’s intentional.  As Christian people, because of the resurrection of Jesus, we trust in God’s future of wholeness and unity.  So we draw on that memory of the future for courage and hope.  We also remember, not to calcify memory, but to recall God’s faithfulness before so that we can anticipate that God will act in such a way again.

So on this Monday, I ask two things of you.  Give thanks to God who is steadfast and faithful- eternal and unchanging.  And give thanks to God for mercies that are new with the morning.  Eternal and new.  They can happen together.

PRAYER:

For steadfast love,

For new mercies,

Thank you, O God.

In this week, help me to remember the future

And to expect the past.

Amen.

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

Presbyterian Women (PW)

Two opportunities to join our monthly meeting: Tuesday, October 8 at 10:15 AM in the Fellowship Hall and Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00 PM in room 102.

All RCPC Presbyterian Women

October 19 Walk, Talk, and Taste: Join the women of RCPC for ice cream at Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. at 1:30 pm, followed by a walk around the Roanoke Greenway. Children and pets are welcome! RSVP to Kaitlin Swanner at kaitlin.swanner@gmail.com.

Save the date for future PW events:

• November 22: Line Dancing and Lots of Food
• 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.

From the RCPC Maintenance Office

We are currently updating our fob system information. We would appreciate everyone that no longer needs their assigned fob, to turn it in to us so it can be reassigned. You may place the fob in the maintenance mailbox outside of the main office.

Do you like to paint? With the cooler weather comes the need for some outside maintenance. We have 6 metal doors that need to be painted along with some outside railing. If you are interested, let us know. Supplies are provided, however if you want to use your own, that is fine.

Lastly, if there anyone who would like to pressure wash an area of the building, we will provide the gas operated power washer. Thanks to all who give their time to keep the church running smoothly.

Linda Marshall

rcpcbuilding@rcpres.org

540-343-5541 ext. 105

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

Sermon Series: Remembering the Future, Expecting the Past

September 8—October 20

As we move toward the 100^th birthday of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, on October 2, we are going to explore what it means for Christian people to remember God’s faithfulness. Memory gives life meaning, but memory can also become nostalgia which leads to destruction and paralysis. Hope drives us forward to the promises of God, but hope that forgets the past is amnesia which brings us to ideology and eventually idolatry. So how do we remember and how do we hope so that the purposes and promises of God are lived out as we begin our next hundred years? 

October 13 - The Risk of Amnesia - Deuteronomy 15:7-15 & Hosea 4:1-6

October 20 - Generative Hope - Lamentations 3:22-24 & Micah 4:1-5 

The Bible in Black & White

This fall, Drs. Bill Lee and George Anderson will lead this growing study in a discussion of Walter Brueggemann's book, Delivered into Covenant: Pivotal Moments in the Book of Exodus, and will focus on the last half of the book which was not covered in April’s session. The group meets on the first four Wednesdays of October at noon in the Fellowship Hall of Second Presbyterian Church. 

Adult Sunday School—September Classes

The New Testament World: Making Sense of Where Jesus and the Apostles Lived. Led by Mike Lockaby, Room 101

October 13: Life on the Margins—the Hasmoneans and Herods

October 20: Life on the Margins—the Colonial Experience in the First Century

The Seekers, Room 201

October 13—November 3: PBS Video Series—God in America: How Religious Liberty Shaped America

Parents as a Verb, Room 102

September 15—October 20: The Anxious Generation (book study)

October 27—November 24: Spirituality and Children’s Literature, led by Charles Richards

Discover RCPC, Led by Andrew Whaley, Room 202

October 6 and 13: Following the 11:00 worship service (12:15 PM—1:30 PM)

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

Isabel Thornton, Executive Director of Restoration Housing

Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 PM - RCPC Chapel

Are you new to Roanoke? Are you a resident of the Roanoke Valley who lacks knowledge about the historical formation of different neighborhoods? Are you curious to learn the ways government/urban design policies shaped our neighborhoods in radically different ways? 

If so, you are in for a treat! Isabel Thornton, Executive Director of Restoration Housing, will answer your questions when she speaks in the Chapel on Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 PM. Isabel will address the formation of Raleigh Court neighborhood, as well as South Roanoke and Gainesboro. Restoration Housing’s Mission is to foster a strong, safe, and dignified community for low-to middle-income people, one house at a time. How does Isabel work through Restoration to increase justice and equity for people in all neighborhoods in the Roanoke Valley? Come and see. Please join us for this important event!  

Maureen Guelzow - Justice, Equity, and Belonging Committee

Christmas Concert Choir

Those interested in participating in the Christmas Concert Choir for this event may contact Director of Music Ministries, Dillon J. Swanson at dillon@rcpres.org for more information prior to rehearsals beginning on Wednesday, October 2 at 7:00 PM.

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
• Sanctuary Choir: Wednesdays at 7:00 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. 

College Care Packages

Our Youth will be preparing College Care Packages to go out from our church family to all our students near and far as a reminder of how loved they are by God and by those of us still in Roanoke. We have 16 youth to send boxes to! Help us fill these packages with goodies. Donated items can be placed in the box for these items in the Gathering Area. Flat items are recommended: Post-It Notes, Ramen, Deck of Cards, Pens, Stickers, Cards, Gum, on the go tissues, tide sticks, Chapstick, hair ties, granola bars etc. Items must be dropped off by worship on Sunday, October 20.

Mission Partner Support 

Each month, we are designating all cash and coin to one of our local mission partners. For the month of October, we are supporting the Rescue Mission. In 2023, the Rescue Mission received $5,500 in support from our church. Your generosity will encourage us to meet that amount in 2024. 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 Rescue Mission in the text box. Last month, we’re thankful for your generosity as we raised $3,084.49 for the Hunger Mission Group.

Sudanese/South Sudanese Mission Group

Ater is settling into his own apartment. He needs just about anything you can imagine except a crockpot.

Margaret is asking for room size rugs.

Achol needs a twin bed or bunk bed and a queen size headboard/ footboard.

Contact Sandra if you have any of these items to donate. (540-330-3451; sandrarcpc@yahoo.com)

Thank you!

Tailgate for Hunger a Huge Success!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Tailgate for Hunger. The Hunger Mission Group is thrilled to announce we raised $7,711.49 over the course of the month and around $5,000 on the night of the Tailgate for Hunger. We would like to extend a hearty congratulations to this year's winning team: Bald and Bespectacled - Josh Goad and Mike Hertz.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

In addition to our prayers for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, we invite you to contribute to relief efforts through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance ministry of the PC(USA). Click here to make a secure online donation. You may also give a check to the church marked PDA. 

Pump-A-Pint Fall Blood Drive Results

A big shout out to those who participated in our blood drive on October 1st! We registered 51 donors and collected 50 units, which is 150 lives saved thanks to your generosity. Heartfelt thanks to all who signed up, showed up or brought much- appreciated homemade goodies for our donors. A special thank you to the Pump-a-Pint team who offers the warmest hospitality and keeps our donors coming back again and again! Dale Hanslik even brought a friend along who came because Dale had told him how good our cookies are! This blood drive was also extra-important because many blood drives in the southeast had to be cancelled because of hurricane Helene. Units collected at any blood drive held this fall will help those communities that are unable to conduct blood drives because of the disruption caused by this unprecedented weather event. Mark your calendars now for our first blood drive of 2025 on January 21. We already have 32 appointments scheduled, contact Lillian Alexander at alexanderlj@yahoo.com or go to RedCrossBlood.org.

Spooky Sprint 5K

Come support a good cause and have some family fun with West End Center at the Spooky Sprint 5K on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 AM at Wasena Park. Hurry, today is the last day to register for $30, price goes up to $40 tomorrow (October 1). Whether you're sprinting, strolling, or joining with your furry friend, the Spooky Sprint promises ghoulish fun for all ages. Costumes, creatures, and chills await—along with a spine-tingling race-day experience you won’t forget!

Register online at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Roanoke/SpookySprint5KRun

Prayer Requests

George Baldwin, Marvin & Roena Barbre, Dawn Blakeman, Jackie Blakeman, Brendan Brown (Kathy and Les Brown’s grandson), 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, Debbie Miller, Billie Murphree (Dawn Long's mother), Jon Nance (Bill and Betty Nance's son/stepson), Hugh Wellons, and all caregivers.

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Lisa Boylan, Jessi Beckett, and their families after the passing of Garland Parry on Sunday, September 29.

(Prayers request as of Friday, October 4. 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