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Dear friends,
If these walls could talk, they’d have some good news to share! From our Election Eve service on Monday, where more than 100 people gathered (at least half of them were visitors from around Roanoke!), to Election Day, when our building served as our neighborhood’s polling place, it has been a week of welcoming our neighbors. Add that to our church preschool, which continues to run beautifully; groups like Al-Anon and other non-profit groups; church committee meetings; midweek classes; and all the other ways our building is used throughout the week. (And while the Scouts didn’t meet this week because school was closed on Monday, they’re here nearly every week, too!) This activity doesn’t even include all the spaces that are filled with Sunday worship, Sunday school, Kids’ Fellowship, and Youth Group.
What a gift it is to have this wonderful and welcoming space. What a joy it is to see it filled with life, ministry, learning, and community nearly every day and every hour of the week. We are the beneficiaries of generations of faithful stewardship. So many faithful members believed this church should be a place where people encounter God and find community. What a gift it is to continue that ministry and carry it forward.
Our stewardship theme this year is “We Are Needed,” and as I look around our building this week, I see how true that is. What would our neighborhood, or Roanoke, be like without Second Presbyterian? We may never know all the ways our church makes a difference in the life of our community, but this week has offered us a beautiful glimpse. We are needed. And what a gift it is to be a part of a church that has so much to offer.
Grace and peace,
Elizabeth Link
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Remember Your Commitment
Commitment cards have been mailed and are available in the sanctuary and at the front office. You can communicate your financial commitment via mail, by phone or email to Church Administrator Nathan Anderson (540-343-3659), or online via your Realm account (Log in --> Giving --> + Pledge --> 2027 General Fund).
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Grief Seminar
Thursday, November 12 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Session Room
REGISTER BY THIS SUNDAY
| The holiday season can stir up tender memories and emotions, especially after the loss of a loved one. Join us for a supportive workshop that offers space to honor those we remember, while also exploring ways to discover light and joy during the holidays. Together, we will share stories, learn about the impact of grief in this season, and receive practical coping strategies. | | | | |
Our time will include candle-lighting, guided reflection, conversation, and teaching led by Frances Gaeta, LCSW, Clinical Program Manager at the Center for Grief and Healing.
Register by Sunday, November 8.
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Gals' Gathering
November 20–21 (Fri.–Sat.) | Alta Mons Camp & Retreat Center
LAST CALL! | REGISTER BY THIS WEDNESDAY
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This year’s theme, “Advent Waiting,” invites us to consider what it means to prepare the way for the Lord—even when life feels a little like wilderness. Together, we’ll look honestly at the obstacles that can get in the way and consider how we might make more room for Christ in our lives and community.
With guest speaker Rev. Donna Hopkins Britt, Pastor of Buchanan Presbyterian Church, we’ll journey through the four Gospels, reflecting on hope through Matthew, peace through Mark, joy through Luke, and love through John. Come for a meaningful time of worship, reflection, fellowship, and Advent preparation at Alta Mons. Many of the women in our church have said this is one of their favorite events during the year. We would love for you to be a part of it with us!
View the retreat brochure to learn more.
Register by THIS WEDNESDAY, November 11.
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Hunger Busters Collection
Donations due by Sunday, November 15
| Middle school youth are collecting all canned goods through Sunday, November 15 for the Presbyterian Community Center’s Hunger Buster Initiative as they stock their shelves to share with neighbors in Southeast Roanoke and beyond. You may pick up your donation bag (take as many as you can fill) from the sanctuary on Sundays or from the front desk on weekdays. Return your filled bag(s) to the stage in Fellowship Hall by Sunday, Nov. 15. Thank you for helping to feed those in need in Roanoke! | | Suggested Items: Stuffing Mixes, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Baking Mixes, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Biscuit Mixes, Chicken Broth, Elbow Macaroni, Salt and Pepper, Cheese, Butter, Shelf Stable Milk, Cornbread Mix | | |
Advent Workshop
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 4:45–7:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
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All ages are warmly invited to join us for our annual Advent Workshop and Potluck Dinner! Come enjoy an evening of fellowship, food, and creativity as we prepare our hearts and homes for the Advent season. We’ll be making Advent wreaths again this year, and we would love your help in collecting some of our supplies. We’ll provide the candles, base, and oasis, but would appreciate volunteers bringing clippers and evergreen branches from your home or neighborhood (with permission!).
Kids’ Fellowship children will be dismissed from the workshop around 6:00 p.m. for Christmas pageant rehearsal.
Bring a dish to share and celebrate the season with your church family!
Register by Monday, November 16.
| | Thanksgiving Drumstick Dash | |
It’s time to sign up for the Drumstick Dash event to benefit the Rescue Mission! Taking place Thanksgiving morning at 9:00 a.m., run, walk, and virtual run/walk events are available. If you have plans to attend, consider joining the Second Presbyterian Team! When registering online, click to join an existing Team Challenge and select Second Presbyterian under Churches from the list. There will be special recognition given to the largest church group participating. So head to www.drumstickdash.net and sign up for the Second Presbyterian team!
Interested to volunteer?
They are especially in need of Course Marshalls who will man assigned corners along the route, keep traffic from coming by, and encourage the participants as they go by. If you can assist the Rescue Mission by volunteering for the Drumstick Dash, visit their website to learn more and sign up.
| | Walmart Gift Card Collection for West End Center for Youth | |
During the month of November, the Service and Outreach Committee will be collecting Walmart gift cards for the children of West End Center, which serves 150 students every year from the ages of six to eighteen years old. West End Center is collecting Walmart gift cards for their 3rd-12th graders for Christmas presents. Cards are gifted in increments of $25.00 and sometimes this is the child's only Christmas present. Any amount will help, but they are requesting Walmart store cards, not the Walmart Visas. Every year their children receive coats and clothes from various community partners, but only the youngest students receive presents. Please help put a smile on their students' faces during this festive time of year.
Gift cards can be left in the box provided at the front desk on Sundays or in Meredith Koliba’s office during the week. Thank you for your generous giving.
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Christmas Dinner & Pageant
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 5:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall/Sanctuary
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Mark your calendar for our traditional family Christmas Dinner and Pageant on the evening of December 6 in Fellowship Hall. Dinner by Lib & Amy Catering begins at 5:00 p.m. After, we will recess to the sanctuary for the children’s Christmas Pageant. Come join the festivities!
On the Menu:
Baked Chicken Breast, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Mixed Garden Salad (Balsamic and Ranch Dressings), Buttered Rolls, Assorted Desserts
Cost:
- $15 – Adults (13 and up)
- $7 – Children ages 5-12
- Free – Children ages 0-4
Register by Wednesday, November 25.
| | Poinsettias for Christmas Season Services | |
If you would like to give memorial or celebration poinsettias for the Christmas season services, please complete the online order form and submit a payment of $12.50 per plant. Poinsettias will be displayed during services on December 13 (pink) and 20 (red).
The deadline for receiving orders and payment is Friday, December 4.
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Preschool Enrollment and Hiring
The preschool has a few spots open in the Threes class for the 2026–27 school year.
Additionally, the preschool is looking to hire after care staff for a couple of afternoons each week, 12:30–5:30 p.m.
Please email Preschool Director Alice Light to learn more, apply, or enroll.
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"This Is Our Story" | Christian Education 2026–27
“We will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…”
– Psalm 78:4
| | Whether you are testing the waters and dipping your toe into an adult education class or returning to a group of seekers you already know and love, there is a place for you in this year’s journey. Called together, we will learn, ask questions, laugh, serve, pray, and witness anew the good news of God’s great love. Welcome to another year of learning, growing, and belonging! | | | | | |
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The Outreach Offering for November will benefit Local Office on Aging (LOA). “We are dedicated to our mission of helping older persons remain independent for as long as possible.” LOA’s mission statement is their passion and commitment. LOA serves seniors and their families in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding area with services including Meals on Wheels, Vital Services Transportation, Congregate Meal Program, Emergency Food Pantry, Insurance Counseling, Falls Prevention Programs, Caregiver Resource Referral, and many more! Donors and volunteers are the heart of their mission, ensuring that many of their services, especially the Meals on Wheels program, are available for every senior in need. Learn more about LOA and how you can get involved at www.loaa.org. As of Wednesday, November 4, $2,092 has been collected.
The Outreach Offering for the month of October supported the PCC Food Pantry. The total collection came to $8,060.
Monthly Food Collection for PCC: November’s food collection will support the middle school youth Hunger Busters event!
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