|
Dear Friends in Christ,
With Thanksgiving approaching, I find myself in a “giving thanks” mood. And there is much for which to be grateful.
I give thanks for our Service and Outreach Committee, whose proposed budget creates an opportunity for our congregation to respond to the news that 54 PC(USA) mission co-workers have lost their denominational funding. Through our pledges, we can help sustain transformative ministries in places far beyond our own community. What a gift to be able to respond to this need together.
I give thanks, too, for the Presbytery of the Peaks. At its most recent meeting, the presbytery voted to commit $20,000 annually for the next three years to support a mission co-worker previously funded by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Our congregation and presbytery are joining together to help sustain vital ministry. I am grateful that we can be partners in meeting this moment.
I give thanks that our church will host an Election Eve Prayer Service this Monday at 5:30 p.m. in our sanctuary. I will be out of town for a meeting, but Elizabeth Link and three other community pastors will lead the service. It will be nonpartisan. In a time when our political differences can divide us, gathering to pray is itself a witness: whatever our political convictions, we are called to live in communion with Christ and with one another.
And I give thanks for the remarkable response to our recent Bible in Black and White series. Nearly 100 people participated in each of the four Wednesday sessions. What began years ago as a response to the need for honest conversation about race and faith has become an ongoing source of connection and growth. Friendships are forming across racial lines, and genuine community is taking root. I am grateful for all who continue to make this possible.
Mission beyond our borders, partnership within our presbytery, prayer across our differences, and friendship across racial lines: these are reminders that God is at work among us, often in ways that reach farther than we can see.
For all of this, I give thanks.
Gratefully,
Geo. Anderson
| | | | |
|
November 1, 2026: All Saints' Day
- 8:45am Worship Service with Communion, Sanctuary
- 9:45am Handbell Rehearsal, Handbell Room
- 9:45am Sunday School
- 9:45am POP-UP Sunday School, Fellowship Hall
- 11:00am Worship Service, Sanctuary & Live Stream
- 12:00pm All Saints Remembrance Service, Columbarium
- 5:00pm Kids' Fellowship
- 5:00pm Youth Group, Fellowship Hall
See the full calendar HERE.
Thank you, Two Cents Helpers! We would like to thank the following children for their help and participation in our worship services on Sunday, October 25 by holding the Two Cents-a-Meal bags for the congregation to fill.
- Early service: Natalie Early (grandparents, Julie and Don Mugford)
- Late service: Whit Ashburn (parents, Margaret and Brandon) and Wells and Eliza Kreger (parents, Sarah and Lee)
If your family or child would like to help with Two Cents collection, please email Stacy Moore.
| | | | |
Daylight Saving Reminder
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, November 1.
Don’t forget to “fall back” and set your clocks back an hour on the evening of October 31.
| | | Moments from the Trunk or Treat | |
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).
| | |
Second Presbyterian Church member Ruth Robertson is having hip surgery on October 27 and would appreciate help with meals. If you can help, please plan to deliver meals (feeding 2 adults) to the Robertsons between 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Bringing meals in containers that don't need to be returned is appreciated. Address and phone information is on the sign up page.
Sign up to provide a meal HERE. Questions? Contact Deborah Vaughan (540-314-3892).
| |
Congratulations
Congratulations to Nancy Gray, Second's Parish Associate for Visitation, who was installed as Vice Moderator of the Presbytery of the Peaks for 2027 during its stated meeting on October 22.
| | |
Pop-Up Sunday School
"This Is Our Story: Service & Outreach at Second" with Ben Brannan
Sunday, November 1 | 9:45 a.m. | Fellowship Hall
| How does our faith move beyond the walls of the church? We’ll hear about the ways Second Pres. serves our neighbors and community, explore the stories behind some of our outreach ministries, and consider where God might be calling us to serve. | |
Election Eve Service
Monday, November 2 | 5:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
| |
A non-denominational Election Eve Service for the Roanoke Community to Pray Together Across Political Differences
On the eve of Election Day, Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke will host an Election Eve Service inviting people throughout the Roanoke Valley to pause from the noise of the campaign and pray together for their community, their neighbors, and their country. The service will offer prayers for the Roanoke community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation, as well as prayers for wisdom, humility, courage, and the grace to love one’s neighbor across differences.
The service is intentionally nonpartisan. It will include prayers, Scripture, music, and reflection focused not on candidates or political parties, but on the responsibilities Christians share as neighbors and citizens.
The service is open to the public, and people of all political perspectives and Christian traditions are welcome. Join us for worship as we gather in God’s presence, remember who we are, and rest in the love that holds us all.
| |
Theology on Tap
Wednesday, November 4 | 6:00 p.m. | Starr Hill Brewery
| Men of the church are invited to join us for another great night of Theology on Tap—a space where faith meets real life over good conversation and better company. Join us on Wednesday, November 4 at Starr Hill Brewery from 6:00–7:00 p.m. | |
Grief Seminar
Thursday, November 12 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Session Room
| |
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 Monday, November 8.
| |
Gals' Gathering
November 20–21 (Fri.–Sat.) | Alta Mons Camp & Retreat Center
| |
Only a couple weeks remain to register for the Gals’ Gathering!
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 Wednesday, November 11.
| |
Advent Workshop
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 4:45–7:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
"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! | | | | | |
|
BJ Millar
Campbell Tims
Our sympathies extend to April and Greg Zachmann on the death of April’s mother, Earline Franklin Gosney of Danville, VA, on Saturday, October 24. Our prayers are also with their children, Evan and Andrew Zachmann.
|
| | | |
|
The Outreach Offering for the month of October will support the PCC Food Pantry. This year, we celebrate 59 years of partnership between Presbyterian Community Center (PCC) and Second Presbyterian Church! As PCC approaches its 60th anniversary, their new building is bringing a long-held vision to life. Pathways enrollment has grown by more than 20%, while the food pantry is experiencing unprecedented need from families across our community. Thank you, members of Second Presbyterian, for 59 years of volunteers, financial support, leadership, and prayers. This October, PCC is grateful for our continued partnership and commitment to helping meet the growing needs of our neighbors through this month’s Outreach Offering. As of Thursday, October 20, $8,060 has been collected.
Monthly Food Collection for PCC: November’s food collection will support the middle school youth Hunger Busters event! 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 to the stage in the Fellowship Hall.
-
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
|
| | | |
|
Second Presbyterian Church
214 Mountain Avenue SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
Office Hours:
| | |
Mon.–Thurs.: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
| | |
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
| | | | |
