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Dear Church,
This Sunday evening, we will host our 6th Annual Trunk or Treat. Back in 2021, as the Youth Council gathered to plan the next program year, I hoped for a church-wide event, led by the youth, that brought our community partners and neighbors together. So, I pitched the idea of a Trunk or Treat. I encouraged them that not only would a Trunk or Treat offer such an opportunity, but it would also be LOTS OF FUN!! By the grace of God, they agreed!
The youth program’s theme that year was We Are One. And when I think of the Trunk or Treat, I could not think of a better theme to ground its beginnings. Because this Sunday evening, people young and old will join together to offer a safe space of fellowship for our neighbors who may not have such a space; the youth of this church coordinate and lead games that bring excitement (and some candy) to the children of our preschool and neighborhood elementary schools and their families; members and non-members will transform our parking lot to a hallway of spooky-fun with creatively decorated trunks! You see, together—young and old, youth and children and their families, members and non-members—we are gathering for one night, to participate in one event, to pursue one mission: offer Christian hospitality and community through a safe and fun event.
The youth invite—and strongly encourage—everyone, and I mean everyone (whether or not you are decorating your car or have a child/youth or whatever might be the reason you tell yourself that you can’t come) to join us for a night to be together as one community, loved by God and called to serve our neighbors and friends. Because on top of the Trunk or Treat, the Middle School Youth begin their Hunger Busters Initiative in support of the Presbyterian Community Center. Each year, the youth collect a literal van-full of non-perishable food, donated by this generous church community. So, as you get your costume ready and grab your bucket or bag for candy, let that be a reminder to also fill a bag full of food for our neighbors who are food insecure.
Together, though we are many, we are one in Christ Jesus. See you on Sunday!
With excitement and gratitude,
Ben Brannan
P.S.
WOW! We have 25 Trunks registered! That is only 5 away from our goal of 30… Will you help us reach that goal?!?
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Trunk or Treat
Sunday, Oct. 25 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Mountain Ave. Parking Lot
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The 6th Annual 2PC Youth Trunk or Treat is creeping back into town on October 25th, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the Mountain Avenue Parking Lot!
Join our neighbors, preschool families, mission partners, and local schools for a SPOOKtacular evening full of fun, sweet treats, and wonderful fellowship! Our youth will create games for kids of all ages, while church members deck out their trunks and hand out candy. The Second Pres Preschool even sponsors the Bounce House!
This church-wide, neighborhood, and community celebration is a fun way to connect with one another while sharing our commitment to mission, outreach, and building meaningful relationships.
Want to join the fun? We’d love your help!
- Donate candy to keep our treats flowing!
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Sign up to decorate your car and pass out goodies!
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Currently we have 25 “trunks” for the event. The youth need our support and would love to see 30 cars fill the parking lot! We will even decorate your trunk for you if you simply want to show up and pass out candy!
- Candy donations can be made until Oct 25.
Contact Ben Brannan with questions. Let’s make this year’s Trunk or Treat frightfully fantastic!
Hunger Busters Food Drive Begins!
That same evening, we’ll kick off our Middle School Hunger Busters Initiative to benefit the Presbyterian Community Center. We’ll be collecting canned food donations through November 15th.
Help us fill more than treat bags this fall—let’s fill shelves and share God’s love with our community, one can at a time!
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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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The Bible in Black & White
"Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Wednesdays in October | 12:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
WSLS 10 news joined us this week to share this study with the larger Roanoke community. Check out their article here!
This October, the Bible in Black & White community will consider Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” dated April 16, 1963. Our final class together this fall is Wednesday, October 28.
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Location: Second Presbyterian Church
Facilitators: Dr. Bill Lee, Dr. George C. Anderson, and ministers of other sponsoring churches.
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Senior Outing to the Swinging Bridge
Friday, October 30 | 10:30 a.m.
| Senior Outing to the Swinging Bridge on October 30: Join us for a senior outing to the Swinging Bridge Restaurant on Friday, October 30! Enjoy an afternoon surrounded by beautiful views, great company, and a delicious meal in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, share stories, and rejoice in the holiday season together. We will meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. and ride in the church van to Paint Bank Virginia. We plan to eat lunch and enjoy exploring the area together. If you would like to join please RSVP by using the button above, emailing Meredith Koliba, or calling the church office. The deadline to RSVP is Monday, Oct. 26. | |
Pop-Up Sunday School
"This Is Our Story: Service & Outreach at Second" with Ben Brannan
Sunday, November 1 | 9:45 a.m. | Sanctuary
| 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
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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.
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Grief Seminar
Thursday, November 12 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Session Room
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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.
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Gals' Gathering
November 20–21 (Fri.–Sat.) | Alta Mons Camp & Retreat Center
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Women of the church are invited to join us for this special overnight event to grow closer to one another and closer to God through study, conversation, crafts, and shared meals. The theme this year is “Advent Waiting.”
Many of us feel like we are wandering through a kind of wilderness. Yet even in these challenging places, we can prepare the way for the Lord to come to us. Together, we can identify the obstacles that stand in our way and discern how to address them so that the themes of Advent may be more fully seen, experienced, and lived out in our community. Along the way, we will journey through each Gospel, exploring hope through Matthew’s perspective, peace through Mark’s, joy through Luke’s, and love through John’s.
The Rev. Donna Hopkins Britt, though born in Roanoke, took a circuitous path to return, living in several cities in Virginia as well as New York City, Suburban Maryland, and Abidjan, Côte dʼIvoire. She graduated from James Madison University and later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Donna has also worked as a Child Abuse Prevention Educator for Childrenʼs Trust, followed by time as a Chaplain at Gentiva Hospice. She has served as Pastor of Buchanan Presbyterian since June, 2023. Donna enjoys hiking, crossword puzzles, game nights, and spending time with her husband Brian, her two children Noah and Lauren, her Labrador retrievers, and friends.
View the retreat brochure to learn more. Register by Wednesday, November 11.
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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.
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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! | | | | | |
