2330 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

Phone: (540) 344-4437
Fax: (540) 345-8041

Our regular worship time on Sunday is 11:00 AM.

There is a Contemporary Praise Service each Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

Sermons For February

February 3
Spineless Wimps
I Cor 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-2

February 10
Won’t You Trust Him?
Exodus 24:12-18
Matthew 17:1-9

February 13
Ash Wednesday
Come Home to God
Joel 2:12-17

February 17
Dealing with Change
Genesis 12:1-4

February 24
Youth Sunday

This question brings many different responses, often having to do with giving up sweets, weight loss, favorite television programs and modification of destructive behavior patterns. The list is quite exhaustive. Our acts of self denial are good in that they cause us to focus on the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.

Perhaps a more important question, though, is, “What are you adding for Lent?” Some years ago I recall leading a Lenten study by Maxie Durman, Alive In Christ. It encouraged the participant to walk with Christ through daily Bible study and devotional reading, prayer, and journaling. The hope was to develop discipline in our devotional life. It was a blessed experience for some forty persons.

We can have that kind of spiritual growth at South Roanoke this year. The first Sunday in Lent is February 17, 2002. Therefore, let me suggest some positive actions for this season of the Christian year:

* Commit yourself to regular attendance at Sunday School and worship. Remember that Jesus went to the temple to study and worship. We all need what the “gathered” community receives in order to “scatter” for service in the world.

* Stretch yourself a bit and attend the Contemporary Worship Service on Wednesday nights, particularly during March. The sermons will be based on “the seven last words of Christ”.

* Commit yourself to certain acts of Christian service that move you beyond the pre-occupation with self. Remember that Jesus sacrificed his very life that we might enjoy a better life.

Of course we will offer the traditional Ash Wednesday Service on February 13, and Maundy Thursday Communion and Tenebrae on March 28th. What is new this year is the addition of a “Love Feast” on March 27. You will receive more information about these services at a later date.

Lent is a most significant part of the Christian story. Whatever path you take this year, may it lead you closer to the Christ who came to help humankind live with freedom and thanksgiving.

The music program of South Roanoke UMC offers vocal choirs and handbell choirs for every age group. The children’s choirs sing periodically for worship services and present staged programs during special seasons. The youth choir joins with the youth of First Presbyterian Church for rehearsals and services. The adults perform several special programs each year, usually with instruments, in addition to providing music for the Sunday worship service. Also, there are solo recitals and programs presented by visiting groups.

Youth Worship Service
It’s that time of year!! Our youth service is scheduled for Feb. 24. We have spent the last several weeks searching for a theme and then creating our worship service.
We will spend the next several weeks practicing and preparing.
I hope that you will come and join our youth as they lead us in worship.

Appalachia Service Project
We've had the date (July 28- Aug. 3); now we have the place, Logan County, West Virginia. You don't know how truly blessed you are until you "experience" ASP. We have room for 25 youth and adults. Please sign up with Tim by giving him your $25 registration fee. Spots are given on a first come, first serve basis.

“You really practice the true meaning of Christmas by reaching out with your hearts to make a difference in people’s lives.” –Cris Flippen, Principle

“Your out pouring of gifts was desperately needed by many families here. Thank you for your giving spirits and for thinking of others during the crazy holiday rush.” –Carolyn McLucas

There will be no Men's Breakfast in February due to a scheduling conflict. On March 16th at 9:30 a.m., there will be a catered breakfast followed by our speaker, Bud Robertson. Bud is a Civil War historian and professor at Virginia Tech. This event will be open to the entire church. Signup sheets will be in upcoming bulletins.

PIZZAS ARE COMING! Sales begin December 31 and pick-up will be February 2, 2002. The Wesley Class will be making pizzas Super Bowl Weekend. The money is used to underwrite scholarship to the Alta Mons summer camp.

The deadline for articles for the March issue of the Tower Times is February 15. Send articles to Joe Kennedy, or email to joesrumc@aol.com.

An area singles group has been formed. They meet at least once a month in various area Methodist churches. If you would like more information regarding this ministry, you may call Terri Allen (725-1991).

The new Flower Calendar for 2002 is on the bulletin board by the church parlor. If you would like to remember or honor a loved one by placing flowers on the altar, please sign on the calendar or call the church office (344-4437) as soon as possible.

New dinner groups will be formed by February 1. If you would like to join a group or need to change your status, please call Terry Wilkinson (772-0490) or Colleen Marston (989-0623).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GUESTS and VISITORS are welcome to join us at South Roanoke for worship and fellowship. We invite those who have no church home to make South Roanoke your church and add your witness to ours.  And for a modern worship experience, join us each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. for our contemporary service.

ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund may do so at any time of the year. This fund is used to help families in our own congregation who may need a little extra help. The fund was used over Christmas, therefore depleting it somewhat. Make your checks payable to SRUMC and earmark it "Pastor's Discretionary Fund."

CIRCLES OF THE UMW are in the process of reorganization. Our UMW group is now considered inactive, but several of the circles would like to continue to meet. On Tuesday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. any ladies of the church who would like to meet for fellowship are asked to come to the Wimmer classroom to discuss the possibilities of a monthly Bible study, or other alternatives. Please plan to come if you are interested in being a part of this group.

THE WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL IS EXPANDING! The Mother’s Day Out program will be expanded to 5 days, with a new Tuesday/Thursday class beginning February 5th. This class will be a MDO class but geared to two-year old children. This may open up some spots on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. The MDO program is open to children 15 months through 2 years. There will be a limit of 8 children maximum and 5 children minimum for the class. If you are interested in joining this class, know of someone who may be interested, or have questions, please contact Cathy Bear, 982-3707 (school) or 981-0216 (Home) ASAP.

THE YOUTH SERVICE is scheduled for February 24. The youth will spend the next month creating and practicing for this service. You won’t want to miss it!!!

THE FIRST ANNUAL PAUL BUNYAN DAY at Camp Alta Mons will be Saturday, February 23. Camp Alta Mons could use your help to cut and split firewood for the camping season and at the same time clear trees that are down or need to come down. So bring your chain saw, pickup, wood splitter, good gloves and a smile. The camp will provide a hot, delicious lunch and snacks. Show up at 8:30 a.m. and get hot coffee and donuts as well. Call the camp at 540-268-2409 for further information.

OUR NEXT WEEK to host Interfaith Hospitality Network will be February 10-17. If you would like to sign up to help by preparing meals, being an overnight host, or if you would just like more information, please call Diane D’Orazio, 725-9886.

DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT, there will be NO Men’s breakfast in February. On March 16 at 9:30 a.m. there will be a catered breakfast followed by our speaker, Bud Robertson. Bud is a Civil War historian and professor at Virginia Tech. This event will be open to the entire church. Signup sheets will be in upcoming bulletins.

COPIES OF THE budget and list of officers for 2002 are available in the church office. Stop by anytime to pick up a copy.

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP will meet for a catered lunch on Thursday, February 14, at 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The guest speaker, Estelle Avor, Executive Director of the Bradley Free Clinic will present a program on the history, mission and work of the Clinic. Included will be information as to who is eligible to receive services from the clinic and how you can help with this mission. You may sign up on the board by the church office if you would like to attend.

REGISTRATION FOR the Fall, 2002-2003 school year of the Preschool opened on January 27 to all current students and to the South Roanoke Church membership. If you would like to register your child, or would like more information, please call the preschool office, 982-3707 and ask to speak to Cathy Bear, our Director.

THERE WILL BE a meeting of the Council on Ministries on Monday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wesley Classroom.

THERE WILL BE a meeting of the Weekday Preschool on Wednesday, February 20, at 7:45 p.m. in the Preschool office.

THE DATES FOR APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT have been set. It will be July 28-August 3. You don’t know how truly blessed you are until you "experience ASP. There is room for 25 youth and adults. Please sign up with Tim by giving him your $25.00 registration fee. Spots are given on a first come, first serve basis.

JOIN SOME OF THE MEN in the church for basketball on Monday nights from 9:00-10:00 p.m. You don’t need talent, just the desire to get some exercise and have some fun with your fellow church members. Ask Brett Marston or Tommy Whitaker for more information or better yet, just show up.

HUNGER BUSTERS!! As part of their Youth Service Theme "Show Me The Way", the youth are collecting food for the Presbyterian Community Center. Your contribution of food will help feed the hungry in our community! Here is a suggested list of items that are needed: Tuna, beef stew, cereal, rice, soup, diapers (Large), baby formula, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, canned vegetables, dried beans, spaghetti and sauce, powdered milk (small) and baby food. Please no large bulk items. We ask that you bring your contributions next Sunday, February 24, which is Youth Sunday.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: On Wednesday, April 24, South Roanoke Church will offer a health screening to members of the church, as well as to the community. There will be three non-invasive, completely painless screenings for vascular disease and one screening for osteoporosis. You will be hearing more about this in the following weeks. In the meantime if you have any questions feel free to call the church office, 344-4437.

PEARL FU invites you to attend the Taiwan Youth Chinese Opera Company performance at Jefferson Center-Shaftman Auditorium on Thursday, February 21, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. The troupe is highly professional on a worldwide tour (last week in Denver and Chicago) to standing ovations. Call Box Office, 345-2550 or 343-2624. Sponsored by NCCJ and Roanoke Valley Sister Cities, Lijiang.

ALTAR FLOWERS ARE NEEDED for Sunday, February 24. If you would like to remember or honor a loved one by placing flowers on the altar, please call the church office, 344-4437, as soon as possible, or sign up on the calendar in the hallway by the church parlor.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES WILL BEGIN Sunday, March 17 for all 6th graders who have not yet been confirmed in the church. Talk to Tim Dayton to sign up.

THE LENTEN OFFERING this year will be divided three ways, with 1/3 going to the ASP Mission Project, the Agape Mission and to local mission outreach. You will find envelopes in the pews for your gifts, or you can mail your contribution to the church office, 2330 South Jefferson St. 24014.

THERE WILL BE a meeting of the Finance Committee on Monday, February 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the library/conference room.

THERE WILL BE a meeting of the Education Committee on Wednesday, February 27, at 7:45 p.m. in the library/conference room.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED will meet on Friday, Mach 1 for World Day of Prayer. They will meet at the Williamson Road Church of the Brethren at 10:00 a.m. If you would like more information, call the church office, 366-0291.

JOIN THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP as they have a fascinating "backstage" tour of the Jefferson Cent's Shaftman Performance Hall, Fitzpatrick Hall, and other places not open to the public. Learn more about the Jefferson Center and its many services to the community. If you would like to participate please sign up on the sheet on the board by the church office. The tour will be Thursday, March 14, and the church van will depart from the parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Also, please check out other events that are coming up in the next several months on the board by the church office.