2330 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

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

During the Summer, our Sunday worship is at 9:00 and 11:00 AM.  There is a Contemporary Praise Service each Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

Vacations not only offer us a period of time for travel, recreation, rest and visiting families but also an opportunity to gain new insight and perspective on living. Some years ago, Moonyeen, Beth, Kristin and I spent the first week in August enjoying the Atlantic at Nag’s Head. Our cottage was actually in the quiet village of Duck.

Summer Worship Schedule

Beginning Sunday, June 2, our summer schedule will start. We will have two morning worship services; one at 9:00 and one at 11:00 AM. Sunday School Classes will begin at their normal times. This schedule will continue through the last Sunday of August.

Having read all the letters by the Apostle Paul to the churches in Asia Minor during Disciple Bible Study, I will greet you as he would:

Bob, a disciple of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the church of God which is at South Roanoke, and with all the saints who are in Southwest Virginia, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

During 34 weekly lessons, eleven SRUMC disciples were educated in the Faith by the Holy Spirit working through Pastor Amos and Moonyeen. On invitation from Pastor Amos last summer, Dot and I debated how could we squeeze in another time demanding commitment? With some hesitation, we joined the Disciple Bible Study. It was obedience, mixed with anticipation: "O.K. Lord, you got us here. It must be for a good purpose. "Fellow saints at South

Roanoke, I can tell you it was not just for a good purpose. In was for a grand design. We have a deeper understanding of the old and new covenants. We have a more full understanding of how Christ is the Son of God, the true Messiah of the Jews and the savior of us gentiles.

Each week our small circle read together, prayed together, shared concerns/ joys together, and bonded together.

The overall attendance was in the high 90's percentile an indication that we all felt this study was empowered by the Holy Spirit, just as on a Walk to Emmaus, to renew our relationship with Jesus the Christ. The over-arching truth we learned is: We can live a Christian Life abundantly through covenant with God, communion with Christ and commitment to Him and each other.

I bring good news, starting in September 2002, Patty Oshida will be the study leader, assisted by others of the primary band of disciples.

Even if you think it is a Mission Impossible, "I'm just too busy already!" With a sincere desire to learn, you can find time to invest in this study. You will gain understanding and relevance for present living and events. I can assure you all, there will be no regrets. God's promises are trustworthy and His steadfast love endures forever.

The Apostle Peter would close this way: "Peace to all of you who are in Christ."(I Peter 5:14). Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory now and forever. (II Peter 3: 18). Amen

A.C.T.S. stands for "A Commitment to Serve". Our priority this year has been to continue to participate in new member orientation sessions. In these sessions, new members to our church are educated on the history of the United Methodist Church, our theology, and the commitment they are about to make when they join our congregation. We use the four promises that a new member makes when he or she joins as the jumping off point for these discussions. The new member service also allows the existing membership to rededicate themselves to the promises, which are to support the church with 1) our presence, 2) our prayers, 3) our gifts, and 4) our service.

As part of the session we encourage our new members to develop their prayer life, and to remember the church and her mission in their prayers. We also ask them to include the joys and concerns expressed during our worship services.

We talk about financial stewardship, and how our monetary contributions support this church and her mission. Our financial stewardship is a reflection of our spiritual journey, and we like to use Paul's example of the Macedonians, and how he told those at Corinth that "God loves a cheerful giver".

And finally we talk about the many service opportunities that exist at South Roanoke United Methodist Church. We tour the church to show where events take place, and encourage our new members to become involved as soon as

possible. What about our existing members? One of our goals is to develop a short series for small groups on discovering our spiritual gifts. The idea here is to help members discover how God has equipped them to participate in His service in our world.

Would you like to participate in a new member orientation? Would you like to help develop the spiritual gifts short course? If you feel called to participate in either of these let me know.

The Adult Fellowship Group
Our July trip will be to the P. Buckley Moss Museum and Flower Farm. We leave at 8:00 AM on July 11 for Waynesboro and a scheduled narrated tour of the Moss museum at 10:00 (those not interested could go to the outlet mall next door). Leave there at 11:30 to go to the Mossy Creek Cafe for lunch, then about 1:00 PM go to the Day Lilly farm of André Viette and tour back to Roanoke, arriving about 5:30 PM.

Roanoke District Singles Fellowship
Our July activity will be to go for a supper picnic and hike at the Peaks of Otter on July 14. Meet at Bonsack UMC at 2:00 PM for the trip. Bring your own picnic supper and wear comfortable shoes. RSVP to Susan Wagner (977-4212) by July 10.

When Amos asked me to share some brief thoughts about why Disciple Bible Study was special to me, I had a hard time keeping the comments brief. There were so many wonderful things about this experience.

Through the Disciple study the Bible became not an obscure book but a book relevant to my life today. Throughout the course we were challenged to view ourselves as Christ’s disciples. The theme of each lesson applied itself to our lives today.

Without a doubt the best part of the past 9 months for me has been the people. At the original meeting to select the time and day to meet I looked around the room and remember thinking – what do I have in common with these other folks? Well – let me tell you. I discovered that these folks have the most important thing in common with me – Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.

Benefits from a small group study include the fellowship & the ideas and understanding that different people bring to the group. A group, also, holds you accountable for the materials covered and attendance. I do not consider myself very insightful. I was one of the quieter members of the group but soaked it the discussions of my fellow Disciple students. These folks are so smart and had so many insights that helped me understand & grow. Lots of folks think they don’t need Sunday school or don’t need to be a part of a bible study. I disagree. If I tried to do it alone I would miss out on so much!

We ended each study with a prayer time to voice joys & concerns. That was my favorite time. After a number of weeks I knew I could open myself and be vulnerable with this group. I remember coming to the study one particularly trying day. I drove to the church choking back tears. As I parked my car I prayed, “Please God, I need to hear something that will encourage me at this study tonight. Please – just one thing.” Well, of course, the words of encouragement came. Jane, on that particular night, shared a poem with the group written by her daughter Kelly. Kelly’s words were just what I needed to hear that night. After hearing them I was able to tell the group about a particular struggle. By opening up myself in that way I received so many blessings from my Disciple friends. This is the way it was with our group. We started off not knowing one another very well but began to share, to laugh, to cry and most importantly to pray with one another and for one another. This group has been a real treasure to me.

Vacation Bible School
WOW! GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!" was heard ringing through the halls of SRUMC-VBS 2002. God's Great Gallery was our theme this year. We had 60 children, ages 3yrs.-5th grade "tour" our galleries of crafts, music, recreation, snack, and storytelling. We began and ended each "tour" day in God's Great Gallery with Mallory our gallery mouse. This wonderful experience would not have been possible without the 24 adult leaders and the 13 awesome youth helpers! THANK YOU!!!! Everyone is invited to participate and help in VBS-please consider being a part of this ministry next summer. You too will be saying,"WOW! GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!"

SRUMC Weekday Preschool
Periodically, our preschool is in need of substitute teachers during the school year (which runs from Labor Day until Memorial Day from 9:00-12:00 noon). Experience is preferred but not required. There will be another teacher in the classroom to work with during the school day. Teachers make every effort to call and arrange for a substitute as early as possible, but there are times when a request may be made with short notice. Call Cathy Bear (981-3707) if you are interested in helping in this capacity.

JOIN US! During the summer the youth will not meet on Sunday nights. Instead, they will be involved in various trips, camps and activities. Check your summer schedules and then choose what you would like to do with us. Not on the calendar yet, but in the early stages of planning are a rafting/canoeing trip in July as well as trips to Kings Dominion and Emerald Point. Sign up early whenever possible and watch your bulletins for additional information.

SOMETHING NEW
Brian Hoff is heading a new group of youth for the summer. Anyone interested in helping to get this started or has ideas of activities should contact Tim at 981-0237.

TRIPS
Junaluska July 18-21 A group of our youth will be attending our summer church camp in Junaluska, NC.
ASP July 28- Aug 3 A group of our youth and adults will be doing home repair work in Logan, WVA.

YOUTH COUNCIL Our new youth council has met several times with John D'Orazio in order to establish goals and choose activities for the coming year. If you are interested in being a part of this team, email John at Drdorazio@cox.net

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.

THE COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES August meeting has been cancelled due to numerous scheduling conflicts. The next regular meeting of the COM will be at 7:00 PM on Monday, September 9, 2002.

REGISTRATION FOR THE FALL TERM of Weekday Preschool is open. Guarantee a place for your child by completing your registration now. Also, stop by to see the new bulletin board by the preschool in the hall behind the sanctuary.

OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE HAS BEGUN, and will continue through the last Sunday in August. During the summer we will have two morning worship services; one at 9:00 and one at 11:00 a.m. Sunday school classes will begin at their normal times.

WITH MANY FAMILIES away from church due to vacations, picnics, or other family outings our contributions are usually down in the summer time. We hope that you will remember that the church expenses continue throughout the summer months, and that you will keep your pledge for 2002 current. If you are not sure where you stand in your contributions, please call Penny in the church office, 344-4437.

YOU WILL BE PLEASED TO KNOW that The Reverend Dr. Richard Worden will be our Homecoming speaker on September 15. Richard served South Roanoke as pastor from 1972 to 1975. Spread the word about Homecoming. Invite former members and friends to the service.

ARE YOU INTERESTED in participating in Disciple Bible Study beginning in September? If so, let Amos Rideout, Patty Oshida or Bob Roth know. The day and time for the class will be set after the schedules of all participants have been considered. You will need a study Bible and study material. Cost is $29.00.

WE NEED A NEW COUNTER! We have four teams of two people each who count the Sunday offering on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Each team counts once a month, with an extra 5th Sunday per year. If you would like to volunteer your time by helping in this way, please call the church office, 344-4437.

ALL MEN OF THE CHURCH are invited to fill the choir loft on July 28 to lead the music of our services. We are forming a men’s chorus for that Sunday as we sing a hymn for the anthem. There is no audition - all are invited. Meet in the choir room at 8:30 a.m. (yes, we will sing for both services!) and we will quickly learn the music. Join us in this important part of our worship leadership.