Archive - April 2003


The Tower Times
April 2003	The Pastor’s Message
Worship Times Our traditional Sunday worship is at 11:00 AM. There is a Contemporary Praise Service each Wednesday at 7:00 PM. April 6 Responding to the Unexpected John 12: 20-33 April 13 PALM SUNDAY What is Servant Leadership? Philppians 2: 6-11 April 17 MAUNDY THURSDAY Looking Like a Saintly Bunch 1 Cor. 11: 23-26 April 20 EASTER -6:30 AM in Columbarium- He Is Risen Rev. Amos Rideout Mark 16: 1-8 -11:00 AM in Sanctuary- The Christian’s Lot Rev. Robert Garner April 27 Just When We Are Ready to Quit John 20: 19-31 You are asked to read and study the text each week in preparation for worship.	EASTER I shall tell you what Easter means; To me, that is: Not so many tulips and daffodils, Bonnets and bunnies, Baked hams and lambs. It is the Creator suddenly bursting The chrysalis in my heart, With my consent, Setting me free, uncongruously. The words return: “If the Son therefore shall set you free, Ye shall be free indeed.” That’s it! Freedom. Freedom to live, to love, And thus to give, To take a glorious chance on life, To be both liberated And lost—in wonder.	I shall tell you what Easter means; To me, that is: The Eternal whispering, “Behold, I am arisen in you, Rising higher and higher, Expanding, enveloping. Can you bear My being? Courage, child.” Easter comes so many moons after This or that, But also, now and tomorrow. I pray, “In me arise, my Lord! And keep on rising.” That is what Easter means; To me, that is. Sallie Chesham
	What a beautiful poem and an even more inviting truth Sallie Chesham has shared with us. My prayer for you and me this Easter is that Christ’s victory will fill us so completely that we will be able to celebrate, “The Eternal whispering, Behold, I am arisen in you”. When we are in Christ, our living is not in vain. This is a truth that you will want to celebrate with your fellow church members this Easter Sunday. Welcome to the party! In Christian Love, Amos Rideout


The Adult Fellowship Group	50th Anniversary Committee.
On April 10, we will make a day trip to Jubilee Acres, the Rescue Mission’s Conference Center in Botetourt County. We will take along a box lunch. Join us for lunch at the church on April 17 when our own Prentice and Betsy Moran and Romona Williams will show folks how to play Mexican Train Dominoes !!!	In celebration of our 50th Anniversary in this church building a Steering Committee has been formed to organize activities leading up to Homecoming Sunday in September. Some ideas are bulletin board and picture displays, Sunday School class on the history of the church, newspaper articles, organ recital and other musical presentations, produce a video history. If you have other ideas, please contact Andrew Sherman.

Contemporary Worship Service
Thank you to Amos Rideout, Doug Newman, John DeVerter, and Bob Garner for leading us in worship during the Wednesday night Lenten Services. An average of 50 people each Wednesday night in March enjoyed fellowship and dinner together prepared by CWS Committee members prior to the Lenten services. Contemporary Worship Service speakers in April are as follows: April 2 - Bob Garner - Lenten message April 9 - Terry Allen & friends - selection of Easter music April 16 - Bruce Muncy April 23 - Kevin Jones – Drama: Jesus Has Risen: He’s Going to be Mad April 30 - Peanut M&M’s (3rd thru 5th graders) will lead worship This month we are highlighting Praise Band member Tanner Hall. Tanner is the son of Bittsy and Mark Hall. Tanner is a senior at Patrick Henry High School. He is on PH’s lacrosse team. Tanner plans to study Mechanical Engineering in college in the fall. This is Tanner’s second year playing in the Praise Band. He is a well-rounded musician. Tanner plays the electric bass guitar on Wednesday nights. He has also played the double bass for the past four years in Patrick Henry’s orchestra, played in James Madison’s orchestra during eighth grade, and has in the past also played both the violin and trumpet. Tanner and fellow Praise Band member Doug Scott have formed a band called Read More Movies. They have played at Festival in the Park, Chili Cook-Off, and for PH events. Tanner’s favorite praise song is “Carry the Light”. He enjoys playing in the Praise Band because "we have an excellent band and I enjoy playing music."

Church Softball Team 1. We will be practicing on Sundays, starting March 30 through April 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Norwich Park, which is on Roanoke Avenue near the Memorial Bridge (off Memorial Avenue). Coming from Grandin Theatre area, you take a left off Memorial just before you cross the Memorial Bridge. We have 2 hours to practice this year, so that should mean extra batting practice! Note that the last of these dates is Easter Sunday, which means we may not get in a practice that day. That means we need to get as many people there for the three practices that we will have. I may try to get us all together on March 23 as well, but don't have a field where we could do that -- any ideas? 2. We have signed up to play on Tuesday, Thursday, and (some) Fridays, in light of our Wednesday night services. That's the same type of schedule we had last year. Games start the week of April 21st. You can pencil in the Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of that week for games, but we won't know for sure until we get the schedules on April 10. 3. So there is no question this year, we will need to be aware of at least two rules that about bit us last year. One: the rules say that players should be a member or attend regularly. Two: we all have to have matching jerseys. I am looking into the budget for new jerseys or hats. 4. I would like to include as many people on the roster as possible this year so we don't have to scramble to get players there. Talk this up and let's try to grow our core of players this year so we won't be waiting at game time for the last player to show up. Brett Marston
Easter Egg Dye and Hunt Please join us on April 18, at 6:00 PM, for our annual Easter egg dye in the gym. Please bring 1 dozen hard boiled eggs to dye and leave at the church, and 1 dozen hard boiled eggs for you to dye and take home. Additionally, could each child bring 1 bag of wrapped candy to stuff in our plastic Easter eggs? The church will provide pizza and drinks for supper, and the dye for the eggs. On Saturday, April 19, at 11:00 AM, please join us for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn. Everyone is invited and the Easter Bunny will be present at both events. Sunday School Dear members and non-members of South Roanoke Methodist Church: We need your Sunday School support. Sunday School is a vital part of every successful church program. We have dedicated, capable and experienced teachers but they need you to be successful. They are anxious, willing, and ready to render their services for the good of your Christian education. Regardless of our ages we all need to find time for Bible study. One of the best ways to do this is with the fellowship of other Christians. This is what Sunday School is all about. We’d love to have you participate and know that you will be blessed by the experience. We live in a rapidly moving society that puts undue pressures and restraints on your time and energy. We realize you cannot be present every Sunday, but you do not have to be present every Sunday to receive the blessing of loving fellowship and Bible study. Sunday School is for children, but, it is not just for children. We have classes for every age group and in between, and if we do not have a class that meets your needs we will work together to start one. Please attend Sunday School this Sunday! We start arriving at 9:45 am, and our classes begin their programs at 10am. We dismiss at 10:40 am in order to prepare ourselves for the worship service at 11 am. The list below includes classes, coordinators, and teachers. If you need help determining which class to attend, we will be glad to assist you. Please call the church office, our directors of Christian Education, one of our coordinators, leaders or members and we will help you locate the class of your choice. Directors of Christian Ed. Pat and Emil Kuelz 774-8446 Pre-School Coordinator Colleen Marston 989-0623 Nursery Paid Personnel Toddlers Randi Dayton/Colleen Marston Pre-School Patty Oshida Elementary Coordinator Jeanne Whitaker 989-5551 K & 1st Grades Jeanne Whitaker 2nd & 3rd Grades Cathy Bear 4th & 5th Grades Janie and Emily Wallace Jr. High Coordinators and teachers Calvin & Susan Witt 772-1680 Senior High Coordinator and teacher Mary Ragland 427-5190 Adult Classes and leaders Pathfinders Brett Marston 989-0623 Aldersgate Bruce Long 989-2837 Wesley Norma Ruble 890-1718 Wimmer Dottie Walker 982-1706 Other members to call: Tim Dayton (981-0237) or Ruth DeVerter ( 982-2786) All of us are dedicated to make Sunday School a Christian experience of knowledge and loving fellowship. Please join us.
Lenten Offering The proceeds from the Lenten Offering will benefit ministries near and far. Half of the proceeds up to $6000 will go to help an Appalachia project at the Jubilee Center in Sneadville, Tenn. this August. A large group (30-40) of youth and adults have planned to go this year and it will be a wonderful collaboration between our church and a ministry we've been supporting for several years. The Jubilee Center helps a community in one of the poorest counties in our nation. This project will provide repairs to the existing center and to homes in the community. There will be opportunities to lead Bible studies and share in fellowship with the town's youth who depend on the Jubilee Center for spiritual and emotional guidance. The other half of the $6000 will go to support missions in Kenya including a possible mission trip to Kisumu by Dr. Diane Dorazio. The trip will not take place if the US State Dept. determines that Americans traveling abroad is unsafe. Dr. Dorazio will be living and working at an orphanage and community health clinic in Kisumu for 3 weeks. Also, time will be spent at the Agape Children's Home for street boys in giving guidance with the agriculture program. Any proceeds that exceed $6000 will be divided three ways between local, national and world missions. Don't let the many needs overwhelm you. Your generosity in the past has touched many, many lives. You've helped to shine a light in the darkest of places. Thank you.

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 DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY GROUP will meet each Monday at 7:00 PM.

THE COUNCIL ON MINISTRIES will meet on Monday April 14 at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, April 8, at 10:30 AM in the Terry Wimmer Classroom.

THE AFTERCARE SOCIAL CLUB will meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 8 in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like more information regarding our Social Club, please call Bonnie Dayton at 981-0237.

JOIN THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP on April 10 for a visit to Jubilee Acres, the Rescue Mission’s Conference Center in Botetourt County. We will take along a box lunch. For details check out the Adult Fellowship Board by the church office. There are hand-outs that will give you all the details of the trip. Also there are other activities listed on the board for you to check out.

COME CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK: You won’t want to miss the Maundy Thursday Communion service at 7:30 p.m. in our church sanctuary on April 17. On Good Friday, April 18, the church sanctuary will be open from 7:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. for prayer and meditation. Please feel free to come any time during the day. On Easter Sunday, April 20, we will celebrate Christ’s victory over death with a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. in the Columbarium. (In case of inclement weather the sunrise service will be held in the sanctuary.) Amos Rideout will deliver the message at this service. At the 11:00 a.m. service The Reverend Robert H. Garner will deliver the message as we continue to celebrate Christ’s victory.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m.—Contemporary Worship Service
Maundy Thursday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.—Communion Service
Good Friday, April 18—7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sanctuary open for prayer
Good Friday, April 18—6:00 p.m.—Easter egg dye
Saturday, April 19—8:00 a.m. United Methodist Men
Saturday, April 19—11:00 a.m. Easter egg hunt
Easter Sunday, April 20—6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service in Columbarium, Amos Rideout
Easter Sunday, April 20—11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service, Robert Garner

THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES for the April Newsletter is April 15. Send articles to Joe Kennedy, or email to Joesrumc@aol.com.

THE PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE will meet at 7:45 PM on Wednesday, April 16.

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP will meet on Thursday, April 17, at 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a catered lunch. Cost of lunch will be $6.00. Following lunch Prentice and Betsy Moran and Romona Williams will show the group how to play Mexican Train Dominoes. You won’t want to miss this very exciting and entertaining activity. Sign up on the sheet on the board by the church office if you wish to attend.

ON FRIDAY, APRIL 18 at 6:00 p.m. please join us for our Annual Easter Egg Dye in the South Roanoke UMC gym. Please bring 1 dozen hard boiled eggs to dye and leave at the church and 1 dozen hard boiled eggs for you to dye and take home. Additionally, could each child bring 1 bag of wrapped candy to stuff in our plastic Easter eggs. The church will provide pizza and drinks for supper, and the dye for the eggs.

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 19 at 11:00 a.m. please join us for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn. Everyone is invited and the Easter Bunny will be present at both events.

THE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed on Monday, April 21 for the Easter Holiday.

THERE WILL BE A MEETING of the Finance Committee on Monday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the library/conference room.

THE KNIGHT THYME CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wesley Classroom.

CONGRATULATIONS! We are so proud of Pearl Fu and Diane D’Orazio who will be recognized on Wednesday, April 23 at the First Annual YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon. This event serves two purposes: First, as a reminder of the incredible achievements of the women in our valley, and second, to continue the work of a women’s organization committed to strengthening our community. Congratulations Pearl and Diane!

THE COMBINED CHANCEL CHOIRS of South Roanoke UMC and First Presbyterian Church will present a spring concert on May 11 at 4:00 p.m. The program, at south Roanoke in the grand style of the Morman Tabernacle Choir with a large chorus and piano/organ accompaniment. Treat your mothers to an afternoon concert and then dinner out.

WE WILL BEGIN OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE JUNE 1 AND CONTINUE THROUGH AUGUST 31. This year’s schedule will be a little different from previous years. Sunday School for all ages will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by the morning worship service at 10:00.

A MEMBER OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY is in need of some part-time help. The hours would be 1:00-6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. The job would entail taking care of two small children, driving the children to appointments, and some light housekeeping. If you are interested, or know of someone who might be interested, please call Penny in the church office, 344-4437.

50^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! This year is the 50^th anniversary of South Roanoke United Methodist Church in it’s current location. You will be hearing about plans throughout the year for special activities scheduled to commemorate this occasion. Right now we want to recognize those members of South Roanoke United Methodist Church who have been members for 50 years or more. They are: Bertha Robertson, Mary Ellen Smith, Ross Lemon, Nelda Hodges, Lou Ghiringhelli, Mildred Oakey, Emma Grim, Martha Babb, David Burrows, Sara Deaton, Elsie Kennett, Lucy Fink, Jean Wallace, Virginia Shaver, Loretta Hodges, Dotty Carder and Clarence Liddle.

MEMORIAL GIFTS: Given in Memory of Al Roscoe by: Oakeys Funeral Homes, Pat Baker, Mrs. Harry M. Happel, and Mr. and Mrs. Claude L. Reynolds. Given in Memory of Tom Snider by: Mr. and Mrs. Joe K. Copenhaver. Given in Memory of Robert Spiers by: Betty Sue, Richard, Ginny and Robert Wharton.

ADDRESS FOR WHITT HALL: Neil Whittington Hall, Seton NW Hospital Room 406, 11113 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759.

SOFTBALL SEASON HAS BEGUN. Practices are being held on Sunday afternoons from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Norwich Park. Anyone who wants to play should contact Brett Marston, 989-0623. There will be two games this coming week: Tuesday, April 22 at 6:15 p.m. at Fallon Park, and on Thursday, April 24 at 9:15 p.m. at Rivers Edge Park.

THE YOUTH AND BOY SCOUTS will be collecting food for the Presbyterian Community Center the month of April. Look for details in upcoming bulletins.

WE WISH TO THANK Amos Rideout, Doug Newman, Bob Garner and the church staff, the Wesley Class, the Terry Wimmer Class, the Friendship Circle, and members of the congregation for their thoughts, prayers and concern during Al’s long illness and our bereavement. -Gen, Jeff, Brad Roscoe and Family

SUNDAY SCHOOL—Matthew 28:19-20 the Great Commission says, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Sunday School at SRUMC does just that. It provides a comprehensive organization whose core is made of wonderful dedicated teachers. They accept the truth of the Bible and head for its application to current living. Members are engaged in regular, meaningful, relevant Bible study. Teaching God’s word they challenge us to make decisions about our relationship with God and our Savior Jesus Christ. The environment found in a small group of caring individuals who meet regularly to encourage and support one another, centered on the Bible, provides the best possible setting for the work of the Holy Spirit in conviction and regeneration. Join us at Sunday School this Sunday (9:45 a.m.), and every Sunday you possibly can, in the study of God’s word. If you need help finding the right class call Pat/Emil Kuelz at 540-774-8446 or 540-353-8246 or E-Mail at kuelze@infi.net.

THE ALDERSGATE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS will begin a new study, Talking with Your Child/Talking with Your Teen—Conversations for Life, on Sunday, April 27. The study will run for six weeks and will begin promptly at 9:45 each Sunday morning. Everyone is welcome to join the class for this study. If you are interested in attending, please contact Bruce Long at 989-2837.

GET READY TO SHINE AT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – LIGHTHOUSE KIDS: SHINING GOD’S LIGHT - Vacation Bible School at South Roanoke United Methodist Church, from July 14, 2003 until July 18, 2003, will explore God’s light through Bible and mission stories, fun crafts, recreation, music, and much more. Children will discover God’s light in the most amazing ways. Each day will be filled with fun, time with others, light learning experiments, new songs and cool snacks. Lighthouse Kids will be held at South Roanoke United Methodist Church July 14, 2003 through July 18, 2003 from 9:00 AM to Noon. Come and discover God’s light! To volunteer, register or get more information call Colleen Marston (989-0623).

WE ARE IN NEED OF ALTAR GUILD CHAIRMEN. If you would like to serve one month of the year in this position please call Natalie Rude, 345-1634, or Tallulah Gregory, 982-2535. As Altar Guild Chairman you would be in charge of calling the florist each week to order flowers, take flowers to sick or shut-ins after the service as needed, and see that the altar is in order for the Sunday morning worship service. Natalie or Tallulah will train you if needed. If you have any questions please give one of them a call.

THE PROCEEDS FROM THE LENTEN OFFERING will benefit ministries near and far. Half of the proceeds up to $6,000.00 will go to help an Appalachia project at the Jubliee Center in Sneadville, Tenn. this August. A large group (30-40) of youth and adults have planned to go this year and it will be a wonderful collaboration between our church and a ministry we’ve been supporting for several years. The Jubilee Center helps a community in one of the poorest counties in our nation. This project will provide repairs to the existing center and to homes in the community. There will be opportunities to lead Bible studies and share in fellowship with the town’s youth who depend on the Jubilee Center for spiritual and emotional guidance. The other half of the $6,000.00 will go to support missions in Kenya including a possible mission trip to Kisumu by Dr. Diane Dorazio. The trip will not take place if the US State Dept. determines that Americans traveling abroad is unsafe. Dr. Dorazio will be living and working at an orphanage and community health clinic in Kisumu for 3 weeks. Also, time will be spent at the Agape Children’s Home for street boys in giving guidance with the agriculture program. Any proceeds that exceed $6,000.00 will be divided three ways between local, national and world missions. Don’t let the many needs overwhelm you. Your generosity in the past has touched many, many lives. You’ve helped to shine a light in the darkest of places. Thank you. Use one of the envelopes in the pew for your gifts.

APRIL 2003
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
		1	2 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Contemporary Worship Service	3 3:30 PMM's 7:30 Choir	4	5
6 Start of Day-Light Savings Time 11:00 Worship Service Youth and Choir activities	7 7:00 Disc Bible Study	8 10:30 Friendship Circle 2:00 Totally Tuesdays 6:00 Aftercare	9 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Contemporary Worship Service	10 Adult Fellowship Group to Jubilee Acres 3:30 PMM's 7:30 Choir	11	12
13 PALM SUNDAY 11:00 Worship Service Youth and Choir activities	14 7:00 Disc Bible Study 7:00 COM	15 2:00 Totally Tuesdays	16 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Contemporary Worship Service 7:45 Preschool Committee	17 12:00 AFG Lunch 7:30 Communion Service	18	19 8:00 UM Men breakfast & program
20 EASTER 6:30 Sunrise Service 11:00 Worship Service Youth and Choir activities	21 OFFICE CLOSED 7:00 Disc Bible Study 7:00 Finance Committee	22 2:00 Totally Tuesdays 7:30 Knight Thyme Circle	23 7:00 Contemporary Worship Service	24 3:30 PMM's 7:30 Choir	25	26
27 11:00 Worship Service Youth and Choir activities	28 7:00 Disc Bible Study	29 2:00 Totally Tuesdays	30 6:00 Potluck Dinner 7:00 Contemporary Worship Service

South Roanoke United Methodist Church

2330 South Jefferson Street Roanoke, Virginia 24014 Phone: (540) 344-4437 Fax: (540) 345-8041

APRIL 2003

APRIL 2003

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2330 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

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