2330 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

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

Characteristics Of A Growing Church

How does one identify a growing church? There is no need for speculation in this area. Studies of growing churches across the nation have been made and they have at least seven things in common. Dr. Lyle Schaller has listed these seven characteristics of growing churches in one of his books. Dr. Schaller is one of the leading authorities in this area in our church. The seven characteristics are:
  1. A strong emphasis on Biblical preaching
  2. A strong lay outreach emphasis
  3. A circle of acceptance of fellowship as wide as the official leaders of the church (in our case that would mean at least as side as every member of the Administrative Board)
  4. Assimilate new members into the fellowship, life, program, and ministry of the church
  5. It does not “raise its own members.” It is not a congregation filled with adults who are children and grandchildren of older members. Most members are first generation members of that congregation
  6. In addition to the traditional “package” of programs and ministries which can be found in nearly every congregation, this growing church has one or more specialties in ministry. These specialties range from excellence in music to a day care center, a bus ministry, Sunday School, Classes for retarded persons, a ministry to one-parent families, a counseling center, a special ministry to single adults, a handbell choir, or special effort to help senior citizens express their commitment to others.
  7. Finally, the growing church of today and tomorrow has a minister who likes people, is concerned and cares about their spiritual needs, and is happy in his work as pastor. When thousands of Christian congregations in the United States enter a new era of church growth, these are seven of the characteristics which keep reappearing in church after church.

Let’s pray for the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit to make our church a growing and influential church for Christ and His Kingdom.

May God’s richest blessings always be yours. See you in church Sunday!

This month we are highlighting Praise Band member Doug Scott. Doug is the son of Tom and Robin Scott. Doug and his family attend church at First Presbyterian Church. He has been an active member of his church's Youth Program as well as the Kirksingers. Doug has played drums for the past two years in our Praise Band. Doug and fellow Praise Band member Tanner Hall have formed a band called Read More Movies. They have played at Festival in the Park, Chili Cook-Off, and at various Patrick Henry High School events. Doug's favorite song is "Carry the Light". He enjoys playing in the Praise Band because he is able to use his musical talents in worship.  

Church Softball Team - Game Schedule

SW Virginia Festival with Franklin Graham

May 2-4, 2003 will be an exciting time for Christians in the Roanoke Valley and throughout Southwest Virginia. Franklin Graham, son of renouned Evangelist Billy Graham, will present one of only two Festivals available in the United States this year. This is an excellent opportunity to participate with thousands of like-minded individuals who believe that Jesus Christ is “the Way , the Truth, and the Life”. 

All Festival events are open to the public free of charge at the Salem football stadium. Graham will preach on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 PM, and Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM; the Saturday night program is particularly aimed at students. Saturday morning at 11:00 AM will be a special program featuring “Bibleman” (Willie Aames) aimed at the younger children. 

No tickets are required, but a large audience is expected at each event. Early arrival is recommended since admission will be on a first come-first seated basis. Participation in this Festival can be the opportunity to impact your life for years to come, and even eternity.

Interfaith Hospitality Network News

    After 4 years as SRUMC coordinator for IHN, you would think I would no longer be moved by watching the families move into our youth house with all of their belongings in Hefty bags. It always puts a lump in my throat and the day it no longer does is the day I should walk away from this program.

    Last week, we hosted 5 families in the network and it was one of the most rewarding and fun weeks I’ve experienced. One single mom and her toddler son stayed only one night, but the rest of the families got along like they were in one big happy family. Many of the volunteers told me how much they enjoyed spending time with this group. We need to keep them in our prayers as they work hard to provide a new life for their families.

    Please take a moment to thank each of the following volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the IHN program. Most of them are repeat performers and without them, we could no longer be a host church. Also, thank Bruce Muncy for being our newest overnight volunteer. He did a great job and certainly picked a good week to spend the night. If there are folks in our congregation who are thinking about volunteering to stay overnight, but are intimidated by the thought of it, please talk with Bruce and he will share his experiences. Thank you all for another week of showing some very deserving folks what the love of Christ is all about. Diane D’Orazio

Join us for a Spring program by the combined choirs of 

South Roanoke United Methodist and
First Presbyterian Churches

May 11 – 4:00 PM
At South Roanoke UMC 

Vacation Bible School
GET READY TO SHINE AT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
LIGHTHOUSE KIDS: SHINING GOD’S LIGHT

Vacation Bible School at SRUMC 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 SRUMC 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).

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 FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, May 13, at 10:30 AM in the Terry Wimmer Classroom.

THE AFTERCARE SOCIAL CLUB will meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, May 13 in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like more information regarding our Social Club, please call Bonnie Dayton at 981-0237.

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

THE PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE will meet at 7:45 PM on Wednesday, May 14.

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP will meet on Thursday, May 15, at 12:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for their monthly luncheon. This month's program will be a demonstration of the Bob Ross method of painting. Phyllis Fralin, a teacher at area nursing and retirement communities, will talk about the method while she does a sample painting. There will be a drawing for the painting at the end. Sign up on the list outside the church office.

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).