2330 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

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

Let us pray.
You often hear this call in the congregation as we gather for worship, join together around the table of fellowship, or prepare to study the Scripture or undertake the work of the church.  The life and ministry of the people of God always begins and ends in prayer.  Prayer brings the proper awareness and commitment to the truly spiritual nature of our task.  Prayer unites us as children of God in the fulfillment of our mission.  Prayer connects us with the vision and will of God for us all.
As our leaders have sought to prayerfully discern the goals and priorities for the ministry of South Roanoke Church for next year, they invite your full participation in this process.  At this writing a series of “focus groups” are being planned where each of you will have an opportunity to learn of these goals and priorities.  Presented by a video and an accompanying brochure, the entire congregation is welcomed to share your ideas, visions, and thoughts through this “focus group” process.  Once you have had an opportunity to share your ideas our leaders will be fully prepared to present our goals for adoption by our Charge Conference on November 29.
Where would you see our church in five years?  That is the question these goals and priorities address.  Next year we want to take one step toward that five-year vision.  We welcome your help in this discernment.
Discernment calls for prayer.  Therefore, I invite each of you to join with me for prayer at the church once each week.  Three weekly opportunities will be provided this month beginning October 18:

  MORNING PRAYER
Monday mornings 7:00—8:00 a.m. in the kitchen foyer
Wednesday mornings 7:00—7:20 a.m. in the parlor

  MIDDAY PRAYER
Wednesdays 12 noon—12:20 p.m. in the parlor

 We need to pray just now that our church will be led to the best expression of our unique talents, resources, and calling in fulfillment of our mission as people of God. 

    It is time for our fall trip to Capon Springs Resort in West Virginia.  We leave at 10:30 on Monday, October 4 and return at 5:00 on Wednesday. Please sign up and get your money in—we have 20 places to fill.  Cost $255.

WELCOME YOUTH MINISTER
PAULA COKER-JONES!

DID YOU GET YOUR LETTER?

A NEW CHURCH BUS?   YOUR   CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NEEDED!

LET US PRAY

Each week beginning October 17 a Prayer Request Card will be in the pew rack for you to write your prayer requests and place in the offering plate.  You are invited to join others in lifting up these requests (beginning Oct. 18) during:

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY FEATURES DR. RUBY SOKWALA 

ROANOKE DISTRICT MINISTERS MEET AT SOUTH ROANOKE

Hermitage Guild Bazaar

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TO EPWORTH-BY-THE-SEA?

I am beginning plans for a 4 day, 3 night trip to St. Simon Island, staying at the Georgia Methodist Conference Center, Epworth By The Sea.  We would stay in motel like housing and have meals furnished.  Bob Garner has agreed to go with us to tell us about the Wesley’s in the US.  There is a museum of Wesley items located there.  Travel would be by Linkous Christian Tours.  The cost would be about $100/day ($400). The dates are May 16, 17, 18  and 19, 2005

I NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY ARE INTERESTED BEFORE I PROCEED FURTHER WITH THE PLANS.

Would you either call me at 774-6568 or call Joe at the church so that I will know if there is enough interest to make the plans and reservations.  This is not a commitment to go but a strong indication of your intentions. I would like this information by October 1, 2004.

               Romona Williams
 

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.

PLEASE SEND ARTICLES for the November issue of the Tower Times by October 15 to Joe Kennedy, or email to joesrumc@aol.com. Articles can be sent at any time prior to the deadline. 

OUR NEW YOUTH MINISTER will be commissioned on Sunday, October 3, during the worship service. Please come and welcome Paula Coker-Jones to our church.

THE PUMPKINS ARRIVE on Monday, October 4, at 4:00 PM. Everyone can help unload trucks at the Pumpkin Drop. Buy your Halloween pumpkins Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM to dusk and on Sundays from Noon to 5:00 PM. Proceeds from the sale of pumpkins will go toward service and mission projects and activities of various groups in the church.

THERE WILL BE a meeting of the Staff Parish Relations Committee on Wednesday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the library/conference room. 

THE AFTERCARE SOCIAL CLUB will meet on October 12 for a Carnival with the boy scouts at the church. For information regarding the Social Club, call Bonnie Dayton (981-0237).

THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE of the United Methodist Women will meet on Tuesday, October 12, at 10:00 AM in the Wimmer Classroom.

THE HERMITAGE GUILD BAZAAR AND LUNCHEON will be held at the Roanoke United Methodist Home on Thursday, October 14, 2004. Items are needed for the following booths: Books, attic treasures, furniture, jewelry, crafts, needlework, decorations, clothing, jams, jellies, plants, bake sale, etc. Bring your donations to the church office at any time. If you would like to purchase a lunch ticket for $7.00 call Doris Cutright, 772-9454 or Virginia Shaver, 343-6079. 

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP will leave at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 4 for their annual Fall trip to the Capon Springs Resort in West Virginia. The return time is 5:00 PM on Wednesday. Everyone interested in going please sign up and get your money in. There are 20 places to fill for the trip. The cost is $255.

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP will have lunch and fun time at the Kennedy's home on Thursday, October 21. The cost is $6.

FALL FAMILY FUN FEST in the pumpkin patch from Noon to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 24.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS on Sunday October 31. Remember to set your clocks back one hour.

Nov. 17 noon-2 pm “A Wholfhart Haus Christmas” at Wohlfhart Dinner Theater $35 for lunch (4-course plate meal), show, taxes, and gratuity. Sign up by Oct. 13.
May 16-19, 2005 (tentative) to St. Simon Island, Ga (Wesley Museum, Georgia Conference Center “Epworth by the Sea,” and Bob Garner on the Wesley’s) Cost approx $100/day ($400). Call Romona Williams, 774-6568 or Joe Kennedy, 344-4437 if you are interested.

OUR NEW CHURCH BUS? YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NEEDED! On September 21, in response to a recommendation of the Council on Ministries, the Board of Trustees voted to retire our church van, donate it to the ministry at Camp Alta Mons, and pursue the purchase of a new 14-passenger bus. With current funds in reserve an additional $20,000.00 in support is solicited from the congregation of which $10,580.00 has already been secured. Contributions (mark “bus”) are received through the offering plate and in the church office.