September 2
9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Blended Worship in the sanctuary        

Beginning September 9
KickOff Sunday 

Christian Education Sunday

New Regular Sunday Schedule
9:15 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship
 

SERMON SERIES
SIMPLY CHRISTIAN 

What is the essence of the Christian faith?
Contemporary biblical and theological scholars have brought a fresh perspective to the truth of the Gospel. 

You are asked to read and study the text each week in preparation for worship.

“A Third Way”

As we look to this upcoming fall season, life is once again presenting us with changes.  For our family it involves that reality called an “empty nest.”  At this writing we are preparing to depart for Alabama to take our daughter, Salina, for her freshman year in Pre-Architecture at Auburn University.  What a change that will be for her….and us!  Though we will miss her we are very proud of her in her accomplishments and rejoice with her in her goals for the future.  As she enters this new phase of her life, so do we.

The church in America also seems to be experiencing a new “season” that brings changes.  Anthony B. Robinson, a former local church pastor who now serves as a consultant to churches on congregational renewal and transformation as President of the Columbia Leadership Network in Seattle, suggests:

For congregations—particularly congregations of the mainline
Protestant tradition—the way forward has everything to do with
changing the conversation. Is a third way possible—a way beyond
the polarized alternatives of…traditional or contemporary, praise
or classical? If it is possible, is a third way merely a compromise
between extremes, a muddle in the middle, or is it a vital center
and a new framing of the conversation?

“Changing the Conversation:  Nurturing a Third Way for Congregations”
Anthony B. Robinson, The Alban Institute, www.alban.org, 2007 

With our new Sunday morning schedule beginning on KickOff Sunday, September 9, South Roanoke church enters a new season of our growing awareness of the character of our congregation.  As I understand the conclusions of our Feasibility Study, we are people who find meaning in the full variety of worship styles and who truly enjoy being together for worship.  As we worship together we are determining for ourselves that “third way” so many congregations today are trying to identify and embrace.  I share your confidence that God is defining among us a “third way” this is not “merely a compromise between extremes” but a truly “vital center.”

     Bible Learning Adventure Stations will BLAST OFF once again on Kick Off Sunday, September 9.

     Our K - 5th grade class will experience Bible stories through art, cooking, story and drama, science, games and video.

Adults, would you like to go (or return) to Waveland, MS to help with the reconstruction of homes damaged by Katrina?  Before arrangements can be made for such a trip I need to know who wants to go and the time frame that you would be able to make this trip.  So please email or phone me of your interest and when you could go.

A laity-led time of prayer and worship
weekly for 6 weeks

 WEDNESDAYS, 7:00 PM

On Sunday, August 12, the Local Missions Committee and the Youth of SRUMC presented 18 backpacks loaded with school supplies for dedication.  These backpacks were given to Trinity UMC Community Outreach Program (COP).  This is a program for inner city youth.

Thanks to the Youth Group and Paula Coker-Jones for their help with this project.

ANNUAL BAZAAR AND LUNCHEON

THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!
          THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!

     Our pumpkin truck will be arriving around October 6.  We need lots of help unloading the truck.  Plan to join the fun and remember to buy your pumpkins and fall decorations at our own Pumpkin Patch.

August 15, 2007

Elder Care Counseling

  The Pastoral Counseling Center of the Roanoke Valley (PCCRV) now offers Elder Care Counseling that provides   specialized pastoral care/counseling to older persons in their homes. The home may include a nursing home, ho spital, assisted living facility, or a retirement community.

  A pastoral counselor is a person of faith who is trained as a mental health professional and in providing pastoral care. SRUMC contributes to the support of PCCRV, a Judeo-Christian center. Our own Polly Roberts is one of two counselors who provide Elder Care services.

  Not only does this program address the possible complications of challenged mobility, transportation, and at-home responsibilities, many older persons feel more comfortable talking in their own surroundings. At times the in-home therapist may work with family member(s) as well. 

  With some financial assistance available, the cost per in-home session is $50. Although insurance is not accepted, the in-home fee is not much above many co-pays for office visits. A grant from the Roanoke District of the UMC helps to supply financial aid.

  The following are just some issues that elderly persons may experience:

  As with all clients, the PCCRV counselors keep strict confidentiality unless concern arises for the safety of the client or of someone else.

  Call about Elder Care Counseling at 343-5455.

Weekly Programming
For Children: 

MONDAYS ~ Jelly Bellies
A program for 2 1/2—pre K from
1:30—2:45 p.m. 

TUESDAYS ~ Junior Mints
A program for K—2 from
4:00 –5:30 

THURSDAYS ~ Peanut M&M’s
A program for 3—5 graders from
4:00—5:30 

SUNDAY MORNING
Sunday School

starts at 9:30 and the children experience Science, Technology, Art, Drama, Cooking, Games and Bible

through a rotation program called “BLAST”  Each rotation is a 3 week study on an individual Bible opportunity for children in K-5th grades.

Our 3’s & 4’s meet in a separate location and experience age-appropriate opportunities in discovering the Bible.

2’s & under ~ meets in the Infant/toddler room , which is available from 8:30—12:00.

Children’s Church

is offered each Sunday morning during our worship hour for children ages 3—9.

This opportunity allows children to experience worship with a child’s perspective.

SRUMC  Children’s Music Program

South Roanoke offers a variety of music opportunities for children and youth.

We offer bell choirs, Cherub (3-5’s) and Hosanna choir (5 & up), and     instrumental opportunities.

Check your church bulletin for times.

Sunday Night Schedule

Youth meets each Sunday night
from 5:00—7:30 p.m.

We have dinner together, followed by a time of games, praise and Bible Study.

  “SORO” Youth Group offers opportunities for leadership development, peer interaction, community involvement and local and national missions.

Youth are invited regardless of denomination. All you need is a desire to learn about God, want to develop positive connections and share compassion with others.

Youth opportunities
will include

Serving meals at the Rescue Mission

Providing Christmas gifts for needy children

Working with local non-profits

National Missions ~ Biloxi Summer trip

Mark your calendars now
KICK OFF DATES

Youth Fundraiser
September 8th,   9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The youth will host a neighborhood carnival to get the word out on new programs for the church and to raise money to assist with their mission projects for the year  ~ both local and national, as well as improvements to the youth house.

The youth will prepare an old fashion carnival as a fundraiser for youth missions. This will include an old fashion cake walk, dunking booth, old  fashion games, etc.

Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the carnival and will be needed to participate in all activities.

M.O.P.S.

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers.

MOPS exists to meet the needs of every mom - stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be!

MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.

Watch for the Fall start-up date.

MONTHLY GATHERINGS

Raising a family can be filled with a variety of    emotions. These can include moments of  loneliness, periods of feeling  overwhelmed or times when you just need to speak to another adult, “child-speak” just will not cut it  anymore. We hope this will offer a much needed adult “fix” as well as a large play date for your child.

Once a month, typically the third Saturday of the month, beginning July 2007, we would like for all of our SRUMC  families with  elementary age children or below, to have  a fun day. This will allow the parents to fellowship and the children to play together and  help both groups begin forming bonds with one another.

WELCOME! We're glad to have all who have joined us for this time of worship. Especially to our guests and visitors, we welcome you to South Roanoke and to our fellowship. We invite those who have no church home to make South Roanoke your church and add your witness to ours. 

DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES for the October issue of the Tower Times is September 15. Send articles to Kate Macdonald at kmacdonald@benefitsmanagement.com. Articles can be sent at any time prior to the deadline. 

REQUESTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS are now being taken. If you are a member of SRUMC, and have a student who will be attending college this fall and would like to apply for a scholarship, please come by the church office to pick up an application form.  

OUR NEW REGULAR SUNDAY morning schedule begins on
     KickOff Sunday, September 9:
                Sunday School     9:15 a.m.
                Worship             10:30 a.m.  

ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 18 back packs filled with school supplies were dedicated for the Trinity Community Outreach Children’s Program . This was a joint project of the Local Missions Committee and the youth of SRUMC. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Lenten Offering. This was funded by the Community Needs Response fund of Local Missions.

MUSIC STAFF: SRUMC seeks candidates for immediate opening for two part time music staff. Part time Director of Music (for adult choir, Praise Team, handbell choirs, youth and children’s choirs, occasional small group instruments. Part time Organist/Accompanist (for Sunday worship and rehearsals for choirs and specials). Congregation seeks musical leadership that is skilled and experienced in the full variety of worship music styles and works well with all ages. Job descriptions are posted on www.srumc.com. Email resume, three references, and salary requirements to PennyHayns@aol.com or mail to 2330 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24014 Attn: Music Search Committee. Should an applicant apply that qualifies to adequately perform the duties of both these positions, he/she will be considered. If you know of anyone who might be interested in either of these positions please pass this word on to them.  

THE ANNUAL ROANOKE UNITED METHODIST HOME BAZAAR will be held Thursday, October 11 from 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Luncheon will be served from 11:30-1:00. If you would like to purchase a ticket for lunch at $7.50 each please contact Doris Cutright, 772-9454. If you have items to donate for the sale please let Doris know.  

PUMPKINS ARE COMING!!! Our pumpkin truck will be arriving around October 6. We need lots of help unloading the truck. Plan to join the fun and remember to buy your pumpkins and fall decorations at our own pumpkin patch. Please contact Paula Coker-Jones (344-4437 or 529-9901) or Terry Wilkinson (772-0490) if you can help any day in October with the pumpkin patch.  

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP is set to start another year of fun and fellowship. Check the bulletin board between the sanctuary and the office for details and to sign up for activities. The first activity will be in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, September 20th. Lunch ($7.00) will be at noon, and then Rev. Liz Mortlock will present a program called, “Oral History: Exploring the Treasure of our Life Stories.” Hope to see everyone there.