South Roanoke United Methodist Church

South Roanoke United Methodist Church

2330 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

Phone: (540) 344-4437
Fax: (540) 345-8041
Email:  SRUMC2000@aol.com

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The Tower Times

March 2010
 

Removing the “Blinders”!

It was July, 1985.  My dad had just retired from work the summer before and now was in the midst of a vacation of a life time.  As a native of Canada, Pop had always wanted to do what his dad had done in 1915.  Grandpa Wright and a hardy group of men had taken a Model T Ford and gone all across Canada.  My father’s dream was to do the same.  So, he and my mom set out on the Al-Can Highway from Nova Scotia all the way to Alaska.  Sensing this was the trip of a life time, I too wanted to go, but could not be away the 6 weeks it was going to take them.  Instead I flew to Anchorage, Alaska and met them for the final two weeks of the journey coming back home.

Somewhere on the Al-Can, in the Yukon Territory, altitude of 9,600 feet, with my dad driving and me riding “shot-gun”, I happened to look in the rearview mirror.  There sitting in the middle of the backseat was my mom with a blanket pulled over her head.  She was terrified of the height we were driving on this graveled “highway”.  My dad and I laughed but it was not funny to mom.  She had had enough of the high elevations.  Like a horse being lead through a fire, she was using her blanket as her “blinder” to get over the mountain.

“Mountain-top” experiences can mean different things for different people.  For some they can be spiritual eye-openers, for others the reality terrifies them.  So it was on a particular occasion with Jesus and three of his closest disciples.  Jesus, knowing what was about to happen in the valley to come, takes his three followers and goes to a “high mountain”.  There he is Transfigured before them.  Peter, James and John, at first, are terrified but then perhaps with the sounding of God’s voice, the “blinders” are removed and they not only see a glorified Jesus, but Moses and Elijah as well.  Instantly they want to stay right there, insisting that they build three booths to commemorate the occasion.  But that was not the purpose….just to stay.

Life is full of ups and downs.  That is why “mountaintop experiences” are designed to prepare us for the future.  The disciples were not quite ready for Jesus’ trial and death, but God was preparing them by taking off the “blinders” that they might see.  May this Lenten season be one that helps us take off the “blinders” that we might see Jesus.  May this season be one to prepare us for what God has already planned for us.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Stan

TO BACH AND BACK 

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

It’s great to see the children's music grow on Sunday mornings. We started with about 8 and last Sunday had almost three times that many. In addition to singing each month, we are preparing a children's musical for presentation June 6th.  Children are encouraged to bring their friends and yes, there is room for more. All SRUMC children are invited. We rehearse at 9:30 on Sunday morning upstairs in the children's wing.

MUSIC FOR FOUR SPECIAL SERVICES

    March 28    Palm Sunday
Our children will lead a processional waving palms to remind us of the triumphal entry of Christ onto Jerusalem; Chancel Handbells will ring and Tom Miller will sing
“The King Is Coming.”

    April 1    Maundy Thursday
Our Chancel Choir will present a meditative anthem focusing on the Crucifixion.

    April 2    Good Friday
As the church is open from 8:00 a.m. til 6:00 p.m. for prayer, our organist Judith Clark will play selections for meditation for fifteen
minutes at noon.

    April 8 Easter Sunday
Guest instrumentalists and our Chancel choir will provide music to lead in
celebration of the Great Truth...
He is risen...He is risen in deed !

PRAISE FEST APRIL 18!!!
Mark your calendars

 Ric McClure
Director of Music Ministries

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP

THE ADULT FELLOWSHIP GROUP, on Tuesday, May 11, will travel with Sunshine Tours for a one day tour of Andy Griffith’s birthplace, Mt. Airy, NC. We will stop by the Visitor’s Center for a 10 minute video, memorabilia and other displays and collections. Then there will be a guided bus tour which will include: Granite buildings, old Mayberry jail, Floyd’s City Barber Shop, Andy Griffith Playhouse, Andy’s home place and a drive through the World’s Largest Open Faced Granite Quarry. No visit to Mt. Airy would be complete without a visit to Snappy Lunch, Mt. Airy’s oldest eating establishment, where you will be treated to lunch!. We will load the bus at 8:00 AM and return at 6:30 PM  Cost per person is $45.00. To make your reservation  call Sunshine Tours, 1-800-552-0022

Jeff Roscoe
Coordinator

CIRCLES TO MEET

MARY CIRCLE will meet in the Church library on Monday March 15th at 7:30 PM. For more information call 345-2436.
Anne Ferguson
Coordinator

UPPER ROOM CIRCLE  is collecting stuffed Easter bunnies for CHIP once again this year. Please place bunnies in the basket by the office door by Sunday, March 14. Thank you! Contact bdljlong@cox.net or 989-2837 for information.
Dawn Long
Coordinator

THE DOTTIE WALKER CIRCLE  will meet on Tuesday, February 9, at 10:30 a.m. in the Terry Wimmer Classroom. All women of the church are invited to attend.

DEADLINE

MEETINGS THIS MONTH

FOR ARTICLES for the April issue of the Newsletter is March 15. Please email all articles to Emil Kuelz at kuelzek@infionline.net.

Along with your articles we value all of your suggestions on how to improve this newsletter. There is no deadline for your valued suggestions.

CHILDREN’S EDUCATION MEETING will meet Monday, March 8, at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Weekday and Summer programs. Parents are invited to attend. Hope to see you there.

THE WORSHIP COMMITTEE will meet on Tuesday, March 9, at 7:00 PM in the library/conference room.

INTERFAITH  HOSPITALITY NETWORK

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

SRUMC will be the host for Interfaith Hospitality Netwoor guests during the week of March 28th through April 4th.  This will be an exciting time.  Easter is a blessed event and we are blessed to have the opportunity and the facility to house the homeless on this special Christian Holiday.  There will be lots of activities and many ways to help in this important mission.  We hope you will take this opportunity to share your Christian faith with someone less fortunate than yourself.  Call one of the people below and see how you can serve in this mission.  God Bless SRUMC

Coordinators
Host -Pat  Kuelz (C) 353-8246, (H) 774-8446
Host-
Diane D’Orazio-(H) 725-9886, (C)797-9886
Meals
- Ellie Clark (H)  721-3340
Overnight Hosts
-Prentice Moran (H) 725-8498
Supplies
- Dawn Long  (H) 989-2837

Pat Kuelz
Coordinator

Aldersgate Class:  The Aldersgate class meets upstairs over the kitchen.  We welcome all.
 
Kathy Cain
Coordinator

Wesley Class:  Meets in the classroom at the end of the hall outside the fellowship hall. All are welcome.
John DeVerter
Coordinators

Pathfinders Class: Meets in the church Parlor. All are welcome.
Paul Davenport
Coordinator

WIMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS is currently studying “The International Lesson Series for the Fall”. Anyone is welcome to attend this class located in the hallway outside the fellowship hall.
Doris Cutright
Coordinator

LENTON BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES

Wednesday Evening Dinner:  6:00 PM
Bible Study 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
February 24
th – March 31st
Dinner Donation:
    $5.00-adults; $2.50-children $15.00 family
Childcare provided

Galatians
The Magna Carta of  Christian Freedom

Our study will focus on Paul’s letter to the Galatians on one of the most important issues of our Christian faith: freedom. What is the relationship for the believer between grace and law or faith and works? The understanding of this was so important to Paul that he felt that a misunderstanding could lead to the weakening of the Gospel message. Come and join us each week as we explore these six chapters of Galatians.

Stan Wright
Pastor SRUMC

PRESCHOOL

2010-11 Registration

Registration for the upcoming 2010-11 school year continues until all classes are filled. Applications may be obtained in the preschool office, by calling 982-3707 or by e-mailing srumps@srumc.com.  For further information about our program or to schedule a tour, contact Debby Rattenbury. 

The children are looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day and the warmer days of spring!

 Debby Rattenbury
Preschool Director
.

THE AFTERCARE SOCIAL CLUB

Will meet at the church at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 2nd. They will enjoy pizza and plan for 2010. Several people have volunteered to drive the van for our group during the coming year; please consider joining us for pizza and planning on the 2nd. Meeting our members and seeing the calendar of events will help individuals decide what dates best fit their schedules. If you have any questions, please call bonnie dayton at 529-3863

bonnie dayton
Coordinator

FIX LIGHT MEALS

WE STILL NEED people to fix light meals for the Lenten Bible Study. We have 4 volunteers already, but need someone for March 10 and 31. If you can help by preparing a light meal please respond to this email, or call Penny in the church office, 344-4437. Don't forget to sign up for the Bible Study.

WINDOWS

DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR WINDOW in memory or honor of someone! The folks in the Wimmer class have bought all of theirs, a few in the Aldersgate class have been sold, three in the Pathfinders’ class have been sold, and one has been sold in the Wesley class. There are still a lot in the children’s wing and the music room that can be given in memory or honor of someone.

LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES

THE ANNUAL ROANOKE DISTRICT LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES TRAINING EVENT will be held at Northview UMC in Roanoke on Friday evening, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. Registration forms are available in the church office. If you would like more information about this event, please contact Penny in the church office, 344-4437.

EASTER LILIES

DEADLINE FOR ORDERING EASTER LILIES is March 14! Use the form found in your bulletin, or call the church office to place an order for lilies to be used on the altar Easter Sunday in memory, or honor, of loved ones. Lilies are $11.00 each.

EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 4th

Easter Sunrise Service - 7:01 AM
 
In the Columbarium
Rev. Don Roberts preaching

Followed by Easter Continental breakfast in the Fellowship Hall (Courtesy United Methodist Men)
10:30 AM Worship Service

HOLY WEEK   MARCH 28 - April 4

HOLY WEEK, the full week prior to Easter Sunday, begins with Palm Sunday, Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and climaxes with the Great Three Days (from sunset Holy Thursday through sunset Easter Day.)

Passion/Palm Sunday - March 28th - 10:30 AM
Worship begins with a procession of choirs, children and palms

Easter Egg Dye,  Thursday April 1st  - 3:30 PM 

Holy Thursday - April 1st
Holy Communion - 7:30 PM
A Service of Tennebrae

 On this night Christians commemorate the supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his resurrection, when he washed the disciples’ feet and instituted the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The congregation is invited to sit 12 at a time at the Lord’s table. A Service of Tenebrae, or “Darkness” is based on a twelfth-century late night/early morning service and is an extended meditation on the passion of Christ. The service features readings from John 18:1-19: 42 rendered by James H. Charlesworth. He accurately translates these passages with special sensitivity to Jews, Judaism, Jesus’ Jewishness, and the Jewish origins of Christianity. The service concludes in darkness and silence in reverence of our Lord’s suffering and death 

Good Friday - April 2nd
Prayer Vigil 8:00AM—6:00 PM

The sanctuary is open for prayer. We will pray in commemoration of the great
sacrifice of our Lord. An usher will be in the church at all times during the day.

Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday April 3rd - 10:00 AM

2010 LENTEN OFFERING

To help those in need in our community - GOAL:  $15,600.00

South Roanoke Church has made a significant impact in our community through the years by our support of a number of local agencies and organizations that lift the quality of life in our area. Our church also joins with other United Methodists to support outreach through special offerings. Our 2010 Lenten Offering benefits these local agencies as well as United Methodist Special Offerings

     Local Missions
Habitat for Humanity $200.00
Pastoral Counseling Center $500.00
Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) $1,000.00
Rescue Mission $750.00
West End Center $750.00
CHIP $1,950.00

(Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley)

Roanoke Valley Red Cross $500.00
Com. Outreach Program (C.O.P.) $1,000.00
*Community Needs Response   $3,850.00
*
This fund positions the church to immediately
respond to emergent needs with these and other
service organizations as they arise in 2010
.

     National Missions
Volunteers in Mission (Youth) $2,500.00

     United Methodist Special Offerings
Human Relations Day $125.00
Heart Havens $500.00
One Great Hour of Sharing $500.00
Native American Awareness Sun. $125.00
Samaritan Fund $1,000.00
Peace with Justice Sunday $125.00
Christian Education Sunday $125.00
Industrial and Commercial Min. $100.00

During this season of sacrifice you are invited to contribute “over and above” your regular
offering in support of this effort.  Lenten offering envelopes are available in the pews.

Youth NEWS

Mark your Calendar Now

Youth Leadership ~ 3/8
Youth District Council ~ 3/15
Youth Sunday Practice ~ 3/17 & 3/20
Youth Sunday ~ 3/21
Youth District Retreat ~ 3/26-28**
  ** We will come back on Sat. Night as Youth are participating in the Palm Sunday Service.
Easter Egg Hunt—4/3
Youth Leadership—4/12
Step 2 Retreat ~ 4/16-18
Roast & Toast ~ 5/16

YOUTH SEMESTER DONATIONS
are due at this time!!
$70.00

$70.00 for the Semester helps with the expense of Sunday Night dinners. We currently have $900.00 in our budget to help with  the full 2010 (spring, summer, fall) budget year. As you know dinner for 30+ for 36 Sunday meals plus many Wednesday nights of summer only goes so far. We are blest to have youth workers who help in this ministry and prepare wonderful meals each night. We appreciate your support with this donation.

SRUMC Children's NEWS

Weekday Programs

 K-2nd program ~ Junior Mints
Tuesdays from
3:00—4:15 

2.5 yrs.—5 yr (Pre-K)
Wednesdays from
1:00—2:15 

3rd—5th Program ~ Peanut M&M’s
Thursdays from   
3:00—4:30

Each week, your children are given the opportunity to learn about God’s love, provided with music instruction, given creative time to work on crafts, and  participate in lesson activities, which demonstrate God’s love for us.

 Your child will have the opportunity to play and work with other children. We hope that your child will join us on their scheduled activity day.

PMM fun day for March is a trip to the Science Museum.

I look forward to working with your children in one of our various programs designed with your child in mind. The church offers Sunday School Programs, Weekday programs, Children’s Church, Nursery and Youth programs throughout the week. Remember FRIENDS are always welcome. See you soon!.
If you have any questions regarding the Children’s Ministry, please call Paula Jones @ 344-4437 ext. 16

Join Us For Sunday School

We meet each Sunday from 9:15 - 10:15 on the 2nd floor of the Children’s Wing.

We are blessed to have Bittsy Hall, working with the elementary children, and Patty Oshida, working with the preschoolers. Please let them know how much you appreciate them serving in this ministry.  If you have questions about Children’s Sunday School, please see Bittsy Hall.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES
In recent discussions with the Children’s  Education Committee, It has become apparent that we need to discuss Sunday School times with all of our families who have children in the  Preschool –5th grade Sunday School Classes. 
Sunday School starts at 9:15 and ends at 10:15.  Our children need to be picked up at 10:15 in order for the teachers to clean up their space and get to church on time. Thank you for your help.

CHILDREN’S MUSIC
is working on the musical
100% Chance of Rain
for Children’s Sunday
April 25th, 2010. 

We currently offer music opportunities as part of Sunday School and weekday programs. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on these times as we prepare for April 25th, Children’s Sunday.

 

 

1

Young Life Blow Out

 

7:00 p.m.

meeting at PH

Parking Lot

 

Should be a lot of fun. See you there

2

3

Jelly Bellies

1:30—2:30

 

Small Groups

5:30 Gals

7:00 boys

Meet @ youth house

4

Junior Mint / PMM

3:00—5:30 w/ choir

 

5:45—6:45

Youth Praise Band

 

 

5

Sr. High Eagle Eyrie

$130.00*

 

Meet and Leave @ 5:00

 

* This will include dinner on Friday and lunch on Sunday

 

 

6

Sr. High Eagle Eyrie

 

7

9:15  Sunday School

10:30  Worship

 

5:00—5:45   Orchestra

5:45—7:30    SRUMCY**

 

Sr. High Eagle Eyrie        return by 3

* We will have Youth Tonight for the Advent Angel practice

 

 

 

8

Youth Leadership

6-7

 

 

COM (Kemper)

7:00 p.m.

 

9

DYC

MEETING

7:00 p.m.

10

Jelly Bellies

1:30—2:30

 

Small Groups

5:30 Gals

7:00 boys

Meet @ youth house

11

Junior Mint / PMM

3:00—5:30 w/ choir

 

5:45—6:45

Youth Praise Band

12

13

14

9:15  Sunday School

10:30  Worship

 

5:45—7:30    SRUMCY**

ADVENT ANGEL        

PROGRAM

15

16

17

Jelly Bellies

1:30—2:30

 

Small Groups

5:30 Gals

7:00 boys

Meet @ youth house

18

Junior Mint / PMM

3:00—5:30 w/ choir

 

5:45—6:45

Youth Praise Band

19

Youth fundraiser ~    

 Parent’s night out

6:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.

20

21

9:15  Sunday School

10:30  Worship

 

6:00—7:00 

Church  Music Program

7:00—8:00

Youth Diner & Christmas

Celebration

22

Christmas Holiday

23

 

Serve

Breakfast at the Rescue Mission

5:45—8:45

24

 

No Programs

 

Christmas Eve Service

25

 

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

26

 

27

28

Youth Lock In

7 p.m.—7 a.m.

29

Christmas Holiday

30

31

 

No Programs

January 1

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

January 2

 

 

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