Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 17, 1994 TAG: 9402170298
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BY FRANCES STEBBINS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
\ SOUTHERN BAPTISTS in the Roanoke Valley Association experienced a decrease in baptisms in 1993 as well as in Sunday school attendance, according to the association's annual report. Baptisms for 1993 totaled 544 compared to 644 the year before. The Sunday school attendance figures fell from 11,127 to 10,521.
Increases, however, were noted in other areas. Enrollment at mission Bible schools was up from 266 to 393 pupils. Overall giving also was up from $12.1 million to $12.4 million although less was designated for mission causes. The figures also reveal that the valley's Southern Baptist congregations have few ethnic minority members.
\ LUTHERAN COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES has elected the Rev. Kenneth Lane of Trinity Church as its president and Corinne Gott of Christ Church as vice president. Lynda McConnell was named secretary, and Dick Toggweiler was named treasurer. They are members of St. John Church.
LUCOM, which includes representatives from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations in the valley, is planning to build a third Habitat for Humanity house. It also will sponsor a lay school of theology next month.
\ WOMEN'S AGLOW day chapter will discuss "Marriage and Relationships" when it meets Wednesday. Call Vickie Reed at 344-3553 for the time and meeting place. The organization is for Christian women of charismatic preference. A nursery will be available.
\ SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Market and Main streets in downtown Salem, will begin a Lenten series of discussions on March 2. They will continue through March 23 with the Rev. Julie Hollingsworth, director of Roanoke Area Ministries and an ordained Presbyterian minister, the opening speaker. She will speak on "The Church at the End of the 20th Century" with the presentation followed by small group discussion. Programs will begin with dinner at 5:45 and discussions at 6:30. Reservations for the meal may be made by calling 389-3385.
\ FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Langhorne Place in downtown Salem, has announced special Lenten programs. Each Wednesday morning from 10:15 to 11:30, "Alive in Christ" will be the theme of a study book. The Rev. Jonathan Bennett, associate pastor, is leader.
On Sunday nights beginning with a supper at 5, a second study, "The Original Ideas of Jesus That are Changing the World" will be led by the Rev. Thomas Joyce, pastor. It will begin Sunday and continue through March 27.
A cross with candles to represent each week in Lent is displayed in the church this year. Made by Ray Brown, its candles will be lighted until Easter.
On March 20 the usual two Sunday morning services will be combined for a presentation of the Easter portion of "Messiah" by Handel at 10:30.
\ COMMUNITY REVIVAL SERVICES involving several congregations in West Roanoke County and East Montgomery County will begin Monday night at Big Hill Baptist Church off U.S. 460 west of Salem. The Rev. J. Eugene Young, pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church of Roanoke, will be the guest preacher. Services will start nightly at 7 and continue through Feb. 24. To open the meeting on Sunday, the churches will share in a musical presentation at 3 p.m.
Deadline for religion briefs for Neighbors is Thursday. Material must be delivered to Neighbors Religion Briefs, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010, by noon in order to run in the following Thursday edition.
by CNB