Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 28, 1994 TAG: 9408050059
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By Frances Stebbins
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
VIRGINIA UNITED METHODISTS, at their recent annual conference in Norfolk, presented more than 18 tons of baby blankets and kits for school children, mothers and health workers to be distributed to needy people throughout the world. The Methodists also gave nearly $390,000 for other relief expenses. Nearly 2,500 blankets were donated.
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST members, at their recent Virginia Regional Assembly in Lynchburg, endorsed writing a new five-year plan that will guide major regional decisions for the remainder of the century. A capital funds campaign to upgrade the Craig Springs Conference Center, a new regional office, an endowment for future regional ministry and the establishment of new congregations are likely to be part of the plan.
More than 450 lay and ordained delegates also approved the study of a document that would permit more cooperation between the Disciples and the United Church of Christ.
THE ROANOKE VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS recently sent 96 young women to a national Acteen convention in Birmingham, Ala. They were among 587 Acteens from across Virginia. The Roanoke Valley delegation was led by Sue Ellen Tyree of Vinton.
At a 25th anniversary Acteen party, Gretchen Fritz, a recent graduate of William Byrd High School, represented Virginia. Fritz was the state citation winner for Virginia Acteens.
LLOYD A. AUSTIN, a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, received the John Wesley Distinguished Award at the recent annual conference in Norfolk of Virginia United Methodists . A retired educator, Austin has served on the board of Ferrum College and Virginia United Methodist Homes as well as several other denominational agencies.
SISTER VERONICA SHEEHAN has retired from the staff of St. Gerard's Catholic Church. She had served the parish for 10 years, most recently as pastoral coordinator.
WEST END PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1200 Campbell Ave. S.W., has scheduled its 85th anniversary celebration Sept. 25. Preaching at the morning service will be the Rev. Richard Lindsey, who served as pastor from 1975 to 1981.
THE ROANOKE JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL, which includes members of Temple Emanuel and Beth Israel congregations, has decided to build a Habitat for Humanity house with a donation of some of its funds. Members are giving the rest of the needed money and will serve as volunteers in building the house for a working family that could not otherwise afford a home.
SOUTH ROANOKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 2330 S. Jefferson St., has scheduled its vacation Bible school Monday through Aug. 5, mornings from 9 to noon. Activities are for children from 3 through fifth grade. Call 344-4437 for more information.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4608 Brambleton Ave. S.W., plans a contemporary style worship service Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Like two earlier services this summer, it will feature a different style of music.
by CNB