Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 7, 1995 TAG: 9510090014
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Rev. Judy Mills Reimer, outgoing national moderator of the Church of the Brethren who lives at Smith Mountain Lake, will become pastor of a proposed new congregation there. The Rev. Ernest Deyerle, chairman of a steering committee for the new Church of the Brethren, said Reimer will begin her work in January. Her appointment, he said, is another step in establishing a church for the lake community, though a building is not immediately planned. Instead, planners are looking at the gradual development of a church from small spiritual growth groups, a strategy that has proved successful in other parts of the nation. Currently three lake-area congregations - Episcopal, Lutheran and Presbyterian - make up Trinity Ecumenical Parish, which for several years has worshiped in a Catholic church.
Burger to plan center
The Rev. Kenneth Burger, interim pastor of Melrose Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for the past six months, is beginning this month as director of planning for a proposed retirement center operated by Disciples of Christ in the Virginia Region. Burger, who formerly had a church in Bedford, said he will continue at Melrose part time until March and then assume full-time status with a planning office in Lynchburg. No site for the center has been announced.
Blessing of the animals
A Blessing of the animals service is planned Sunday at 3 p.m. at Boones Mill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The service on Virginia 919, Grassy Hill Road, is open to members of the public with leashed pets. Such services commemorate St. Francis of Assisi and his love of animals.
New Methodist service
First United Methodist Church in Galax has begun a new Sunday morning service at 9. It is intended for worshipers who prefer an informal style of music, prayer and preaching or whose work hours prevent them from attendance at the traditional 11 a.m. time. It will precede the education program.
Building dedication set
The dedication and open house for the new Bedford Christian Ministries building will take place Sunday beginning at 2:30 p.m. at 217 W. Washington St. Choral and instrumental music by local groups will be part of the program, which is supported by most of the community's churches.
Habitat benefit set
Franklin County's first Habitat for Humanity house will benefit from a musical variety show with performances Oct. 27 and 28 at Franklin County High School Auditorium. The 8 p.m. event will include talent from Ferrum College and Franklin County High School as well as from churches and community groups. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
by CNB