ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 17, 1996 TAG: 9602190005
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
New general presbyter
On April 1 the Rev. Dr. Meriwether Anderson Sale of Jefferson City, Mo., will become general presbyter - the major executive - of the Blue Ridge Presbytery. The general presbyter's office in Lynchburg coordinates the ministries of congregations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Western and Central Virginia.
The position has been vacant since the Rev. Dr. George Magnuson moved to Boston more than two years ago. Edith Patton has been acting presbyter since then and will continue in the role until Sale arrives. The other professional staff member of the presbytery is the Rev. George C. Goodman. Sale is executive presbyter of the Missouri Union Presbytery. His wife, Frances, is a school guidance counselor.
Souper Bowl funds
The Souper Bowl, an ecumenical effort to raise money to relieve world hunger, produced more than $1 million, according to a report from the national office. On Jan. 28 - Super Bowl Sunday - youths in many churches, including some in Western Virginia, collected $1 from anyone planning to watch the football classic. The $1.05 million is more than double what was raised in 1995 and is the highest amount recorded in the six years since Souper Bowl was begun.
Furniture sought
Refugee and Immigration Services of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond is seeking used furniture to equip homes for recent immigrants. Sofas, tables, chairs and beds are especially needed. Call 342-7561 to donate to the Roanoke office at 1106 Ninth St. S.E.
New justice director
Sister Gwen Hennessey, a member of the Roman Catholic Order of St. Francis based in Iowa, has begun as director of the Appalachian Office of Justice and Peace of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. The veteran of peace and justice ministry will coordinate Catholic advocacy and mission work in Southwest Virginia from her base in Abingdon. She has spent many years as a rural church worker in Iowa and California.
Eastern Orthodox Lent
Lent will begin for Eastern Orthodox Christians on Feb. 26. Affecting mainly members of Greek Orthodox congregations, it is a time of reflection and penitance leading up to Easter, which falls on April 14, one week after the more familiar observance. The date is different because Orthodox use an earlier calendar dating back to 325 A.D.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 linesby CNB