ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, August 3, 1996 TAG: 9608050123
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
More than 1,000 members of congregations affiliated with the Virginia Evangelizing Fellowship will hold their annual meeting Thursday through Aug. 10 at the Roanoke Civic Center Auditorium. Included are members of some Churches of Christ and Christian Churches not affiliated with a national body.
Keynote speaker will be Wally Rendel of Lexington, Ky. Workshops have been scheduled for adults and youths. Among the topics to be presented by regional and national leaders are "Vision in the Small Church," "Tradition vs. Truth," "Ministry to Senior Adults," "Positive Parenting," "Women's Service to the Church" and "End-Time Seminar."
A major function of the VEF is the formation of new congregations, many of which are in Western Virginia. Call 772-1924 for program details and registration.
United Methodist center director hired
Susan Putnam, a graduate of George Tech and a professional organist, has begun as executive director of the Henry Fork Community Center, a United Methodist ministry to residents of rural Franklin County. She previously worked in Huntsville, Ala., with Seminole Indians. The center was established 31 years ago by the late Charlotte Seegars and offers child care, classes and emergency help to the community. Call 483-2819 for more information about its work.
Shenandoah University getting new building
Construction has begun on a 62,000-square-foot theater and music academic building for Shenandoah University in Winchester. The United Methodist-related school is known for its sacred music training program. The $2.5 million structure is expected to be finished in about two years.
Dallas Holm performs Sept. 14
Dallas Holm, a veteran of 25 years of presenting Christian gospel music, will perform Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Word Ministries, 1928 Loch Haven Drive in Roanoke County. A former member of the David Wilkerson evangelistic team, Holm has won several national awards. A door donation of $3 is requested, along with an item of non-perishable food to be given to a Western Virginia food bank. Call 774-9798 for more information.
Religious fear dying less
People with religious involvement have less fear about dying than those who have no religious faith, according to a research summary from the National Institute for Health-Care Research. When 200 people were queried about their faith and feelings about death, "Strong religious convictions and the belief in an afterlife are associated with significantly less anxiety and depression regarding the idea of dying" according to David Larson, president of the non-profit institute.
Eagle Eyrie expansion called for
Eagle Eyrie, the Southern Baptist conference center near Lynchburg, needs 10 years and $20 million to make it an up-to-date facility, according to The Religious Herald, the Virginia Baptist weekly newspaper. Among the urgent needs are an $850,000 waste water treatment plant. Extensive remodeling of the present auditorium, dining hall, dormitories and offices is part of a vision for the next century. Reginald McDonough, executive director of the Virginia Southern Baptist ministries, said Eagle Eyrie "is not a resort" but is "a spiritual place at which people make life-changing decisions."
Baptist group plans day camp
The New River Baptist Association, along with the Virginia Baptist Board, will sponsor a day camp for children whose families are attending the Fiddlers Convention in Galax. The annual festival, which attracts thousands of folk and gospel music fans, will be in session Monday through Friday in Felts Park. Christian activities for children in the first through sixth grades will be provided daily starting at 10:15 a.m. by collegians active in the Baptist Student Union.
New Providence 250th anniversary
New Providence Presbyterian Church in Rockbridge County, one of the oldest in Western Virginia, has set Sept. 15 as its 250th Anniversary celebration. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. with worship and will continue with potluck lunch at 12:30 and further activities until 4 p.m. Call 433-2556 for more information.
Shenandoah Presbytery training conference
"Fill Us With Life Anew," a training conference sponsored by Shenandoah Presbytery, is open for registration. It will be held Sept. 28 from 8:45 a.m., to 3 p.m. at Massanutten Presbyterian Church at Penn Laird near Harrisonburg. The keynote address on "Spirituality" will be given by the Rev. Kristine Haig, a member of the national staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Louisville, Ky. The registration fee of $10 includes lunch. Call 433-2556 for more information.
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