ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611040014
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: in religion
SOURCE: MARY LOU BRUTON
If you're a teen-ager who just wants a place to get together with friends, or if you're a parent who is aware of your teen's social activities, you've probably heard about the 180 Club (formerly Straight Street) on Radford Street in Christiansburg.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the club will hold a youth rally called "Fueling the Fire," conducted by Teen Mania Ministries, from 6:30-8:30 both nights. Last year, Teen Mania sponsored a similar rally at the Salem Civic Center entitled Acquire the Fire, which was attended by 1,500 young people.
The rally is the same "intense in-your-face MTV style presentation of the Gospel" as last year's, only on a smaller scale, according to a news release. Jeremy Isom and his traveling ministry will present drama, comedy skits, worship and teaching. Videos on large-screen TV will be a part of the experience. Isom, who has a bachelor of arts degree in communications and theology from Oral Roberts University, is an evangelist who works with young people and has been involved in over 32 mission excursions in more than 25 countries.
The rally is free, but there will be limited seating. Call 381-1006 for more information and registration.
The local teen club got the "180" in its name from a Biblical reference in the book of James concerning turning one's life around. It's a club and local hangout that emphasizes a positive, Christian way of life for young people in grades 7 through 12.
Sponsored by Vision Agape Outreach, it is a nonprofit organization and has special teen nights each Friday and Saturday from 7 until 11. It offers dance nights, live concerts, teen talent nights, table games of all sorts, indoor basketball, rollerblade basketball and volleyball in a well-supervised atmosphere. An after-school program for middle-schoolers is being planned for the future, when funds become available.
Special events
*The public is invited to a special 2 p.m. service Sunday at Goodwin's Ferry Church on Spruce Run in Giles County. The Rev. Layne Board will conduct the service of worship and music.
*A special musical program will be at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 910 Rock Road West, Radford on Sunday at 4 p.m. Members of various African-American and white churches will present musical numbers, and an interracial choir has been organized.
From our
congregations
*The Rev. Vickie Lynn Houk, who has served several interim pastorates in Ohio, will become rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Pulaski on Nov. 24. The native of South Dakota is coming from Alliance, Ohio, to succeed the Rev. Stephen Weston who went to a Texas congregation nearly two years ago. Since then the parish has been supplied by retired clergy Francis Tatem and Harmon Smith and with lay leadership. Houk was ordained seven years ago after her graduation from South Dakota University and the theological school of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. She previously worked in the medical technology field.
*The congregation of Asbury United Methodist Church in Christiansburg has broken ground for a new church building on Church Street near the present historic frame structure. The Rev. Richard L. Worden, superintendent of the Roanoke District, said the project is expected to cost about $400,000 and is set for completion by mid-1997. Services will continue to be held in the old building and later plans call for remodeling its usable parts, Worden said.
*The Shelter Home, located in Blacksburg, is a foster care home for children. Established in 1971, the Home provides care for neglected and troubled children who have to be removed from their family for various reasons. The home is staffed by live-in houseparents who receive a stipend in addition to all living expenses. The present houseparents will be leaving at the end of December and the Board of Directors is presently seeking a couple to replace them. One parent may be employed or be a student. Anyone interested should contact Larry Taylor, president of the board, at 552-0220 or 231-6680.
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Isom.by CNB