ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, December 3, 1994                   TAG: 9412050023
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long


DRAMATIST-MINISTER TO STAGE ADVENT PLAY IN ELLISTON

Minister, artist, vocalist and playwright Glena M. Jessee-King of Elliston will stage and direct her Advent drama "SHEPHERDS IN SEARCH OF A MANGER" Dec. 10 and 11, 7 p.m., at Elliston Church of God, U.S. 11/460, where her husband, Ronald King, is pastor. Admission is free.

Jessee-King has written more than a dozen dramas over the years. This play has been presented three times before, Jessee-King said, but she has painted new backdrops this year. In addition to directing, she performs as Leah, one of the two main characters. In the story, set in the time of Jesus' birth, Leah, a stammerer, and her little brother, Ishmael (played by Sarah Jones), who is handicapped, are misunderstood and rejected by most, but honored by God to see the manger and the Christ child. Later, when caught in a blizzard, they again seek that refuge.

Caroling precedes each performance. Saturday, the Rev. Mark King, the son of King and Jessee-King, and his wife, Melinda King, will minister in song with help from singers from the church. Several soloists will sing Sunday night.

SERVICES

Luther Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church, Prices Fork and Toms Creek roads, Blacksburg, offers a Wednesday evening worship. Holden evening prayer begins at 5:30 p.m. A light supper follows in the fellowship hall at 6 p.m. 951-1000.

The Roman Catholic community of St. Mary's, Christiansburg, celebrates Mass today and every Saturday, 7 p.m., at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1845 Cambria St., with the Rev. Louis Benoit of Holy Family Parish, Pearisburg. Pat Kaminski, 382-7589; Elaine Reese, 381-1944; or Ned Letto, 382-8046.

Holy Ghost Miracle Revival with evangelist J.B. Shelton concludes tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Lighthouse Deliverance Church, 740 Radford Road, Christiansburg. Larry Carter, 382-1875, or J.B. Shelton, 381-2123.

"The Subtlety of Righteousness" is Janet Aquavella's topic Sunday, 10:30 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the New River Valley, 1301 Gladewood Drive, Blacksburg. Guests are welcome. A discussion follows the service. 552-3785 or 552-4749.

Living Way Christian Center holds services Sundays, 1 p.m., at the Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. The Rev. Phillip Price, 951-8990.

Belmont Baptist Church, Peppers Ferry Road (Virginia 114) across from the Vicker Road turnoff, has revival services Sunday, 6 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m., with Terry Walters. Tom Bonn, 382-5335.

Christ Episcopal Church, 120 Church St., Blacksburg, has a traditional lessons and carols Advent service of music and scripture Dec. 11, 4:30 p.m. Child care is provided. The offering benefits Habitat for Humanity house no.14.

MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE

Second Chance gospel ministry appears Sunday, 10 a.m., at Lords Full Gospel Mission, Pilot, and Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at Bread of Life Chapel, Pulaski.

Glade Baptist Church, 1600 Glade Road, Blacksburg, presents the musical "Sing We Now of Christmas," Sunday, 11 a.m., during a "hanging-of-the-greens" worship and Communion service. 552-3394.

Grove United Methodist Church, Tyler Avenue, Radford, presents an afternoon of Advent and Christmas music Sunday, 3 p.m., in the church sanctuary. Refreshments follow. The public is welcome. Clarence Dishman, 639-2807.

The Mass Choir of First Baptist Church-West Street, Radford, celebrates its 17th anniversary with the Rev. Frank Saunders of Roanoke on Sunday, 4 p.m. Ann Turner, 382-6459.

The Worship Choir of Belmont Christian Church, 2149 Dominion Drive, Christiansburg, presents the musical drama "Come to Bethlehem," Sunday, 7 p.m. Nursery for children 2 and younger. 382-8521.

The Chancel Choir of Main Street Baptist Church, Christiansburg, presents the cantata "The Gift of Christmas" Dec. 11, 11 a.m., and Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a canned food item to donate to a food bank. Nursery for preschoolers available.

The New River Valley Community Chorus presents its annual Christmas concerts Dec. 11, 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 408 N. Jefferson Ave., Pulaski, and Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, Eighth and Wadsworth streets, Radford. John McCandlish, 639-2671.

Christiansburg Church of the Brethren, 310 S. Franklin St., presents a Christmas cantata Dec. 18, 11 a.m.

HAPPENINGS

Latin American Dinner today, 7 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, Church and Jackson streets, Blacksburg. $9.50 for adults and $5.25 for children 12 and under. Authentic Hispanic food, music, a pinata and a drawing for a door prize will be featured. A nursery will be provided. Proceeds help fund a visit to Guatemala and a project with a new sister parish there. 552-2411.

The Blacksburg Jewish Community holds a Hanukkah party Sunday, 1-4 p.m., at the Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. All are welcome, but reservations are requested. Call Etty Vandsburger, 552-9234, or Rebecca Scheckler, 951-0172. A potluck luncheon will be served and there will be presents for the youngsters.

HOLIDAY BAZAARS

New Life Foursquare Church, at L.I.F.E. Bible College East, 900 Life Drive, Christiansburg: Christmas crafts and yard sale today, 8 a.m.-noon, in the college gymnasium, to raise money for a new church. Campus tours and refreshments. 382-7100.

The GEMS of Christiansburg Pentecostal Holiness Church, Third and Phlegar streets: Christmas bazaar today, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bonnie Roberts, 731-0166.

First Christian Church, Newport: Christmas bazaar today, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch and take-out meals available.

Vicker Pentecostal Holiness Church, Peppers Ferry Road: Christmas bazaar today, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the fellowship hall. Hot dogs and baked goods available. Donna Barker, 381-9796.

Full Gospel Grace Tabernacle, Noblin Street, Radford (near Belle Heth Elementary School): Christmas bazaar today, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., sponsored by the women of the church. Shirley Price, 674-5382.

Franklin Street United Methodist Church, Wytheville: Christmas bazaar Dec. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., sponsored by the building fund committee. Annie Taylor, 228-4769.

In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization in care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Fax: 381-1656. Clear, sharp photographs accompanying news items are welcome. Items must be received by noon Wednesday for use in that week's column.

We want to tell our readers about your Christmas and New Year's services, so please let us know about them by Dec. 16. Send information on holiday services to the Current, care of Rick Lindquist, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073-0540. Fax: 381-1656. E-mail: currentbev.net.



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