Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 7, 1991 TAG: 9102080467
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By Frances Stebbins
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of daubing ashes on the forehead of worshipers at services on the first day of the penitential period.
The ashes are often obtained from burning the palms of the previous pre-Easter period and remind of the continuity of life as well as the return of humanity to dust.
Observant Christians often deny themselves rich foods or other luxuries during the 40-day time and give the money saved to the needy.
\ BAG LUNCHES FOR THE HUNGRY, who transiently frequent the Williamson Road area, is a new ministry of St. James Episcopal Church. Since beginning the project several weeks ago, volunteers have provided 65 lunches and received more than $700 from a Jubilee Ministries grant and personal donations to the Wayfarers Fund.
\ DOWNTOWN ROANOKE LENTEN SERVICES are planned each Wednesday from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, 402 Second St. S.W. A lunch for $2.50 is available following the service until 1 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Steven Teague of Calvary Baptist will offer the Ash Wednesday meditation. Speakers on succeeding Wednesdays will be the Rev. Jim Rivers, First Christian (Disciples of Christ), the Rev. David Yingling, Central Church of the Brethren; the Rev. Brad Phillips, Huntington Court United Methodist; the Rev, Byron Wilkinson, Thrasher Memorial United Methodist; the Rev. Frederick Clemens, Rockingham Court United Methodist and the Rev. James Hain, South Roanoke United Methodist.
\ BEGINNER'S HEBREW, a class for those of any faith who want to learn elementary reading of the language of the Old Testament, will be offered at Beth Israel Synagogue. The class meet Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 through May 28. There is a charge for books and materials; call 343-0289 for more information.
\ WASHINGTON BIBLE COLLEGE EXTENSION classes for the spring semester will cover the Bible books of Ezekiel and 2 Corinthians. The 12-week series begins Feb. 19 with the Rev. Kenneth Amsler teaching Ezekiel and the Rev. Larry Eenigenburg teaching Corinthians. The Tuesday night classes are from 7 to 8:10 and from 8:20 to 9:30 at Calvary Memorial Church, 2226 Colonial Ave. S.W. One class costs $25 with the second for $15. Call 563-2420 for more information.
\ THE REV. WILLIAM HARTSFIELD is leaving East End Baptist Church after five years there. He begins his work at Temple Baptist Church in Covington next week.
\ SUSAN LEFFELL, a member of Vinton Baptist Church, has become minister of music at Riverland Road Baptist Church.
\ BONSACK BAPTIST CHURCH has begun construction of its new worship center. Expected to cost about $2 million, it will accommodate the 800 who regularly worship on Sundays.
Deadline for religion briefs for Neighbors is Thursday. Material must be delivered to Neighbors Religion Briefs, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010, by noon in order to run in the following Thursday edition.
by CNB