Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 23, 1993 TAG: 9309230398
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But Kim Brabham, who plans and directs programs for two Roanoke churches, can't seem to find anything wrong with her job with Belmont and First Christian churches. Both are Disciples of Christ parishes that date back to the earliest days of Roanoke.
Brabham's energy and enthusiasm have revitalized programs and people, the churches' pastors say.
"Our church is turning around since Kim came on the staff about 15 months ago. She has such a spirit; she cheers everybody up," said the Rev. Jim Rivers, pastor of First Christian in downtown Roanoke.
She's united two small youth groups so the 12 teens from throughout the valley can do things such as take trips to amusement parks and plan service projects. She arranged a joint service for Belmont and First Church in April that Rivers considered highly successful.
The many older people in both churches appreciate her creativity and spontaneous warmth, Rivers observed.
"I believe we're coming back [from a long period of declining membership], because we've received 15 new folks in the past few months," Rivers said. "I think Kim has a lot to do with that."
Rivers, who became First Christian's pastor five years ago, said the church hired Brabham as a secretary and Christian education director. It couldn't afford full-time people in these jobs.
He heard about Brabham from a colleague, the Rev. John Wallace, the pastor of Belmont Christian in an old Southeast neighborhood. Brabham had been on the job there about three years as program director for children and youth.
Wallace especially likes the way Brabham has brought the two parishes together. With churches like First and Belmont, the answer to continued life may eventually be a merger, he says. But that is hard for many longtime members to accept, since it results in a loss of identity. Brabham in her tactful and gradual way is bringing about the best aspects of union without a total merger, Wallace said.
Today Brabham works five mornings weekly at First Church and nearly every afternoon at Belmont, which she now considers her home parish. Sunday mornings, she alternates between the two congregations, giving the childrens' message. At First Church, she often assists Rivers in worship leadership.
Brabham likes the variety as program director, the title Rivers has given her since she began coordinating events at First Church.
Among her duties is preparing the meals for the midweek fellowship Rivers instituted several years ago. Cooking is one of her loves, Brabham said, but she confessed to having no other hobbies, "because it seems about all my time is taken up with people in church."
Several years ago, Brabham was a secretary in a construction company and was educating herself in youth leadership with the Girl Scouts. Needing a place for a troop to meet, she was steered to Belmont Christian and soon was invited to work with its youth part time.
Being able to work for a church was a dream come true for her.
"I guess I have a willing spirit. I'll try most anything. When I went to Belmont, they wanted someone to direct their handbell choir. I said `What's a handbell?' but we learned together pretty fast."
Today Belmont has a modest orchestra composed mostly of high school students. Brabham works with the minister of music, Kim Hardy, and organist Jeryl Powell. She also plays several instruments by ear.
Programming for the many older people in both churches is different, she's found. In winter, most won't come out at night, but there's great potential in teaching and fellowship for day groups. Churches, Brabham observed, are the center of life for many Roanokers born in the pre-World War II days, and pastors don't always recognize the potential for fun and service with seniors.
"I guess I've always lived like you can be a Christian and have fun."
by CNB