Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 9, 1993 TAG: 9310090042
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: wire and staff reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Sponsors of an annual "life chain" demonstration opposing abortion said they registered between 600 and 650 participants Sunday for the gathering at Orange Avenue and Williamson Road in Roanoke.
Andrea Sexton of Salem, spokeswoman for the Roanoke Valley chapter of Virginia Society for Human Life, sponsor of the event, said participants were encouraged to make the 2-3:30 p.m. gathering a quiet, "prayerful" event. She said participants carried signs promoting adoption as an option as well as signs opposing abortion.
Sexton said the majority of those who attended were from the Roanoke Valley, but there were some participants from Covington, Martinsville, Rocky Mount and Blacksburg.
\ Introduction to Zen to be offered Oct. 23
An all-day Introduction to Zen workshop will be held Oct. 23 in Roanoke.
The workshop, which lasts from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., will include instruction in such topics as Zen meditation, Buddhist history and philosophy, and everyday practice. A vegetarian lunch is included.
The session is open to students of comparative religion as well as those interested in practicing the religion, said teachers Jack and Marianne Miller.
The workshop will be held at the Stone Mountain Zendo, in the Millers' home at 2702 Avenel Ave. S.W. 24015.
A $15 pre-registration fee is required before Oct. 20. Checks should be made to Stone Mountain Zendo and mailed to the Millers' address. Additional information is available by calling 345-8209.
\ `700 Club' expanded to 90 minutes a day
"The 700 Club," hosted by Virginia Beach religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, has been expanded to 90 minutes each day.
The new format, which premiered this week, adds a 30-minute news segment at the beginning of the program. The news show, called "The 700 Club: Newswatch" is packaged so it can be aired separately from the remaining 60 minute-program.
The previous format included news segments, most followed by commentary by Robertson and show co-hosts Ben Kinchlow and Terry Meeuwsen.
The show is carried live on The Family Channel cable network from 10 until 11:30 a.m. daily and at other times on 300 independent stations, including Roanoke's WEFC, Channel 38, where it is shown at noon and 11 p.m.
The Christian Broadcasting Network, which produces "The 700 Club," also announced this week that Robertson was stepping down as president, though he will continue to be chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors.
The network's new president is Michael Little, 45, a 21-year employee of the ministry who will oversee the day-to-day operations.
Robertson, 63, said he will continue to oversee the long-range strategic planning for the network and continue hosting "The 700 Club."
\ Southern Baptists adopt disciplinary guidelines
The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention recently adopted guidelines that will make it harder for "messengers" or delegates to the annual meeting to initiate disciplinary action against other churches.
The new policy, initiated in response to a bid by one church last year to prevent members of President Bill Clinton's home church from being seated at the convention, also will keep more of the deliberations about such motions in closed sessions.
Although the convention approved resolution condemning Clinton's stands on abortion and homosexuality, the messengers from his church were seated, but only after a rancorous open debate.
Under new rules, motions to challenge a church's participation in the convention are to be submitted in advance and the credentials committee will be able to hear arguments about them in private. Challenges will proceed only if it can be confirmed that the church has not supported the convention financially or that the congregation as a whole - not any individual members - has acted to affirm homosexual behavior.
The latter requirement was added in 1992 to expel two North Carolina churches.
Though some fear other morals tests are likely to be added in the future, the Executive Committee unanimously rejected a motion from last year's convention to expel member churches that ordain women.
\ Faith in Action award to be presented Monday
The Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond, will receive the Virginia Council of Churches' Faith in Action Award next week.
Sullivan, 65, is being cited for "his pioneering efforts in the church unity arena, as well as his strong and outspoken leadership in such areas as peace and justice."
The award, being presented for the second year, was established to recognized someone who "exemplifies both the living out of his or her faith commitment and the ability to build bridges that make human community possible." It will be presented Monday.
\ Annandale minister holds Rocky Mount service
The Rev. Bruce Stewart, musician and liturgical clown who directs the Center for Liturgy and the Arts in Annandale, will conduct special programs tonight and Sunday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 101 Church St., Rocky Mount.
Tonight's potluck supper and recreation program for the family will begin at 5:30. On Sunday, Stewart has scheduled an intergenerational workshop on music for the church year starting at 9:30 a.m. He also will preach at the 10:30 a.m. service. Stewart expresses religious concepts through clowning.
\ 27 congregations sponsor Children's Sabbath
Twenty-seven religious congregations in the Roanoke Valley area will participate in the observance of Children's Sabbath, a program being sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Roanoke Valley.
This is the second year for the world-wide observance, which was begun last year by the Children's Defense Fund.
Beginning with Shabbat services on Oct. 15 and concluding with church services on Oct. 17, "congregations across our nation will focus worship service, religious education programs and related activities on the needs of children and ways people of faith can help meet those needs," according to Diane Kelly, executive director of Mental Health Services.
Participating congregations include Belmont Baptist, Beth Israel, Calvary Baptist, Central Church of the Brethren, Christ Evangelical Lutheran, Deliverance Church Ministries, First Baptist (Third Street Southwest), First Christian, Forest Park Baptist, Fort Lewis Christian, Melrose Baptist, Melrose Christian, Mill Creek Baptist, Oack Grove Church of the Brethren, Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic, Ridgewood Bapist, Rosalind Hills Baptist, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal, St. Mark's United Methodist, St. Peter's Episcopal, Temple Emanuel, Thrasher Memorial United Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, Virginia Heights Baptist, Wheatland Evangelical Lutheran, and Williamson Road Church of the Brethren. \
Chamblissburg church to mark centennial
Parrish Chapel United Methodist Church in the Bedford County community of Chamblissburg will mark its centennial Oct. 17. A pastor of 40 years ago, the Rev. Arthur Wingfield of Portsmouth, will preach at the 11 a.m. service. That will be preceded by Sunday school at 9:45. Potluck lunch is scheduled at 12:30 p.m.
A program of music and memories will begin at 2 p.m. Parrish Chapel currently is served by the Rev. Scott Seiler.
by CNB