Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 25, 1993 TAG: 9311250380
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-11 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: BY FRANCES STEBBINS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Once characteristic of three old liturgical churches - Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Episcopal - Advent now is a part of programming among United Methodist, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Church of the Brethren and some Baptist congregations.
In a time when many church people deplore an over-emphasis on commercialism, Advent provides a different dimension in which the simplicity of the Christian message is emphasized.
Chrismon trees decorated with gold and white Christian symbols and Advent wreaths with lighted candles are often part of family observances. Some churches will hang Christmas greens Sunday, while others will not place this decoration until just before Christmas.
\ THE SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE, a traditional Advent program at Calvary Baptist Church of Roanoke, will include three performances at the church at 608 Campbell Ave. S.W.
The first is at 5 p.m. on Dec. 11. Two performances will be held Dec. 12, one at 5 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. During the program, the adult and youth choirs of the church, directed by Helen Robertson, present an hour of seasonal music from a 30-foot structure resembling a lighted Christmas tree.
\ THE CATHOLIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY has scheduled a special Mass for the living and deceased Tuesday at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, 2505 Electric Road S.W. For more information, call 343-4842.
\ ROANOKE AREA MINISTRIES has expanded its services to the needy with The Second Mile, a fund available to those in danger of losing their homes because of a temporary lack of money to meet rent or mortgage payments. The program, which started this year, augments a service available for more than a decade of making $50 or less available for utilities or prescriptions.
RAM also seeks caps, mittens, scarves and socks for adults and children who use its day shelter during cold weather. Call 345-9786 for more information.
\ THE REV. CHARLES W. EASLEY will be installed as the first full-time chaplain of Brandon Oaks retirement community at a service Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at the home on Lee Highway. Easley formerly was pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Roanoke. Bishop Richard Bansemer of Salem will preach for the service, and the Rev. Robert J. Meier of Blue Ridge will perform the installation. A reception will be held after the service.
\ GLAD TIDINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, 7422 Deer Branch Road, Hollins, will emphasize foreign missions on Dec. 5 at the 10:45 a.m. service. Richard Dunn, an International Media Ministries worker in Brussels, Belgium, will show a video and tell of his work in producing more than 35 childrens' Christian programs in French.
\ HIGH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH MALE CHORUS will mark its 10th anniversary Sunday at 3 p.m. at the church at 2302 Florida Ave. N.W. by sponsoring a concert by the Sensational Clouds of Joy Gospel Singers of Madison Heights.
\ THE 83RD ANNIVERSARY of Sweet Union Baptist Church will be observed Dec. 5. The Rev. Dr. James E. King, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Essex County will preach at the 11 a.m. service and the choir of that church will sing. The service will be followed by lunch at the church at 521 Madison Ave. N.W.
\ VALLEY VIEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, 2302 Oakland Blvd. N.W., is planning two pre-Christmas programs open to the community. On Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., the childrens' choirs and puppet ministry will be featured. On Dec. 12, the Adult Choir will present a cantata, "Christmas! Sing of the Wonder" at 6 p.m.
\ A SEMINAR for couples from two-tradition marriages has been re-scheduled for Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Turner Road in Salem. The program is for those who wish to be faithful to their own church but want to share in some activities with their spouse. Call 387-0491 for more information.
\ THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT has completed a fund-raising campaign for a church building at 4850 Grandin Road Extension S.W. Construction is expected to begin early next year. The proposed church will seat 450 and will be near the Virginia 419 intersection in the Oak Grove area.
The congregation, which follows an evangelical style of worship, was formed six years ago. Under the leadership of the Rev. Quigg Lawrence Jr., it has worshiped at several places, the most recently at North Cross School.
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