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

DATE: THURSDAY, April 28, 1994                   TAG: 9404280232
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By ERICA BOLSTAD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SECRETARIES HONORED AS CHURCHES' HEROES

Church secretaries weren't left out Wednesday: Members of Roanoke Area Ministries held a luncheon honoring them on National Secretaries Day.

``In many cases, the secretaries are the ones running the show,'' said David Nova, a RAM board member. ``We're certainly aware of that and want to recognize them.''

The Rev. Kenneth Lane, of Trinity Lutheran Church and chairman of the RAM board, called church secretaries ``the unsung heroes.'' ``This luncheon is to say thank you,'' he said.

``Our church couldn't run without Linda Akers,'' said Ginny Habeck, a member of Christ Lutheran Church and a RAM volunteer. ``Only Linda could keep up with the pastor.''

Many of the secretaries at Wednesday's gathering at Second Presbyterian Church had worked in the business world. They said the hours were better, but congregational work is often more rewarding.

``Actually, it's a ministry to people,'' said Leona Willett, secretary at Central United Methodist Church in Salem. ``You need a good knowledge of the church and you have to be a good listener. There are many times when people just want to be heard.''

by CNB