Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 25, 1994 TAG: 9407070093
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Rick Lindquist
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The nondenominational camp meeting was first held in 1978. It was named for Robert Sayers Sheffey, a 19th -century circuit-riding preacher who ministered to settlers in Virginia and West Virginia and elsewhere in the Southeast. He's buried near the camp meeting site in Wesley Chapel Cemetery.
The Rev. David Hughes, a United Methodist Church evangelist from Pennsylvania, will be this year's speaker. The Holston Conference bishop, the Rev. Clay Lee, and the Tazewell District superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Don Scott, will speak opening night.
Leading the singing this year will be Tom Flick from Tifton, Ga., a former Sheffey Campmeeting song leader who has traveled extensively around the country in evangelistic crusades.
Gospel performers attending this year include several local performers: Kimberly Denise Gray of Radford; Rivers Edge, from Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead; The Cornerstone Warriors from Narrows; The Whitts from Radford; and The Scotts of Pulaski.
There's a special emphasis this year on activities for children and youth, and July 14 will be youth night. Mike and Stephanie Mitchener and Mary Leigh St. Clair will lead programs for preschool through college groups.
The campground is beyond Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. To get there, take Virginia 730 off Virginia 100 just east of Staffordsville. To learn more, call Carolyn Johnston, 953-3417, or Edna O'Brien, 921-2908.
The global MARCH FOR JESUS gets under way around 10 a.m. today in Pulaski. March organizer Billy Hale of gospel radio station WPUV (1580 AM) in Pulaski estimates the parade could attract 1,000 marchers from several congregations in the New River Valley.
The march will organize at 9 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of America on Memorial Drive, then proceed down Memorial Drive to Bob White Boulevard Church of God, where there will be a prayer rally. Song books will be provided, and WPUV will broadcast the music to which the parade participants will sing and march.
Billed by its Austin, Texas, sponsors as "a day to change the world," the March for Jesus calls for Christians around the world to witness for Christ by walking, singing and praying together in their communities. A March for Jesus also will be held in downtown Roanoke.
VACATION BIBLE/CHURCH SCHOOL:
Presbyterian Church of Radford, Randolph and Fourth streets - in cooperation with Grace Episcopal, Christ Lutheran and St. Jude Catholic churches: Sunday through Wednesday, for all ages. Classes follow a potluck dinner Sunday, 5-5:45 p.m., and weeknights, 6-6:30. A nursery is available. 639-2585.
St. Michael Lutheran Church, 2308 Merrimac Road, Blacksburg: Monday through Friday, 6-8 p.m. A meal will be provided each evening. Call Betty Gross, 552-2154.
Blacksburg Baptist Church, 550 N. Main St.: For ages 3 through grade 5. Register Sunday, 4:30 p.m. Classes Sunday, 5-7 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon.
Adult Bible study Sunday, 5-7 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 7-8 p.m.
Call Susan Cruise or Kimberly Graham 552-3869.
Floyd United Methodist Charge: July 11-15, 7-8:30 p.m. at Havens Chapel with classes for nursery through grade 6 and for older youth. A kickoff supper will be held July 10 at 6 p.m. Call Reba Goff, 651-6480, or Diann Conner, 651-8215, for details.
Radford First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Second and Ingles streets: July 11-15 for children and youth 3-19. Register at the church July 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., or call 639-6287 or 639-0379.
Indian Valley Presbyterian Church, Virginia 754 in Floyd County: July 11-15, 7-9 p.m. Call 789-4396 evenings for details.
HAPPENINGS:
A benefit bake sale will be held today, 3-5 p.m., at Potter Clay Church, on U.S. 11 between Christiansburg and Radford. A gospel sing follows. Proceeds and donations are to help Leona Elliott with her medical expenses. Call Mr. Snow, (703) 766-3696 for more information.
A yard and bake sale will be held today, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church, 490 Stuart St., Christiansburg.
An old-fashioned camp meeting with evangelist J. B. Shelton continues through July 30 at 7:30 each evening with preaching and gospel music at the Old Gospel Tent in the Pulaski County community of Hiwassee.
Admission is free. Call 381-2123 or 980-8262.
The Rev. Mark Haverland of Athens, Ga., conducts services Sunday, 8:20 and 10 a.m., at St. Peter's Anglican Catholic Church in Christiansburg. Call 382-7970.
The musical "Godspell" - based on the Gospel of Matthew - will be performed Monday, 7:30 p.m., at Dublin United Methodist Church, 424 E. Main St. Admission is free. The 32-voice Aldersgate Chorale of University Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, will perform.
St. Peter's Anglican Catholic Church in Christiansburg celebrates Holy Eucharist on the Feast of St. Peter, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. The Rev. William McClean of St. Anne's in Charlotte Hall, Md., will be guest preacher. A reception follows. Call 382-7970.
A flea market will be held at Fairlawn Baptist Church, Oxford Avenue, July 9, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds will send youngsters to Christian camp this summer. Rain date: July 16.
The Christiansburg Roman Catholic Community celebrates Mass Saturdays at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall on College Street (near Radford Road). Refreshments follow the service.
For more information, call Ned Letto, 382-8046 or Elaine Reese, 381-1944.
MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE:
A gospel sing will be held at River Baptist Church, Ripplemead, tonight at 7. River's Edge, Aaron Harless, Edgar Moser and others will sing. Call 921-2457.
The Laceys sing today, 7 p.m., at the Brush Arbor Worship Center on Virginia 99 in Pulaski. They visit Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church, 895 Merrimac Road, Blacksburg, Sunday, 11 a.m., and Shawsville Congregational Holiness Church, Alleghany Springs Road, Shawsville, Sunday, 7 p.m.
Chosen Generation sings this evening at 7 at Seneca Baptist Church, U.S. 460, Elliston.
The Otis Linkous Family Singers visit Riner Grace Brethren Church, Virginia 8, three miles south of Auburn High School, Sunday, 7 p.m. Call Carl Ratcliffe, 382-4654.
NAMES:
The REV. RICK ECKLUND of the Floyd Parish United Methodist Charge will assume new duties as pastor of Nelson County United Methodist Church in Arrington, Va. Sunday will be his last day in Floyd County. A farewell party for the Ecklunds is set for Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in the Havens Chapel fellowship hall. The Ecklunds have been in Floyd for four years.
The REV. LAWRENCE J. STEVENS will be the new pastor of the Floyd United Methodist Parish. He is now the pastor of the Bath Charge in Bath County, where he's served for two years. His first Sunday will be July 3 at Copper Hill and Huffville United Methodist churches.
In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization in care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Fax: 381-1656. Clear, sharp photographs accompanying news items are welcome. Items must be received by noon Wednesday for use in that week's column.
by CNB