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

DATE: THURSDAY, December 1, 1994                   TAG: 9412240030
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S23   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

RELIGION BRIEFS

WORLD AIDS DAY, set for today will be observed in many congregations by members wearing red ribbons that were distributed the past Sunday. A project of the American Red Cross, it is meant to show compassion for those who have the incurable disease and their families and friends.

THE ROANOKE COLLEGE CHOIR will perform Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m. at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 631 N. Jefferson St. Directed by Jeffrey Sandborg, the program will include seasonal music by the Preparatory Division Children's Choir under the direction of Kimberly Davidson as well as selections by harpist Sanghee Uhm and organist Donald G. Moe. The programs are free though an offering will be taken for Roanoke Area Ministries. "There Is a Flower: Lessons and Carols of Christmas" will be the theme.

WOMAN IN LIGHT, an Advent play about Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be presented tonight, Friday and Saturday at Virginia Western Community College. The monologue, which covers Mary's life, will feature Barbara Johnson, a nationally traveled actress. Performances begin at 8.

Johnson is a member of the Evangelical Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, which is sponsoring the show. Call 563-0778 for ticket information.

THE REV. KIRK LASHLEY, director of Southern Baptist ministries in the Roanoke Valley Association, was elected first vice president of the Virginia Baptist General Association at its recent meeting in Salem. Lashley is affiliated with Colonial Avenue Baptist Church.

RELIGION AND RACE, a group of United Methodists in the Roanoke District working for more inclusion of minorities in churches, has announced its 1995 goals. These include a cross-racial pulpit exchange and choir festival, a Habitat for Humanity project conducted across racial lines, a joint vacation Bible school with more than one race involved and transracial youth activities.

The group meets regularly, usually at the Roanoke United Methodist Home. For more information, call 989-3335.

SOUTH ROANOKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, South Jefferson at 23rd Street, has announced its Advent programs. The Brass Five quintet will play Sunday at 11 a.m. On Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. the choirs of children and adults will present special music. Communion will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. with Christmas Day joint education program at 10 and worship at 11.

THE REV. MARK W. RADECKE, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, will be on a study leave from Christmas Day through March 4, 1995. Radecke is completing work on a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. In his absence the Rev. Robin Henrickson, associate pastor, will administer the parish.

Send information for publication to Frances Stebbins, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va., 24010, by noon Wednesday.

by CNB