Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 31, 1994 TAG: 9501040037
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In addition to individual donors, Volvo-GM, Litton Poly-Scientific, Hubbell Lighting, Virginia Tech, Pulaski County High School and area churches contributed.
The "Cans for Kids" program also was deemed a success. It collected more than 5,500 food items for families receiving toys. Schools throughout the New River Valley helped with the collection.
The Salvation Army remained the country's favorite charity for the second year in a row, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
The organization, founded in 1865 by William Booth, is considered a church by the Internal Revenue Service for tax purposes. It offers a range of services to those in need and during emergencies through its 1,189 community centers, including one at 525 Commerce St., Pulaski.
Lt. Gregory Mull of the Pulaski center said the annual kettle collection in the New River Valley topped $30,000 this season, up from last year. However, Mull reported donations in response to the organization's mail appeal were down slightly from 1993.
For more information, call The Salvation Army at 980-2400.
SERVICES
GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 2030 Redwood Drive, Christiansburg (381-0055) offers a Watch Night service tonight at 8 in cooperation with Walton Pentecostal Holiness Church. The Rev. Walter Smith is the guest speaker.
GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH, Virginia 8, Riner (382-4654 or 382-7571), New Year's Eve Watch Night candlelight service today, 9 p.m.-midnight, featuring the film "The Greatest Story Never Told" and music by the Farley Brothers.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RADFORD, 201 Fourth St. (639-2585) has a come-as-you-are intergenerational celebration, 10:15-10:45 a.m., Sunday, New Year's Day, in the fellowship hall. Church school classes resume Jan. 8.
ST. PETER'S ANGLICAN CATHOLIC CHURCH:, 230 W. First St., Christiansburg (382-2876) celebrates the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ Sunday with morning prayer, 10 a.m. (no 8:20 a.m. service). Friday, the Feast of the Epiphany (marking the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles and the last of the 12 days of the Christmas season), Festal Holy Eucharist, 7:30 p.m.
ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, East Main and Roanoke streets, Christiansburg (382-4365) has a New Year's and Holy Name Day festival of carols and lessons, 10 a.m.
MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE
The Gospel Strings lend a helping hand Jan. 7, 7 p.m., at Midway Community Church, Virginian Drive (off Merrimac Road), Christiansburg, at a BENEFIT GOSPEL MUSIC CONCERT to help Frances Lane, one of the gospel group's members who has been hospitalized and requires surgery. Her husband, Junior, also a Gospel Strings member, has been laid off from his job, so bills are piling up. A free-will offering will be taken and donations are welcome. Also performing: Young at Heart and soloist Wanda Gail. For more information, call the Rev. Carl Ratcliffe, 382-4654 or 382-7571.
HAPPENINGS
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tyler Avenue and Clement Street, Radford, celebrates its 105th anniversary Jan. 8. The Rev. Dr. Ambrose Stump of Jacksonville, Ill., is the guest speaker for the 11 a.m. service. A catered luncheon follows. The Rev. Gina Rhea is the church's pastor.
For those unable to get out to a Watch Night service, radio station WBLB (1340 AM) in Pulaski offers a live New Year's Eve Watch Night gospel sing starting at 7 this evening. The program features The Singing Nippers, Joe Russell and J.B. Shelton and family. The station plans to open its telephone lines for music and prayer requests. 980-6517.
The middle school youth group (GEMS) at Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Main St., has a New Year's "lock in" Sunday evening through Monday morning (8 p.m.-8 a.m.). Participants should bring a pillow or sleeping bag (but no sleeping) and snacks to share.
In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization care of Rick Lindquist, New River Current, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg 24073. Fax: 381-1656. E-mail: Currentbev.net. Clear, sharp photographs accompanying news items are welcome. Items must be received by noon Wednesday for use in that week's column.
by CNB