Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 14, 1995 TAG: 9510160015
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The trip was part of the national Sister Parish project, which matches U.S. churches with overseas churches and encourages American worshipers to learn about different cultures.
"The main thrust of the trip was people of faith visiting people of faith," said the Rev. Rod Sinclair.
Though Guatemala has been beset by political violence, the 10 parishioners who made the six-day trip did not feel in danger, Sinclair said. But the Guatemalans told them of the difficulties they face every day.
"I think some of us were amazed by their faithful living in the midst of a great deal of hardship," he said. The journey "keeps us in perspective."
Sinclair said the church will stay in touch through letters and electronic mail with the Guatemalans they met.
Physical projects, such as donations of material goods, "skew the relationship and build dependencies," Sinclair said. "You really want to help, but you have to alter your understanding of what help means."
The church will focus instead on friendship and a "partnership of faith."
SERVICES
Christiansburg's Holy Spirit Catholic Church will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. today at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Cambria Street. This week's readings will be 2 Kings 5: 14-17; Psalms 98: 1-4; 2 Timothy 2: 8-13; Luke 17: 11-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Children's religious education is offered every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Faith Christian Church of Christ on Roanoke Street in Christiansburg will celebrate homecoming Sunday and have a revival Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. Fall Festival at the church is Oct. 28.
The Glen Lyn Church of Christ will have its fall revival Sunday through Wednesday. Marion Harris, director of the Virginia Evangelizing Fellowship, will preach. Sunday morning service is at 10:45, and evening services will be at 7. Nursery and children's classes will be available. 726-3051.
Worshipers are encouraged to wear old-fashioned attire during Rockford United Methodist Church's Heritage Day on Sunday in Fairlawn. Services are at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. The sanctuary will be filled with chrysanthemums, offered as living memorials to loved ones and friends. A covered lunch will be at 12:30, followed by music.
Cornersview Pentecostal Holiness Church in Radford will have a revival Sunday through Wednesday. The Rev. Keith Linkous will be the guest speaker. 382-1662.
The Shawsville Lay-Ministerial Association, an interdenominational gathering of churches in the Shawsville area, will have its fall revival at While Memorial United Methodist Church from Sunday to Friday, at 7 each night. Keith Ritchie, 268-5901.
Blacksburg's Metaphysical Chapel on Church and Lee streets will play host to Bill Sydor on Sunday at 7 p.m.. He will speak about "Playing With the Dragon Dice." Wednesday, Estill Putney and John Dumais will conduct the sixth in a series of workshops on the "Celestine Prophecy" at 7 p.m. 951-4848.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the New River Valley on Gladewood Road in Blacksburg will play host to Alane Cameron Miles, a divinity student, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. At 8:45, Maureen Peters and Monica Appleby of Planned Parenthood will lead a roundtable discussion on "What's in Store for Planned Parenthood in the New River Valley." 552-2717.
Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Cambria Street in Christiansburg will start a new informal evening worship Wednesday at 7:30. The 45-minute service is for weekend workers, community newcomers and those looking for a midweek worship opportunity. 382-2223.
Spiritual emphasis services will be held at Blacksburg's First Wesleyan Church on Giles Road Oct. 22-25. The guest speaker will be the Rev. John Holland from Madison, N.C. Services will be at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Oct. 22, with a carry-in dinner after the morning service. Services during the week will be at 7 p.m. John M. Hopkins, 552-4924.
The East Side Church of Christ on Houchins Road in Christiansburg will have a Gospel Meeting Oct. 22-27. Services on Oct. 22 will be at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and services Oct. 23-27 will be at 7:30 p.m.
First Missionary Baptist Church in New River will celebrate its 123rd anniversary Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. The Rev. Paul Johnson and his choir from Williams Memorial Baptist Church will be guests. Margaret Hairston, 639-6947.
West Radford Church of God will have a revival with Chris Dutruck Oct. 22-25. It will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 7 p.m. Oct. 23-25.
JOYFUL NOISES
The monthly singing at the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers' Union building in Fairlawn, today at 7 p.m., will feature the Gospel Strings, and special guests Gospel Truth and River's Edge. Admission is free for the 67th consecutive month of singing by local gospel groups. 382-4654.
A benefit concert for the Montgomery County Christmas Store, featuring the Farley Brothers, Redeemer's Quartet, Strings of Faith, Wanda Gail, and the Young at Heart, will be Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Auburn High School. Offerings will be taken and baked goods will be sold. Carl Ratcliffe 382-4654 or 382-7571.
HAPPENINGS
Park United Methodist Church will have its Fall Harvest Bazaar Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. The event will feature arts and crafts, events for children and a turkey dinner at 10. Carryout and delivery are available. Adults, $4; children ages 6-12, $3; children under 6, $2. 382-4062.
Glenwood United Methodist Church in Barren Springs will have its Fall Festival on Oct. 21, featuring a country breakfast at 7, crafts, baked goods and apple butter making, and a hot dog lunch at noon.
Faith Temple Church in Pearisburg will have its Fall Festival 95 Oct. 27-29. A yard and craft sale will occur Oct. 27, music, crafts, contests and other events are set for Oct. 28, and on Oct. 28 Sunday School will be at 10 a.m., with worship at 10:50 a.m. and an "Old Fashioned Supper" will be at 5 p.m. Call 921-3427 or 921-2650 to order apple butter.
The Shawsville Lay-Ministerial Association, an interdenominational gathering of churches in the Shawsville area, will help pay utility and grocery bills and with emergency expenses. Keith Ritchie, 268-5901.
Youths at Auburn United Methodist Church will perform house cleaning, mowing or weeding. Donations will be used to go to a youth conference. 382-4318.
Christian Community Outreach in Radford has a food outreach on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union Hall in Fairlawn. Food boxes will be available first come, first served to families and people who meet USDA income criteria. 639-5686.
In Religion is a regular Saturday feature of the New River Current. Please send news of your church or religious organization, along with photos, to Kenneth Singletary, New River Current, Roanoke Times, 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