ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 7, 1996 TAG: 9612090087
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: B-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORTS
`Messiah' sing-along
A public sing-along of the oratorio "Messiah" by Handel is scheduled Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in downtown Roanoke. Retired organist and choirmaster Jeryl Powell will play for the performance, which church leaders say may become an annual event. Emily Owens is director of music. Soloists will be Elizabeth Curtis, soprano; Meg English, contralto; Gary Fulsebakke, tenor, and Oscar McCullough, baritone. A fellowship time will follow.
Amendment OK'd
Ordained and lay commissioners to a recent meeting of Presbytery of the Peaks approved an amendment to the national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) rules that would have the effect of not permitting practicing homosexuals to be ordained as elders, deacons and ministers. The presbytery vote was one of 171 being taken. The result will not be known until balloting reveals that a majority of presbyteries have approved or rejected the proposal. The vote against possible ordination of gay persons was 139 in favor of the ban, with 87 for and one abstention.
Ferrum grant
Ferrum College has been awarded a $145,000 grant to place Internet sites in and around Franklin County. The United Methodist school also was awarded an $89,000 grant to place eight computer sites around the county. The money comes from an Appalachian College Association project - matched by federal funds - that aims to create more jobs and train rural residents for them. The college will be the source of project planning and training.
Advent musicals
Two Advent musical works are scheduled in Martinsville. The choral group Gaudette will present "Sing We Clear," a cantata, Sunday at 5 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church. On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., choirs of First Baptist Church and Christ Episcopal will sing "Gloria" by Vivaldi at the Baptist church.
Bedford Advent
"Abendmusik," an program of sacred music for Advent, will be presented Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Bedford Presbyterian Church. Another Bedford church, Main Street United Methodist, has planned a "Nine Lessons and Carols" service Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. The Methodists also will have two Christmas Eve services - one for families at 7 p.m. with familiar carols sung by the congregation, and a worship serviceat 11 p.m. with more music and Holy Communion.
Brethren make cuts
The General Board of the Church of the Brethren, on which the Rev. David Miller of Roanoke serves, will balance its 1997 national budget by cuts in its Missions to South Korea, staff for urban ministries and reductions in the areas of Africa and the Middle East, the Washington lobbying office, historical archives and Brethren Volunteer Service. Denominational leaders also are streamlining national staff and developing plans for closer cooperation with the districts, such as Virlina, which serves Southwest Virginia. Miller said the board has been in existence for 50 years, and changes in society and a shortfall in giving to the church on the national level have brought about these changes, which must be approved at the church's Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif., in July.
Hospice service
A Christmas memorial service for the families, friends and caregivers of all patients of the Washington County Hospice since 1994 will take place Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church in Abingdon. Call 676-7220 for information.
AIDS service
A service of prayer and compassion for those with AIDS and their families and friends is planned Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Lynchburg.
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