ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 21, 1996 TAG: 9612230020
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: in religion
SOURCE: MARY LOU BRUTON
The members of Grove United Methodist Church in Radford have completed a successful fund drive and expect to begin construction this spring on an addition and renovations to their church as well as additional parking.
After more than two years of study, planning, meetings and lots of work by the congregation, final approval for the building program came in a church conference in September.
As of Nov. 26, commitments and cash received toward the building and renovation project reached 77 percent of the goal, for a total of more than $298,000.
The building project involves construction of a 2,000-square-foot addition for a music rehearsal room, altar guild workroom, storage, two restrooms accessible to handicapped people, and a classroom.
The renovation will increase the size of the present church office, adding shelf space to the library and air conditioning to the Sunday school wing. Two additional classrooms and an education office will be created in the present building. Outside, 34 new parking spaces and a one-way driveway will help provide for future growth.
The Rev. Clarence Dishman, the Executive Committee, co-chaired by Darryl Gillespie and Chris Harrison, and campaign members enlisted fund-raising help from Powell Associates. Bob and Barbara Powell of Bristol, Tenn., had previously helped with stewardship campaigns while working for the Office of Finance and Field Services of The United Methodist Church. Bob Powell, speaking at an achievement celebration at Grove, said that any time 80 percent of the goal is reached in a church fund-raising effort, it's a success. "
Special services
It's the time of year when children sprout angel wings and tinsel halos and take center stage in churches around the New River Valley. Christmas pageants and children's choirs are among the special programs this weekend at the following holiday services:
Children and youth of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, East Main and Roanoke streets, Christiansburg, will present "Calling All Angels," a musical drama, today at 6:30 p.m. The congregation will then celebrate the feast day of its patron saint with fellowship and refreshments in the parish hall. Acelebration of Holy Eucharist will be offered on Christmas Day at 10 a.m.
The first scene of a three-part pageant, "The Promise," will be presented at 10 a.m. Sunday at Christ Episcopal Church, Church and Jackson streets, Blacksburg. Holy Eucharist Rite I will be offered at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day.
St. Francis Anglican Church, Wilson and Progress streets, Blacksburg. A pageant based on St. Francis, who originated the idea of pageants, will be presented at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The adult and children's choirs of Trinity Baptist Church, North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, will present "Wonderful Name," a Christmas musical about the meanings embodied in the name of Jesus, at 10:45 a.m. Sunday.
The combined choirs of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5th Street, Pulaski, will perform the cantata "The Christmas Light" during the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday.
Anna Lewis, Radford, will provide Christmas music at 11 a.m. Sunday at New Hope United Methodist Church, Church Street, New River. The 6:30 p.m. Christmas service will feature dedication of a new piano. Caroling will follow the service.
The youth of Christ Episcopal Church, 144 N. Washington Ave., Pulaski, will present a Christmas pageant at 11 a.m. Sunday. A birthday party for Jesus will follow in the parish hall.
The adult choir of Dublin Baptist Church, Virginia 100 and Hawkins Street, will present a cantata, "Hallelujah! Christ Jesus is Born" at 11 a.m. Sunday.
A cantata, "Christmas Canticles," will be presented at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Central United Methodist Church, 8th and Wadsworth Streets, Radford.
Asbury United Methodist Church's annual Christmas play will be presented Sunday at 6 p.m. at 490 Stuart St., Christiansburg.
A cantata, "Sing Noel," will be presented at 7 p.m. Sunday at Cambria Baptist Church, 1310 Cambria St., Christiansburg.
The annual Christmas pageant and party will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday at First Christian Church, 400 Tyler Ave., Radford.
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: The renovation (new work shown in black) of Groveby CNBUnited Methodist Church in Radford will increase the size of the
present church office, adding shelf space to the library and air
conditioning to the Sunday school wing.