Worship Service Times

9:00 AM - Chapel

10:00 AM - Sunday School

11:00 AM - Sanctuary & Livestream

Baby & Toddler Nursery is available

Podcast March Herald

And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”  And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.  And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so.  God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind and the cattle of every kind and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

Genesis 1:20-26 

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down with Deacon Abby Pierson to plan RCPC’s first ever Blessing of the Animals service. Our conversation went all over the place as conversation often can when two people talk who are both passionate about a thing – me, with worship and giving thanks for all that God has given us, and Abby – with her deep love of creation and desire for us to be good stewards of Earth. In our wandering conversation, Abby shared with me that bison once lived in our part of Virginia. Yes, BISON. You read that correctly. Before European discovery of this slice of the world, bison roamed through Southwest Virginia, through the grasslands and forests present here. Mountain Lion’s stalked deer and elk. The Monacan people lived in harmony with the land and the animals here. When we look at Southwest Virginia today, it’s hard to picture a Bison crossing Grandin Road. The deer are surprising enough! 

While this fact, especially on Earth Day, might bring us to lament the loss of these animals from their native habitat, I’m drawn once more into our origin story in Genesis for a word of hope. For our origin story is first the origin story of the world including the birds that fly, the great sea monsters who swim, cattle, creeping things and wild animals. God made all these creatures calling them good. And then we come in. Humans are created in God’s likeness, and given our first responsibility: to have dominion, to be stewards, to maintain, to conserve, to respect, and to love the fish, the birds, the cattle, the wild animals, and all the creeping things. 

As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we have the chance to commit ourselves again to this first directive God gives us. While we cannot go back to the time of bison roaming in Roanoke, we can find our own ways to answer this call. Perhaps it’s by loving our pets deeply. Or growing a garden. Or working with our Earth Care group to find ways our church and congregation can continue to grow greener. Or going on hikes and committing to spending more time outdoors. Or maybe it’s working with our youth and hearing their worries about our home that they will inherit. Or maybe it’s another way that comes to mind for you. 

As we steward this earth together, on this day in particular, let us give thanks for all that is wonderful and wondrous about our home. Let us acknowledge the ways we are dependent on our planet and work towards lightening what we take from it as we walk upon it. Let us  commit to being advocates and stewards of all that God has created and calls good. 

Prayer:

O God on this Earth Day, help us to see the beauty of your good creation, hear your good creation in the noise of creatures around us, feel your good creation as we stick our hands into soil or walk bare feet, smell your good creation after a good rainfall, and taste your good creation each time we eat. Open our hearts to all that you’ve given us so we may tend to it in all we do. Amen.  

-The Rev. Isabella Fagiani, Associate Pastor

Capital Campaign & Renovation Project Update

The renovation project highlight video outlines the renovations to our building that have taken place since 2022 . Below is a link to a document about the overall building project and financial picture for the church. Please review all of the materials and consider how God is calling you to respond.

Overall Building Project: http://tinyurl.com/RCPCRenovationSummary

Our Response:

https://forms.gle/UkQzgEWRsC43ukqz7

Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation's "Sole Star"

RCPC member Liz Heddeston has accepted the challenge to participate in the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation's "Sole Star" campaign during the month of April to raise awareness and funds to help those impacted by breast cancer. All funds raised by this campaign stay in Southwest Virginia to help pay for breast health services like diagnostic mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, and biopsies for uninsured and underinsured patients.  As part of the campaign, Liz will be wearing pink shoes throughout the month and is excited to share more about the mission of VBCF. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life, and it is predicted that 7,800 Virginians will be diagnosed this year. The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation empowers Virginians impacted by breast cancer through access, advocacy, education, and community action. If you are interested in learning more or making a donation, visit this link or reach out to Liz at lizcbarry@gmail.com.

Job Opportunities - RCPC Preschool

Raleigh Court Presbyterian Preschool is in search of enthusiastic, patient, and kind people to join our team of teachers and assistants for the 2024-25 school year.  Hours are from 8:45 AM -12:15 PM and tuition discounts are available. (2, 3 and 5-day options are available) If you love children and are looking for part-time work, call Betsy Prillaman at (540) 343-5541- ext 109 or email at betsy@rcpres.org.

All RCPC Presbyterian Women

Bring yourself and your family members for a casual hike on Mill Mountain on Sunday, April 28, following the 11:00 AM worship service. Meet in the Mill Mountain parking lot around 12:45 PM. A bagged lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Kaitlin Swanner at kaitlin.swanner@gmail.com by Monday, April 22nd so we can ensure we have a lunch for you, and please bring your own water. Save the date for our June PW event: A Poolside Party at Dawn Long’s house on June 21, 5:30 PM

Children's Ministry Sunday

Come worship with us on Children’s Ministry Sunday, April 28 in both the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services with both services taking place in the Sanctuary. Our preschool, God Alive kids, and even some youth and adults will lead us as we praise our Lord Jesus for all the ways his light guides us from generation to generation! With the expansion of the area in front of the Chancel, we are able to expand the number of children participating in this year’s worship. You are invited to join us after the 11:00 AM service for cookies and lemonade on the front lawn.

Adult Small Groups

The Small Group lessons are based on the Sunday sermons and scripture. Being part of a Small Group is an experience rich in personal connection and spiritual growth. Small Groups discuss what is shared in worship, therefore the experience of worship is more deeply ingrained in our minds and hearts. As we contemplate it all together the concepts take root and our faith grows!

Monday 10:30 AM-12:00 PM - Andrew Whaley, Room 102

Tuesday 4:00 PM-5:30 PM - David Dixon, Room 201

Tuesday 8:00 PM-9:30 PM - Emilie Biddle, The Parlor

Wednesday 7:00 PM-8:30 PM - Leigh Sackett, Room 102

Thursday 10:30 AM-12:00 PM - Elise Hansard, Room 101

The Bible in Black & White

For several years, Second Presbyterian Church has sponsored conversations and Bible studies called "The Bible in Black and White," gathering people of diverse racial backgrounds for discussion of the scripture, to create opportunities for listening across differences and together encountering the Holy Spirit. This year, these studies are expanding to include members of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, and Hill Street Baptist Church. Joining members of Second Presbyterian Church and Loudon Avenue Christian Church, this study offers opportunity for people from three historically black congregations to join with two predominantly white congregations to grow in our knowledge of one another and help bridge differences in race and story in our city. The pastors of all of the congregations will participate in leadership throughout the weeks of the study. Please plan to join us for this rich opportunity!

Wednesdays in April at Noon at Second Presbyterian Church

Book: Delivered into Covenant by Walter Brueggemann

Adult Sunday School: April 7 - May 12, 2024

The Seekers: Book Study

Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

In Falling Upward, Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up." Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward." In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness. The Seekers will study this book together as they contemplate how growth and transformation is for all of God’s people, no matter where they are in life. Led by Nancy Ayling & David Dixon | Room 201

Discover RCPC

Discover RCPC is a way to learn more about our life together as followers of Jesus. In these gatherings, we will get to know one another better. We will learn about how and why we worship and what is distinctive about being a Reformed Church. We will learn about how Presbyterians practice their life in covenant with each other, and we will learn the story specifically of the Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church: The Church of the Open Door.

Teacher: Andrew Whaley / Room: 202. April 14 - May 5

Parent is a Verb

The Parent is a Verb class will continue throughout the spring! Led by Leigh Sackett, Wade Whitehead, & others | Room 102

Mission Partner Support 

Each month, we are designating all cash and coin to one of our local mission partners. For the month of April, we are supporting the work of Habitat for Humanity. In 2023, Habitat for Humanity received $3,000 in support from our church. Your generosity will encourage us to meet that amount in 2024. You can place your money in the offering plate or make an online gift at rcpres.org, noting that it is for Mission and making a note for Habitat for Humanity in the text box. As of April 14, we have collected $898.76 for Habitat for Humanity.

House of Bread

House of Bread is back in the kitchen this week! If you would like some baked goods, we'll be set up on Wednesday at Black Dog Salvage from 3:30 to 5:00 selling Simple White Bread, Lemon Ginger Scones, Maple Snickerdoodles and Maple Coconut Granola. Look for us next week at LEAP's West End Market.

CarePortal is LIVE at RCPC!

RCPC has joined 32 other churches locally to serve at-risk children through CarePortal. We established CarePortal with a core team late last year and are responding to needs to support children in our community. 

Here are some highlights of what we have provided so far:

• Diapers and wipes to support a young mother care for her newborn
• A new infant car seat to relieve the stress of an expectant mother
• A toddler bed and mattress to allow a grandmother to take guardianship of her grandchild which will also reunite him with his siblings
• A pack-n-play to a young mother living in temporary housing to keep her child safe

These are very small acts of kindness, but they make a huge difference in the lives of our neighbors who are struggling with day-to-day survival. If you have ever wanted to help, but thought “how do I know I am helping the right people?”, be assured that all of these needs are first vetted by a sponsoring organization, such as DSS. Then we choose the needs we feel led to support with our tithe, talent, and/or time.

Please prayerfully consider signing up to our RCPC CarePortal Response Team using the link below:

https://system.careportal.org/church/100598/kiosk/sQ2sT5Yw8mFSWOAazABqN7dSd

There is no obligation by signing up. You’ll simply get access to CarePortal and be on our email list to be aware of opportunities to serve when you are able. If you want to learn more or have any questions, please contact Chris DeFalco at chris.a.defalco@gmail.com.

Prayer Requests

Tom Alcoke, Dawn Blakeman, Jackie Blakeman, Brendan Brown (Kathy and Les Brown’s grandson), Beverly Day and family (friend of Camilla and Johnsey Cabaniss), the Lester & Lewis families (friends/neighbors of Frankie Doyle and Marilyn Martin), Susan Lindstrom, Megan Mallare (friend of Kathy Grove), Melissa Martin (friend of Lisa Boylan), Dave Owen-O’Quill, Garland Parry, Hugh Wellons, and all caregivers.

(Prayers request as of Friday, April 19. Names in bold indicate an addition to the prayer list this week.)

The Herald - Deadline for Articles: 10th of each month

This Week @ RCPC - Deadline for Articles: Wednesday of each week

Send submissions for The Herald and This Week @ RCPC to Julie Satterwhite 

Video Board in the Gathering Area - Send Information to Carole Banks