June 20, 2022
Worship Service Times:
10:00 AM - Sanctuary & Livestream
Baby & Toddler Nursery is available
7:00 AM Wednesday Communion Service
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What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. -Matthew 10:12-14
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. -2 Corinthians 1:3
There aren’t many truer statements about a life of faith than these words from 2 Corinthians - the comfort we know through our Lord Jesus, in turn moves us to a place of compassion for others.
Even though that is easy scripture to relate to through our human experience, we may still debate the “why” of suffering. Do we suffer so we can ease the suffering of others? Is suffering random? Does it have an ultimate purpose? Or is it just a fact of living? Throughout our faith journey, our belief about the “why” of suffering may run the gamut, but the prospect that our experience of suffering allows us to help others who suffer remains solid.
Summer is my favorite season, hands down. There are many reasons for this but one reason is that no death anniversaries, diagnosis anniversaries, or even birthdays of the deceased people that I love happen in the summer months. Summer is Sackett/Stanchina tragedy free.
Summer is a respite for many of us. It is vacation time, pool time, break time for teachers and children, family reunion time, float on the river time, it is kayak time! We get outside and stretch our legs. We wake up from our winter hibernation or we break (in moments) from our hectic pace. All the good things that free us (at least momentarily) from the burdens of life happen in summer. To me, it is a holy time.
But guess what – suffering does happen in summer. People are diagnosed, people lay sick through summer, people grief through summer while others play, people are hungry, war continues, and people feel lost in the summer … just as they do in all other seasons.
I remember this reality as I embrace the respite that summer brings. I remember that suffering is happening for many all around the world and right in our church too. I lose all sense of time and responsibility on my kayak, but I remember this one thing – people are suffering. Sometimes I feel it all the more on the water. Then I remember that Jesus seeks the lost. And he isn’t just sharing with us what he is up to, he is telling us to do the same.
This summer, we seek to grow tomatoes for the Rescue Mission in the God Alive Garden. We are also learning what it means that Jesus seeks and finds us, as well as what it means that we are to seek and find others with the love of Jesus.
As we celebrate all the goodness that summer brings to us personally, may we seek and find ways to share that goodness with others, with those in need of compassion and comfort. Whether you seek to share a tomato pie, a walk through the neighborhood, or some lemonade on a porch swing, these acts can ward off troubles and make room for small moments of summer bliss and large moments of Jesus.
Amen.
-Leigh Sackett, Director of Christian Education
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Thank you, RCPC, for your hospitality, generosity, and friendship. We are grateful to Andrew for the invitation to be here and have thoroughly enjoyed these last four weeks. It has been a privilege to participate in your worship life and educational program. You have a wonderful church staff. Isabella, Leigh, Mitch, David, Julie, and Anne were of great help to us. They answered every question and met every need. You are an impressive congregation and we pray that God will continue to bless you and your work in Raleigh Court.
-Donna and George Stroup
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Flat Andrews
Your "Flat Andrews" are here! If you like to take Andrew on vacation or an excursion with you (just as he and his family have "Flat RCPC" with them on Sabbatical), then pick one up in the Gathering Area!
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Pictorial Directories Have Arrived!
If you had your picture taken for the directory, please stop by the church to pick up your copy. Directories are in the reception area with your name printed on a label.
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Call for Ushers
We have a number of openings on our monthly ushering teams. It is a great way to serve RCPC and to get to know the wonderful people in our congregation. If interested, please contact Kirk Martin at 540-520-8767 or kmartin@pattersonpope.com.
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Tai Chi
In Balance Tai Chi meditative movement for health & wellness for Beginners (6:00 pm Tuesdays) & Continuing Students (4:30 pm Thursdays)
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A Goodbye to Mrs. Abbi
Our wonderful Mrs. Abbi is resigning from her position as the Children's Choir Director at RCPC. Abbi's position at Faith Christian School has really grown over the past years, which is no surprise for she is an amazing educator! Through lots of prayer, Abbi came to the conclusion to leave her position here at RCPC and focus more fully on her work at Faith Christian School. We wish Mrs. Abbi the best and certainly encourage you to drop her a note of appreciation for her service to God in this place over the past five years.
We are beginning the search process for a new Children's Choir Director. If you know anyone who may be interested please contact Leigh Sackett.
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“To the Ends of the Earth” VBS July 18-21, 2022
“The ends of the earth,” appears 46 times throughout Scripture. This phrase is used by Moses, Hannah, Job and Elihu. It’s also used by David, by psalmists, and by Solomon. What’s more, it is used by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Micah, and Zechariah. Paul quotes these words of scripture, and last but not least, Jesus uses the exact phrase in Acts 1:8 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We will explore stories of Jesus’ love for the world and the ways that he taught others (meaning us) to love everyone everywhere. We will explore the missions of RCPC and the ways that we strive to love everyone everywhere like Jesus. All rising pre-K through rising 5th graders are invited to join us for VBS this summer. This year we can once again host VBS inside our building! Register your child online at tinyurl.com/RCPC2022VBS
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Theology Small Groups in July with The Rev. John Rogers
In July, the Rev. John Rogers will join us while Andrew is on his sabbatical. John is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). His first call was at McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, as chaplain (‘98-’08), and most recently as the campus pastor of Presbyterian Campus Ministry at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, NC (‘08-’20). In 2020 he stepped away from campus ministry and into the formation of Peterson House, a program and retreat center in North Carolina shaped by the teachings and legacy of Eugene Peterson. John will join us in July to lead in worship and in a small group study of Eugene Peterson's book, "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction." These books will be available starting Sunday, June 19 for small group participants. Here is a little bit about the book that we will be studying:
Since Eugene Peterson first wrote this spiritual formation classic nearly forty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been inspired by its call to deeper discipleship. As a society, we are still obsessed with the immediate; new technologies have only intensified our quest for the quick fix. But Peterson's time-tested prescription for discipleship remains the same―a long obedience in the same direction. Following Jesus in this way requires a deepening life of prayer, and throughout history Christians have learned to pray from the Psalms. Peterson finds encouragement for today's pilgrims in the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by travelers on their way to worship in Jerusalem. With his prophetic and pastoral wisdom, Peterson shows how the psalms teach us to grow in worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing.
Group 1 – Mondays 10:30 AM-12:00 PM:
July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1
Group 2 – Mondays 7:00 PM-8:30 PM:
July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1
Group 3 – Tuesdays 4:00 PM-5:30 PM:
July 12, July 19; August 2
Note: There is no July 26 session for Group 3, they may attend a Monday session that week
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June PW Event
ALL Presbyterian Women, mark your calendars now for our June PW event, a poolside party at Dawn Long’s house scheduled for June 24th at 5:00 pm. Please RSVP to Dawn Long at bdljlong@cox.net by Sunday, June 19th. If you would like to bring an appetizer to share, let Dawn know that as well. Dawn’s pool is surrounded by a lovely flower and vegetable garden so it will be a continuance of our outdoor PW experiences that foster such gratitude for the beauty of nature and for covid safe outdoor times of female fellowship.
REMINDER: There is no regular monthly meetings during the summer.
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June Opportunity for Generosity
Providing funds to feed students at Abukloi Secondary School, Rumbek, South Sudan
To support June's Opportunity for Generosity which goes to our mission partners in South Sudan. You can make a check out to RCPC with the "Sudan" in the memo line from now until July 10.
From Angelo Maker:
Food situation is still a big challenge. We have been doing our best but unable to secure enough food for all our students and the World Food Program (WFP) is providing food only to primary schools and not High Schools. Our students are still coming to school and staying the whole day without food.
Thank You Note.
First, let me say thank you and Raleigh Court members for providing the kitchen few years ago and supporting us with the grant last year. With your Two cents grant, we were able to do the following:
1. Feed our 153 candidates to finish their 12 grades successfully. They were able to stay long hours in the school to get prepared for the national exams.
2. Grow vegetables in the school compound which helped their nutrition.
3. Bought some gardening tools which were used for vegetable gardens and are currently being used for land clearance and cultivation in the farm. We hope the farm will yield large produce if the rain continues to fall.
Any help on this food area is much appreciated.
Lastly, I would like to come and speak at your church at some point to give your members an update, if possible, because you have been our great supporters.
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Pump-A-Pint Summer Blood Drive
RCPC’s next Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, June 28 from 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM. Many thanks to those who have already scheduled an appointment! If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment please call Lillian Alexander at 540-632-8921 or email at alexanderlj@yahoo.com. You may also schedule online at REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG or by calling 1-800-RED-CROS (733-2767). Your continued support of this vital mission is appreciated!
Gratefully,
The RCPC Pump-a-Pint Mission Group
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Capital Campaign Payments
All Capital Campaign payments must be made separately from all other payments made to the RCPC. A separate checking account has been set up for the Capital Campaign and the funds cannot be intermingled. Thank you for your attention when you are sending a payment for the Capital Campaign.
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Photographers needed!
With the departure of the very talented Dennis Fisher, we are feeling the void that he left. If you have any interest in photography and are willing to take photos of church events, please email Molly Bullington at mollysbullington@gmail.com
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RCPC Flower Guild
The RCPC Flower Guild offers to arrange flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one. If you would like to honor a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion on a specific Sunday, please contact Anne Currin at
anne@rcpres.org or call the church at 540 343-5541. The cost is $80, which is for two arrangements placed in the chancel of the sanctuary.
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Amazon Smile to Benefit the Rent Assistance Funds Distributed by PCC and RAM
Already shopping on Amazon? Why not have your purchases support RCPC's support of the rent assistance funds distributed by PCC and RAM at the same time! AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.
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20 Helen Favor
21 Connie Barker
Susan Kessler
22 Debbie Graves
23 Nancy Ayling
Liz Mutcheson
Tracy Sheets
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24 Laurie Powell-Ward
25 Flora Heddleston
Linda Staley
Sam Vance III
26 Henry Moore
Bess Parry
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The Herald
The Herald is a monthly newsletter that comes in your mailbox the first of each month. The deadline for articles is the 15th of each month to appear in the next month's newsletter.
This Week @ RCPC
The This Week @ RCPC is published every Monday morning via email. This publication is for weekly activities at RCPC. If you would like to receive this email please contact Julie Satterwhite at julie@rcpres.org or call the church office at 540-343-5541 x 107. The deadline for the This Week is noon on Wednesday prior to the Monday publication.
Video Board in the Gathering Area
Have an upcoming event? Pictures from a recent event? Want to get information displayed on the video board in the Gathering Area? Please send the information to Carole Banks at pixiebowls@gmail.com
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Prayer Requests
Dawn Blakeman, Kerry Bossert, Brendan Brown (Kathy and Les Brown's grandson), The Cook Family, David Dale (Janis Wertz’s brother), Billy Grove, Norma Hall, Dick Kepley, Susan Lindstrom, Rusty McCown, Joe McCrobie, Nancy Smith (Alan Smith’s mother), Jill Wood, and all caregivers.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to Josh Williamson. His mother, Patricia Ann Williamson, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18. May Josh and his family feel the comfort of their Lord and may Josh know God's love from his family at RCPC.
(Prayers request as of Friday, June 17. Names in bold indicate an addition to the prayer list this week.)
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Thank you!
Many thanks for the expression of concern, prayers and cards during Tom recent surgery. Tom is recovering slowly but surely. - Carol and Tom Hahn
Kerry and I just want to thank everyone for the meals and support as she continues to recover from foot surgery. - Jeff Bossert
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Monday, June 20
10:00 AM - Monday Morning Prayer Group
6:30 PM - Cub Scouts
7:00 PM - Boy Scouts 2
Tuesday, June 21
10:30 AM - Primary Purpose: AA
4:00 PM - Theology Small Group 2
6:00 PM - Tai Chi
Wednesday, June 22
7:00 AM - Communion (Columbarium)
10:00 AM - God Alive Garden
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Thursday, June 23
10:00 AM - Centering Prayer (St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church)
10:30 AM - Primary Purpose: AA
4:30 PM - Tai Chi
6:30 PM - Hip Sober Chicks
Friday, June 24
11:45 AM - Al-Anon
Saturday, June 25
10:00 AM - Living the Word
Sunday, June 26
10:00 AM - Worship (Sanctuary)
2:00 PM - Youth Group @ Explore Park
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1837 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24015 540.343.5541 |
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