Category: News

State of the Parish

Pastor David and Sue Huntington, Council President

Ministry is alive at St. Philip! We are planning and praying, discerning and discovering the best possible ways for ministry to continue in great ways but also grow and be strengthened. Your St. Philip leadership is dedicated to empowering our ministry together as we work toward staffing the ministry we live in the most effective ways. We also are committed to communicate well as these processes and conversations unfold.

Where are we now? Because this community of faith is exceptionally gifted and has admirably stepped into ministry gaps so much continues. Over 20 people have either added new responsibilities in areas where they currently serve or have taken on completely new tasks. They are too many to name specifically, but I am most grateful.

News Worship Events

2018 Lenten Worship Schedule

Post author By Alice Lebow
Post date February 16, 2018
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February 14, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., Ash Wednesday, St. Philip Lutheran Church
Ash Wednesday, is the first day of the season of Lent and begins a 40 day journey intended to be a time of confession, reflection, preparation, and fasting. It is a time for Christians to remember that our hope comes from the Christ of the cross and is assured by Jesus’ Easter resurrection. Come and experience the powerful promise of Jesus as we gather for worship in the sanctuary.

Lenten Worship Series: Open My Life Lord
When we cannot see the beauty of your creation, open our eyes, that all living things thrive and grow. When we neglect the poor, the sick, and the grieving, open our hands to do your work in the world. When we ignore the cries of injustice in our midst, open our ears, that all will know your love. When we are hardened against our neighbor, open our hearts and heal our resentment. When we are closed to the grace you long to give us, open our lives and turn us to follow in the way of the cross.

February 21, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., St. Philip Lutheran Church, Rev. John McCandlish
Open My Eyes Lord: Paul saw the light of Christ shining around him on the road to Damascus. As individuals and communities, what do we have difficulty seeing?

February 28, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., Glade Creek Lutheran Church, Rev. David Derrick
Open My Hands Lord: We use our hands to pick up a child, to serve a meal, to play an instrument, to wipe away a tear. Jesus used his hands for healing and for deeds of great power.

March 7, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Rev. Ken Lane
Open My Ears Lord: Ancient Greek philosophy notes that we have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. Jesus reminds us that we sometimes hear but don’t listen, listen but don’t understand.

March 14, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., St. Philip Lutheran Church, Rev. James Davis
Open My Heart Lord: Listening to Paul’s teaching, Lydia opened her heart to God and was baptized. Her willing, trusting faith echoes down through the centuries as we witness her “open heart procedure.”

March 21, 2018 – 7:00 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutherans of the Roanoke Valley – CANCELLED
Open My Life Lord: Writing to the Galatians, Paul tells us that we have died to the law so that we might live to God. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.

*All services except Ash Wednesday preceded by Soup and Bread at 6:00p.m.

Council Notes News

Church Council News – January Meeting

Post author By Alice Lebow
Post date January 30, 2018
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Council met on January 9 at 7 p.m. in the church library. Much of the meeting focused on long-term transitional planning in the wake of Pastor Kelly’s departure.

Treasurer Peter Shick said the year-end appeal to congregation members to help erase the anticipated budget shortfall was very successful. In November, it looked like the church might finish the year having spent $7,000 more than was received in offerings. By the end of the year, that deficit had been reduced to $282.

Pastor David reported that church administrator Laura Latham agreed to boost her hours for the next six months to help meet some of the short-term administrative needs created by Pastor Kelly’s vacancy, and Kelly Miller Truax, a teacher at St. Philip preschool with family ties to the church, agreed to work 10 hours a week as a volunteer coordinator. She will be at church on Sundays to help connect people to the work that needs to be accomplished.

Many volunteers have already stepped forward and been assigned tasks and responsibilities, and even more have said they’re ready to help out. Pastor David said he’s feeling very good about the short-term transition effort.

Council spent some time brainstorming about the church’s future, how to best engage the congregation and what kind of long-term staffing solutions to consider. This will be an ongoing conversation.

The next council meeting will be January 30 at 6 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Feast at Philip's News

Roanoke police bring meals to seniors on Christmas

Post author By Alice Lebow
Post date January 5, 2018
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St. Philip Lutheran Church and Feast @ Philip’s is featured in this Roanoke Times article.

Council Notes News

Celebrating Pastor Kelly’s Ministry – Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

Post author By Alice Lebow
Post date December 7, 2017
1 Comment on Celebrating Pastor Kelly’s Ministry – Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

With great pride we celebrate with Pastor Kelly her call to serve as the Assistant to the Bishop of the Virginia Synod. Her faithfulness, love for God’s people, creativity, passion, and compassion will now be experienced by an even greater audience.

Please make plans to be present as we lift up Pastor Kelly’s ministry among us at St. Philip. On Sunday, December 10th we will have a reception between worship services to honor her and to give thanks for the wonderful ways she has led us to be better disciples of Jesus. The reception will begin at approximately 9:45am. Come to share stories, a word of thanksgiving, and to surround her with our very best wishes. Well done good and faithful servant.

Congregational Life Ministries Worship Events

Advent & Christmas Activities

Post author By Alice Lebow
Post date November 29, 2017
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Advent: Season of Hope
In Advent, God’s people wait with hope for the birth of Jesus, God’s anointed one. Advent lasts for four Sundays (and the weeks between them); lighting candles helps us mark the time as we get ready for the Light of World, Jesus Christ. Great memories can be formed as candles on a wreath are lit, scripture is read, and the hopeful anticipation of Christ’s coming is celebrated. You are invited to pick up Advent devotions, on a table in the narthex, for you/your family to use during this holy season.

Advent Night: Potluck, Carols, and Advent Wreaths
Sunday, December 3rd at 5:30pm. All are invited to enjoy the culinary creations of the members of your church family at our potluck dinner, then a festive time with a Christmas carol sing along. We will also create family Advent wreaths with fresh greenery, an Advent calendar for kids AND a fun Christmas photo shoot that could be used for your annual family Christmas card! Come join us as we begin the Advent journey in anticipation of the birth of our Savior!

Fellowship Luncheon
On December 7, 11am, all are invited to attend St. Philip’s Annual Christmas Fellowship Event to help get us in the holiday spirit. The lunch will be held at The Plantation on Sunnybrook. The cost is $16.42, which includes the full buffet, dessert, drinks, and gratuity. Transportation can be arranged by contacting Cindy Fielder at 915-8154. We hope many can attend Thursday, December 7th! Sign up sheets are in the narthex. You are guaranteed an “extra special” Gift–time spent in fellowship with your church family!

Chrismon Tree Decorating, Sunday, December 10, before each worship service
A Chrismon tree is a special tree adorned with symbols of Christianity in its earliest days, such as the Alpha and Omega and the fish. Newer symbols like a dove, Bible, rose, and cross and crown can also be used. All decorations and supplies will be provided.

Christmas Caroling, Sunday, December 10, 5pm
You are invited to share Christmas cheer! Meet at St. Philip. Then groups will head out and about in the Roanoke Valley. Please also bring some cookies to share with folks. Sign-up in the narthex if you plan to join the fun!

Children’s Christmas Program
The children of St. Philip will share the Christmas story at the 5:30pm Christmas Eve worship service. Rehearsals for the children’s Christmas program are each Sunday at 9:50am, through December 17.

Christmas Eve Two opportunities for worship:
5:30pm – Candlelight service and youth program
9:00pm (note the new time!) – Traditional candlelight service
Holy Communion will be served at both services.

Morning Worship Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Because Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve happen on a Sunday this year, we will worship on both Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Christmas Eve morning we will light the fourth candle of our advent wreath and conclude our observance of the Advent Season. Then on December 31^st we will continue our celebration of the Christmas Season by using Lessons and Carols to shape our worship.

Council Notes

Thank You for Your Generosity

Post author By Alice Lebow
Post date November 28, 2017
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It is so important to say thank you. St. Philip is a community that practices generosity. That generosity takes shape in so many ways. Thank you. As we celebrate that generosity know that we are always hopeful for expanding the ways we live out mission and ministry. Please prayerfully consider making an additional gift as the calendar year comes to a close.

We are active in so many ways, but know that for Christ’s sake there is always more we might do. Remember that gifts made through December 31st count as charitable donations for the year 2017. You can also be creative in your giving

Consider:

Consider increasing your offering so that we finish the year in a strong financial position. If 80 St. Philip families gave just an additional $100 between now and the end of the year, we would cancel that deficit and finish in the black. Your pastors are committed to making that additional contribution and invite you to do the same.
Giving stock. Pay no tax on capital gains when donating stock to a church.
Visiting the St. Philip website and set up a regular gift to ministry of St. Philip electronically.

* please speak with your accountant or tax advisor for details concerning charitable gifts.