Category: Worship Events

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Worship Events

Postponement of Indoor Worship

Dear beloved St. Philippians:

We are writing to inform you that at the November 10 meeting of the St. Philip Church Council, the leadership body voted to postpone a return to indoor worship.

This decision was not made lightly, as numerous communications have already gone out and preparations had been made for the planned November 15 return date. Unfortunately, since council met and approved the November 15 plan at the October meeting, the coronavirus situation in our Roanoke area has changed. Roanoke and much of Southwest Virginia are now “hot spots,” and our local positivity rates are now running between 10-12%. Roanoke Memorial Hospital has its highest numbers of Covid19 patients yet and now has two floors dedicated to treating Covid patients. 

This was a weighty decision. Council is aware that every single one of us longs to be back to worshipping in the sanctuary. We are certainly all feeling the frustration, fatigue, and sadness of not being able to gather in our traditional ways. But, we are called to care for our St. Philip community and our neighborhood community and gathering in groups in an enclosed space, even briefly, risks those we love. Again, this decision was not made lightly. We – your pastors and your church council – very much miss worshipping as we did prior to this pandemic season.  We miss you and eagerly await the time when we can gather again!

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, remember always that we continue to be a community of faith. Our mission has not and does not stop – we will always seek to Live Like That, like Jesus, as we love, feed, and serve. At this time, we plan to continue to worship in creative ways using our online resources and conference calls, as well drive-up options. While worship brings us much comfort and joy, worship is primarily about God, who is the audience. So while worshipping in these formats may not be our preference, we are indeed still giving thanks and praise to God. If you have not yet connected with the worship options available, we do encourage you to do so.

As we continue through this season, feelings of isolation and loneliness are so prevalent. We all very much need each other and ask you to connect with one another. The St. Philip family is such a gift and we encourage you to check in with one another. We, your pastors, also want to connect with you and encourage you to connect with us. Most importantly, as challenges and disappointments are prevalent, remember always you are not alone. Nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

In God’s Promise,
Pastor David and Pastor Laura

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Worship Events

The Wilderness of Lent

Lent is a season of the church year that begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates on Good Friday where we remember the crucifixion of our savior, Jesus Christ. Lent is an important time in the church year, because it’s a time set apart for us to acknowledge our sinfulness and all that draws us from God while at the same time, giving thanks for the immense love, mercy, and faithfulness of God displayed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the season of Lent this year at St. Philip, we will be embracing the theme of wilderness. Lent begins in the wilderness. The Spirit guides Jesus into the wilderness where he comes face to face with temptation and struggle. Yet, in his forty days of fasting, resisting, and wandering, Jesus is shaped and formed for ministry. Similarly, through the wilderness of Lent, we are invited to surrender to the wild leadings of the Spirit. We rarely enter the wilderness willingly, but hopefully through our wandering we remember who we are and whose we are.

There is no wilderness space too harsh or threatening for God’s love. This Lent, we welcome you to the journey. We pray that your Lenten journey through the wilderness will be holy, enriching, and draw you more deeply into relationship with God.

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Congregational Life News Worship Events

Holy Week Worship Schedule

Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019, 8:30a.m. & 11:00a.m.
This worship begins as we gather in front of the church (weather permitting) with the Procession of Palms, remembering the triumphal entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem.

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019 – 6:00p.m.
We gather in the fellowship hall for wine, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres. This night we remember the disciples gathered in the upper room for Passover and the Last Supper. After the meal, we will move to the sanctuary for Holy Communion and the Stripping of the Altar.

Good Friday, April 19, 2019 – 7:00p.m.
We gather in the sanctuary for the service of Tenebrae which means darkness. This service involves the reading of the Passion Story and the extinguishing of candles as we remember our Lord’s suffering and death, as well as the disciples’ denial and flight.

Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019
Easter Sunrise Service, 7:00 a.m. at the Outdoor Chapel
Easter Festival Service 8:30 a.m. & 11:00a.m.
Easter Breakfast, 9:45 a.m.

*A nursery will be provided for all services as needed.

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Congregational Life News Worship Events

Lenten Worship Schedule

Sermon on the Mount
This series for Lent takes parishioners through some of the most familiar teachings of Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and relates them to the events surrounding Christ’s life, death and resurrection. In the process, the services will powerfully reveal that the cross itself is the ultimate sermon on the mount for our journey of faith in this sacred season.

March 6, 2019 – 7:00p.m., St. Philip Lutheran Church
Ash Wednesday worship with the Imposition of Ashes
Blessed are You, Matthew 5:1-11
In this service, we remember that we who are poor in spirit, who mourn, and who hunger and thirst for righteousness are called blessed by our Savior. Ash Wednesday reminds us that though we have been brought low by sin, our Lord will bless us with new life in him through the cross.

March 13, 2019 – 7:00p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, Rev. John McCandlish preaching
Salt and Light • Matthew 5:13-16
Christ calls us to be salt and light in this world of sin. We who have tasted and seen his great love for us on the cross can spend our Lent savoring his salvation and shining with his glory and grace in the places where he has put us.

March 20, 2019 – 7:00p.m., Glade Creek Lutheran Church, Rev. David Derrick preaching
Prayer and Fasting • Matthew 6:5-18
Lent is a season of prayer and fasting. We grow in our relationship with Christ by communicating with him, and we learn more about him and ourselves by giving up those things that can distract us from our connection to him.

March 27, 2019 – 7:00p.m., St. Philip Lutheran Church, Rev. James Davis preaching
Do Not Worry • Matthew 6:25-34
So much of our lives, even in Lent, is spent worrying about what might happen or what has happened. Christ teaches us to stop being anxious, but simply to trust that he knows what is best and will take care of us to the very end.

April 3, 2019 – 7:00p.m., St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Rev. Bob Ward preaching
Judge Not • Matthew 7:1-5
We live in a very judgmental world, so Jesus’ advice not to judge sounds radical to our modern ears. When we leave all judgment up to God, we free ourselves to look at one another through fresh and forgiving eyes.

April 10, 2019 – 7:00p.m., St. Philip Lutheran Church, Rev. Ken Lane preaching
Build on Rock • Matthew 7:24-27
We build our lives on very shaky foundations, and then we are surprised when things start collapsing. Jesus reminds us in his teachings that the only solid foundation is himself, the Rock of our salvation. On him alone we build.

*All services except for Ash Wednesday preceded by a soup and bread dinner at 6:00p.m.

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News Worship Events

Christmas Worship Schedule

 

Christmas Eve, 5:30pm, children will present a Christmas pageant followed by Holy Communion.

Christmas Eve, 9:00pm, celebrate with a candlelight worship and Holy Communion.

Sunday, December 30, 9:30am, continue celebration of the Christmas Season a Lessons and Carols worship service.

 

 

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Congregational Life News Worship Events

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday, March 29
Fellowship 6:00pm
Worship 7:00pm

Good Friday Worship, March 30, 7:00pm

Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 31, 10am

Easter Sunday, April 1
Sunrise Worship, 7:00am
Easter Celebration Worship, 8:30am and 11:00am
Easter Breakfast, 9:45am

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Congregational Life News Worship Events

Easter Sunday

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News Worship Events

2018 Lenten Worship Schedule

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.

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Congregational Life Ministries Worship Events

Advent & Christmas Activities

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 31st we will continue our celebration of the Christmas Season by using Lessons and Carols to shape our worship.

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News Worship Events

We Give God Thanks 

We give God thanks for the diversity of people throughout our community and for the unity we celebrate in Christ Jesus our Lord. Witness to the gifts of diversity and unity is happening again this year as the churches of the Hollins community gather to give thanks.  Participating churches are Enon Baptist, Summerdean Church of the Brethren, St. Philip Lutheran, Northview United Methodist, Hollins Church of the Nazarene, Green Ridge Presbyterian, and First Baptist of Hollins.

We gather to celebrate the goodness that is God’s promise in Christ Jesus. We lift up our connection to one another and boldly give our thanks and praise to God as we worship and as we live the life of faith in our neighborhood.

This year, as in years past, the churches of the Hollins Community will worship together. The worship service Sunday, November 19, at 7:00 p.m. will be held here at St. Philip. MAKE PLANS TO BE PRESENT AND DEMONSTRATE ST. PHILIP HOSPITALITY. St. Philip will be hosting a reception immediately following the worship service.  If you are interested in helping provide food or staffing the reception please speak to Pastor David or Linda Rhodes.