Welcome to Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA
Finding direction by following Jesus.
Upcoming Events
Once Upon an Advent | Advent Sermon Series
November 30–December 28, 2025
This Advent season at Second Presbyterian, we’ll enter the story of Christmas through the wonder of stories themselves. Each week, we’ll listen for how God’s promises of hope, peace, joy, love, and light come to life in both Scripture and story, reminding us that the good news often begins with something small and unexpected. We’ll hear of hope that grows where others see only endings, peace that comes through gentleness and self-giving, joy that blossoms in compassion, and love that transforms even the hardest of hearts. On Christmas Eve, we’ll celebrate the light that shines in the darkness, and the week that follows will invite us to recognize Christ’s presence in everyday moments and simple acts of kindness.
Come and join us for Once Upon an Advent, a season to wonder, to wait, and to rediscover how God’s story is still being written in and among us.
Advent Series Schedule
- Advent 1 – Hope (Nov. 30)
Book: The Christmas Cup, by Nancy Ruth Patterson, illus. by Leslie Bowman
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1–10; Luke 1:5–25, 57–66
- Advent 2 – Peace (Dec. 7)
Book: Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect, by Richard H. Schneider III, illus. by Elizabeth J. Miles
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2–7; Philippians 4:4–9; Luke 3:1–6
- Advent 3 – Joy (Dec. 14)
Book: Great Joy, by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline
Scripture: Isaiah 35:1–10; Luke 2:8–20
- Advent 4 – Love (Dec. 21)
Book: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, by Susan Wojciechowski, illus. by P.J. Lynch
Scripture: 1 John 4:7–12
- Christmas Eve – Light (Dec. 24)
Book: Silent Night, by Lara Hawthorne
Scripture: Luke 2:1–20; John 1
- First Sunday of Christmas – Jesus in Our Midst (Dec. 28)
Book: Shoemaker Martin, by Leo Tolstoy, illus. by Bernadette Watts
Scripture: Matthew 25
Worship Times
- Sunday Mornings:
8:45 a.m. Early Service, Sanctuary
9:45 a.m. Sunday School*
11:00 a.m. Late Service, Sanctuary/Live Stream
*There will be NO Sunday school on Dec. 28.
- Christmas Eve | Wednesday, Dec. 24:
12:00 p.m. Noon Service with Communion, Sanctuary/Live Stream
5:00 p.m. Family Service with a Baptism, Sanctuary
10:00 p.m. Candlelight Service, Sanctuary
Poinsettias 2025
Order Online by Friday, Dec. 5
If you would like to give memorial or celebration poinsettias for the Christmas season services, please complete the online registration form. The deadline for receiving orders is Friday, December 5. Poinsettias will be displayed during services on December 14 (pink) and 21 through Christmas Eve (red).
Pop-Up Sunday School | “Handel’s Messiah”
Sunday, December 7 | 9:45 a.m. | Chapel
George Frideric Handel: MESSIAH
Sunday, December 14 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
FREE ADMISSION
The Longest Night Service
Sunday, December 21 | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
For those who have experienced loss, the holidays can be a particularly painful time, stirring up grief in acute ways. Many churches have adopted the practice of hosting a Longest Night service on or around the winter solstice, honoring those grappling with loss and grief.
On Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, we will hold a Longest Night service of prayer, song, and meditation. Our hope is that this worship service will create a safe and sacred space for those who are struggling to feel the joy and light of this Advent and Christmas season due to loss of any kind.
We do not intend for this service to be a service of healing, for what we lose cannot always be replaced. Instead, we hope this service will acknowledge the hole that grief leaves in one’s heart while simultaneously remembering that we worship a God who is with us, even in the darkest of times.
Men’s Bible Study
Resumes September 4
Thursdays | 7:15 a.m. | Reading Room/Zoom
Women’s Bible Study
Begins October 9
Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. | Session Room
“Show Your Faith”
Christian Education 2025-26
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see…” (Matthew 4:14-16). While faith can be deeply personal, it is never meant to be private. We are called into community to show our faith in our everyday choices, our words, and our actions.
At Second Presbyterian Church, it is our joy and mission to help equip and encourage you on that journey. This year, we invite you to take our theme “Show Your Faith” to heart. Let your light shine in bold, faithful living. Show your faith and show up, just as you are: whether you are seeking to grow, have a heart full of questions and doubts, or you just need a little fuel for your flame.
Consider the ways you are called to learn more and grow this church school year. The 2025-26 Christian Education Booklet is full of opportunities for you. May these opportunities for spiritual formation and growth inspire you to live your faith boldly and brightly for Christ. Show up this year and let your faith shine!
Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA is a vital congregation for people of all ages and circumstances seeking to know, love, and follow Christ.
Second Presbyterian Church Roanoke Welcomes You
Are you looking for ways to foster and nurture your family in an ever-changing world? Are you thinking about finding a church home? At Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA, our friendly staff and congregation strive to care for your family both spiritually and emotionally. To that end, this website is designed to ease the transition into the life of our church. Whether you decide to visit or join, we welcome you!
Meet our Pastors
Dr. George C. Anderson
The Reverend Elizabeth N.H. Link
The Reverend Benjamin S. Brannan
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM | Friday: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM | Saturday: Closed | Sunday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM