Upcoming Events
Morning Vacation Bible School – “Stories Jesus Told”
July 22-25 (Mon-Th) | 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Members and friends (Pre-k – 5th grade) are invited to join us for Morning Vacation Bible School July 22-25, as we explore the parables of Jesus!
Jesus loved to tell stories. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus sharing parables with his disciples, stories that were meant to share something important about God and something important about us. We get a glimpse into God’s Kingdom and learn that we are called to live into that Kingdom here and now. This summer at VBS, we will explore several of the beloved parables of Jesus, and discover how these stories Jesus told long ago help us to be better disciples today.
Youth and adult volunteers are a great part of what makes VBS so special. Please consider volunteering and joining the fun!
Register participants and volunteers for Morning VBS HERE. Please share the good news—the more the merrier!
Questions? Contact Meredith Koliba, Maria Blackshaw, or Elizabeth Link.
“Partners in Prosperity” Build
January-May 2024 | Habitat for Humanity
Summer Update
We have been blown away by the support and volunteers throughout the winter and spring seasons for our Partners in Prosperity Habitat Build! The church logged nearly 1,000 volunteer hours… AMAZING!
Although our group volunteer days are over, Habitat can still use individual help. If you would like to continue to help Habitat (with this house and others), please contact Gina Dunnavant to get signed up!
Dedication
Save the date: A dedication service is being planned for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 at the home site. We invite you to join us for this celebratory occasion!
It is with great excitement that we share the news of our Habitat for Humanity Build of 2024! Together with St. John’s Episcopal Church, we have sponsored a new Habitat home for the Mussa Family. This partner-build is called, “Partners in Prosperity.” The home will be built on the 600 Block of McDowell Ave in Northwest.
The build began the second week of January and will come to completion the second week of May. Second Presbyterian and St. John’s have both committed to 30 build days each, and Second will be on site the 1st/3rd Saturdays and the 2nd/4th Thursdays from January until May.
The Service and Outreach committee thought that with our giving level and our deep desire to grow in relationship with those we serve in our community, a partner build is exactly where God is calling us. There will be many different ways for you to be involved, and we are overjoyed to see all the hard work, fellowship, and transformation!
Come lend a hand as we build this new home together!
Trent Getaway Church Retreat – “I Love to Tell the Story”
August 16-18, 2024 | Eagle Eyrie Conference Center
The TRENT GETAWAY Church Retreat at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg, VA is set for August 16-18, 2024! Everyone is invited to this intergenerational weekend where there will be programs for all ages. Plan to be part of a fun-filled and meaningful church event!
Participants will gather on Friday afternoon (registration is from 4:00-6:00 p.m.) for a weekend program of study, worship, and recreation! Adults will be led by our guest speaker Rev. Anna George Traynham in a vibrant study related to our retreat theme, “I Love to Tell the Story.”
Middle and high school youth will take part in fun team building exercises and enjoy special programming with Pastor Ben. Special activities for children are also planned, and there will be childcare available for those too young to participate in the lessons and programs.
Saturday afternoon will allow you to enjoy recreational activities of your choosing. The retreat will end following Sunday morning worship, and participants can expect to be back in Roanoke by lunchtime!
Check out the Trent Getaway Brochure for more!
Registration and a $100 deposit are due by Monday, June 3.
*This event is made possible by a grant from the Kittye Susan Trent Fund of Second Presbyterian. Special thanks to the Trent Fund for their generous support of this retreat. Approximately 50% of the overall cost is covered by their grant.
Rally Day Picnic & Fall Kickoff
Sunday, August 25 | 10:00 A.M. | Braeloch Pavilion
RSVP by August 11
Plan to join your church family for our end of summer Rally Day Picnic & Fall Kickoff at Braeloch (the farm of Nancy and Al Hammond) at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 25! We look forward to this time of worship and fellowship outdoors with a picnic buffet-style meal.
Our menu with items from Three Li’l Pigs Barbeque includes:
*Options will be available for dietary restrictions—i.e. gluten free, vegan.*
- Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken (various BBQ sauces on the side)
- Buns (regular and gluten free)
- Cole Slaw
- Baked Beans
- Green Salad (with various toppings and salad dressing)
- Watermelon
- Potato Chips
- Ice Cream Bar with Toppings
- Desserts (donated by church members)
- Water and Lemonade
This year we will have a bounce house and slide, a balloon artist, face painter, and other fun activities! Congregants are invited to bring outdoor games for entertainment, including fishing poles for those who wish to fish from the dock.
Commonwealth Coach and Trolley is pleased to provide transportation for those wanting a ride to Braeloch from the church. For those who wish to ride the bus, please meet at the church parking lot by 9:00 a.m.; the bus will depart at 9:05 a.m. Return trips back to church following time for food, fellowship, and fun will also be available at 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS are needed for setup, clean up, and to bring desserts. If you can help, sign up via the SignUpGenius!
Please RSVP by Sunday, Aug. 11!
Second Presbyterian is a vital congregation for people of all ages and circumstances seeking to know, love, and follow Christ.
Second Presbyterian 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 strives to care for your family both spiritually and emotionally. 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
Dr. George C. Anderson is the seventh Senior Pastor in the history of Second Presbyterian Church (Roanoke, VA). He began preaching at Second on February 22, 1998. Previously, he had been the Senior Minister at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, and an Associate Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, TN. He is a graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC, and Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. Dr. Anderson is involved in every aspect of church life with an emphasis on preaching, teaching, visiting, and staff oversight.
George and his wife, Millie, have three daughters: Paige, Rachel, and Virginia. Virginia became a new mother to daughter Emory on November 1, 2017.
The Reverend Elizabeth N.H. Link
The Rev. Elizabeth N.H. Link joined the staff of Second Presbyterian in August 2011. She attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, where she majored in history and religion: Christian education. Following graduation, she served First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, FL, as Director of Christian education, and subsequently recognized the call to ordained ministry. In 2009, Elizabeth earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. Afterwards, she served as a Lake Fellow in Parish Ministry, at Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, IN.
Elizabeth is married to Chris Link, and the two welcomed their first child, Eleanor, in the spring of 2018.
The Reverend Benjamin S. Brannan
The Rev. Ben Brannan joined the staff of Second Presbyterian as the Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults in March 2021 following a two-year pastoral residency at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ben has a long tenure in youth development, spending six years as Assistant Camp Director at YMCA Camp Cherokee, coaching high school and club soccer for nine years, even spending three years as a part-time substitute teacher. Following a career change, he felt God’s call to pursue theological education and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. While in school, Ben served as Youth Minister and Pastoral Intern at Second Presbyterian in Richmond. He brings joy, creativity, and deep faith to all he does.
Ben is married to Valerie Brannan, and they welcomed their first son, Camden, in March 2022.