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“Following” Lenten Sermon Series
February 14 – March 31, 2024

Our church’s mission statement is “Finding direction by following Jesus,” so it is right for us to consider what that means. We will remember some in the Bible who were faithful in their following, though not always perfect. This Lent, a season to consider and confess our sins, we also will remember some who followed Jesus only to abandon him, betray him, or bring him down.

Beginning February 14 and lasting to Easter, the pastors of Second Presbyterian Church will offer a Lenten sermon series called, “Following.” Together we will explore passages of scripture that might help us discover the many paths we take when following Jesus. Join us this Lent on Sunday mornings and for the midweek worship opportunities detailed below.


Kairos: Lent 2024

There is an ancient Greek word for finding or making space in our lives. It is a word that means “the right or opportune moment.” This word, καιρός, has been used over the centuries to describe time for spiritual reflection, and even, to put it simply, “God’s time.” We will offer several Kairos opportunities for prayer and worship this Lenten season. We hope this time may be a space for you to pause and connect to something deeper.

We will hold Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services in person at the church, and midweek Kairos video reflections via our church YouTube channel and Facebook page in the weeks between:

Ash Wednesday
    • Feb. 14, 7:30-9:30 a.m.: “Ashes and Prayer To-Go” in the parking lot
    • Feb. 14, 6:00 p.m.: Ash Wednesday Worship, Kirk Hall
Wednesdays in Lent
    • Feb. 21-March 20: Weekly Kairos Reflections via YouTube and Facebook
Maundy Thursday
    • March 28, 6:00 p.m.: Maundy Thursday Worship, Kirk Hall

“Partners in Prosperity” Build
January-May 2024 | Habitat for Humanity

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 begins 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!

Please use the button above to sign up.  Come lend a hand as we build this new home together!


Wall Raising Ceremony – February 17

The Partners in Prosperity build “wall raising” ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 17 at 9:00 a.m.  All are welcome to come and witness the wonderful moment as we raise the wall on the Mussa Family home together!

Easter Flowers 2024
Order Online by Friday, March 22

“Faith Without Formulas”
Wednesdays, March 6, 13 & 27 | 12 Noon | Session Room

With the ways some are “deconstructing” faith and church in mind, Dr. George Anderson will consider doctrines frequently criticized these days like original sin, atonement, and the authority of scripture. He will suggest that these doctrines are made easy targets for critique when they are turned into formulas and their truthfulness is turned into truth, and their memorization becomes a means of salvation. If you want to find out what he means by that, join him during the noon hour on March 6, 13 and 27 in the Session Room.

Trent Symposium Congregational Dinner
Tuesday, April 9 | 6:00 p.m. | RSVP by April 2

Please join us in welcoming this year’s Trent Symposium participants into our strong congregation as we worship and learn together. On Tuesday, April 9 we will have our annual Trent Symposium Dinner. During this time, we will enjoy a congregational meal followed by a program offered by The Rev. Dr. Ernie Thompson titled “The Power of the Bible’s Story and How It Can Solve Our Polarization.”

The menu for this time together is:

  • Chicken Veronique—mushrooms, grapes, & wine sauce
  • Orzo
  • Green Beans
  • Salad with Balsamic and Ranch Dressings
  • Buttered Rolls
  • Assorted desserts

The price is $12 per person. If you would like to join us, please RSVP by Tuesday, April 2.

About the Program: “The Power of the Bible’s Story and How It Can Solve Our Polarization.”

We often focus on the individual stories of the Bible. There is also a larger story that the Bible tells which begins with Genesis and runs through Revelation. Ernie will share how his understanding and appreciation for the Bible’s larger story has grown throughout his ministry and how the Bible’s story can help us transcend the polarization that divides us.

About the Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Ernie Thompson

Ernie Thompson serves as the pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. He has also served other churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. After 36 years of pastoral ministry, he plans to retire in June so that he and his wife Elaine can move to Raleigh and be closer to family, especially their three grandchildren.

“Build IT Together”
Christian Education 2023-2024

We are called to the life of discipleship in community. No one can be a Christian on their own. Worshiping, praying, learning, and serving together, we are the Body of Christ. This year, we want to focus on building up Christ’s Body. There are many opportunities to learn and grow, build new relationships, serve our neighbors near and far—and, to literally, BUILD. As we consider what it means to build up the Body of Christ and what it means to build a home, we are asking what is your “IT” this year? What is the thing you hope to build in faith?

Christian education is a gift, and it is our prayer that this year may be the opportunity you’ve been searching for to grow deeper in faith and build connection within the Body of Christ. See the Christian Education Booklet to learn about the ways you may grow in faith through education, fellowship, and discipleship throughout the 2023-2024 church school year.

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

Senior Pastor

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 Reverend Elizabeth N.H. Link

Executive Pastor

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 Reverend Benjamin S. Brannan

Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults

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.