Upcoming Events
“Lift High the Cross”
Lenten Sermon Series
Many Christians make the sign of the cross in worship and in prayer. The cross is a fashion accessory, seen as earrings and dangling
on necklaces. It can be found in almost every Christian sanctuary. The crucifix with a dying Jesus is found in some churches and an empty cross is found in others. The cross as a symbol is central to traditional Christian identity.
You may be surprised to learn that the cross did not become a central symbol of the church until the fourth century. Some might say that it never should have become such an important symbol. When they say this, they usually are reacting to some theological interpretation of the cross that isn’t preached at Second Presbyterian Church. What cannot be missed, however, is that in the Gospels and in the writings of Paul, the crucifixion is central to understanding the significance of Jesus. There is a good reason Paul said, “We preach Christ, and him crucified.”
The Lenten season, which began on February 26, is often called “the season of the cross.” The preaching pastors have prepared
a sermon series and are borrowing a title from a famous and powerful hymn: “Lift High the Cross.” You might be surprised at how hopeful, loving and affirming the series will be. Join us as we focus on biblical and theological reasons to affirm the cross for what it reveals about us and God.
Second Presbyterian Church hosts At the River Documentary Film at the Grandin Theatre
Wednesday April 12, 2023
7:00 P.M.
Tickets- $7.39
A feature length documentary about young Presbyterian ministers of the deep south in the 50’s and 60’s who were brave and bold enough to speak out for Civil Rights, bringing condemnation within the church, threats to their lives, and at the cost of some of their jobs. At the River chronicles these ministers’ lives and decisions.
Great Day of Service- April 15
Mark your calendars! On Saturday, April 15th, the youth invite you to join them in a one-day intergenerational mission day! We have several agencies that we have partnered with to go out and serve our city. We will begin with breakfast and worship at 8:00 a.m. before departing in our work groups. We will serve until 2:00 p.m., then head back to church for a closing devotion and sending! We would love to see families, children, and members of all ages
Trent Getaway
August 18-20, 2023
We hope you can join us for our annual church retreat, the Trent Getaway! We are gathering again at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center outside of Lynchburg, VA. A mere hour away from Roanoke, these three days will be miles away from ordinary! We hope you will make space in your busy calendar for this joyful, restorative event.
Eagle Eyrie provides accessible hotel style accommodations, with a dining hall to meet all tastes and needs. Programs for adults, youth, and children will be provided, with plenty of opportunities for fellowship and fun. Childcare will also be provided for our youngest attendees.
Our guest speaker this year will be the Rev. Taylor Lewis Guthrie Hartman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Statesboro, GA.
Register here or visit the Trent Getaway table in Kirk Hall.
Sunday Mornings in Lent: Theology of Tolkien
Come learn what hobbits, elves, wizards, and rings from Tolkien’s great stories can teach us about the season of Lent. Back by popular demand, Carter Brothers on Sunday mornings will lead a six-part, multi-media class on the Christian truths embedded in the soil of Middle-earth (now updated with Rings of Power references for those watching on Prime). Whether you are new to Tolkien or consider yourself an old friend, add your voice to our discussion of why Lent is a great time to talk Tolkien. Here’s a hint: If you don’t know eucatastrophe (one of the many words Tolkien created), our journey through Lent (like Frodo’s to Mount Doom) ends in a eucatastrophe! You cannot pass…up this opportunity!
Pop-Up Sunday School – POSTPONED!
Originally scheduled for March 12, this Pop-Up Sunday School has been postponed. The new date is TBD; stay tuned!
Rev. Teri McDowell Ott, Editor of The Presbyterian Outlook, will be our guest speaker for Pop-Up Sunday School in the Chapel on Sunday, March 12. The Presbyterian Outlook is an independent news magazine dedicated to keeping the members of the denomination updated on the happenings of the PC(USA). Come learn about what this important publication has planned for the future and the role it plays for our denomination.
Kairos Weekly Reflections
The cyclical rhythm of the church year can be a welcome reminder of the passage of time and God’s hand in it. Lent, like Advent, is a time of waiting and preparation. Only, unlike Advent, we’re waiting not for Jesus’ arrival but for his death and resurrection. Generally, the season is a time of reflection and introspection as we evaluate our lives in the light of who Christ is and what he has called us to be. Many years ago, we named a Lenten practice of evening worship “Kairos.” This ancient Greek word describes finding “the right or opportune moment.” Kairos has been used over the centuries to describe time for spiritual reflection, and even, to put it simply, “God’s time.”
Subscribe to our church YouTube channel and Facebook page for the weekly release of our video devotionals, beginning on Wednesday, March 1. These video reflections will focus on the legacy of faithful discipleship at Second we are calling “Strong Roots, Wide Reach.”
Easter Flower Orders
Give Easter Flowers in Memory or Honor of Loved Ones
If you would like to give memorial flowers or celebration flowers for the April 9 Easter services this spring, please use the online order form found on the church website. The cost per plant is $12.50. Online payments are available on the form, but cash and check will also be accepted. The deadline for receiving orders and payment is Friday, March 31.
Fellowship Luncheon
RSVP by April 12 by clicking the image below.
“Better Together”
Christian Education 2022-2023
On Rally Day, September 11, we celebrated the beginning of a new church school year! 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. Below, learn about the ways you may grow in faith through education, fellowship, and discipleship throughout the 2022-2023 church school year.
View the Rally Day video below, and see details on this year’s educational offerings for all ages in the 2022-2023 Christian Education Booklet
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, 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.