Holiday Closing: In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the church office will be closed on Monday, May 26. We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Have a happy and safe holiday!
Welcome to Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA
Finding direction by following Jesus.
Upcoming Events
Evening VBS “Navigating the Wilderness”
June 8–11 (See schedule below) | Register by June 2
Adults are invited to join us for Evening VBS, kicking off the week with a dinner and program on June 8. Our guest speaker, Dr. Ed McLeod, will help us dive deeper in scripture and faith together. Children (Pre-K – 5th grade) will enjoy a special parallel theatre camp, and childcare will be available for any younger children attending. Register by Monday, June 2.
Schedule:
- Sun., June 8: 6–8 p.m. with dinner
- Mon.–Wed., June 9–11: 6:30–7:45 p.m. with refreshments
“Navigating the Wilderness”
The concept of wilderness can be a metaphor for the time when we move from old certainties to new certainties. During these four nights together, we will consider the wilderness experience of the children of Israel, the experience of Job, and the writings of Brian McLaren (Faith After Doubt), Sarah Bessey (Field Notes for the Wilderness), and others to suggest that a dynamic and maturing faith will always have seasons that feel like wilderness wandering. Through it all, we can trust in God, our “very present help,” and discover a new place of deepening trust.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ed McLeod
We welcome long-time friend of Second, Dr. Edward A. McLeod, Jr. (Ed) as our guest speaker for Evening Adult VBS this June. Ed is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. He has served churches in South and North Carolina, most recently retired from First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC in 2023. Ed is married to Jenny, they have two children, and adore spending time with their five grandchildren. In his free time, Ed enjoys crossword puzzles, movies, exercise, over-tipping at restaurants, and beating Dr. George Anderson at golf.
For 4 Year-Olds-Middle School: Children’s Theatre Camp
This summer, we are thrilled to welcome Meghan Griffith as the leader for our Evening VBS Children’s Theatre Camp! Children are welcome to bring friends. Register by Monday, June 2.
Dinner
Plan to join us on June 8th to kick off Evening VBS with a congregational meal from Three Little Pigs BBQ! Menu includes Pork BBQ, Baked Beans, Mac and Cheese, Coleslaw, Garden Salad, Hot dogs and Chips.
Meal Cost: Adult – $15.00. Child 5 to 12 yrs old – $7.00. Child Under 5 – Free.
Register by Monday, June 2.
Morning VBS “Fish Tales”
July 21-24 | 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 21 24, as we explore stories from scripture. We’ll learn about Jonah’s story, and how God used a giant fish to turn him around. We’ll hear about the call of the disciples by the lakeshore, how Jesus fed a multitude, and a special breakfast on the beach. This creative and engaging week will have children and volunteers singing, dancing, creating, and learning together.
Youth and adult volunteers are a great part of what makes VBS so special. Please consider volunteering and joining the fun! Contact Maria Blackshaw or Meredith Koliba with questions.
Register Morning VBS participants AND volunteers HERE!
Morning VBS After Care Camps
July 21-24 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We have coordinated with area children’s sports and arts organizations to provide afternoon “mini camps” here at the church for families interested in afternoon care. We hope this will allow more children to participate in the free Morning VBS, while providing engaging and educational opportunities for the VBS afternoons. Spaces are limited, and there is an associated fee for this afternoon care. Learn more and sign up soon if interested HERE!
Note: Pre-K is not included in After Care Camps.
Trent Getaway @ Eagle Eyrie | “Our Sacred Home”
August 8-10, 2025 | Register by June 23
The Trent Getaway Church Retreat at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg, VA is set for August 8-10, 2025! 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. Dr. Robert (Rob) McClellan in a vibrant study related to our retreat theme, “Our Sacred Home.”
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!
Registration and a $100 deposit are due by Monday, June 23. Register HERE!
About the Speaker and Theme
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Robert McClellan, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, CA
The Rev. Dr. Robert (Rob) McClellan has served as Pastor and Head of Staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon, CA since 2013. He is passionate about helping people rediscover a vibrant,
relevant faith and offering a refreshing expression of Christ to those who have had negative or unfulfilling experiences with religion. Rob has a deep interest in Celtic Christianity and finds God in nature. He has previously served as a solo pastor and associate pastor, working with youth and young adults in a variety of settings. Rob holds advanced degrees, including a DMin from San Francisco Theological Seminary, where his dissertation explored pilgrimage as a spiritual practice and portal to religious experience. Outside of ministry, he enjoys the outdoors, music, reading, and spending time with his family.
Retreat Theme: “Our Sacred Home”
Reconnect with the world around you in a new way. Together we’ll explore how everything—creation, nature, and our own lives—holds deep meaning and divine blessing. Through stories from the Bible and the wisdom of inspiring thinkers, we’ll uncover how God’s heartbeat vibrates through the very fabric of life. We’ll talk about the goodness of creation, how Jesus shows us the way to truly see the world, and how we can heal our alienation and find balance. Come be inspired and transformed!
Wisdom Video Series
In this Kairos Lenten video series, members of Second Presbyterian Church share personal reflections and wisdom gained from their life journeys. We hope these stories inspire you to open your heart, listen deeply, and pursue God’s gift of wisdom for your life.
All videos are now available from this series; watch now on YouTube. Interviewees include Nathan Goff, Agnes Reid Jenny, Dick Guerrant, Dee Moore, Hayden Hollingsworth, and Sara Airheart.
“Deep & Wide”
Christian Education 2024-2025
“Dig deep wells, and the cattle never wander.” This old proverb speaks to the wisdom of providing water, nourishment for lean times. On the surface, it offers a wise word to farmers and herdsmen, but perhaps another meaning is about the spiritual life. A faith that has depth will nourish in times of trouble and drought. Moreover, a deep spiritual life will sustain a person through a lifetime.
At Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA, we take our call to nurture faith seriously. For this reason, we provide opportunities for education at every stage of development. To assume that Christian education is only for children is to make faith sound like a childish endeavor. Indeed, we crave deep, living water our whole lives long.
What may look like play in a children’s classroom is the introduction of a God who finds joy in each and every child in our care. The sound of feet about to break through the ceiling is the expression of love in young people’s music and voices at children’s choir. What looks like a tasty meal for teens is a holy reminder of meals shared by Jesus and his friends in the Gospels. And what seems like adults in discussion is actually friendship being forged and spiritual nourishment given for the week ahead.
With Christian education, we are digging deep wells, we are inviting you to dive into this wide, expansive living water. Jump in. Join us. Drink from this well. See the Christian Education Booklet to learn about the ways you may grow in faith through education, fellowship, and discipleship throughout the 2024-25 church school year.
Rally Day Picnic
Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 a.m. | Braeloch Pavilion | Register by Aug. 10
Plan to join your church family for our very exciting Rally Day Picnic at Braeloch (the farm of Nancy and Al Hammond located at 2353 Hammond Dr, Vinton, VA 24179) at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 24! 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.): • Vinegar pulled pork, chicken (sauces on the side) • Potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon • Green salad with dressings • Ice cream bar (toppings on the side) • Homemade desserts • Lemonade and water.
This year we will have a fabulous bounce house, balloon art, face painting, and other fun activities! Congregants are invited to bring outdoor games for entertainment, including fishing poles and bait 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.
VOLUNTEERS are needed for set up, clean up, and to bring desserts. If you can help, sign up via the SignUpGenius!
Register by August 10.
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
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 dad to his son, Camden, and his dog, Sevy.