This Week’s Message

“Restoring God’s Word” – January 17, 2010

By Pastor Ronald Coleman


Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-9

All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.
He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.

Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

The Levites–Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah–instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.



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Thought for the weekThere is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it hardly becomes us to talk about the rest of us.

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Sunday Service – January 17, 2010

“Restoring God’s Word” – January 17, 2010

By Pastor Ronald Coleman


Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-9

All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.
He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.

Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

The Levites–Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah–instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.



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Thought for the weekThere is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it hardly becomes us to talk about the rest of us.

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Important Yearly Council Meeting – January 31, 2010

We will be holding our annual Church Council Meeting at 4:00 PM on January 31st at the church. Items on the agenda include approving a budget, electing officers, hear and approve annual reports, etc. Everyone is encouraged to attend, members are expected. All members 18 and over may vote.

Aerobics Classes are Back!! – Tuesday & Thursday from 6p-7p

Aerobics have started back again at Henry Fork Church of the Brethren. Got a little extra “holiday weight” you want to get rid of? Want to get healthier? Want great fellowship with other Christians? Come to our aerobics classes that will be held in our new fellowship hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6p-7p. See Linda Stennis for additional information.

Sunday Service – January 10, 2010

“Red Sea Experience” – January 10, 2010

By Pastor Ronald Coleman


Scripture: Exodus 14:10-14

And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.

Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?

Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?’ For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”



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Thought for the weekThe empty tomb proves Christianity. The empty church denies it.

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Sunday Service – January 3rd, 2010

“Losing Jesus” – January 3, 2010

By Pastor Ronald Coleman


Scripture: Luke 2:41-50

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

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Thought for the weekThe shortest distance between a problem and its solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.

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Sunday Service – December 27, 2009

“A Savior has been Born” – December 27, 2009

By Pastor Ronald Coleman


Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.



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Thought for the weekA hypocrite is a person who’s not himself on Sunday.
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Sunday Service – December 6, 2009

“Change of Directions” – December 6, 2009

By Pastor Ronald Coleman


Scripture: Matthew 3:1-10

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

And John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.



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Thought for the weekNo matter how much you nurse a grudge, it won’t get better.
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Church of the Brethren Virlina District Events – November 7, 2009

The word “church” should not restrict us to fellowship within only one building or location. Henry Fork Church of the Brethren is officially associated with the larger denominational Church of the Brethren (www.brethren.org). Additionally, we are blessed to be very close to our district’s (Virlina) main office, which is is Roanoke, VA. There are always events going on around the district and Virlina annouces them usually on a weekly basis. This post will be updated with the most current events and opportunities to fellowship outside Henry Fork Church of the Brethren in addition to those held at our church! Since it will be updated often, please stop by often!

DISTRICT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

In one week, November 13 and 14, Virlina District will gather for our annual District Conference. It will be held at Green Ridge Baptist Church, 5521 Green Ridge Road, Roanoke, Virginia. The theme is “At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Should Bend!” based on the scripture passage, Philippians 2:5-11.

Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. in the foyer on the upper level and the exhibit and hospitality areas open at 5:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall on the lower level.

The Ministers and Spouses Dinner will be held at the Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, 5333 Cove Road, NW, Roanoke, Virginia at 5:00 p.m. with a meal catered by Lisa Wilson (Cloverdale) and program by David K. Shumate, 2009 Annual Conference Moderator and District Executive, (Daleville).

The all-district choir will rehearse at 5:45 p.m. at Green Ridge Baptist Church. Laura Heptintall (Roanoke, Ninth Street) is the this year’s choir director and may be contacted at (540) 556-8583 or for more information.

Worship will be begin at 7:00 p.m. with hymn sing led by Michael Huffaker (Roanoke, Williamson Road), chorister. Patrick C. Starkey (Roanoke, Ninth Street) will serve as worship leader. Four individuals will be sharing brief “Bended Knee Experiences” : Daniel D’Oleo (Roanoke, Siguiendo los pasos de Jesus), Donald Gearhart (Copper Hill), Dava Hensley (Roanoke, First) and Hannah Oakes (Eden, First). The all-district choir and the “Boyz” of Disaster will sing. The youth will do dramatizations of “Bended Knee Experiences.” The Friday evening offering will go to the Virlina District National Youth Conference Bus Trip.

Senior high youth activities will begin at 9:00 p.m. at Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, 5333 Cove Road, NW, Roanoke, Virginia and will conclude on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Contact Mary St.John at for more information.

On Saturday there will be lots of activities, “bended knee experiences,” business, fellowship, food and worship. The registration, exhibit and hospitality areas will open at 7:30 a.m.

Child care and children’s activities begin at 8:15 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. The children will take a field trip to Camp Bethel. Contact Tabitha Hartman at for more information.

Junior high youth activities begin at 8:15 a.m. (Peters Creek CoB, 5333 Cove Road, Roanoke, Virginia) and conclude at 4:30 p.m. The junior high youth, along with senior high youth, will be doing a service project at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. For more information contact Mary St.John at .

Activities for delegates begin at 8:20 a.m. with hymn sing led by Beverly Heckman and worship with Patrick C. Starkey bringing the message.

Business Sessions will be 8:50 a.m. – 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Conference officers are Patrick C. Starkey, moderator, Sharon S. Wood, moderator-elect, and Rosalie R. Wood, clerk. The business session offering will go toward District Conference expenses.

During the lunch break the District Board and Outdoor Ministries Committee will reorganize. Three Insight Sessions will be offered: 1) BBT & Investments, 2) Israel and Palestine, 3) Mission Work in Hati.

The all-district choir will rehearse at 5:30 p.m. and worship will begin with hymn sing at 6:15 p.m. Sharon S. Wood, 2010 conference moderator, (Copper Hill) will be the worship leader and Stafford Frederick (Roanoke, Summerdean) will bring a message of challenge to close the 2009 District Conference and to send us out to continue the bended knee work of/for Jesus Christ. The Saturday evening offering will go to the two Virlina District Hispanic ministries.

Everyone is invited to attend all or part of District Conference. It would be wonderful to have persons from all 91 congregations, fellowships and project represented.

RESERVATIONS FOR CONFERENCE MEALS HAVE CEASED
Persons who reserved lunch and/or dinner may pick up their meal tickets at the meal ticket table in the foyer at Green Ridge Baptist. If you did not reserve lunch or dinner, there are a many restaurants within seven miles of Green Ridge Baptist. A restaurant location map will be available at the registration tables.

USED SUNDAY SCHOOL OR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
If your congregation has curriculum which is no longer used or needed, please bring it to District Conference. These items will be delivered to Equipping the Saints in Weyers Cave, Virginia who distribute Christian educational material all over the world to be used by others.

If anyone has any Gather Round curriculum to spare, the Eden, First Church would like to have it. Please contact us at .

GIFT OF THE HEART KITS
In October, approximate 650 lbs of kits were delivered to New Windsor Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland. If your congregation has clean-up, hygiene, school or other kits ready, please bring them to District Conference. We receive kits at the District Resource Center until we have a van/truck load and then deliver them to New Windsor.

LAKE SIDE NEEDS TREES
In the near future, the Lake Side Church will start landscaping for their “beautification corridor” of Bedford County. Congregations, Sunday School classes, and individuals may adopt tree(s) or shrub(s) for the property by donating $75 or $25, respectively. If you have a green thumb, or just like to dig in the dirt – we will also need volunteers to plant a whopping 35 large trees, and 100 smaller shrubs on the property. Contact Dave Heckman at: (540) 521-6548 OR email .

Follow the progress at Facebook – search Lake Side Church of the Brethren and become a fan! As we complete the various phases of building, we will continue to need volunteers and will send updates to keep you posted on areas that you can help. The Lake Side Church is a new church development of the Virlina District!

GOSPEL SING AT BOONES CHAPEL
There will be a Gospel Singing on November 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Boones Chapel Church of the Brethren featuring “The Church Sisters”. Sarah and Savannah Church are 13 year old twins from Ringgold, Va. They began singing publicly in March 2007 after winning the WAKG Rising Star talent competition. They have opened shows for country music recording artist, Ty Herndon, Russ Taff of the Gaither Gospel Group and Christian Bluegrass group The Isaacs. They have also appeared on stage with acclaimed bluegrass artist, Rhonda Vincent at the 2009 SPBGMA Awards in Nashville, TN. They are so grateful to God for the special gift He has given them and they fully understand that placing God first in their hearts is the only reason they are able to share their amazing talent with everyone.

The Boones Chapel Church is located on Circle Creek Road in Penhook, Virginia. We invite everyone to come and be blessed! Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. For more information or directions, contact Rhonda at .

WAYNE PENNINGTON TO UNDERGO SURGERY
R. Wayne Pennington, pastor of the Hopewell Church of the Brethren in Prince George County, Virginia, will undergo bone fusion surgery on Tuesday, November 10th. He will be totally incapacitated for about three months. You may encourage him at 5400 Mica Drive, Prince George, Virginia 23875-2332.

ELBERT LEE NAFF, SR. RECOVERING
Elbert Lee Naff, Senior underwent hip replacement surgery on Thursday, November 5th. Everything went well and he anticipates returning home tomorrow. Encouragement may be sent to him at 5090 Old Pike Road, Pilot, Virginia 24138-1600.

DON FLORY, FORMER CHRISTIANSBURG PASTOR
Donald R. Flory, aged 74, of Findlay, Ohio died on Monday, September 21, 2009. He was born in Batavia, IL on October 25, 1934, the son of the late Ralph and Luella (Stuttle) Flory. Donald married Leah (Mounce) Flory in Oaklyn, NJ, on September 23, 1967. She survives in Findlay. Donald is survived by a son, two daughters, a brother, a sister and eight grandchildren.

Donald was a graduate of Manchester College and Bethany Theological Seminary. He was ordained in the Church of the Brethren at the Brookpark Church in Ohio on November 16, 1958. He served as pastors for congregations in Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, Maryland and Illinois. His service in Virlina was at Christiansburg from 1979 until 1984. Don was an active member of the Fostoria Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus. Funeral services were held in Findlay on September 27, 2009.

Youth Bonfire and Lock-In Tuesday, November 24th 2009

On Tuesday, November 24th the youth will be having a bonfire and lock-in. The evening will start at Richard Hodges’ farm in Snow Creek for a bonfire and will convene to the church for an overnight lock-in. More details to come, or see Valerie for more information.

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