In reflecting on the Rock on which our faith is built, we realize that underneath us all is a sure foundation that cannot be moved. In our faith journeys, we have known the great hymns of the Church: “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee” and “The Church’s one Foundation, is Jesus Christ her Lord.”
The Presbyterian Church has been our Rock and mainstay in our life’s journey. We have been blessed to have our childhoods, youths, and adult lives in the Family of Faith called the Church. In Jesus Christ we have the assurance that He is with us along the journeys we take with our families, careers, health, and faith development.
Our lives merged at King College (Presbyterian) where we met. We became affiliate members of Central Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Virginia. We were immediately immersed in many aspects of Church life and service. Continuing after graduation and marriage, the journey was 57 years at Central. Our sons Wade and Scott were born and confirmed there. It was the Church that sustained us with the joys and sorrows we shared with people who loved us. This was our Rock holding our lives together.
In the new season of life that we now find ourselves, we moved to Roanoke during Covid. Our finding and joining Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church began during the 1990’s while visiting our sons in Roanoke. When we moved here in May 2020, we could not visit churches due to the pandemic. The Rock kept us anticipating the time when we would go to Church again. Joining Raleigh Court was an important puzzle piece of the move to Roanoke.
Our church provides varied meaningful experiences. We have been welcomed into Small Groups, the Sanctuary Choir, Presbyterian Women, fellowship dinners, and Advent and Lenten Music Mediations. Being new is hard work, but the welcome and ministry care we have received in just one year has been uplifting. We so appreciate all the love and support we have received. We know that we belong here, once again, in the Church of Jesus Christ.
We are reminded in 1 Samuel 2:2: “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one beside you; there is no Rock like our God.” We have found the Rock of Faith here at Raleigh Court, and we are thankful.
-Ed and Betty Whitehead
Our faith is built upon the Rock who is our God. Our annual giving to the life and ministry of the Church builds upon this foundation. Please be carefully considering your financial commitment to the life of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church for the upcoming year. Remember that Celebration Sunday is October 16 when we will turn in our pledge cards and celebrate God's faithfulness among us.