DIOCESE TO SPONSOR FORUMS ON RACE
To increase understanding among those of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia has planned three regional gatherings this fall.
Open and free to the public, they will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lylburn Downing Middle School cafeteria in Lexington; on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Whitman Auditorium at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke and on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Snyder Auditorium of Wytheville Community College.
Speaking for all three programs will be Dr. Wornie Reed, an African-American professor of sociology and Africana Studies at Virginia Tech. He also is director of the Race and Social Policy Research Center in Blacksburg. Theme of the series is “Pursuing Community: A Continuing Conversation on Race.”
WINDSOR HILLS
STAFF CHANGES
With two members of the staff of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church leaving, the Rev. Branan Thompson for retirement Dec. 31 and Matt Simpson entering Eastern Mennonite Seminary later this month, Heather Case has begun full-time as Director of Ministries with Young People. Thompson had served for the past 20 years as director of ministry to senior adults, and Simpson was an intern for the past year as he discerned a call to ordained ministry. Thompson’s successor will be sought. Windsor Hills Church serves some in the South Salem area.
–Compiled by Frances Stebbins, Correspondent
