BAPTIST EXEC RETIRES
The Rev. Dr. John E. Saunders Jr. will retire April 1 from being a coordinator of ministries of congregations affiliated with the Roanoke Valley Baptist Association. With the present title of Associational Mission Strategist, Saunders has served for more than seven years. An interim successor is being sought.
Although Baptists govern their churches individually, for a half-century in urban areas, a person has filled the role as coordinator of ministries such as home mission work, inner-city neighborhood centers and a camp in Northwest Roanoke County. The office of the RVBA is at 3926 Plantation Road NE, Roanoke.
TAKES NEW CHURCH
The Rev. Leonard Southern, who retired in 2019 after a long pastorate at Fort Lewis Baptist Church of Salem, has become pastor of Lithia Baptist Church in Botetourt County.
INTERIM CALLED
The Rev. Dr. John Dunstan, of Roanoke has become the interim pastor at Fort Lewis Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Most recently serving a Pulaski congregation, he succeeds temporarily the Rev. Ben Moore who resigned without announcing definite plans.
- Compiled by correspondent Frances Stebbins
