Saturday, September 26, 2009
Congregation close-up of the month: Vinton Wesleyan Church
246 E. Jefferson Ave. | Vinton | 345-3385 | www.vintonwesleyanchurch.org
Kyle Green The Roanoke Times
The Vinton Wesleyan Church choir sings during services on a recent Sunday. The church started in 1934, and some of its members have been attending the church for more than 50 years.
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Archive
The staff
- Pastor: Ricardo Rodriguez
- Assistant pastor: Adam Watts
- Music director: Gary Sexton
- Pastor for children's ministry: Timothy Walters
Church history
It was founded in 1934 during a tent meeting in Vinton. A few weeks later, the Rev. James Kraus began leading meetings in the Old White Storefront on Lee Avenue. The congregation soon moved to the basement church on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Poplar Street, and eventually grew to the building it occupies today. In July 2004, the Rev. Ricardo Rodriguez, former youth pastor, was called to lead the congregation as its 11th pastor.
Service times and types
- Growing More classes: 10 a.m.
- Morning worship: 11 a.m.
- Evening worship: 6 p.m.
Personality of the congregation
The emphasis is on unconditional love and acceptance for congregation and community members. The people at the church are caring, friendly and loving and serve as an extended family to many in the community. The ministry is led with an emphasis on practical Bible teaching, uplifting worship and special programs that meet various life needs. The church is known for evangelism explosion outreach and training, as well as community activities such as Trunk or Treat and annual barbecue dinners and Christmas programs.
Pastor's favorite Scripture
Romans 8:28 "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God."
