 Dear Friend,
Grace to you in peace and in name of Christ. First of all on behalf of The Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church family I welcome you to our website and invite you to visit with us at church. One of the many things that I value about this congregation is that it is small enough to feel like an extended family, but large enough to be involved in a variety of ministries and mission programs. Royster is a very caring and inclusive church, seeking to love God and one another, to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and to serve others as empowered by the Holy Spirit. One of the symbols that comes to mind for me as I reflect upon the church is the wagon wheel - Christ is the hub, and each of us is a spoke, the closer we get to Christ, the closer we also get to one another.
In our ongoing effort to serve Christ and others Royster has worship at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. As the preacher I try to not only interpret scripture, but apply it to the issues and challenges of our day to day lives. We also have a very strong music tradition and a wonderful choir. On the second Sunday of each month we have our birthday luncheon, a time for table fellowship in which we honor those whose birthdays fall in that particular month. Every other Wednesday morning we have a bible study and then each Wednesday evening we have a bible study and a fellowship meal. On the second Wednesday we have what we call our “Wednesday Forum” in which we invite a special guest to address particular issues for example the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, medical ethics, environmental stewardship, and homelessness are just a few of the issues that have been addressed.
Speaking of homelessness, Royster has for years now participated in NEST (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team) where we will house approximately 50 homeless people for a week, providing them a safe environment along with supper and breakfast. In terms of outreach, we support and are involved in a number of local agencies that seek to serve the needy. We also have a sister congregation in Kinshasa Congo, the Salongo Limente Church. Folks from Royster have gone to the Congo to visit there, and brothers and sisters in Christ from the Congo have also come to the Tidewater area, visits sponsored by the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia. Also here at Royster is the Mustard Seed Child Care, a very well respected service in our community that serves approximately 55 children and their families. Royster also has a very caring, dedicated parish nurse and Stephen Ministers available on an as needed basis. The list could go on and on, but hopefully the above will give you some idea of the care and dedication of this congregation.
I again invite you to come and visit with us. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or come by the church. I would very much enjoy the opportunity to visit with you. Take care and God bless.
Sincerely,
John Monroe
CHURCH HISTORY
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Our congregation includes people from diverse backgrounds, denominations and faith traditions. We warmly welcome you to membership and invite you to participate fully in church life here at Royster. Our members and staff are ready and available to be of help in any possible way.
All Presbyterian Churches in Norfolk, including Royster descended from the “Bell Church,” built in 1801, which housed Norfolk’s first church bell. In the early 1930’s growth around Wards Corner led the Presbytery to search for a new church site. Due to the influence of a First Presbyterian member, Mrs. Frank Sheppard Royster, who wanted a memorial to her husband, the Newport Avenue location owned by the family was secured. The first service was held October 12, 1941, and the church was dedicated and the deed presented by Mr. William S. Royster on November 2, 1941.
Although the building has changed and grown over the years, we have continued to be a vibrant and serving community seeking to live out the gospel at the intersection of faith and life. At the heart of our many activities is the worshiping congregation affirming the inclusive love of God, which is made known through Jesus Christ.
Through prayer and music, friendship and service, laughter and learning, we seek to know God in our midst and make God known to others.
STEWARDSHIP
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Royster members take seriously the stewardship of our financial and human resources to witness to God’s love in our community and in our world.
Stewardship is our opportunity to return gratefully to God what has been given to us. It includes giving of one’s time, talent and treasure. We encourage you to include all three areas of stewardship as you participate in the life of Royster.
In the fall on Stewardship Sunday, we invite you to make a pledge to support the Lord’s work at Royster. We reach out to one another through our pledge drive. A pledge can be made at any time during the year. Envelopes are available upon request. If you have not yet begun a regular practice of giving we encourage you to do so.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
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Presbytery of Eastern Virginia
We join with 64 other congregations to support the mission of the Presbytery, the Synod of the Mid Atlantic, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in our community, our nation and the world.
The Dwelling Place
Our support helps this local ministry which provides safe, temporary shelter and support to families who are in crisis.
St. Columba Ecumenical Ministries
We contribute to St. Columba’s work in assisting homeless individuals and families in our community with their economic, social and spiritual needs.
Onesimus Prison Ministry
Our contribution to this ministry helps maintain a halfway house for ex-offenders as they adjust to reentering society.
Fishes and Loaves
We contribute food to this food pantry at Ocean View Presbyterian Church which serves approximately 5,000 households a year. We collect canned goods from church members each Sunday at receptacles in the Narthex and elsewhere in the church.
Bread for the World
We are a Covenant Church of BFW, a nationwide Christian movement that seeks justice for the world’s hungry people by lobbying our nation’s decision makers and, through the BFW Institute, engaging in research and education on policies related to hunger and development.
International Seamen’s House
We help provide a ministry to seamen on the 4,000 ships that come into the Port of Hampton Roads each year. We collect used magazines for the ships and items for the “Santa Sacks.”
Peacemaking
Through volunteer participation we support the peacemaking work of our Presbytery and General Assembly.
PEVA CONGO Partnership
We are active in this partnership to sustain and cultivate relationships with Presbyterian churches in the Congo, working with Mission Facilitator, Etienne Bote-Tsiek, as we use personal, religious, and political means to strengthen historic bonds.
One Great Hour of Sharing
This Easter offering of the PCUSA is given to programs working to alleviate hunger.
Joy Gift Offering
We join with all churches of the PCUSA in providing support to retired church workers and church-supported schools.
Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST)
For one week each winter, Royster provides shelter for the homeless in our community. Members of the congregation provide dinner, breakfast, hygiene kits and friendship to these guests.
Salongo-Limete, Congo Ministry
We have committed to a 3 year campaign to support the building of a feeding room and Women’s Training Center at our sister church.
Samaritan Fund
Through contributions made to the Samaritan Fund, Royster is able to provide emergency aid to individuals for utility, rent, food and transportation expenses.
Centsability Offering
Once a month, members are given the opportunity to contribute to this hunger relief program. Half the money collected is used locally and the other half goes to the Congo.
Tools of Hope and Blanket Program
Money received in this annual offering goes to Church World Service, which works in partnerships in more than 80 countries to provide blankets and work tools to those in need.
BEAR (Be a Reader) Literacy Project
Members of our church join with members of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater in mentoring students at Granby Elementary School, who would benefit from one-on-one support in developing reading skills.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Royster provides a meeting place to those who are working very hard to overcome substance abuse.
Civic League Meetings
Royster provides meeting space for the Cromwell Farms and Talbot Park Civic Leagues.
Parish Nurse Program
The church is a place of nurture and care for the people of God, as well as a place of healing. Parish nurses lead the way as trained professionals providing: consultations on health concern, advocacy in times of transition or frailty and referral services, education to integrate faith/health choices and spiritual support. Call Parish Nurse Jane Ledbetter, RN at 489-1820. Blood pressure checks are available on Sunday following worship service.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
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Ministers
The Congregation
Pastor
Rev. Dr. John R. Monroe
(757) 440-8657
Parish Associate
Rev. Susan Haugh
(757) 440-9022
Organist
Linda Althoff
(757) 483-2180
Secretary
Marianne Simpson
(757) 423-8536
Clerk of Session
Jill Keifer
(757) 853-7465
Sunday School
Lin Jolley
Superintendent (757) 857-7086
Director of Music
Katherine Lakoski
(757) 605-0895
Parish Nurse
Jane Ledbetter
(757) 489-1820
Custodian, Security & Building Coordinator
Jeff Spivey (757) 375-0032
Church Treasurer
John Holley
(757) 423-2474
MSCCC Liaison
Jill Keifer
(757) 853-7465
SESSION MEMBERS back to top
The Session meets the 3rd Sunday of each month following the Worship Service. Any member of the church can address the Session at any meeting. We would ask that you notify the Pastor/Moderator and the Clerk of the Session in advance if you plan to attend a Session meeting so that proper arrangements can be made.
The Sessional Committees
Administration
John Keifer (Chair)
(757) 853-7465
TheKeifers@aol.com
Don Cottingham
meisha37@cox.net
Property
Bob Lyons (Chair)
(757) 480-0522
exchange@bceva.com
Jill Keifer
(757) 853-7465
JillKeifer@med.navy.com
Worship
Debora Mosher (Chair)
(757) 857-4754
Deboramosher@aol.com
Chip Vogan
(757) 623-6432
bgvgreenies@aol.com
Education
Jeff Richards (Chair)
(757) 440-0576
sugirich@verizon.net
June Schumacher
wschumacher1@cox.net
Outreach
Jane Ledbetter (Chair)
mjledbetter@hotmail.com
Congregational Life
Christie Secrest (Chair)
(757) 489-8545
csecrest1@cox.net
Bill Stockburger
bstockburger1@cox.net
Evangelism
Ann-Carol Holley (Chair)
(757) 423-2474
anncarolholley@cox.net
Debbie VanSickle
Trustees
John Mosher (757) 857-4754 Charlie Sweitzer (757) 587-3848
CSWEITZE@rrmm.com
Dave Secrest (757) 489-8545
davesecrest1@cox.net
Clerk
Jill Keifer
(757) 853-7465
JillKeifer@med.navy.com
Session Committees – Offer a wide variety of opportunities for service. Whatever your niche, feel free to talk with the pastor or a committee chair.
MUSIC PROGRAMS back to top
Led by our talented and dedicated Choir Master Katherine Lakoski, a Juilliard graduate, and organist Linda Althoff, who played at Carnegie Hall.
We have a Chancel Choir, and the Royster Ringers.
Chancel Choir
Provides musical inspiration during worship services. Practice is from 7:00-9:00 PM every Thursday. Come join this joyful group.
New voices are always welcome.
Contact Katherine Lakoski at 605-0895 or
Linda Althoff at 483-2180 for more information.
Royster Ringers
The gift of handbell music brightens several services of music throughout the year. Beginners are always welcomed to this group which meets at 8:30 AM on Sunday mornings.
Contact Jeannine Perry at 471-6369 for more information.
Scherzo Music Club (Citywide club for musicians and music enthusiasts)
Performances and lunch held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month At 10:30 AM in the Royster Sanctuary.
MUSTARD SEED CHILD CARE CENTER back to top
6901 Newport Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23505
(757) 423-5854
MSCCC@royster.hrcoxmail.com
Jean Rockwell, Director
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Mustard Seed Child Care Center is a not-for-profit outreach ministry of Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
Royster celebrated the opening of the Mustard Seed Child Care Center in September 1989. Mustard Seed is a full day preschool and child care facility for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. The Center also operates a Summer Camp Program for children 6 to 12 years.
MSCCC staff seeks to provide a loving, caring, safe and supportive environment in which each child may learn and grow. Children at MSCCC are treated as individuals with unique talents who develop at their own pace and in their own direction. The MSCCC respects the religious traditions of all children enrolled.
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