On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Rev. Catina G. Martin was installed as the pastor of Belmont Christian Church (DOC) 1101 Jamison Ave. S.E., Roanoke, VA. The Keynote address was preached by Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Our Regional Minister, Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning did the installation and Pastoral Covenant for Congregational Ministry. The installation service was well attended with representation of ministers and other members of various churches throughout the districts and the region of Virginia. It was a very uplifting installation worship service. The participants in the installation service included members of different churches, with a variety and diversity in worship.
Rev. Owens message included getting inside God’s imagination, God’s foolishness. Jesus came to reconcile us to God. We believe in the Unity of All who believe in Jesus Christ. Rev. Hord-Owens posed the question to the Belmont congregation “As a church with a new pastor and leadership, do you really want to change? and grow?”
Rev. Hord-Owens stated, ” We Christians, walk together even when we disagree. God, is calling us to go higher and grow deeper into ministry.” She stated that young people are looking for authenticity of faith and that we the church are a movement of wholeness in a fragmented world.
The scriptures, introductions, special music, hymns, spirit, and sanctuary filled us with Christians and the Holy Spirit.
After the service, there was a reception in the Fellowship Hall. They served cake and ice cream. It was an opportunity to fellowship. Flo was delighted to meet Rev. Owens, support Catina, and visit with Hazel Moody, a friend for many years. Margretha Kellam considered it a blessing to have another opportunity to be in conversation with Rev. Owens. Margretha Kellam and Flo Parcell, both members of the Virginia Disciples Women Cabinet attended this beautiful installation service and was blessed to support Rev. Catina G. Martin and Belmont C.C.(DOC).
We thank God for the Rev. Catina’s Installation as pastor of Belmont CC. and we thank Belmont CC for calling her as pastor. We feel Rev. Catina Martin has a wonderful opportunity with God’s help, prayer and the members of Belmont CC to grow the Church. Let us keep Rev. Catina Martin and Belmont CC in our prayers for that growth and opportunity.
Margretha Kellam, President
Flo Parcell, Communications
