Today is the big day! Come on out and join us for a day full of fun at our Block Party from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.!

The Hope Chest will also be open from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., with no appointment needed.

If your child, or a child you know, is in need of a clear backpack, be sure to stop by the ROCK table. The first 130 kids in need will receive a free clear backpack.

While you’re here, make sure to visit our community partners inside the church for a chance to win one of six bikes!

Join us again Sunday as Rev. Steve returns from vacation! Sunday School classes meet from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., and worship begins at 10:15 a.m.

During the service, we will hold our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. Kids are encouraged to bring their backpacks as we pray over students and school employees before the start of the new school year. We will also have a small gift of school supplies for the kids following the service. I will be up front with the supplies, so please make sure to come find me!

Sunday is also the final opportunity to attend the mandatory training for anyone serving in our children’s or teen ministries. Training will begin around 11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. and will last approximately 1½ hours. Feel free to bring a snack and beverage.

Following the training videos, you will need to complete a short quiz. Please make sure you can access your email on your phone, which will be the easiest and quickest option, or you may use a laptop at the church.

Block Party preparations are well underway for this Saturday! We’re looking forward to a great day of fun and fellowship from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All kids can play for FREE! The ROCK will be giving away free clear backpacks to the first 130 kids who visit their table. Be sure to stop by the Community Outreach exhibit inside, where you can enter a raffle for a chance to win one of six bicycles. Food and baked goods will also be available for purchase in the Social Hall.

On Sunday, we will hold our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. All kids are encouraged to bring their backpacks as we pray for our students and school employees before the start of the new school year. We will also have a small gift of school supplies for the kids, which will be handed out at the front of the sanctuary following the service.

Sunday will also be the second opportunity to complete the mandatory updated training and clearance session for anyone who currently volunteers, or would like to volunteer, with any of our children’s or teen ministries, including ROCK. The session will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. and will last about an hour and a half. Feel free to bring a snack and beverage if needed.

Please make sure you are able to access your email from your phone, if possible, as this will be the easiest option. You may also use one of the church computers, but only a few are available. The more people who can use their own devices, the quicker and easier the process will be for everyone. Everyone must complete the updated training and clearances in order to volunteer with children and teens beginning September 1. If you are unable to attend but would still like to help, please contact Ashley Harclerode as soon as possible.

While you are here Sunday, please stop by the table at the front of the sanctuary to sign up for our End of Summer Picnic at the Stuckey’s home on Sunday, September 20. The picnic will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, and we hope you’ll join us!

Our Block Party is just a little over a week away! If you are able to help during the event—or before or after with setup and tear down—please sign up at the table in the sanctuary. We also encourage you to share the Block Party information with your friends, family, and neighbors and invite them to join us!

The ROCK will be giving away clear backpacks to the first 130 kids who visit their table. Be sure to stop inside the church as well, where you can meet some of our Community Outreach partners and enter a raffle for a chance to win one of six bikes!

The Block Party Committee is also looking for baked goods for the bake sale. Donations may be dropped off at the church on Friday, August 21, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Jr. Church needs a little help for this Sunday! Ashley is looking for a dozen chocolate-iced donuts and a dozen assorted donuts for their lesson. If you are able to provide them, please email Ashley at ashleymiller1228@gmail.com.

Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:15 a.m.  Jacob Baskin will be sharing a personal message, and Gabriella will be with us to play and lead our hymns. Rev. Steve will return next Sunday following a well-deserved vacation.

Please note: The sign-up and information table has been moved and is now located by the front sanctuary doors.

Today, Saturday, August 15, is our monthly Soup & Sandwich Luncheon. All are welcome to join us for this free community meal from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Don’t forget to sign up for our End of Summer Picnic at the Stuckey’s! The picnic will be held Sunday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. We hope you can join us for an afternoon of food and fellowship.

Next Sunday, August 23, we will hold our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. All students are encouraged to bring their backpacks to worship as we pray over them before the start of the new school year. The church will also have a small gift of school supplies for each child.

Giving Reminder: Donations placed in a white offering envelope will go to the General Fund unless a specific ministry or mission is written on the envelope. Donations placed in a green envelope go to 20/20, with 80% going to the Trustees and 20% to our 20/20 Mission Fund. If you would like your 20/20 donation to go specifically toward paying off the loan, please write “LOAN ONLY” on the envelope.

Loose cash placed in the offering plate goes to the General Fund. If you are writing a check for a specific ministry or mission, please place the check in an envelope and write its intended purpose both on the envelope and on the check’s memo line. You may use an offering envelope from the church or an envelope from home. Using an envelope helps our counters correctly direct each gift without having to search individual memo lines. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Finally, the church office will be closed Monday as Jill helps her daughter move her belongings back to school. The office will reopen Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.

If you missed yesterday’s service, you missed a wonderful testimony given by our dear Dottie Hileman. It is available on our Facebook page. We had a lot of great feedback from our first “Songs and Scriptures Sunday.” We know there were a few hiccups, but being the first time we’ve done this, we think it went pretty well. If you have any thoughts to share, please let us know.

A reminder that this Wednesday is the first of two training opportunities for the kids/teen ministries here at church. The training will begin at 6:00 p.m., please enter using the 2nd St. door, we will have a sign telling you where to go. If you cannot make it Wednesday, Ashley will hold a second session on Sunday, August 23, following the service. You must complete one of the trainings to continue or begin volunteering in our kids’ ministries here at 2nd Ave beginning September  1.

Sunday, August 23, we will have our annual Blessing of the Backpacks during our 10:15 a.m. service. Kids are encouraged to bring their backpacks and we will pray over them and any school employees before the school year begins. We will also have small back to school gift for kids at the end of the service. If your child needs a clear backpack for the year, visit the ROCK tent at the Block Party on August 22 as they will have around 130 available.

Saturday is our monthly Soup & Sandwich Luncheon. This meal is free and all are welcome. 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The office will be closed next Monday as Jill is move her daughter back to school. Any calls or emails will be returned on Tuesday, August 18.

Facebook live link: https://www.facebook.com/2ndavechurch/videos/1690030055540763

We hope you can join us Sunday for a very special service. There will be some of your requested hymns and praise songs and Dottie Hileman will be sharing her testimony with us. Our service is at 10:15 a.m., Sunday school 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and Coffee Time in the Gathering Place 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Next Saturday August 5, is our monthly Soup & Sandwich Lunch. Please sign up on the table in the sanctuary if you are able to make a soup or volunteer that day.

Our Block Party is rapidly approaching. Please sign up if you are able to help with set up, tear down, or working a booth on Saturday August 22.

Sunday, August 23, we will hold our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. Kids are encouraged to bring their backpacks (if they need one, please visit the ROCK table at the Block Party and Ashley has clear backpacks for the first 130 kids in need). We will pray over the kids and any school employees before the start of the school year.

Our Praise Band is looking to add some vocalists to their line-up. If you or anyone you know is interested in sharing your gifts for the glory of God, please reach out to Chris or Jake.

August and September newsletters, calendars, and reading plans were emailed out last week. Printed copies are also available to pick up on Sundays or during regular office hours. If you can’t find your email and need another copy, just let me know and I’ll be happy to send it to you again.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Trustees will meet at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Church Council meeting at 6:45 p.m. Church Council members, Wendy has asked that you meet upstairs in the Elevation Room, as the meeting will be held in one of the Sunday school classrooms.

Adam Edson shared on Sunday that the SPRC will be meeting with another pastoral candidate this week. He will continue to keep the congregation updated as the process moves forward.

We’ve experienced a number of ongoing issues with our sound system, which has prevented us from streaming and recording services for YouTube. We have finally found someone who will be able to evaluate the system next week. While we are hopeful, this does not necessarily mean the problem will be resolved immediately, as we do not yet know what repairs or equipment may be needed. In the meantime, we will livestream our Sunday morning services on Facebook. Videos will remain available for 30 days. The sound quality may not be perfect, but we hope this will allow those who cannot attend in person to continue worshiping with us.

A reminder to all children’s and youth ministry volunteers, as well as all church staff: attendance at one of our upcoming volunteer trainings is mandatory for anyone who currently serves or plans to serve in any children’s or youth ministry. This includes the Nursery, Jr. Church, ROCK, Youth Group, Sunday School, VBS, and all other children’s and teen ministries.

You may attend either:

• Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23 immediately following the worship service

There is no need to sign up or let us know which session you plan to attend. However, if you do not attend one of these training sessions, you will not be permitted to serve in these ministries beginning Sept. 1. If you are unable to attend either session, please contact Ashley to schedule an individual training during her office hours, when you will also complete the required updated clearances.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

• Friday, Aug. 7 – Family Game Night & Ice Cream Bar, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 15 – Soup & Sandwich Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

• Monday, Aug. 17 – Church Office Closed as Jill helps move her daughter into school.

• Saturday, Aug. 22 – Block Party

• Sunday, Aug. 23 – Blessing of the Backpacks

• Friday, Aug. 28 – Food Pantry, 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday, Aug. 30 – 2nd Ave Night at the Curve

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion and pray over our Youth Group Mission Team before they depart for their mission trip Sunday evening. Sunday School begins at 9:00 a.m., Coffee & Snacks in the Gathering Place is available from 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., and our worship service begins at 10:15 a.m.

Save the date! Our End of Summer Picnic at the Stuckey’s home will be held on Sunday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. More details and a sign-up sheet will be available soon.

Next Friday, the Social Events Committee will host a Family Game Night & Ice Cream Bar from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you plan to attend, please sign up at the table in the sanctuary.

The ROCK returns in just over a month for the 2026–2027 school year! The regular Wednesday program begins September 9, and our expanded Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday program begins September 14. Wednesday sessions will meet from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., while Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday sessions will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Please note the new Wednesday start and end times. If you can help with the program, even just a few times each month, please contact Ashley.

Beginning September 1, all Children’s and Youth Ministry volunteers will be required to complete updated training and clearances. Two training sessions will be offered, and new clearances will be processed during each session. Attendance at one of these sessions is required for anyone wishing to continue or begin volunteering in our children’s and youth ministries at 2nd Ave. Training and clearances are provided at no cost. Sessions will be held on August 12 at 6:00 p.m. and August 23 immediately following the worship service.

On Sunday, August 23, we will celebrate our annual Blessing of the Backpacks as we pray for students, teachers, and school staff before the new school year begins. Children are encouraged to bring their backpacks and will receive a small back-to-school gift at the end of the service.

Our four kids who attended camp had a wonderful time! We are especially excited to share that Connor Schultz was baptized while at camp. Be sure to congratulate him the next time you see him at church!

Our Youth Group also had a fantastic outing this past Saturday. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the day such a success. Next week, the group will head to Williamsport for their Mission Trip. We will have a special time of prayer over them during this Sunday’s service before they leave.

Our Block Party is quickly approaching! Join us on Saturday, August 22, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you’re able to help in any way, please sign up in the sanctuary.

This Sunday, August 2, we will celebrate Holy Communion during the morning worship service.

On Sunday, August 9, we will be blessed to hear a testimony from Dottie Hileman. We hope you’ll plan to join us!

Looking ahead, our next Potluck Lunch and our end-of-summer picnic at the Stuckey’s will both take place in September. We are waiting to confirm the dates and will announce them as soon as they are finalized.

Please continue praying for the pastor God is preparing for our church. While we may not know who that person is yet, God already does. We also ask that you pray for our committees, staff, and congregation. As we continue through this season of transition, our ministries, missions, outreach, and worship remain strong. We are committed to continuing the work God has called us to do.

If you have questions about decisions being made or the direction of a ministry, we encourage you to speak directly with a staff member, an SPRC member, or someone from Church Council. We’re always happy to explain the “why” behind what we’re doing. Open communication helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens our church family.

Upcoming Meeting Reminders:

• Wednesday, July 29 – Finance Committee, 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 4 – Trustees, 6:00 p.m.; Church Council, 6:45 p.m.

This Sunday, Rev. Steve will be preaching from Romans 8:28–39, sharing the message, “Sometimes Prayer Is Harder Than We Think.” We’ll also be blessed by Gabriella playing the hymns on the piano and a special flute prelude by Jenn Murphy. Be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss it!

A sign-up sheet will be available this Sunday for volunteers to help with our upcoming Block Party. Please take a moment to see where you can lend a hand—we appreciate everyone who is willing to serve!

The Social Events Committee invites you to a Family Game Night & Ice Cream Bar on Friday, August. 7, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Be sure to check this Sunday’s bulletin for all the details.

Next Sunday, August 2, we will celebrate Holy Communion. Jill is looking for four volunteers to assist with serving by intinction. If you are willing to help, please let Jill know.

VBS officially wrapped up on Friday, and the children shared their theme song during worship yesterday—bringing VBS 2026 to a wonderful close! A special thank-you to Ashley for organizing such a fantastic week, and to everyone who helped make it possible.

Thank you as well to everyone who prepared soup and served at Saturday’s luncheon. Your generosity and service are truly a blessing!

If you were unable to attend church yesterday, Rev. Steve announced the passing of Don Kling. Please keep Don’s family and loved ones in your prayers. Friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home, Inc., 501 Sixth Avenue, Altoona. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m., with Rev. Steve Moore officiating.

The Social Events Committee will host a Family Game Night & Ice Cream Bar from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend and your favorite game! Please RSVP at the table in the sanctuary. This is an all-ages event, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact the church office for additional information.

Our Block Party is quickly approaching! Save the date for Saturday, August 22. A volunteer sign-up sheet is available in the sanctuary. Please take a look and consider how you might be able to help.

We are currently seeking an organist or pianist who can play hymns and a prelude regularly during our 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship service. If you have a musical talent we may not know about—or know someone who might be interested—please contact us!