If you missed yesterday’s service, you missed a wonderful time of praise, worship, and welcoming our new pastor, Rev. Robert Reeves. Our Facebook Live stream unfortunately stopped partway through the service, but the full service is available on our YouTube channel. Thank you to everyone who donated cookies and punch supplies for the reception following worship.

A reminder that our End of Summer Picnic at the Stuckey’s will be held next Sunday from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Also next Sunday is the Hope Chest Fall/Winter Pick-Up at the Jaffa, beginning around 5:00 p.m. Please contact Pam Varner with any questions.

The ROCK after-school program begins this afternoon and will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Students will have access to homework help, a light meal, and game and gym time. Wednesdays will continue to be our regular ROCK program, which has been serving children and families for nearly 30 years. Additional help is especially needed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you are able to volunteer on any of these days, please let Ashley know.

This Saturday is our Soup & Sandwich Lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All are welcome!

We are also working on the October newsletter. It may be released a little later than usual as Pastor Robert continues getting settled in.

Office hours will be a little different this week. I will be in the office Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

We hope you’re able to join us this Sunday as we welcome our new pastor, Rev. Robert Reeves, to 2nd Ave! Following the service, we will have a small reception in the Gathering Place/Elevation Room with cookies and punch. Sunday School is from 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m., and worship begins at 10:15 a.m.

The nursery is available for children age 3 and under. Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to Jr. Church, which dismisses during the worship service.

Youth Group also begins again this Sunday! All students in grades 6–12 are welcome to join us at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday is the final day to sign up for our End of Summer Picnic at the Stuckey’s. The picnic will be held next Sunday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The ROCK kicked off this past Wednesday with one of its most attended opening nights ever! We are thankful for such a great start. Additional help is still needed on Wednesday evenings, so please reach out to Ashley if you are able to serve.

The ROCK after-school program begins Monday and will be held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Students will be provided a meal along with homework help and other activities.

Our monthly Soup & Sandwich Luncheon will be held Saturday, September 19, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Please sign up if you are able to provide a soup or help serve that day.

Pastor Robert will be holding several meet-and-greet times this afternoon and tomorrow morning. A few time slots are still available: today, September 8, at 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., and tomorrow at 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Just a reminder that these meetings are meant to be informal and relaxed—a chance to introduce yourself and get to know Pastor Robert a little better.

This Sunday will be Pastor Robert’s first Sunday preaching here at 2nd Ave. Following the service, we will have a small reception in the Gathering Place/Elevation Room with cookies and punch. We are still looking for a few people who would be willing to bring cookies. Please let me know if you are able to help.

ROCK begins this Wednesday! All kids ages 4 through 12th grade are welcome from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Beginning Monday, September 14, the program will expand to include homework help and a meal on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Wednesdays will continue with the regular ROCK program that has been a part of our church for nearly 30 years. Please contact Ashley at ashleymiller1228@gmail.com with any questions.

Our monthly Soup & Sandwich Lunch will be held Saturday, September 19. If you are able to make a soup or help that day, please sign up in the sanctuary.

This Sunday, September 13, is the final day to sign up for the church picnic at the Stuckey’s house. The picnic will be held Sunday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

We hope you’ll join us this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. as Rev. Steve shares the message, “Forbidden or Permitted on Earth.” Please be sure to thank Steve for serving as our interim pastor over the past four months. He has helped hold things together during this season of transition, and I am deeply grateful for the stability he has provided.

Rev. Robert Reeves (Pastor Robert) will be unloading his U-Haul trucks on Saturday morning, and help is needed. The church that had planned to assist us has experienced a sudden death in their congregation and will now be attending services on Saturday, so they are no longer able to help. We will share the exact time as soon as we know.

Pastor Robert will also be holding Meet & Greet times this coming week, and there are still a few openings available. Please use the link below to sign up. If none of the available times work for you, let me know what days and times do, and Pastor Robert will make sure to connect with you. These are scheduled as 15-minute time slots, so please keep them light. The purpose is simply for him to learn your name and get to know a little about you, your family, and your background. We want to be careful not to overwhelm him with complaints or counseling needs during these visits.

Meet & Greet Sign Up

We’ve also been asked to encourage everyone to bring reusable coffee cups, water bottles, or similar items to use in the Gathering Place on Sunday mornings. This will help reduce waste and save money, as we go through a large number of disposable cups.

Pastor Robert’s first Sunday preaching with us will be September 13 at 10:15 a.m. Following the service, we will have a small reception in the Gathering Place with cookies and punch. Please sign up on Sunday if you are able to provide cookies or ingredients for punch.

We will honor both Pastor Robert and Pastor Steve on Sunday, October 14, with a potluck luncheon for Pastor Appreciation Sunday, so please save the date. A sign-up sheet will be available soon.

Please note that the church office will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. Our fall and winter office hours will begin Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you missed yesterday’s announcement, we are excited to share that Rev. Robert Reeves (Pastor Robert) has been appointed to serve here at 2nd Avenue! Pastor Robert and his wife, Claire, will be moving to Altoona from South Carolina this week.

They will be moving into the parsonage toward the end of the week, and anyone who is available to help unload would be a wonderful blessing. We will keep everyone updated as plans are finalized and let you know when help will be needed.

There may be a few more emails than usual this week as we work through all the details surrounding their arrival. We ask that you please take a few moments to read them so you can stay up to date on everything that is happening.

We are also hoping to schedule a few opportunities during the week of September 8 for members of the congregation to meet Pastor Robert. These will most likely be scheduled in 15–20 minute time slots, and more information will be shared soon.

Because Pastor Robert and Claire will already be moved into the parsonage, the parsonage Open House that had been planned has been cancelled.

Pastor Robert’s first Sunday preaching will most likely be September 13. Following the service, we will have a small welcome reception in the Gathering Place with cookies, punch, and other refreshments. We will be asking for donations of cookies, beverages, and other items as we get closer to that Sunday.

We want to give Pastor Robert and Claire plenty of time to get settled, become acquainted with our church family, and adjust to their new home without overwhelming them. We are planning a larger luncheon on Sunday, October 11, as part of Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Please save the date!

Thank you to everyone who has already donated toward Pastor Robert’s moving expenses. We will continue accepting donations over the next couple of months to help cover these costs. Moving expenses are estimated to be around $6,000, and after today’s deposit, we have received approximately $3,000. Thank you for your generosity!

Regular Church Business

• This Sunday we will celebrate Holy Communion. We are looking for four people to serve Communion by intinction. We already have two volunteers who will serve the individual elements.
• The church office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
• ROCK begins Wednesday, September 9, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The extended ROCK program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Our church picnic will be held at the Stuckey’s on Sunday, September 20, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Hope Chest fall clothing pickup will also take place Sunday, September 20. Please meet at the Jaffa around 5:00 p.m.
• Pastor Steve will begin a Thursday morning Bible study on September 10 at 9:30 a.m. All adults are welcome to attend.
• Sunday morning worship will continue to be held at 10:15 a.m. until otherwise announced. If the service time changes in the future, we will make sure to announce it well in advance so everyone has plenty of time to adjust.

 

Today is our monthly Food Pantry giveaway, beginning at 9:30 a.m. If you are able to help, please arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in the Wesley Room, formerly known as the Narnia Room.

We hope you can join us Sunday! SPRC will share any updates on our search for a new pastor. Rev. Steve will continue in Matthew 16 with the message, “Take Up Your Cross,” during our 10:15 a.m. service.

The nursery will continue to be available as a cry room this week, but it will be staffed again beginning the first Sunday in September. Children age 3 and under are welcome in the nursery. Kids age 4 through 5th grade are invited to Jr. Church.

All of our children’s and teen ministries are looking for additional volunteers. If you would be interested in helping with the nursery, Jr. Church, Youth Group, or ROCK, please reach out!

There will be a viewing and funeral service at the church on Saturday, followed by a meal, beginning around 8:00 a.m. Unless you are coming to help with the service or meal, or are attending the funeral, we ask that you please wait until after 4:00 p.m. to come into the building for any other reason.

Save the date! Youth Group returns Sunday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. All students in grades 6–12 are invited to come and bring a friend!

Jill is also looking for teens age 16 and older, as well as adults who regularly attend church, who would be interested in helping with slides, sound, and our livestream. Training will be provided, and you can help alongside Jill until you feel comfortable handling things on your own when needed. Regular help would be greatly appreciated, but even committing to one or two Sundays a month would be very helpful.

A huge thank you once again to everyone who helped with and attended the Block Party on Saturday. It was a wonderful success, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make the day possible!

If you were not at church yesterday, there are a number of old Sunday school, small group, and other various books available in the Elevation Room. They are spread out on tables and are free for anyone who would like to take them. Feel free to stop by during office hours any day this week to look through them.

Adam Edson announced yesterday that we need to begin a “Moving Fund” for our future pastor. The church is responsible for covering all moving expenses, which could cost upwards of $6,000. With our current budget being carefully managed as we also save toward a new roof, we will need help from the congregation to cover these moving costs. If you would like to contribute, please place your donation in an envelope marked “Moving Fund.”

On Sunday, September 13, you are invited to an open house at the parsonage from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., following the worship service. This will be an opportunity to see all of the renovations that have been completed. Please contact the church office for the address.

Upcoming Dates:

• September 7 — Church office closed for Labor Day
• September 8 — Fall office hours begin: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• September 9 — First ROCK: 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• September 14 — ROCK After-School begins Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• September 20 — Picnic at the Stuckey’s: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• September 20 — Hope Chest fall clothing pickup at the Jaffa: 5:00 p.m.

 

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.