Next Sunday, June 15^th, we will celebrate Father’s Day with bagels and donuts served between services from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome!

Pastor Brian is on vacation this week, so there won’t be a Bible study this Thursday. If you encounter a pastoral emergency while he’s away, please let Jill know. I’ll reach out to our on-call pastor, or you can contact Wendy Lucas, who can also contact him.

Our June Soup & Sandwich Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, June 21^st. If you’re able to contribute by making a soup or assisting with serving that day, please sign up at the table in the sanctuary.

VBS is just around the corner! From July 14 to 18, children aged 4 to entering 5^th grade are invited to join us for a week of fun and learning. We’ll be exploring the wonders of God in the smallest of things! Register online using this link.

VBS is also in need of snack items. A board displaying the items is located in the sanctuary. If you’d like to help out, please take a few tags and bring the items back by Sunday, July 13.

Just a friendly reminder that we’re unable to livestream Sunday services at this time. However, they’ll be recorded and posted shortly after each service ends on our YouTube channel. Check it out here!

Join us this Sunday to celebrate Pentecost. Wear your red! Rev. Steve Moore will deliver his message from Acts 2:1-21.

Join us again at Saturate Altoona this Sunday evening. Booths will open at 5:30 p.m., and worship will commence at 6:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!

Pastor Brian and his family are currently on vacation. If you have a pastoral emergency that requires immediate attention, please contact Wendy Lucas or Jill in the office. We will promptly connect you with Rev. Steve, who is on call.

2nd Ave Kids is hosting an outdoor movie night on Friday, June 27^th, at 8:00 p.m. The movie is King of Kings (PG), an animated film suitable for all ages. You can watch the movie trailer by clicking here! Popcorn and s’mores will be provided (while supplies last), but feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Next Sunday, we’ll be celebrating Father’s Day at the Gathering Place with a unique twist: bagels in donuts! All are welcome for this delightful light breakfast from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Please visit the VBS table and board at the front of the sanctuary. There are registration cards (VBS is from July 14 to 18, with sessions from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for children aged 4 to entering 5^th grade) and snack requirements posted on the board. Ashley will be away this week, so if you have any questions, Jill will do her best to answer them. Otherwise, she’ll pass them on to Ashley for the following week.

On Saturday, June 21^st, the monthly Soup & Sandwich Luncheon will be held. Those interested in making soup or volunteering on the day of can sign up on the sign-up sheet located on the table in the sanctuary.

We would like to thank everyone who volunteered at our Food Pantry on Friday. We can only serve our community with your help!

This evening, we will do our second training with the Blair County Keystone Family Alliance. Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Narnia Room (inside the glass elevator entrance) for information and training on Care Communities, which assist foster families in our county in a variety of ways. Attendance does not imply a commitment.

If you missed our Friday email, we are trying to get a group together for Faith Night at the Altoona Curve on Sunday, August 24^th. The game begins at 6:00 p.m., and there will be a picnic buffet before hand. The cost of these tickets (which include seating in the picnic area) is $32 for adults and $24 for kids. If you are just interested in attending the game, we can also look into a section of seating (price TBA). We do need at least 20 adults for the picnic option to be

On Friday, June 27^th, at 8:00 p.m., 2nd Ave Kids will present an outdoor movie night (rain plan: inside). The film will be called King of Kings (it is animated). Charles Dickens, a renowned writer, tells his son Walter the tale of Jesus Christ. As his father relates the thrilling story, Walter becomes engrossed in Jesus’ life events. Please bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc. There will be popcorn and S’mores. Everyone is welcome!

Don’t forget to register your children or grandchildren for VBS! The sign-up table is in the sanctuary. Also, if you have any items to donate for VBS, please visit the board by the sign up table. Please see Ashley if you have any queries.

We hope you can join us on Sunday. We will celebrate Holy Communion at both times, and Pastor Brian will deliver the lesson “Just Judges: Othniel” from Judges 3:1-11.

Beginning this Sunday, the nursery will be closed for the summer months. It will serve as a cry room for children aged 3 and under, as well as their parent or an adult aged 18 and up who may accompany them if necessary. Please do not leave children unsupervised in any area of the building.

Today is the monthly food pantry day. If you want to help, please arrive at the Narnia Room (inside the glass entryway) before 9:30 a.m.

Saturate Altoona begins Sunday evening in Heritage Plaza, with blessing booths opening at 5:30 p.m. and service beginning at 6:30 p.m. We’ll be dishing out cotton candy again this year; if you want to help, please arrive by 5:20 p.m.

We intend to take part in Faith Night at the Altoona Curve in August. The purchase will include a picnic buffet ($32 for adults and $24 for children), as well as seating in the picnic area. We’re also considering a seating-only section in the stands for people who want to attend the game but not the picnic. More information will be provided soon. If you are interested in either option, please contact Jill in the church office and let her know which one (picnic or just seats) you prefer and how many you want. That way, we can contact you after we have all of the information.

As a reminder, beginning Monday, office hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. However, due to an appointment, we will be open 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.

If you missed Sunday services, we encourage you to view our YouTube video; we were delighted to welcome John Nihart as he gave his first sermon with us. Please keep him in your prayers as he navigates his calling.

This Friday will be our monthly Food Pantry Day. Volunteers are needed Wednesday to help unload the delivery (about 10:00 a.m.) and on pantry day; please attend at the Narnia Room (inside the glass doors) around 9:30 a.m. if you can assist.

VBS is quickly approaching! Children aged 4 (must be potty-trained) to starting fifth grade in the autumn are welcome. It will take place between July 14 and 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are an adult (18+) and would like to volunteer, please contact Ashley. If you have not completed any training or clearances, you will be required to do so before being approved to volunteer.

This Sunday, June 1, we will commemorate the 2025 graduates. If you missed the initial May 15 deadline but still want to recognize a high school or college graduate, please let me know by Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

Beginning Monday, June 2, office hours for the summer months will be Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pastor Brian and I will be available by email most of the week (except for vacations).

We hope you can join us this Sunday! We’re thrilled to have John Nihart share his inaugural message on his preaching journey with us. He’ll be delivering a message titled “Trading the World for Grace,” based on Ephesians 2:1-10. Pastor Brian will be leading the service as well.

As a friendly reminder, the office will be closed on Monday to observe the Memorial Day holiday.

Our May Food Pantry will be held next Friday. You can bring in food donations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays during office hours, or this Sunday. Please place the items on the stage in the social hall.

Jr. Church is in urgent need of juice pouches or boxes. They are currently completely out of stock. If you’d like to donate some, please bring them to church on Sunday and give them to Ashley or place them on the round table in the Elevation Room.

A friendly reminder: please refrain from disposing of any liquids in the trash cans. If you’re on the sanctuary level, kindly bring over any leftover beverages or other liquids to the bathroom sink or use the sink in the nearest hallway. In the kitchen or social hall, please dispose of liquids in the sink before discarding your cups.

We have a busy summer coming up. If you’re looking to use the building, rent the hall, or gym, please contact Jill in the office. The calendar doesn’t always reflect the most up-to-date availability.

This evening (Monday, May 19), there will be a meeting for anybody interested in learning more about Keystone Family Alliance and what they do to support Blair County’s foster community. You are not committing to anything by attending this meeting; it is only a method to provide more information for those who are interested or have questions. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place; please enter via the glass elevator. If you want to learn more but cannot attend tonight’s meeting, there will be another one on Monday, June 2^nd.

The primary elections in Pennsylvania take place tomorrow. The Narnia Room (within the glass entrance) serves as a polling station. We ask that you do not utilize this entrance to the church unless it is your polling place.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube page by clicking HERE so you can be notified when we post the weekly services.

June newsletters and calendars will arrive in the mail and via email later this week. Physical copies will be available at the church for anyone who wants one.

The office will be closed on Memorial Day, next Monday, May 26.

Summer office hours will begin on June 2^nd, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Emails will be examined throughout the day, until 4:00 p.m.

We hope you can join us tomorrow as we conclude our brief series, “Forgotten Ways,” with the message from Joel 3: “The Day of the Lord is Near.” Services will be held at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Our Discipleship moment from George Sackandy will be emailed out at noon on Sunday. Physical copies will also be available on the table in the sanctuary. 

We are still experiencing internet issues in the sanctuary. We will post a service video by noon (or sooner if possible). Once the video is uploaded, we will post the service link on Facebook. 

Today, we have our monthly Soup & Sandwich Lunch. Everyone is welcome to join us from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a free luncheon.

Save the Date!

• Our next combined service and potluck lunch will be held on Sunday, June 29^th, at 10:00 a.m.
• The VBS for kids from pre-K to the 5^th grade will be held from July 14 to 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• RiseUp Camp, a fun-filled program for children aged 5 to 12, will be held at the church from July 28 to 31. More details will be shared soon.
  

The church office will be closed on Monday, May 26^th, in observance of Memorial Day.

If you missed yesterday’s services, the sermon is now available on YouTube. The video did freeze, but the audio and slides are still playable. The sermon begins around 27 minutes in, and then the sermon itself starts. Here’s the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3vcR8prYEs&t=1236s

(We are currently facing internet issues at the sanctuary and are exploring solutions to ensure a smooth livestream. We appreciate your patience as we work through this matter.)

We are grateful to those who joined us yesterday to honor all the moms of 2nd Avenue with a breakfast between services. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to relax and connect with others! 

Wednesday marks the final ROCK of the year. We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this year. Ashley is currently seeking additional volunteers for next year. Unfortunately, several individuals have stepped away from their roles, and we were already facing a shortage of volunteers this year. We kindly request your consideration and reach out to Ashley at ashleymiller1228@gmail.com if you have any questions. The ROCK will resume its activities in September. 

The church nursery will be closed for the months of June, July, and August. However, it will remain open as a cry room for children aged 3 and under. Parents or adults (18+ years old, as per Ministry Safe guidelines and insurance purposes) are welcome to take their children to the nursery and stay with them as needed. Please ensure that no children are left unattended in the nursery at any time. Children aged 4 through 5th grade are welcome to attend Jr. Church (provided they behave appropriately). If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ashley or me. 

We hope you can join us this Sunday as we continue our brief series on the book of Joel, titled “Forgotten Ways.” This week’s message, titled “Rend Your Hearts,” is based on Joel 2:1-19. Services will be held at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, we will have a light breakfast in the Gathering Place from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome to honor all the ladies here at 2nd Avenue!

Moms, grandmas, bonus moms, and caregivers, please take a small token from the church located at the entrances to the sanctuary.

There’s no Youth Group this Sunday, but the Youth will be selling Gardners PB Meltaways and chocolate-covered pretzels if you need a last-minute sweet treat for Mom (or yourself)!

This Wednesday marks the grand finale of the ROCK program for the school year. The ROCK will host its annual end-of-year celebration, featuring an evening of outdoor fun (weather permitting) and a visit from Brainfreezers. The ROCK will resume its activities in September. We kindly request your consideration of volunteering next year. This year, the number of volunteers was significantly low, resulting in the program being short-staffed almost weekly. The ROCK had an average of 45 kids each week, and over 100 different kids participated throughout the year. Your support and prayers are instrumental in making this program possible.