Please join us on Sunday at 8:15/10:45 a.m. We will have Holy Communion at both services and begin the new sermon series “C.S. Lewis for Today.”

Pastor Brian will also start a new Sunday school class at 9:30 a.m. in the social hall, based on C.S. Lewis’ book “Mere Christianity.” We have two copies available for purchase and one to borrow for anyone who wants one.

Our monthly Soup & Sandwich Luncheon is on Saturday, 4/20; there is a sign-up sheet on the round table for anyone interested in making soup for the luncheon.

The ROCK is preparing for their end-of-year party as the school year comes to a close. If you’d like to make a donation to help cover the expenses of the special evening, please see Ashley.

Saturate Altoona will return downtown on Sunday evenings in June. We will have a booth there; please contact Pastor Brian if you would like to volunteer at our booth.

The Youth Group will host a paint party on Saturday, May 4. The cost is $30, and everything is included. The available space is limited. Please sign up by placing an envelope on the round table in the sanctuary with your payment by April 29.

All are welcome to attend Bible study on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Narnia Room (inside the glass doors). The study will focus on 2 Peter. 

Beginning this Friday, April 12, Cheryl Rupp will be teaching sign language at 10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Place; all are welcome, but please contact Jill by Thursday at 10:00 a.m. if you intend to attend so Cheryl knows how many to expect. The classes will last 6 weeks. She recommends a book, but it is optional. Please contact me for more information as well. You must enter through the glass elevator because the office is closed on Fridays.

There will be no live-stream this Sunday, April 14, but Jill will try to have someone record audio of the message, which I hope to share on YouTube early next week if all goes well.

Pastor Brian will begin a new Sunday School class on the book “Mere Christianity” by CS Lewis this Sunday, April 14, at 9:30 a.m. in the Social Hall. It is not required to have the book, but it is encouraged. If you want Jill to order the book for you, it’s $14.74 and will arrive by Sunday if you notify me by Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. 

Our Soup & Sandwich Luncheon will be held on Saturday, April 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and our Food Pantry will be open on Friday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. 

Join us this Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for the message from Rev. Steve White.

Communion will be held on Sunday, April 14.

Cheryl Rupp will share her gift of sign language by teaching lessons on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. beginning April 12. Please let me know if you intend to attend so that Cheryl knows how many to expect.

The April Soup and Sandwich Lunch will be held on Saturday, April 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to this free lunch.

The food pantry will be open on Friday, April 26 to any Blair County resident in need. The pantry is a drive-through that opens at 11:00 a.m.

This week, Pastor Brian is on vacation. If you have a pastoral emergency, please get in touch with Jill during business hours, or with Wendy Lucas or Jane Lonsinger, and we will get in touch with the pastor who is on call.

Communion for April will be held on Sunday, April 14.

There’s no Bible study this Thursday.

The Youth Group is selling Gardners PB Meltaway bars for $1 and chocolate-covered pretzel rods (2 pack) for $2 between services on Sunday, or you can stop in the office during office hours to purchase some.

Second Avenue Kids are in need of snacks and drinks for Jr. Church; please contact Ashley if you have any questions or want to know what the kids like (ashleymiller1228@gmail.com).

Just a reminder that services will be held tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The traditional service will begin at 7:00 a.m., followed by the combined service at 9:30 a.m.

Easter breakfast will be served from 8:15 to 9:15, and everyone is welcome!

Please take note that the church office will be closed on Monday, April 1.

Today’s Reading & Reflection: 

Saturday: Sit and be loved by God. Sit in His presence today. Read Psalm 23 and Psalm 46 and prepare your heart for tomorrow.

Action Step: Invite someone to join you on Easter Sunday at church.

Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection at 7 a.m.and 9:30 a.m. We will conclude our series “Jesus Set Out” with the message: The Stone is Rolled Away. Luke 24:1-12.

Breakfast is served in the social hall from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.

If you ordered Easter flowers, please collect them after the service on Sunday. You can also pick them up on Tuesday (the office is closed Monday); after that, they will be posted for anyone who wants them.

Read: Luke 23:26-43

Reflect: The Cross is powerful, convicting, and life giving. How do you feel about Jesus after reading this powerful account?

Prayer: Lord, lead us to the Cross, allow us to be loved, blessed, and compel us to live out all our days with great faith.

Action Step: Serve at the food bank, come to the Good Friday Vigil from 12-1 PM, or worship at Warrior’s Mark GMC at 7 PM.

Below is the Thursday reading & reflection from Pastor Brian:

Read: Luke 22:7-38

Reflect: As today is Maundy Thursday what new moments did the Holy Spirit draw you to in this text?

Action Step: Attend worship at Second Ave GMC at 7:00 p.m.

Below is our Wednesday reading & reflection from Pastor Brian:

Read: Luke 20:41-47

Reflect: Jesus’ final teaching in Luke 20 is all about warnings and encouragement for us to know the word of God. The enemy desires you and I to be confused about who Jesus is and what He has accomplished. Let’s be voracious readers of the word, let us discern, and know the truth, and let us be people who can speak the truth in love often.

Prayer: Lord, we desire to know you more. Give us opportunities to share your love, know your truth, and dive into your word now and forevermore. AMEN

Just a reminder, we will have a Maundy Thursday service, including Holy Communion at 7 PM tomorrow 3/28 and Easter services are at 7 AM & 9:30 AM.

Read: Luke 20:9-19

Reflect: This is one of the final parables Jesus tells and it clearly foretells His death one last time. The owner’s response is clearly motivated against the worker’s disobedience. The workers disobey, causing the owner to do something drastic. This move should have gotten their attention, but it did not. Are you and I having a moment where God is trying to get attention? How should we respond?

Prayer: Lord, we repent of those moments where you have sought to get our attention, and we desire to have ears that hear. AMEN

Action Step: Reconnect with a family member today.