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!

The kids will perform their VBS theme song and dance for the church this Sunday. We will return to our regularly scheduled children’s song sing-along next week!

Rev. Steve will continue his series from Matthew 13 this Sunday as he answers the question, “Is There Any Good in Weeds?” Sunday School will be held from 9:00 a.m.– 10:00 a.m., Coffee & Conversation will take place in the Gathering Place from 9:30 a.m.– 10:15 a.m., and worship begins at 10:15 a.m.

Our monthly Soup & Sandwich Luncheon is tomorrow from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy this free meal!

Upcoming meeting reminders:

SPRC: Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Finance Committee: Wednesday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Trustees: Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Church Council: Tuesday, August 4 at 6:45 p.m.

Don’t forget that our church potluck luncheon will be held Sunday, July 26, following the worship service. Please sign up in the sanctuary and let us know what you plan to bring. Our next potluck will be held in September. We are still working on the date and will share it soon so you can mark your calendar.

Jill will be away from Thursday evening, July 23, through Sunday evening, July 26. Please contact her early next week with any needs so she can assist you before leaving. Emails and messages received after noon on Thursday will not be returned until Monday, July 27. During this time, please contact Wendy Lucas in the event of an emergency.

VBS week is here! We are so excited to welcome kids to Snowball Mountain where they will learn how to find their strength in God! We will be sharing daily wrap ups on Facebook each evening so be sure to check that out. And if you have kids or grandkids attending, be sure to check out the songs we’ve posted so they can practice!

Just a reminder that there will be no evening activities at the church this week as our building will be in use for Vacation Bible School. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Yesterday at church we announced it was Braydon’s last day here with us playing the organ and playing in the praise band. While we will miss him very much, we wish him well and know he will be on many stages performing in the future! If you know any organists who may be looking to play on Sunday mornings, please have them send a resume, cover letter and a video of their playing to office@2ndavechurch.org.

{We will still be having hymns as well as a traditional prelude on Sunday mornings, so please don’t worry about that!}

There is still time to sign up and pay for the church night at the Altoona Curve, on August 30! The last day to sign up and pay will be August 9 (sorry no late payments will be taken). If you’ve sign up and haven’t paid yet, please remit a payment at your earliest convenience.

I would just like to take a moment to thank our interim pastor, Rev. Steve, as well as the rest of the church staff who has really been stepping in to help fill spots not only during Sunday worship, but throughout the week as needed. I see how much of a blessing each one of them are and hope you do also! It would not be possible to keep it all running so smoothly without each and every one of them!

We hope you’ll join us this Sunday! Rev. Steve will be sharing a message titled “Should You Plant a Garden?” Worship begins at 10:15 a.m., with Sunday School from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and Coffee Hour from 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. We look forward to worshiping with you!

If you picked up a VBS snack donation snowflake, please bring your donated items to the church on Sunday and place them in the kitchen. This will help Ashley make sure everything is ready for the week. Thank you for your support!

Attention VBS Volunteers! Please arrive at the church no later than 5:30 a.m. on Monday so Ashley can review a few important details before the evening begins. Thank you for serving!

A reminder that Vacation Bible School will be held Monday through Friday next week. There will be no other evening activities at the church during VBS. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Attention Youth Group families: Be sure to check the Facebook post or contact Nic Harclerode for details about the special activity planned for July!

Our Soup & Sandwich Lunch will be held on Saturday, July 18, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Please sign up in the sanctuary if you are able to provide a soup or volunteer to help.

Food Pantry Update: Beginning with the Friday, July 31 pantry distribution, the Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or until supplies run out, whichever comes first. Please note the new hours.

A reminder to sign up and submit your payment for the Altoona Curve game no later than Sunday, August 9. Tickets must be paid for by the deadline to attend.

Join us for a church potluck lunch on Sunday, July 26, following the morning worship service. Please sign up in the sanctuary to let us know you’ll be attending and what dish you plan to bring so we can plan accordingly.

If God has blessed you with musical talent and you would like to share your gifts by playing a prelude, providing special music, or participating in another musical role during worship, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out and let us know. We are always excited to welcome more musicians to our worship services.