Friday News for June 26, 2026

Good Morning

Happy Independence Day!

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  (John 8:31-36)

So often people think that freedom can only be granted by governments.  But often we forget that governments are just a group of human beings whose efforts are often driven by self-centered impulses, just like the rest of us.  More often than not, the promises of government to provide the blessings of freedom are compromised by this simple reality.

In Jesus’ time, the Jewish counsel was led by the chief priests and included Pharisees and Sadducees. For Jews of the first century, this was the recognized government. The occupying Romans were considered illegitimate by most Jews, but wielded most of the power in the region.  Neither the Jews nor the Romans could provide what people most yearned for: a life free of exploitative forces.

As Jesus interacted with the Pharisees in John 8, he made this point clear: the foundations of slavery is sin in our lives. And from this, Jesus sets us free.

This freedom is the foundation of all liberty a person can have, including our national liberty. Happy Independence Day!

Here is what you need to know about our ministry together…

SATURDAY

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT HEROES GROVE. Churches from the area will be hosting carnival games for the Lower Paxton July 4th celebration.  Road to Emmaus will be offering a game and interaction with our neighbors from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. At 10:00AM there will be an Independence Day Celebration at the amphitheater at Heroes Grove. I hope you might join us! (but please be careful in the heat!)

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER. We will not be meeting this week for prayer, but wherever you are this Saturday morning, please pray for the church and the nation!  Next week we will resume with our regular weekly prayer time.

SUNDAY

WORSHIP. It is our honor to gather on Sunday mornings for worship at 10:15am. There will be a variety of music, prayer, Bible readings and a message.  This Sunday we will examine the events of the first Easter Sunday and what they mean for our lives. You will be able to find a link to the live stream on our home page at www.R2E.life. Here is the direct link: https://youtube.com/live/4UJv5KSg6PY

For the next few months, we will continue working on significant parts of the building. Space will be limited and flexibility will be needed. Thanks for your patience!

NURSERY CARE. Nursery care for little ones is available during the 10:15AM. Kids six years old and younger can gather for play time with Miss Nelly in the downstairs kid’s room.

TUESDAY

WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP will continue their study of the writings of the Apostle John. Regular meetings will be on Tuesdays at 3:00PM. Talk with Rebecca Lowe (717-919-4630) about their next meeting.

WEDNESDAY

MEN’S BREAKFAST.  Each third Wednesday (Next on July 15!), join the guys at 9:00AM at the Peachtree Restaurant (251 N. Progress Ave.). There will be a great breakfast and an opportunity to encourage each other in our faith.

THURSDAY

THURSDAYS IN WELLSVILLE.  Gather up at the Wellsville school house on Thursday nights for burgers at 6:00PM and Bible Study at 7:00PM.  You can find the Schoolhouse at 1080 Zeigler Rd in Wellsville.

MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP.  Discipleship seeks to become more effective in living the life God has given us.  Our next meeting will be July 9 at 2873 Oakwood Dr. Please talk with me (717-525-1196) for more info.

THE COMMUNITY LOVE BOX supports various ministries in the Harrisburg Area.  During the month of July, we will be providing school supplies to be distributed through the Salvation Army. You can donate needed items in the bin located in the Gathering Place. A list of needed items can be found in the bin.

RENOVATION WORK AT 5948 LINGLESTOWN RD. Work is still moving along in the downstairs area at our new location.  We are now working on trim and floors. We will also soon be addressing decks and hardscaping. If you have time to help out, please call or text me at the number below.

VBS VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!  Please talk with Lindsey Garrick, Tina Ulrey or Ellen Carnahan to get started.  VBS will happen from 6:00 to 8:00PM on August 16 -20. A planning meeting for all VBS leaders and helpers will be after worship on July 12.

COVENANT PARTNERSHIP. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of the Road to Emmaus family, here’s your first step: A Covenant Partner gathering will be happening on July 15 at the home of Earl and Patty Smith (5002 Mountain Ridge Lane). Appetizers begin at 5:30PM.  Please call me if you would like to join in! (717-525-1196.)

Thanks for being part of this community!

 Grace and peace.

            -Pastor Wayne   

Rev. Wayne A Lowe Jr.

 Pastor, Road to Emmaus Church

 5050 Linglestown Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17112

 office: 717-545-1117, cell: 717-525-1196, web: www.R2E.life

    Our Vision is that we have...

      A HEART FOR THE HARRISBURG AREA.

    Our Mission is to...

      MAKE NEW AND GROWING DISCIPLES FOR JESUS CHRIST.