Friday News for May 15, 2026
Good Afternoon-
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?" Matthew 20:15
The verse above is from a parable Jesus told comparing the kingdom of heaven to a vineyard owner hiring laborers. He hired people to go work from early morning, others at nine a.m., others at noon, others at three p.m. and finally some at five p.m. That evening they all came to collect their wages. He paid those who started at five p.m. a day's wages. He paid everyone else the same amount. Those who were hired first asked why they didn't get more, but they had agreed to work for a day's wage. The vineyard owner asked if he was allowed to do what he wanted with what was his. Did they begrudge his generosity?
While the Bible clearly teaches that we will each receive a reward according to our labor (1 Corinthians 3:8), we all receive the same great reward of eternal life in the presence of God. Some people begrudge those who come to Christ late in life while on death row in prison. They say it isn't fair that God would forgive a life of sin and crime at the last second, like the thief on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:43). Those who ask that question don't realize that salvation isn't fair at all. Why should Jesus have paid anyone's sin debt? If you came to Christ when you were five years old and from then on lived a holy life or at age 85 after a depraved life, either way, you must realize salvation is an undeserved gift of the grace of God.
It is hard for unbelievers to understand the pain and confusion that the five-year-old was spared from in this life. They can't understand what a blessing it is to live in relationship with Jesus, the peace it brings, and the comfort in hardship. The angels rejoice over every soul that comes into the kingdom at any stage in life (Luke 15:10). A person may not even get a chance to enter into the vineyard to labor, and yet the same grace that saved the five-year-old saves them too. Rejoice with the angels. The purpose of Christ's incarnation and suffering is fulfilled in each soul that is redeemed.
Consider: You may feel you have been a poor laborer. Remember that you are credited with the righteousness of Jesus. He started early and always did the Master's will with all His heart (2 Corinthians 5:21). (This devotional is from daily-devotions.net)
Here is what you need to know about our ministry together…
SATURDAY
SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER. Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be at 8:30AM. Along with praying for each other, we will also be praying for our congregation and the ministry that God will be doing in and through us to our community. We will be meeting in person, or you can join by Zoom. Here’s the link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89202864329
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 week we will consider Jesus’ parable of the vineyard workers from Matthew 20.
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/2KaT-4Af0_k
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!
SUNDAY KID’S MINISTRY: Nursery care and Sunday School for children (birth to elementary age) will be available at 9:00AM beginning in the downstairs kid’s classroom. During the 10:15AM worship service, there will be a children’s message. Following the children’s message, children six years old and younger are invited to the kid’s classroom for play time with Miss Nelly.
ADULT JOURNEYS: Teens and adults are invited to gather up with Paul Dalbey in the Sanctuary at 9:00AM for discussion and reflection on the spiritual journey with Jesus.
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 May 20!), 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 June 4 at 5081 Sue Ann Dr. Please talk with me (717-525-1196) for more info.
THE COMMUNITY LOVE BOX supports the ministry of Caitlin’s Smiles during the month of May. You can donate craft items in the box located in the Gathering Place. More detail can be found in the Love Box.
RENOVATION WORK AT 5948 LINGLESTOWN RD. Work is still moving along in the downstairs area at our new location. We are now working on wall prep, painting, ceilings, trim and floors. As the weather warms up, we will soon be addressing decks and hardscaping. If you have time to help out, please call or text me at the number below.
DOWN THE LINE…
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE. Watch the Linglestown Memorial Day Parade from the front deck at Road to Emmaus!
YARD SALE! On Saturday, June 6, we will hold our annual Yard Sale. You can have a free space to sell your treasures by registering in advance. Please call or text 717-525-1196 to participate.
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.