Friday News for August 2, 2026

Hello Friends-

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.  (Acts 7:55-56, 60)

One of the first deacons was a man named Stephen. He had such a powerful witness that no one could resist the wisdom with which he presented Jesus as the Messiah. That made a group of Jews very angry. They hired some false witnesses to testify against him, accusing him of speaking against the law and the temple.

Stephen began to recount their history. He reminded them that God had spoken through the prophets saying God did not live in buildings. Then he reminded them that their forefathers had always killed God's messengers just as they had killed the One that Moses had predicted would come to them.

In a rage they dragged Stephen out to stone him. Stephen had a vision of Jesus standing to receive him. He is seated at the right hand of God, the place of power and authority. He stands to receive His martyrs. Stephen's last words were to the One in the vision. He asked that He not hold the sin they were committing against them. That is what Jesus had requested of the Father on the cross. The first of many martyrs for the cause of Christ “fell asleep.”

Stephen had the boldness that the apostles prayed for. He did not back down when threatened, but used it as an opportunity to speak the truth. We need such an example today. Many we meet are living in careless disregard for the God that made them. They ignore His sacrifice as if it were nothing. Someone needs to tell them. We need the boldness that Stephen had to speak the truth in love. His words fell on the ears of Saul, who would later become the apostle to the Gentiles. (from www.daily-devotions.net)

Remember: If we will boldly speak, God's word will do the work. 

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

SATURDAY

A MEMORIAL SERVICE.  Please keep in prayer our brother, Bill Parkin, as we remember the life of his sister, Patty.  If you would like to support Bill, there will be a short graveside service at 11:00AM at the East Harrisburg Cemetery (2260 Herr St.), followed by a luncheon at the church building at about noon.

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER WILL BE ON HIATUS UNTIL SEPTEMBER. Nevertheless, please pray. Wherever you are this Saturday morning, please pray for the church and our communities! 

SUNDAY

WE ARE UPDATING THE DIRECTORY! While at church on Sunday, please look for the station to make sure your directory information is correct.  If you would like to change your picture, please send me a few options to my email at waynel@roadtoemmaus.church. Thanks!

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 continue our study of the book of Acts. Persecution is beginning to ramp up against the church and the first Christian martyr, Stephen, was stoned to death. What can we learn for our own faith from this courageous man?

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/K9AVlMsfqFM 

For the next few weeks, 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 August 19!), 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 August 27 at 5081 Sue Ann Dr. Please talk with me (717-525-1196) for more info.

THE COMMUNITY LOVE BOX. In August, we will be collecting items for Bethesda Mission’s medical outreach. Please provide lip balm, cough drops and antibiotic cream. You can donate needed items in the bin located in the Gathering Place.

RENOVATION WORK AT 5948 LINGLESTOWN RD. Work is still moving along in the downstairs area at our new location.  We are now working on new upstairs bathrooms and the outdoor patio area. 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 IS COMING SOON!  Registration is open! Go to our website to see the forms you will need to fill out to register a child in your life. If you would like to help with this adventure, 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.

GUEST PREACHER. Rebecca and I will be away for a few days of vacation. Please welcome Aaron Mayeski to the pulpit on Sunday, August 9. He will be showing us the next step in the history of Acts as Philip baptizes an Ethiopian man.

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.