Friday News for March 6, 2026
Happy Friday Friends-
For the last 3+ months, our congregation has been hard at work renovating our new church building. As we watch the progress over these weeks and months, we should consider why the renovation of church structures takes place.
Sometimes, the building has become too small for the existing congregation, or the facility is ancient and needs modernization to accommodate ministry needs. Other times, congregations renovate in the hope of attracting new members. Sometimes this works, but more often than not, it doesn't, because people are not generally attracted to Christ due to their interest in a building project. Rather, people are drawn to Christ when they witness the renovation of God's people. Consider Paul’s words to the Christians in the city of Colossae…
Colossians 3:12-14 – Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity. (NIV)
When Christians take off their old selves and put on the new selves, which are being renewed in knowledge in the image of their Creator, Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour, they become very attractive to those who are spiritually seeking. Why? Because the inner renovation which occurs through the power of Christ's love cannot help but be reflected outwardly through each Christian's actions. It is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love, the renovations of the human heart, that draw others to Jesus, not the remodeling of a building.
A church which houses the renovated people of God will soon find the need to remodel its building, for it will grow and expand to overflowing, bursting at its seams, as love cannot be contained. Love must find a way to reproduce itself in others, just as Christ found a way to reproduce Himself in us.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the transforming power of love in Christ Jesus. May each of us be open this day to the continued renovation of our own hearts, minds, and souls in Him. Renovate Your people anew, O Lord, that congregations everywhere throughout the world may blossom and grow in the Spirit of Your love. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
(This was adapted from a devotional written by Lynne Phipps from Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada)
Here is what you need to know about our ministry together…
SATURDAY
SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER. Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be at 8:30AM on Saturday at our new location (5948 Linglestown) Rd. Along with praying for each other, we will also be praying for our new building and the ministry that God will be doing in and through us. Here’s the Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89202864329
Fridays and Saturdays have been our biggest volunteer days for our building renovation (Saturdays will begin with prayer at 8:30AM). If you are available other times, please call or text Pastor Wayne at 717-525-1196. Your help is valuable and always appreciated. Don’t feel you lack needed skills! We can show you what to do, and there is always clean-up going on. If you would like to see our progress, let’s arrange a visit!
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 be reminded of the name of our congregation. We will be looking at Mark 5 as Jesus heals the Gerasene demoniac.
We do hope to have a live stream for this Sunday. If all the technology has been properly installed, 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/ThSf8U_KQe0.
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!
A CHANGE FOR SUNDAY KID’S MINISTRY: Starting this Sunday, Nursery care and Sunday School for children (birth to elementary age) will be available at 9:00AM beginning in the Gathering Place. 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 Gathering Place for play time with Miss Nelly.
MONDAY
PRECEPT. Join Ellen Carnahan as she leads us through the book of Ezekiel on Mondays at 9:00AM in person at R2E, or Tuesdays at 7:00PM via Zoom. NOTE: Precept will be taking a break until we settle into our new location. Please stay tuned for the restart date.
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 March 18!), 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 on March 12 at Dan Hassell’s home at 132 Tupelo St. (17110) Please talk with me (717-525-1196) for more info.
THE COMMUNITY LOVE BOX supports the ministry of the Bethesda Mission Women’s Shelter during the month of March. You can donate personal care items in the box located in the Gathering Place.
LENT
We will have a 7:00PM gathering on each of the Wednesday evenings in Lent called “Pause for Lent.” These are gatherings of quiet prayer, some shared music and reflection on the repentance this season is designed for fostering our repentance in preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
Grace and Peace in Jesus!
-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.