Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 08-17-2020
It has been a couple of months since I have written a letter. I assumed that the COVID-19 chaos would have subsided by now, but unfortunately schools, businesses, and families are still struggling even today.
I wanted to let you know of a few events and happenings over the next month. On a personal note, next Monday, August 24, I am having surgery for a hernia and then on August 26 I am having a “plug” put in my left-subclavian artery where they did my aortic debranching last year. Both are minor surgeries and hopefully I will only be in Pittsburgh for the week.
Tim Bell will be preaching for me on August 30 and September 6. My goal will be to be back in the pulpit September 13.
In regard to Sunday, September 13, that will be Sunday School promotion Sunday during our church service and also the Sunday where we match up the school aged kids in the church with adult prayer partners. If you have been joining us online and are just waiting for a future time to come back in-person for church services but still want to pray and bless a child throughout this next school year, please let myself or Amanda know so we can add you to the list. (This goes for any kids that haven’t been in attendance and the parents would like a prayer partner for them)
In September we will be starting up our first Wednesday of the months Men’s and Women’s separate studies and then on the second Wednesday we will resume our World Religions video series.
On a completely different note, we are having our annual church picnic this Sunday, August 23 at Morrison Park (100-699 Allison Road, Seneca, PA 16346) from 4:30-8:30pm. All food and drinks will be provided and we will be in the big pavilion (Lions Club pavilion) on the top of the hill. Please either call or email the church to let us know if you are attending if you didn’t sign-up. (plenty of social distancing space at the park)
Whether you are joining us in-house or online thank you for staying connected to the family of God. Anticipating being all back together soon!
In Him,
Pastor Steve
It has been a couple of months since I have written a letter. I assumed that the COVID-19 chaos would have subsided by now, but unfortunately schools, businesses, and families are still struggling even today.
I wanted to let you know of a few events and happenings over the next month. On a personal note, next Monday, August 24, I am having surgery for a hernia and then on August 26 I am having a “plug” put in my left-subclavian artery where they did my aortic debranching last year. Both are minor surgeries and hopefully I will only be in Pittsburgh for the week.
Tim Bell will be preaching for me on August 30 and September 6. My goal will be to be back in the pulpit September 13.
In regard to Sunday, September 13, that will be Sunday School promotion Sunday during our church service and also the Sunday where we match up the school aged kids in the church with adult prayer partners. If you have been joining us online and are just waiting for a future time to come back in-person for church services but still want to pray and bless a child throughout this next school year, please let myself or Amanda know so we can add you to the list. (This goes for any kids that haven’t been in attendance and the parents would like a prayer partner for them)
In September we will be starting up our first Wednesday of the months Men’s and Women’s separate studies and then on the second Wednesday we will resume our World Religions video series.
On a completely different note, we are having our annual church picnic this Sunday, August 23 at Morrison Park (100-699 Allison Road, Seneca, PA 16346) from 4:30-8:30pm. All food and drinks will be provided and we will be in the big pavilion (Lions Club pavilion) on the top of the hill. Please either call or email the church to let us know if you are attending if you didn’t sign-up. (plenty of social distancing space at the park)
Whether you are joining us in-house or online thank you for staying connected to the family of God. Anticipating being all back together soon!
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_6-28-2020.pdf |
| bulletin_6-21-2020.pdf |
| bulletin_6-14-2020.pdf |
Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 06-08-2020
This is going to be my final COVID-19 weekly update. I trust that you felt connected during these months of being apart and hopefully you were able to worship during our services online.
I still want to encourage you to be mindful of your proximity to others while at church and also to utilize our hand sanitizer. If you are still not comfortable attending church physically due to COVID-19 then please utilize our LIVE stream on the church’s YouTube channel. You can also listen in the church parking lot LIVE on 88.7 FM.
Major announcements this week:
Thank you for your continued support during this time. It has been unprecedented and I am glad that it is mostly behind us. I look forward to seeing you back in church as soon as you feel comfortable to physically attend.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
This is going to be my final COVID-19 weekly update. I trust that you felt connected during these months of being apart and hopefully you were able to worship during our services online.
I still want to encourage you to be mindful of your proximity to others while at church and also to utilize our hand sanitizer. If you are still not comfortable attending church physically due to COVID-19 then please utilize our LIVE stream on the church’s YouTube channel. You can also listen in the church parking lot LIVE on 88.7 FM.
Major announcements this week:
- Children’s Church and Nursery will be starting up this Sunday. (June 14)
- Sunday School will resume next week. (June 21)
- Wednesday Kids classes will resume on July 1.
Thank you for your continued support during this time. It has been unprecedented and I am glad that it is mostly behind us. I look forward to seeing you back in church as soon as you feel comfortable to physically attend.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_6-7-2020.pdf |
Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 06-02-2020
Pastor Steve has been feeling a little under the weather these last couple of days. After a trip to the Dr and some antibiotics he is on the mend. Trust me, it is nothing COVID related and actually just a medical issue he faces from time to time. Since he hasn’t been able to come into the office this church update letter has fallen to me. Hopefully I remember everything he would like included.
This last Sunday it was incredible to have so many of our church family able to attend. We had 77 people here and the church felt alive again. We still had about 20 people watching at home. I look forward to the time when we can all return to worship our Lord together.
As Pastor Steve has stressed throughout this time, if you do not feel comfortable coming out to church yet then please stay at home. If you want to come out and wear a mask, that is completely fine too. (they are available at the church) With the increase in church attendance still be mindful of your proximity to others. Please be conscientious and respectful of those who desire to keep the 6 foot social distance recommendations.
Many things are staying the same as last week. I am including Pastor Steve’s list as a reminder. We are looking forward to restarting Children’s Church with some changes in place. Here is Pastor Steve’s tentative progression:
Any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the church. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to change and adapt to our ever-changing world.
In Christ,
Amanda Henry
Pastor Steve has been feeling a little under the weather these last couple of days. After a trip to the Dr and some antibiotics he is on the mend. Trust me, it is nothing COVID related and actually just a medical issue he faces from time to time. Since he hasn’t been able to come into the office this church update letter has fallen to me. Hopefully I remember everything he would like included.
This last Sunday it was incredible to have so many of our church family able to attend. We had 77 people here and the church felt alive again. We still had about 20 people watching at home. I look forward to the time when we can all return to worship our Lord together.
As Pastor Steve has stressed throughout this time, if you do not feel comfortable coming out to church yet then please stay at home. If you want to come out and wear a mask, that is completely fine too. (they are available at the church) With the increase in church attendance still be mindful of your proximity to others. Please be conscientious and respectful of those who desire to keep the 6 foot social distance recommendations.
Many things are staying the same as last week. I am including Pastor Steve’s list as a reminder. We are looking forward to restarting Children’s Church with some changes in place. Here is Pastor Steve’s tentative progression:
- Nursery access for parents and their children 2 and younger is effective immediately. The nursery will not be staffed but available for parents to use. No other individuals or children should be going into the nursery.
- Children’s Church is scheduled to begin on Sunday, June 14. We are doing some modifications to its structure and safety measures. When Children’s Church resumes it will look a little different.
- Sunday School will probably resume June 21 or June 28. The week that Sunday School begins will be our target date to have staffed nursery again for Sunday School and Church.
- Children’s classes on Wednesday night will probably be on hold until July.
Any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the church. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to change and adapt to our ever-changing world.
In Christ,
Amanda Henry
| bulletin_5-31-2020.pdf |
Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 05-26-2020
I am super excited that we are step-by-step getting back to familiar ground regarding church. Thankfully, Venango County will be entering the green zone this coming Friday with many of the Governor’s restrictions being lifted for businesses and gatherings. I want to encourage you to invest in local businesses that have been hardest hit and support them as much as you can.
Starting this Sunday, a number of the recommended guidelines for church attendance are finished. As I have stressed throughout this time, if you do not feel comfortable coming out to church yet then please stay at home. If you want to come out and wear a mask, that is completely fine too. (they are available at the church)
If you desire to stay at home because it’s easier to watch on YouTube, but you have no other reason for not physically attending, then it may be time for you to come back out to church. Our online streaming service wasn’t invested in for folks to stop attending church indefinitely. Again, come out when you feel comfortable, but please don’t allow this online service option to become the norm if it doesn’t need to be. Being together is incredibly important for one’s spiritual life. If you’re not ready to venture out yet then please continue to utilize either our YouTube channel or 88.7FM that can be heard in the church parking lot during our service times.
We are going to be incorporating more ministry aspects gradually. Here is our tentative progression:
When the nursery and classrooms begin to be utilized, we will be incorporating some additional cleaning processes to help decrease germs. Your cooperation and the cooperation of your children will be very appreciated. Those instructions will be given once things start going again.
Of course, try to space yourself out the best you can. During the greeting time it is still probably best to refrain from touching. (Unless both parties consent to touching. That sounds weird, but you know what I mean.)
If things continue to go smoothly, I will probably only send out weekly updates for another 2-3 weeks.
Any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Amanda at the church. Thank you all for your support during these unparalleled times.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
I am super excited that we are step-by-step getting back to familiar ground regarding church. Thankfully, Venango County will be entering the green zone this coming Friday with many of the Governor’s restrictions being lifted for businesses and gatherings. I want to encourage you to invest in local businesses that have been hardest hit and support them as much as you can.
Starting this Sunday, a number of the recommended guidelines for church attendance are finished. As I have stressed throughout this time, if you do not feel comfortable coming out to church yet then please stay at home. If you want to come out and wear a mask, that is completely fine too. (they are available at the church)
If you desire to stay at home because it’s easier to watch on YouTube, but you have no other reason for not physically attending, then it may be time for you to come back out to church. Our online streaming service wasn’t invested in for folks to stop attending church indefinitely. Again, come out when you feel comfortable, but please don’t allow this online service option to become the norm if it doesn’t need to be. Being together is incredibly important for one’s spiritual life. If you’re not ready to venture out yet then please continue to utilize either our YouTube channel or 88.7FM that can be heard in the church parking lot during our service times.
We are going to be incorporating more ministry aspects gradually. Here is our tentative progression:
- Nursery access for parents and their children 2 and younger is effective immediately. The nursery will not be staffed but available. No other individuals or children should be going into the nursery.
- Children’s Church is scheduled to begin on Sunday, June 14. We are looking at doing some modifications to its structure. When Children’s Church resumes it may look a little different.
- Sunday School will probably resume June 21 or June 28. The week that Sunday School begins will be our target date to have staffed nursery again for Sunday School and Church.
- Children’s classes on Wednesday night will probably be on hold until July.
When the nursery and classrooms begin to be utilized, we will be incorporating some additional cleaning processes to help decrease germs. Your cooperation and the cooperation of your children will be very appreciated. Those instructions will be given once things start going again.
Of course, try to space yourself out the best you can. During the greeting time it is still probably best to refrain from touching. (Unless both parties consent to touching. That sounds weird, but you know what I mean.)
If things continue to go smoothly, I will probably only send out weekly updates for another 2-3 weeks.
Any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Amanda at the church. Thank you all for your support during these unparalleled times.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_5-24-2020.pdf |
Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 05-18-2020
Yesterday we had 34 (or was is 38?) individuals in church. Our slow integration back to face-to-face corporate worship is progressing smoothly. Thank you for your patience. This Sunday, May 24, is our final week where we are still recommending that we limit our attendance to under 75.
The following Sunday, May 31, some of the recommendations that have been given for the last month will finish. As always, never feel like you have to physically attend the church if you are concerned about your health or the health of others. Our YouTube Live service and our radio signal here at the church (88.7 FM) are available LIVE during our Wednesday and Sunday service times. Come back to church at your own pace when you feel comfortable doing so. That will vary with each one of us.
First, for Sunday 10:30 AM morning and Wednesday 7 PM evening LIVE services.
Second, Sunday School, Nursery, Children’s Church, and Kids’ Wednesday evening activities are still on hiatus.
Third, starting on May 31 the nursery will be accessible to parents and their young children only. Other children, even siblings, and other adults really need to not go into the nursery. Nursery will not be staffed.
Fourth, please do not allow your children back to the Fellowship Hall or classrooms. The Nursery should be the only room accessed past the water fountain until further notification.
Fifth, thank you for your continued giving over these last two months. We have invested significant financial resources in technological upgrades and community outreach during this time. Your continued support has enabled us to be able to connect online and with those in our community.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
Yesterday we had 34 (or was is 38?) individuals in church. Our slow integration back to face-to-face corporate worship is progressing smoothly. Thank you for your patience. This Sunday, May 24, is our final week where we are still recommending that we limit our attendance to under 75.
The following Sunday, May 31, some of the recommendations that have been given for the last month will finish. As always, never feel like you have to physically attend the church if you are concerned about your health or the health of others. Our YouTube Live service and our radio signal here at the church (88.7 FM) are available LIVE during our Wednesday and Sunday service times. Come back to church at your own pace when you feel comfortable doing so. That will vary with each one of us.
First, for Sunday 10:30 AM morning and Wednesday 7 PM evening LIVE services.
- Try not to sit directly beside, behind, or in front of another person/family. If this changes where you may “normally” sit then I expect you to go with the flow and adjust. Once more people start attending church this proximity distancing may not be possible.
- Refrain from touching (hugging/hand shaking) others in the church.
- You can wear a mask but it’s not required. Disposable masks are available.
- Hand washing and using hand sanitizer is always encouraged at church.
- Please do not congregate closely in small groups.
- Please do not access the nursery, kitchen, or fellowship hall areas.
- This Sunday, May 24, is the final Sunday where we are recommending children 5 and under to not be in attendance. That will change next week. PTL
Second, Sunday School, Nursery, Children’s Church, and Kids’ Wednesday evening activities are still on hiatus.
Third, starting on May 31 the nursery will be accessible to parents and their young children only. Other children, even siblings, and other adults really need to not go into the nursery. Nursery will not be staffed.
Fourth, please do not allow your children back to the Fellowship Hall or classrooms. The Nursery should be the only room accessed past the water fountain until further notification.
Fifth, thank you for your continued giving over these last two months. We have invested significant financial resources in technological upgrades and community outreach during this time. Your continued support has enabled us to be able to connect online and with those in our community.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_5-17-2020.pdf |
Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 05-11-2020
It was nice to see a few more smiling faces at church yesterday and to also know that nearly four dozen other households were watching via our YouTube Live Stream. We had a total of 28 people in service so lots of space between church goers. Having that many people in church was really exciting and felt like a large group. I can’t wait till we are full again, fellowshipping together face-to-face.
Things will be very similar this week as they were last. We are definitely making forward progress.
First, for the next two Sundays, May 17 & May 24, we are slowly incorporating people back into the Sunday and Wednesday services. With only 28 in attendance yesterday, we should have no problem accounting for 25-40 additional individuals that could attend these next two weeks and be safely distanced. The same recommended guidelines that were in place this week will hold true for the next two weeks.
Second: Who should/shouldn’t attend?
Third, for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person and cannot watch via the church’s YouTube Channel we are broadcasting our services over on 88.7 FM that can be picked up in the church’s parking lot. On Sunday and Wednesday you can park your car in the church lot and listen through your car radio if you desire.
Fourth, if you can stay at home and watch the service conveniently then please do. We were able to use our new camera on Sunday which improved our video quality. We are currently working on a hum that is in the audio, but that will hopefully be corrected by next Sunday.
Fifth, we are not scheduling Sunday School, nursery, Children’s Church, or Kids’ Wednesday evening activities for a while. Just assume those are on hold until further notice.
The plan is on Sunday, May 31 for everyone who wants to come back to church can do so. (With restrained physical contact, no Children’s Church, but the nursery will be accessible to parents and their young children only. No nursery workers will be staffing it.)
Come if you can, stay at home and utilize the churches YouTube channel if that’s best, or listen in the church parking lot. We are doing our best to cover every aspect available and never, I mean never, feel like you have to physically be here if you’re not comfortable. The day will eventually arrive when we will all be back together and it will vary for each one of us.
Mask and TP distribution went fantastic last Thursday. We were able to hand out four rolls of toilet paper and three disposable face masks to 250 homes closest to the church. Thank you to Tom, Bev, George, Kate, Charlotte, Sarah, Brandon, Aaron, Bill, Bill Jr, Lester, Kathy, Kim, Jeff, Cindy, Amanda, Michaela, Corban, Dylan, Bob, and Melanie for your willingness to bless our community.
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 am LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page and 88.7FM
Wednesday at 7 pm LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page and 88.7FM.
Thank you for continuing to worship through giving of your tithes and offerings. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give while others mail or hand deliver their gifts to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
It was nice to see a few more smiling faces at church yesterday and to also know that nearly four dozen other households were watching via our YouTube Live Stream. We had a total of 28 people in service so lots of space between church goers. Having that many people in church was really exciting and felt like a large group. I can’t wait till we are full again, fellowshipping together face-to-face.
Things will be very similar this week as they were last. We are definitely making forward progress.
First, for the next two Sundays, May 17 & May 24, we are slowly incorporating people back into the Sunday and Wednesday services. With only 28 in attendance yesterday, we should have no problem accounting for 25-40 additional individuals that could attend these next two weeks and be safely distanced. The same recommended guidelines that were in place this week will hold true for the next two weeks.
- Do not sit directly beside, behind, or in front of another person/family. If this changes where you may “normally” sit then I expect you to go with the flow and adjust.
- Refrain from touching (hugging/hand shaking) others in the church. You may find it fine but others may not.
- If you desire to attend and you want to wear a mask you can. Disposable masks are available at the church.
- Hand washing and using hand sanitizer is always encouraged at church.
- Please do not congregate in small groups with close proximity before church begins. Also, when the service is concluded, please do not congregate inside of the church, but instead make your way outside as quickly as possible. (still working on this one.)
- Please do not access the nursery, kitchen, or fellowship hall areas.
Second: Who should/shouldn’t attend?
- Those who have a compromised immune system should probably consider staying at home.
- Those with small children (five and younger) should probably stay home.
- Those who just don’t want to come out in the public yet, please stay home.
- Never feel obligated to have to physically attend.
Third, for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person and cannot watch via the church’s YouTube Channel we are broadcasting our services over on 88.7 FM that can be picked up in the church’s parking lot. On Sunday and Wednesday you can park your car in the church lot and listen through your car radio if you desire.
Fourth, if you can stay at home and watch the service conveniently then please do. We were able to use our new camera on Sunday which improved our video quality. We are currently working on a hum that is in the audio, but that will hopefully be corrected by next Sunday.
Fifth, we are not scheduling Sunday School, nursery, Children’s Church, or Kids’ Wednesday evening activities for a while. Just assume those are on hold until further notice.
The plan is on Sunday, May 31 for everyone who wants to come back to church can do so. (With restrained physical contact, no Children’s Church, but the nursery will be accessible to parents and their young children only. No nursery workers will be staffing it.)
Come if you can, stay at home and utilize the churches YouTube channel if that’s best, or listen in the church parking lot. We are doing our best to cover every aspect available and never, I mean never, feel like you have to physically be here if you’re not comfortable. The day will eventually arrive when we will all be back together and it will vary for each one of us.
Mask and TP distribution went fantastic last Thursday. We were able to hand out four rolls of toilet paper and three disposable face masks to 250 homes closest to the church. Thank you to Tom, Bev, George, Kate, Charlotte, Sarah, Brandon, Aaron, Bill, Bill Jr, Lester, Kathy, Kim, Jeff, Cindy, Amanda, Michaela, Corban, Dylan, Bob, and Melanie for your willingness to bless our community.
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 am LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page and 88.7FM
Wednesday at 7 pm LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page and 88.7FM.
Thank you for continuing to worship through giving of your tithes and offerings. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give while others mail or hand deliver their gifts to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_5-10-2020.pdf |
Greetings Victory Heights Church Family, 05-04-2020
We have survived another week! Who knew two months ago that our lives would be turned upside down due to the response to a virus? I know that our lives have been quite inconvenienced by the changes and challenges that closing society and education have caused.
Hopefully, you have been able to enjoy our live services on the church’s YouTube page on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Starting this Sunday, we will have more options for church attendance, connection, and participation.
You may have noticed that some of the worship team started participating on Sunday. This is voluntary for those who are able to help.
Here is what Pennsylvania and the CDC say about religious gatherings.
-Religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants. Individuals should not gather in religious buildings or homes for services or celebrations until the stay at home order is lifted. (https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/03.23.20-Stay-At-Home-Order-Guidance.pdf)
-Modifications to gatherings for social distancing might include:
1. holding the event in a large, well-ventilated area, maintaining about 6-foot distance between individuals by having members sit in alternating rows or otherwise spread out;
2. offering a phone or online (live or recorded) meeting or worship service option, especially for high risk individuals; and
3. providing additional times for meetings or worship services with limited attendance at each (cdc.gov)
Churches in Pennsylvania were not ordered to close. Never were the doors of Victory Heights Church locked on Sunday mornings preventing people from entering. Thank you for respecting the desires of the church leadership to not physically gather corporately in the church. Your cooperation was greatly appreciated. It was just as hard on our family as it was for yours to not be physically together.
With the stay-at-home order being lifted on Friday for Venango County we are going to be making adjustments to our services accordingly.
First, starting this coming Sunday, May 10, we are desiring to slowly incorporate people back into the Sunday and Wednesday services. Having 200 seats available in the sanctuary, doing our best to keep CDC distancing recommendations, we should have no problem accounting for 50-75 people to be safely distanced in service. I do have some guidelines that I would greatly appreciate you to follow if you attend in person.
Second: Who should/shouldn’t attend?
Third, for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person and cannot watch via the church’s YouTube Channel we will be broadcasting our services over an FM frequency that can be picked up in the church’s parking lot. On Sunday you can park your car in the church lot and listen through your car radio. We haven’t solidified the frequency yet but we will have it ready and available for Sunday.
Fourth, if you can stay at home and watch the service conveniently then please do. We should have a new camera installed for this Sunday to substantially improve our picture quality.
Fifth, we are not scheduling Sunday School, nursery, Children’s Church, or Kids’ Wednesday evening activities for a while. Just assume those are on hold until further notice.
The plan is to have fewer folks attending the physical services up until Wednesday, May 27, but then open things back up on May 31 for everyone. (With restrained physical contact and most likely no children’s services available) These plans can always change, especially if we see an outbreak of the virus in the area. We all have brains and we just need to use them. Come if you can, stay at home and utilize the churches YouTube channel if that’s best, or listen in the church parking lot. We are doing our best to cover every aspect available and never, I mean never, feel like you have to physically be here if you’re not comfortable. The day will eventually arrive when we will all be back together and it will vary for each one of us.
Mask and TP distribution is now scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 5pm. The masks are scheduled to arrive at our supplier either today or tomorrow. Hopefully, we will not have to delay this outreach any longer. We could still use a few more people to help drive and drop off to our community. Again, it's like UPS, we have the packages ready for delivery and all you have to do is drop them off at the people’s door. Please let me know if you can help with this.
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 am LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page
Wednesday at 7 pm LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page.
Thank you for continuing to worship through giving of your tithes and offerings. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give while others mail or hand deliver their gifts to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
We have survived another week! Who knew two months ago that our lives would be turned upside down due to the response to a virus? I know that our lives have been quite inconvenienced by the changes and challenges that closing society and education have caused.
Hopefully, you have been able to enjoy our live services on the church’s YouTube page on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Starting this Sunday, we will have more options for church attendance, connection, and participation.
You may have noticed that some of the worship team started participating on Sunday. This is voluntary for those who are able to help.
Here is what Pennsylvania and the CDC say about religious gatherings.
-Religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants. Individuals should not gather in religious buildings or homes for services or celebrations until the stay at home order is lifted. (https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/03.23.20-Stay-At-Home-Order-Guidance.pdf)
-Modifications to gatherings for social distancing might include:
1. holding the event in a large, well-ventilated area, maintaining about 6-foot distance between individuals by having members sit in alternating rows or otherwise spread out;
2. offering a phone or online (live or recorded) meeting or worship service option, especially for high risk individuals; and
3. providing additional times for meetings or worship services with limited attendance at each (cdc.gov)
Churches in Pennsylvania were not ordered to close. Never were the doors of Victory Heights Church locked on Sunday mornings preventing people from entering. Thank you for respecting the desires of the church leadership to not physically gather corporately in the church. Your cooperation was greatly appreciated. It was just as hard on our family as it was for yours to not be physically together.
With the stay-at-home order being lifted on Friday for Venango County we are going to be making adjustments to our services accordingly.
First, starting this coming Sunday, May 10, we are desiring to slowly incorporate people back into the Sunday and Wednesday services. Having 200 seats available in the sanctuary, doing our best to keep CDC distancing recommendations, we should have no problem accounting for 50-75 people to be safely distanced in service. I do have some guidelines that I would greatly appreciate you to follow if you attend in person.
- Do not sit directly beside, behind, or in front of another person/family. If this changes where you may “normally” sit then I expect you to go with the flow and adjust.
- Refrain from touching (hugging/hand shaking) others in the church. You may find it fine but others may not.
- If you desire to attend and you want to wear a mask you can. Disposable masks should be available at the church starting this coming Sunday for those who want to wear one.
- Hand washing and using hand sanitizer is always encouraged at church.
- Please do not congregate in small groups with close proximity before church begins. Also, when the service is concluded, please do not congregate inside of the church, but instead make your way outside as quickly as possible.
- Please do not access the nursery, kitchen, or fellowship hall areas.
Second: Who should/shouldn’t attend?
- Those who have a compromised immune system should probably consider staying at home.
- Those with small children (five and younger) should probably stay home.
- Those who just don’t want to come out in the public yet, please stay home.
- Never feel obligated to have to physically attend.
Third, for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person and cannot watch via the church’s YouTube Channel we will be broadcasting our services over an FM frequency that can be picked up in the church’s parking lot. On Sunday you can park your car in the church lot and listen through your car radio. We haven’t solidified the frequency yet but we will have it ready and available for Sunday.
Fourth, if you can stay at home and watch the service conveniently then please do. We should have a new camera installed for this Sunday to substantially improve our picture quality.
Fifth, we are not scheduling Sunday School, nursery, Children’s Church, or Kids’ Wednesday evening activities for a while. Just assume those are on hold until further notice.
The plan is to have fewer folks attending the physical services up until Wednesday, May 27, but then open things back up on May 31 for everyone. (With restrained physical contact and most likely no children’s services available) These plans can always change, especially if we see an outbreak of the virus in the area. We all have brains and we just need to use them. Come if you can, stay at home and utilize the churches YouTube channel if that’s best, or listen in the church parking lot. We are doing our best to cover every aspect available and never, I mean never, feel like you have to physically be here if you’re not comfortable. The day will eventually arrive when we will all be back together and it will vary for each one of us.
Mask and TP distribution is now scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 5pm. The masks are scheduled to arrive at our supplier either today or tomorrow. Hopefully, we will not have to delay this outreach any longer. We could still use a few more people to help drive and drop off to our community. Again, it's like UPS, we have the packages ready for delivery and all you have to do is drop them off at the people’s door. Please let me know if you can help with this.
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 am LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page
Wednesday at 7 pm LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page.
Thank you for continuing to worship through giving of your tithes and offerings. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give while others mail or hand deliver their gifts to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_5-3-2020.pdf |
Victory Heights Church Family, 04-27-2020
We made it through another week and I trust that you are still holding up well. It appears that we will be starting to make some forward progress in the coming weeks regarding various church aspects.
With the stay-at-home order hopefully expiring next week, we may be able to start having small amounts of people at the church starting on May 10. This will only be able to be accomplished if we still respectfully follow some of the proximity guidelines. We want to be wise in the decisions we make and will still go week-by-week.
Here is pertinent information for this week which is similar to what was sent last week.
First, if you (or your neighbor, family or friends) need toilet paper or facemasks please contact the church. I am hoping that the disposable facemasks will be available for me to pick-up in Grove City today. We have had church families request both of these products and if you could use either please let us know. We will deliver them to your home or you can stop at the church to pick them up.
Second, as long as the facemasks arrive, we are planning to drop-off toilet paper and facemasks to the residents who live around the church on Wednesday, April 29 at 5pm. All social distancing recommendations and proper handling will be observed. Currently there are eleven individuals who are able to help. We could use at least nine more people. We will go out in pairs and just drop off toilet paper and masks to our neighbor’s door. (Like UPS does)
Your routes will be given to you so we don’t have double coverage and to help make it clear which way to go. (If the facemasks do not arrive by Wednesday, we will bump the home delivery date to Friday at 5pm.)
Third, we have purchased an FM transmitter that we will be testing later in the week. It would give us the capabilities of live broadcasting the audio from our Sunday service to your car radio. This frequency will only cover the church parking lot but this would enable you to sit in your car and listen. It will help us to provide live audio to those who do not have internet capabilities to watch online. (Please let us know if you would want to use this option as we may have it ready for this Sunday’s service.)
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 am LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page
Wednesday at 7 pm LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page.
Thank you for continuing to worship through giving of your tithes and offerings. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give while others mail or hand deliver their gifts to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
We made it through another week and I trust that you are still holding up well. It appears that we will be starting to make some forward progress in the coming weeks regarding various church aspects.
With the stay-at-home order hopefully expiring next week, we may be able to start having small amounts of people at the church starting on May 10. This will only be able to be accomplished if we still respectfully follow some of the proximity guidelines. We want to be wise in the decisions we make and will still go week-by-week.
Here is pertinent information for this week which is similar to what was sent last week.
First, if you (or your neighbor, family or friends) need toilet paper or facemasks please contact the church. I am hoping that the disposable facemasks will be available for me to pick-up in Grove City today. We have had church families request both of these products and if you could use either please let us know. We will deliver them to your home or you can stop at the church to pick them up.
Second, as long as the facemasks arrive, we are planning to drop-off toilet paper and facemasks to the residents who live around the church on Wednesday, April 29 at 5pm. All social distancing recommendations and proper handling will be observed. Currently there are eleven individuals who are able to help. We could use at least nine more people. We will go out in pairs and just drop off toilet paper and masks to our neighbor’s door. (Like UPS does)
Your routes will be given to you so we don’t have double coverage and to help make it clear which way to go. (If the facemasks do not arrive by Wednesday, we will bump the home delivery date to Friday at 5pm.)
Third, we have purchased an FM transmitter that we will be testing later in the week. It would give us the capabilities of live broadcasting the audio from our Sunday service to your car radio. This frequency will only cover the church parking lot but this would enable you to sit in your car and listen. It will help us to provide live audio to those who do not have internet capabilities to watch online. (Please let us know if you would want to use this option as we may have it ready for this Sunday’s service.)
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 am LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page
Wednesday at 7 pm LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page.
Thank you for continuing to worship through giving of your tithes and offerings. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give while others mail or hand deliver their gifts to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_4-26-2020.pdf |
Victory Heights Church Family, 04-21-2020
I am definitely struggling and concerned with the impact that this “social distancing” is having on families, employers, employees, and education. Trying to find, understand, and interpret information (or misinformation) takes about as much wisdom as King Solomon.
I hold strong reservations about the perceived need for across the broad closures that can appear so contradictory. I am quite alarmed at states like Kentucky where the Governor is using the State Police to issue citations, fines, and even pressuring for forced quarantines of church goers. He does this while claiming that liquor stores and abortion clinics are essential business. Sadly, the reopening of liquor stores in Pennsylvania but the continued closure of many private businesses thrusts a dichotomy at us that is very hard to reconcile.
Unfortunately, much of the American people will take the bait hook, line and sinker and believe whatever narrative the media or government officials feed them. I am also afraid that through this time the world has seen that fear can cripple the American people. Folks, we must pray. Pray for each other to have discernment from God and not be afraid.
Two Sunday’s ago I lay awake from 11:30pm- nearly 2am battling about who we have become as a nation and where does the church fall into all of this. I prayed a lot. God and I chatted. (Mostly me asking for wisdom) I felt that God was really leading me to the example of Jesus and even to who the church used to be.
In centuries and even decades past it was the church, Christians, who always stepped up to the front lines when war, disease, plague, or natural disaster affected a city, region, or nation. I’ve struggled with this for days now because it appears as a nation that we now look to the government as our rescuer.
Jesus met the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people. Who had the problems with that? Almost everyone! His own disciples, the government leaders, and the religious leaders. Touching the leprous man in Luke 5:12-15 would have made Jesus unclean and it was believed that leprosy was a judgment of God . . . yet Jesus still touched him and healed him. Meeting the needs of the Samaritan woman, definitely not culturally sound for Jesus to do. I could elaborate with more examples but I think you get my point.
So what about you and I? What about Victory Heights Church. Governor Wolf extended the stay-at-home order till May 8 yesterday so things will still be different but with some opportunities on the horizon.
First, we want to reach out and care for our church family. We still have over 1,200 rolls of toilet paper here at the church. We are also getting hundreds of disposable facemasks on Friday or Monday of next week. Both of these are first and foremost for the needs of the people of Victory Heights Church. Please let me know how many of those you may need so I can set them aside for you before we start giving them away to the masses.
Second, if you have a neighbor, friend, or relative that could use either toilet paper or a couple disposable facemasks please let us know so we can set those aside for you to take before we pass out to the masses.
Third, after the needs of those in the church are met, as well as those whom you helped, we will then be delivering four rolls of toilet paper and two disposable facemasks door-to-door to 250 households around Victory Heights Church. All social distancing recommendations and proper handling of the TP and masks will be observed but I will need 20 individuals (going out in pairs) to help drop off the goods.
I will give direction on where to deliver the packages and the goal is to really just drop them off at people’s homes. The tentative delivery date to go door-to-door will be next Wednesday, April 29 probably in the afternoon. Please let me know by this weekend if you can help. This is an incredible way that we can show God’s love through material means.
Fourth, it has been a blessing to see many individuals joining us live online for our Sunday and Wednesday services. We do have an FM transmitter that is in transit right now that will hopefully enable those who do not have internet capabilities to drive to the church parking lot and listen from inside of their car. We should have more information about that in next week’s letter.
Fifth, we are looking into some social distancing outside venue possibilities for a midweek gathering. This is still in the infant stages but we will keep you updated when more information is known.
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page
Wednesday at 7 p.m. LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page.
Church giving has been strong. Thank you for continuing to worship through giving. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give and others are mailing or hand delivering their tithes to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004 Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
Email: [email protected] 5978 US 322 - Franklin, PA 16323
I am definitely struggling and concerned with the impact that this “social distancing” is having on families, employers, employees, and education. Trying to find, understand, and interpret information (or misinformation) takes about as much wisdom as King Solomon.
I hold strong reservations about the perceived need for across the broad closures that can appear so contradictory. I am quite alarmed at states like Kentucky where the Governor is using the State Police to issue citations, fines, and even pressuring for forced quarantines of church goers. He does this while claiming that liquor stores and abortion clinics are essential business. Sadly, the reopening of liquor stores in Pennsylvania but the continued closure of many private businesses thrusts a dichotomy at us that is very hard to reconcile.
Unfortunately, much of the American people will take the bait hook, line and sinker and believe whatever narrative the media or government officials feed them. I am also afraid that through this time the world has seen that fear can cripple the American people. Folks, we must pray. Pray for each other to have discernment from God and not be afraid.
Two Sunday’s ago I lay awake from 11:30pm- nearly 2am battling about who we have become as a nation and where does the church fall into all of this. I prayed a lot. God and I chatted. (Mostly me asking for wisdom) I felt that God was really leading me to the example of Jesus and even to who the church used to be.
In centuries and even decades past it was the church, Christians, who always stepped up to the front lines when war, disease, plague, or natural disaster affected a city, region, or nation. I’ve struggled with this for days now because it appears as a nation that we now look to the government as our rescuer.
Jesus met the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people. Who had the problems with that? Almost everyone! His own disciples, the government leaders, and the religious leaders. Touching the leprous man in Luke 5:12-15 would have made Jesus unclean and it was believed that leprosy was a judgment of God . . . yet Jesus still touched him and healed him. Meeting the needs of the Samaritan woman, definitely not culturally sound for Jesus to do. I could elaborate with more examples but I think you get my point.
So what about you and I? What about Victory Heights Church. Governor Wolf extended the stay-at-home order till May 8 yesterday so things will still be different but with some opportunities on the horizon.
First, we want to reach out and care for our church family. We still have over 1,200 rolls of toilet paper here at the church. We are also getting hundreds of disposable facemasks on Friday or Monday of next week. Both of these are first and foremost for the needs of the people of Victory Heights Church. Please let me know how many of those you may need so I can set them aside for you before we start giving them away to the masses.
Second, if you have a neighbor, friend, or relative that could use either toilet paper or a couple disposable facemasks please let us know so we can set those aside for you to take before we pass out to the masses.
Third, after the needs of those in the church are met, as well as those whom you helped, we will then be delivering four rolls of toilet paper and two disposable facemasks door-to-door to 250 households around Victory Heights Church. All social distancing recommendations and proper handling of the TP and masks will be observed but I will need 20 individuals (going out in pairs) to help drop off the goods.
I will give direction on where to deliver the packages and the goal is to really just drop them off at people’s homes. The tentative delivery date to go door-to-door will be next Wednesday, April 29 probably in the afternoon. Please let me know by this weekend if you can help. This is an incredible way that we can show God’s love through material means.
Fourth, it has been a blessing to see many individuals joining us live online for our Sunday and Wednesday services. We do have an FM transmitter that is in transit right now that will hopefully enable those who do not have internet capabilities to drive to the church parking lot and listen from inside of their car. We should have more information about that in next week’s letter.
Fifth, we are looking into some social distancing outside venue possibilities for a midweek gathering. This is still in the infant stages but we will keep you updated when more information is known.
REMINDERS:
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. LIVE worship service on Victory Heights UB Church YouTube page
Wednesday at 7 p.m. LIVE Bible study in the book of John on our YouTube page.
Church giving has been strong. Thank you for continuing to worship through giving. Many are using the online giving feature at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give and others are mailing or hand delivering their tithes to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004 Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
Email: [email protected] 5978 US 322 - Franklin, PA 16323
| bulletin_4-19-2020.pdf |
Victory Heights Church Family, 04-13-2020
We have made it through another week and we all wonder when will this craziness will end. Just housekeeping reminders for this week.
Here is this week’s plan:
We will be having our Wednesday 7pm Bible Study this week broadcast on the church’s YouTube page. (04/15)
For Sunday (04/19) we will be having our service LIVE at 10:30 a.m. on the church’s YouTube page. We are looking at this week by week as more information is available.
The bulletin will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website.
You can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or mail a check to the church. Thank you to all who have still been giving during this time.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
We have made it through another week and we all wonder when will this craziness will end. Just housekeeping reminders for this week.
Here is this week’s plan:
We will be having our Wednesday 7pm Bible Study this week broadcast on the church’s YouTube page. (04/15)
For Sunday (04/19) we will be having our service LIVE at 10:30 a.m. on the church’s YouTube page. We are looking at this week by week as more information is available.
The bulletin will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website.
You can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or mail a check to the church. Thank you to all who have still been giving during this time.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_4-12-2020.pdf |
Victory Heights Church Family, 04-06-2020
It will be nice when we meet together again in the church building. I am definitely not a fan of the extent of the encouraged “social distancing” or the closing of businesses. (hard for me to understand why the beer distributor down the road is ‘essential’) Does all this distancing cause more benefit then harm to our nation? Those are questions that each of us have asked and probably all have different answers.
Do I have all the answers? Sorry, I don’t. I see benefits and I see drawbacks. I contemplate as to whether our Constitutional rights are being infringed and where does submitting to our leaders fall into this equation.
I say all of that to let you know that I have been wrestling with the same questions and concerns that you probably have. If you watch or read the news (or are on any social media platforms) various conflicting opinions pervade and it’s enough to make your head explode!
The nice thing about the church is that it knows no boundaries. Our faith isn’t confined to a building. You just don’t pick up Jesus when you enter a church building, if you are a Christian, He is with you wherever you go.
Is it nice and beneficial to gather together? You bet! But when we can’t that should not change our faith and trust in the Lord. Keep on reading your Bible and spending time in prayer. If you have internet capabilities go to the church’s YouTube page (Victory Heights UB Church) and watch all our services LIVE. If you don’t have internet, please make a concentrated effort to watch a solid Bible preaching pastor on TV or listen on the radio. Don’t neglect your spiritual nourishment during this time.
So, here is this week’s plan:
1. No Wednesday service at the church. We will instead be having a LIVE YouTube Good Friday Service (04/10) at 7 p.m. We will also be partaking of Communion together during that service so if you are able to join online please have some bread and juice available.
2. For Easter Sunday (04/12) we will be having our service LIVE at 10:30 a.m. on the church’s YouTube page. I strongly considered having a “drive-in” type of service either at the church or at the mall parking lot, but felt for a variety of reasons that online is the best way to go.
3. The bulletin will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website.
4. You can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or mail a check to the church. Thank you to all who have still been giving during this time.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
It will be nice when we meet together again in the church building. I am definitely not a fan of the extent of the encouraged “social distancing” or the closing of businesses. (hard for me to understand why the beer distributor down the road is ‘essential’) Does all this distancing cause more benefit then harm to our nation? Those are questions that each of us have asked and probably all have different answers.
Do I have all the answers? Sorry, I don’t. I see benefits and I see drawbacks. I contemplate as to whether our Constitutional rights are being infringed and where does submitting to our leaders fall into this equation.
I say all of that to let you know that I have been wrestling with the same questions and concerns that you probably have. If you watch or read the news (or are on any social media platforms) various conflicting opinions pervade and it’s enough to make your head explode!
The nice thing about the church is that it knows no boundaries. Our faith isn’t confined to a building. You just don’t pick up Jesus when you enter a church building, if you are a Christian, He is with you wherever you go.
Is it nice and beneficial to gather together? You bet! But when we can’t that should not change our faith and trust in the Lord. Keep on reading your Bible and spending time in prayer. If you have internet capabilities go to the church’s YouTube page (Victory Heights UB Church) and watch all our services LIVE. If you don’t have internet, please make a concentrated effort to watch a solid Bible preaching pastor on TV or listen on the radio. Don’t neglect your spiritual nourishment during this time.
So, here is this week’s plan:
1. No Wednesday service at the church. We will instead be having a LIVE YouTube Good Friday Service (04/10) at 7 p.m. We will also be partaking of Communion together during that service so if you are able to join online please have some bread and juice available.
2. For Easter Sunday (04/12) we will be having our service LIVE at 10:30 a.m. on the church’s YouTube page. I strongly considered having a “drive-in” type of service either at the church or at the mall parking lot, but felt for a variety of reasons that online is the best way to go.
3. The bulletin will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website.
4. You can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or mail a check to the church. Thank you to all who have still been giving during this time.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
| bulletin_4-5-2020.pdf |
Good Afternoon Church Family, 04/02/20
I know that I sent out an update on Monday (3/30) but with yesterday’s announcement from the Governor about the entire state needing to stay-at-home it was decided that we are going to go 100% online for our services. We will continue to have our 7pm service on Wednesdays and our 10:30am service on Sundays LIVE from the church. Please schedule these timeslots to join our church family together online.
We just got our YouTube page up and running yesterday and broadcast last night’s study on that site. You can just search Victory Heights UB Church on YouTube.
You can find our page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuqwiO2Y2ia0Xq2K0FEVqKw
We will still broadcast via Facebook Live this week, but if everything goes well on our YouTube channel we will stick with that as our main broadcasting point.
I assume that this will be our normal church gatherings for the month of April and we will just see how it goes from there.
Continue to pray for our leaders and those who have been physically affected by this virus. Also, pray for our first responders, paramedics, hospital workers, police, and firefighters.
Pray that God will give church leaders wisdom and that even through this many will turn to Christ as their source of hope.
Love you all,
Pastor Steve
I know that I sent out an update on Monday (3/30) but with yesterday’s announcement from the Governor about the entire state needing to stay-at-home it was decided that we are going to go 100% online for our services. We will continue to have our 7pm service on Wednesdays and our 10:30am service on Sundays LIVE from the church. Please schedule these timeslots to join our church family together online.
We just got our YouTube page up and running yesterday and broadcast last night’s study on that site. You can just search Victory Heights UB Church on YouTube.
You can find our page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuqwiO2Y2ia0Xq2K0FEVqKw
We will still broadcast via Facebook Live this week, but if everything goes well on our YouTube channel we will stick with that as our main broadcasting point.
I assume that this will be our normal church gatherings for the month of April and we will just see how it goes from there.
Continue to pray for our leaders and those who have been physically affected by this virus. Also, pray for our first responders, paramedics, hospital workers, police, and firefighters.
Pray that God will give church leaders wisdom and that even through this many will turn to Christ as their source of hope.
Love you all,
Pastor Steve
Victory Heights Church Family, 03-30-2020
We’ve made it through another week and for that I am thankful. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 states,
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
I’m sure we could incorporate some of the other “times” into our lives, but we are definitely living in a time to refrain from embracing. Remember, these things are only for a time. Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope.
Here is our game-plan for this week:
- All children ministries, including nursery, are canceled.
- No separate Men’s and Women’s group for this Wednesday (04/01). We will be finishing the book of Daniel for the adults at 7pm. This session will be broadcast on Facebook Live.
- We will be holding our church service at 10:30am this Sunday (04/05). Our goal is to Live Stream the entire service on YouTube as it is more user friendly. We have created a church YouTube page and you will hopefully be able to search for Victory Heights UB Church later in the week to find it. If it doesn’t work, we will revert back to the Facebook Live option. If you and your family can join us online for the service then I want to encourage you to stay home. For those who do not have internet streaming access, you are welcome to come to the church and worship.
- The bulletin will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website as well as this letter.
- You can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or mail a check to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
5978 US 322 - Franklin, PA 16323
We’ve made it through another week and for that I am thankful. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 states,
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
I’m sure we could incorporate some of the other “times” into our lives, but we are definitely living in a time to refrain from embracing. Remember, these things are only for a time. Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope.
Here is our game-plan for this week:
- All children ministries, including nursery, are canceled.
- No separate Men’s and Women’s group for this Wednesday (04/01). We will be finishing the book of Daniel for the adults at 7pm. This session will be broadcast on Facebook Live.
- We will be holding our church service at 10:30am this Sunday (04/05). Our goal is to Live Stream the entire service on YouTube as it is more user friendly. We have created a church YouTube page and you will hopefully be able to search for Victory Heights UB Church later in the week to find it. If it doesn’t work, we will revert back to the Facebook Live option. If you and your family can join us online for the service then I want to encourage you to stay home. For those who do not have internet streaming access, you are welcome to come to the church and worship.
- The bulletin will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website as well as this letter.
- You can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or mail a check to the church.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
5978 US 322 - Franklin, PA 16323
| bulletin_3-29-2020.pdf |
Victory Heights Church Family, 03-23-2020
By now we are fairly familiar with what we should and shouldn’t be doing regarding COVID-19. I went to the PA.gov website last night and found these General Guidelines:
I again want to reiterate and challenge you with II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.”
As I mentioned in last weeks update my goal each Monday morning (or early afternoon) is to make sure that you know what’s going on at the church.
So here is this week’s game-plan (similar to last week):
-Again, all children ministries, including nursery, are canceled for the week.
-We will only be holding our adult Wednesday Bible study on Daniel Chapter 10 at 7pm on 3/25. We will also be using Facebook Live to broadcast that lesson. If you can join in this study from home, please stay at home. For those who don’t have Facebook you can come on out to the church being mindful of your proximity to people. We had seven last week, but if you can join from home, please do.
-We will be holding our church service at 10:30am this Sunday (3/29). We will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the entire service on Sunday. If you and your family can join us online for the service then I want to encourage you to stay home and join online at 10:30. For those who do not have Facebook Live access, you are welcome to come to the church and worship. We had twelve in the physical church building yesterday and over 40 watching via Facebook Live. We most certainly did have a full church yesterday worshipping together.
-For those who will come to the church, bulletins will again be on the seats. The bulletins will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website.
-If you do not attend the actual service, which is best if you don’t, you can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or you can mail a check to the church. We are so glad that we started online giving a few months back in order to be prepared for this unforeseen virus.
One thing that I absolutely loved yesterday was the interaction that we were able to have on Facebook Live especially during the praise and prayer time. That is why joining live is so important! Keeping that connection, interaction, and consistency is good for our soul and spiritual growth.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
5978 US 322 - Franklin, PA 16323
To download this letter click on the link below
By now we are fairly familiar with what we should and shouldn’t be doing regarding COVID-19. I went to the PA.gov website last night and found these General Guidelines:
- Freedom of travel will remain, but all Pennsylvanians are asked to refrain from non-essential travel.
- The Wolf Administration strongly encourages the suspension of large gatherings, events, conferences of more than 10 people, and per White House guidelines, ask that individuals and groups cancel any gatherings planned over the next eight weeks.
- The Wolf Administration encourages religious leaders to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of illness.
I again want to reiterate and challenge you with II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.”
As I mentioned in last weeks update my goal each Monday morning (or early afternoon) is to make sure that you know what’s going on at the church.
So here is this week’s game-plan (similar to last week):
-Again, all children ministries, including nursery, are canceled for the week.
-We will only be holding our adult Wednesday Bible study on Daniel Chapter 10 at 7pm on 3/25. We will also be using Facebook Live to broadcast that lesson. If you can join in this study from home, please stay at home. For those who don’t have Facebook you can come on out to the church being mindful of your proximity to people. We had seven last week, but if you can join from home, please do.
-We will be holding our church service at 10:30am this Sunday (3/29). We will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the entire service on Sunday. If you and your family can join us online for the service then I want to encourage you to stay home and join online at 10:30. For those who do not have Facebook Live access, you are welcome to come to the church and worship. We had twelve in the physical church building yesterday and over 40 watching via Facebook Live. We most certainly did have a full church yesterday worshipping together.
-For those who will come to the church, bulletins will again be on the seats. The bulletins will also be uploaded each week to our COVID-19 tab on the website.
-If you do not attend the actual service, which is best if you don’t, you can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or you can mail a check to the church. We are so glad that we started online giving a few months back in order to be prepared for this unforeseen virus.
One thing that I absolutely loved yesterday was the interaction that we were able to have on Facebook Live especially during the praise and prayer time. That is why joining live is so important! Keeping that connection, interaction, and consistency is good for our soul and spiritual growth.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
5978 US 322 - Franklin, PA 16323
To download this letter click on the link below
| victory_heights_covid-19_letter_week_of_3-23-20.doc |
| 03_22_20_bulletin.pdf |
Tuesday, March 17
Victory Heights Church Family,
Last night the church board met to discuss options regarding our Sunday and Wednesday night services during this time. As I have written before II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” We do not live in fear, but the leadership of the church has come to some decisions regarding our gatherings here at the church in light of COVID-19.
Decisions will be made and communicated on a week by week basis. The goal is every Monday to update the church website (www.victoryheightschurch.org), our Facebook page, and send out an email about the weeks services. Since the information and the do’s and don’ts are so fluid, we will try to flow too.
So here is our game-plan:
-All children ministries are canceled for this Wednesday (3/18). Sunday school, Children’s Church & Nursery are suspended for Sunday (3/22).
-We will only be holding our adult Wednesday Bible study of Daniel at 7pm on 3/18. We will also be using Facebook Live to broadcast that lesson. If you can join in this study from home, please stay at home. For those who don’t have Facebook you can come on out to the church being mindful of your proximity to people.
-We will still be holding our church service at 10:30am this Sunday (3/22) but with some caveats. Remember, there will be no Sunday School that morning so everything will start at 10:30. We will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the entire service on Sunday. If you and your family can join us online for the service then I want to encourage you to stay home and join in online at 10:30. For those who do not have Facebook Live access, you are welcome to come to the church and worship. The more that can stay at home and join us via the internet the better. Again, be mindful of your proximity to others, spread out all over the sanctuary, and limit touching.
-For those who will come to the church, bulletins will again be on the seats. We will also be uploading a copy of the bulletin to our website under the COVID-19 tab later this week. All information regarding our services and changes can be found under that tab.
-Regarding giving, for those who attend Sunday service, we will again have the ushers holding the plates and you can place your gifts into the plates without touching them. For those who are going to be joining us from home, you can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or you can mail a check to the church at the address below.
One of the last things that we want during this time is for our church family to become disconnected. Unfortunately, for many individuals when they get out of the routine of attending church for a short time they just stop attending altogether. This is definitely not what we want. Worshiping and learning together as a church family is imperative in the life of a Christian and we are doing our best to stay connected, meet everyone’s needs, and help keep some continuity and stability regarding our meeting times.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
5978 US 322
Franklin, PA 16323
To download this letter click on the link below
Victory Heights Church Family,
Last night the church board met to discuss options regarding our Sunday and Wednesday night services during this time. As I have written before II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” We do not live in fear, but the leadership of the church has come to some decisions regarding our gatherings here at the church in light of COVID-19.
Decisions will be made and communicated on a week by week basis. The goal is every Monday to update the church website (www.victoryheightschurch.org), our Facebook page, and send out an email about the weeks services. Since the information and the do’s and don’ts are so fluid, we will try to flow too.
So here is our game-plan:
-All children ministries are canceled for this Wednesday (3/18). Sunday school, Children’s Church & Nursery are suspended for Sunday (3/22).
-We will only be holding our adult Wednesday Bible study of Daniel at 7pm on 3/18. We will also be using Facebook Live to broadcast that lesson. If you can join in this study from home, please stay at home. For those who don’t have Facebook you can come on out to the church being mindful of your proximity to people.
-We will still be holding our church service at 10:30am this Sunday (3/22) but with some caveats. Remember, there will be no Sunday School that morning so everything will start at 10:30. We will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the entire service on Sunday. If you and your family can join us online for the service then I want to encourage you to stay home and join in online at 10:30. For those who do not have Facebook Live access, you are welcome to come to the church and worship. The more that can stay at home and join us via the internet the better. Again, be mindful of your proximity to others, spread out all over the sanctuary, and limit touching.
-For those who will come to the church, bulletins will again be on the seats. We will also be uploading a copy of the bulletin to our website under the COVID-19 tab later this week. All information regarding our services and changes can be found under that tab.
-Regarding giving, for those who attend Sunday service, we will again have the ushers holding the plates and you can place your gifts into the plates without touching them. For those who are going to be joining us from home, you can give online at www.victoryheightschurch.org/give or you can mail a check to the church at the address below.
One of the last things that we want during this time is for our church family to become disconnected. Unfortunately, for many individuals when they get out of the routine of attending church for a short time they just stop attending altogether. This is definitely not what we want. Worshiping and learning together as a church family is imperative in the life of a Christian and we are doing our best to stay connected, meet everyone’s needs, and help keep some continuity and stability regarding our meeting times.
In Him,
Pastor Steve
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Church Phone: (814)-432-8004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.victoryheightschurch.org
5978 US 322
Franklin, PA 16323
To download this letter click on the link below
| victory_heights_covid-19_letter_week_of_3-16-20.doc |