Flickering In Its Habitat

Flickering in its habitat.  Location:  Apollo, PA, half way up the driveway
of Apollo Assembly of God.  Photo taken June 10, 2017 at 10:52 A.M.

I played peek-a-boo with this flickering for ten minutes before the shot presented itself.  It wouldn't stay put long enough to get photographed!  Birds do that, I guess.

Although this bird seems father plain to look at in this stance, hold your judgment until you see Saturday's "Weekly Inspiration" photo.

Apollo On My Mind (12/01/16)

The Pittsburgh Zoo is coming to Apollo, PA on December 17, 2016.  The event begins at 1:00 P.M. at Apollo Assembly of God.   

There is no cost to attend, though donations are welcome.  Apollo Assembly of God looks forward to hosting this event, which is geared for K-8th Grade.

A representative from Apollo R.A.I.D. will be available to promote a simple anti-drug message for children.

Apollo On My Mind (11/17/16)

Apollo Assembly of God is pleased to partner with Apollo R.A.I.D. (website here) to bring you this event.  Please help us get out the word.  We're prepared to serve 250 meals.

Apollo On My Mind (08/04/16)

As part of the monthly R.A.I.D.¹ meetings, one of the segments is called “Fifteen Minutes of Learning.” At tonight's meeting held at Apollo Assembly of God Church in Apollo, PA, the Armstrong County Coroner was our guest.

Being careful not to divulge sensitive information, he mentioned one woman who had overdosed on heroin 27 times. I had to write that number down, as it was seemingly incredible and indescribably sad. She overdosed and was “brought back” using Naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) each time. She died on the 28^th overdose. Naloxone couldn't save her that time, as she apparently had built up a resistance.

What a sad account! While it highlights the epidemic of drug abuse and the effectiveness of Naloxone, it also reminds us to appreciate this brief and fragile thing called life. The time to “get things right” is always now. “Later” is not guaranteed. If you or someone you know is battling drug or alcohol addiction, please talk with an addiction recovery specialist. Your life might depend on it!

There is another factor in this story, one that many would prefer I not mention. When that woman died, where did her soul go? Much tender patience went into helping her fight drug abuse. Did anyone tell her about Jesus? Did anyone share the plan of salvation with her?

When you die, where will your soul go? The Bible says that “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Invest in your soul this weekend. Go to church. Talk with the pastor about the Person and work of God's Son, Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can rescue you from spiritual death.

1Residents Against Illicit Drugs, Inc., Apollo, PA

Apollo On My Mind (07/07/16)

Just a reminder to check regularly the Facebook page of Apollo R.A.I.D.  You can access the page here.  You will find good information, updates and resources.

Speaking of information, remember that the next meeting of Apollo R.A.I.D. will be Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 P.M. at Apollo Assembly of God Church.    The group gathers in the meeting hall.  Please use the ramp entrance in the back.  Guests are welcome to audit a meeting to see what we do.

Happy Birthday to Apollo, PA.  The big 2-0-0.  Events are listed at www.apollo200.org. Though all are welcome, church-goers will especially enjoy tonight's concert (by Risen To Serve) at 7:00 in Owens Grove.  Of course, don't forget the two-hour parade on Saturday.

Saturday, July 23, at 9:00 A.M., parishioners from Apollo Assembly of God will be walking the streets, praying over the neighborhoods.  If you have something specific you would like them to pray about, please call the office at 724-478-4929.

Apollo On My Mind (05/05/16)

We're glad to offer our meeting hall to accommodate this cause.  The church and secular organizations might go about things differently, but we're after the same thing here -- those who need help can get it.

Apollo On My Mind (02/18/16)

You are welcome to join us at Apollo Assembly of God.

Child care will be provided Easter Sunday.

Challenges & Conversations (1/26/16)

The past two Sundays, we've enjoyed God's presence in an unusual way.  I say "unusual" not because the altar time was weird or unruly but because it is rare.  Regretfully, times such as these have been rare.  God has given us a "taste" of what every Sunday can be like!  I've gleaned some things I want to share with you.  These aren't new revelations, just "old" truths that need dusting off.

• You shouldn't rush the altar time.  God is not in a hurry.  While there might be an initial urgency to respond, there is no benefit in rushing things after that.  High-impact altar ministry is a slow-cook experience, not a high-heat gas grill charring.  Don't be afraid to "simmer" in His presence.
• The Holy Spirit moves whenever and wherever the name of Jesus is exalted.  If you want a more powerful altar experience, drop the "selfish songs."  Talk about Jesus. Sing about Jesus. Testify about Jesus  Shout the name of Jesus!  Celebrate the name of Jesus. 
• Don't be afraid of silence.  It doesn't mean God is done.  You might be uncomfortable, but this is an opportune time to reflect and anticipate.  During a time of silence, people begin to leave. You know what happens next?  Another "wave" of God's presence begins!  During any silence, God gets to talk to you.  It isn't fair to ask God to speak to you and then disengage during the time He is most likely to do that.
• Don't allow times of refreshing at the altar to replace the preaching of God's Word.  The last two Sundays, the altar time happened before the sermon.  That's okay, but I could feel a subtle "pressure" when I looked at the clock and it showed 11:40 A.M.  People had enjoyed a great time in God's presence, but they were aware the hour was getting late.  I preached as if it were only 11:15.  The Bible must always be elevated above experience.
• What "kills" an altar time isn't silence but non-participation.  When it is clear that people are sitting there doing nothing -- not praying, not meditating, not worshiping, not even waiting -- just the deer-in-the-headlights-what's-next look -- it is time to transition.  You do not want to keep pressing them and risk leaving a bad taste.

Apollo On My Mind (11/26/15)

photo:  Apollo Area Events Committee

Let me introduce you to Quack A. Pollo.  You will see Quack at some of the borough activities. Even we big kids enjoy having fun!

Today's focus is the Apollo Area Events Committee.  You can access their website here.  If you're not volunteering in the community, this would be a good way to get connected.

PS:  Hey, Quack, what's the possibility we could have you at Apollo Assembly of God some time to greet the kids?

Evangelist Jason Jablonski (February 16, 2014)

Evangelist Jason Jablonski will be at Apollo Assembly of God, Apollo, PA for both services on February 16.  The morning service begins at 10:30 and the evening service begins at 6:30.  The community is invited to join us.  You can visit Jason's website at http://jjablonskiministries.com/.

Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach

Yesterday, Apollo Assembly of God served 260 meals to those in the community.  This was the 13th year we've done this.   I invite you to celebrate with us.  To all workers, cooks and servers, thank you for your hard work.  What a quality meal!

Such Disaster...How Do We Respond?

Typhoon Haiyan

Here in southwestern Pennsylvania, I'm on the other side of the world from the devastation.  How should I pray?  I know people are hurting.  That's enough right there to get me praying!  Sometimes, having specific requests helps the process.  You can find a list of requests here. 

Another question I have is this:  What will the relief organization do with my contribution?  Apollo Assembly of God and I partner with Convoy of Hope.  You can read about their response to Haiyan here.  To donate, click here.

Apollo Assembly of God will receive a special offering November 17, 24 and December 1.  One hundred percent of that offering goes to Convoy of Hope.  I know the holidays are approaching, but those suffering in the Philippines need our help.  Their necessities matter more than our preferences.

Pastors' Appreciation Day (October 6, 2013)

From left to right:  Marshall (board member), Juni (board member), Jeff (missionary), me & Lisa, Faith (worship pastor) & Ed, Don (board member, pulpit fill-in).

THANK YOU, Apollo Assembly, for your kindness to me, my family and my staff. 

Evangelist Richard Rochkind

Richard & Jennifer Rochkind

Apollo Assembly of God

November 3, 2013

6:30 P.M.

• A unique testimony
• Powerful preaching
• Special music
• Encouraging words for weary hearts
• A challenging message

For more information, visit the Rochkind's website here.

Work Day at Apollo Assembly of God

The dumpster was filled.

The hole was fixed.

The kitchen was cleaned.

The storage room was cleaned.


Windows were washed, light fixtures were cleaned, the church sign and front steps were power washed, a drainage issue was addressed, and we had loads of fun.  We didn't have donuts, though.  To get all this work done without donuts -- Hey, I'm impressed.

 

THANK YOU to every worker who participated.  Together we made a big difference!

 

If you didn't get the reference to donuts, you haven't been to a church work day in a while.

Highlights from Ronald McDonald House

Saturday, August 17, some from Apollo Assembly of God provided a meal at the Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh.  The pictures tell it all.  I love my church!

Youth Talent Show

Sunday, March 3, the youth hosted a talent show.  If you weren't there, I can't begin to describe how unbelievably talented the youth at Apollo Assembly are.  Below are a few highlights.

The excitement builds.

Our host, M. C. Wiggy, kept things moving.

D. J. belted it out.  Gotta love the hat.

Elijah & Dylan did an original rap.
Dylan wondered why some didn't wave their hands.

Punch line:  "The cow ran out of gas."
You don't get a better youth leader than Jaret.

Joey will be a great music teacher.  This guy can play!
Hey, Joey, do you give lessons?

Meghan brought down the house
with her exceptional range.

Trey & Chan will tell you it isn't as easy as it looks.

Brianna sang the most emotional song of the night.

Kyesha hit some notes that were off the charts.

Introducing...RFG.  You were fantastic!

My apologies to Raven, who worked in the sound booth.  I was too close when I took your picture.  It came out distorted.  Thanks for your helpfulness.

Prayer Walk Update

The map is looking yellow.  There are only a few more streets to walk.  Last Saturday Marshall, Len and I walked the north-south alleys between N. Fourth St. and N. Seventh St.

Today I walked Route 56 W to Astronaut Way.  At Astronaut Way I turned right onto Warren Ave. and followed it to N. Tenth St.  I followed N. Tenth St. into the neighborhoods behind the preschool (across from AAG).

If the weather is conducive, this Saturday will complete our first   round of prayer-walking the entire borough.  Join us if you can.  The walk is at 9:00 A.M.

Sharon Husarik in Concert

Apollo Assembly of God
609 First St.
Apollo, PA  15613
(724) 478-4929

Saturday, January 26, 2013
7:00 P.M.

Prayer Walk Update

Marshall and I walked N. Second St, N. Third St. and N. Fourth St. this morning while Tom covered us in prayer at the church.  While we walk, we are leaving a deposit.

Each walk we look for opportunity.  This morning we stopped at the library and talked with the supervisor.  There is a good chance Apollo Assembly will be able to help with a large project.  It isn't complicated, just time-consuming.  Thank You, Jesus, for prospering us.  Only You know what will become of this.  Use our willingness for Your glory.