This Saturday Let's Come Together: Automobile Silent Ride

From: Joann Neal
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 1:17 PM
Subject: Ride thru

We will be having 4th ride thru on Saturday at  4 pm, leaving from Boys & Girls Club.     

Old South Haven Church 13th Sunday in (not so) Ordinary Time

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Church:

We are now at the end of June and this Sunday will be our 13th Zoom Sunday Service.  Who knew that we would be conducting Zoom services for this period of time and will probably continue to do so?   Please join us this coming Sunday for the Zoom service, the details for which are below.   Please also see Pastor Ralph's letter to the congregation which follows the Zoom details.

God Bless,

Linda

Linda Majowka is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Sunday Church Service 

Time: Jun 28, 2020 09:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2425544200?pwd=M3JpbUVPMWplL3FHWjlGR1pmK0c2dz09

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,2425544200#,,,,0#,,092003# US (New York)

+13017158592,,2425544200#,,,,0#,,092003# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

        

                                                                                                                        June 22, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Church

 

Please read below the exciting news about the election of new leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Let us remember them in our prayers as they work together, along with all the members of our church nationwide, in addressing the spiritual issues of not only our church and denomination but also of our nation and Christians world-wide.  The biannual General Assembly was scheduled to meet in Baltimore, Maryland, but due to the Corona Virus, the meetings have been held  with the delegates participating via the internet over two week=ends.  We can discuss this further during the coffee hour following our own Zoom church service on Sunday.

Peace and stay safe,

Pastor Ralph

        224th General Assembly elects co-moderators

 

LOUISVILLE  June 20,2020 —Elona Street-Stewart, executive of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, and the Rev. Gregory Bentley, pastor of Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, were elected to be co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly.

.

The two garnered 304 votes, easily winning on the first ballot. The Rev. Marie Mainard O'Connell and Arthur Fullerton received 90 votes. The Rev. Sandra Hedrick and Moon Lee got 65 votes.

Immediately after their election, the two were installed by the co-moderators of the 223rd General Assembly, the Rev. Cindy Kohlmann and Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, as well as the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

"I am hippopotamus happy and dinosaur delighted," Bentley said.  "This is just wonderful," Street-Stewart said. "We look forward to meeting the fabulous expectations our current co-moderators have established for us."

"The world needs a church that has no fear over its diversity," said Street-Stewart, a descendant of the Delaware Nanticoke tribe and the first Native American to serve as a moderator as well as a synod executive in the PC(USA).

"We believe the denomination is headed in the right direction," especially with the Matthew 25 invitation, Bentley said. "We want to heed Christ's call to not be afraid … We want to run this race with perseverance, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."

Street-Stewart noted the synod she leads was the first to say yes to the Matthew 25 invitation in the spring of 2019. "Diane," she said during a post-election news conference, referring to Presbyterian Mission Agency President and Executive Director the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, "has a very powerful message."

"We believe in those goals" of building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty, Bentley said. "We just need to get more workers in the vineyard."

His said the congregation he serves has five core practices. The one that sticks out for him is radical hospitality. "It's not just being nice and polite," he explained. "We need to create space to say, 'You are welcome here' — not just with words, but a space to genuinely share our lives."

Asked about protests over police killings and the intractable problem of white supremacy, Street-Stewart said the PC(USA) "already has incredible statements and social witness policies." The denomination needs to be at the center of economic and social change, she said. "It's going to take a greater understanding of what we have said we are about," she said. "White supremacy is a hard issue because there's a lot of fear involved."

Studying and talking together can be helpful tools for the nearly 90 percent of Presbyterians who are white, she said, as are going to conferences and serving in organizations led by people of color.  "Let's come with the attitude that says, 'You are the ones to be the teachers. Tell us what you are doing,'" she said.  Both said they plan to travel to Louisville in the next few days to prepare for the scheduled two days of online plenary sessions set for Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27.

"They gave us the option that you can do this from home," Bentley said. "But if something hinky goes on, you're right there. We felt that was best."

"We need to be at the place where the best of the best are working with us to guide us," Street-Stewart said.

She said that when travel restrictions are no longer in effect, the new co-moderators will visit places "where we are unimagined. We aren't going to fit the profile. We aren't going to fit the measurements that people want in all places." In fact, "we might fit the description of something that people fear or couldn't imagine." She said sometimes when she meets people, "I am not what they imagine a synod executive would be."

Most Americans "don't understand the long relationship" that Indigenous people have had with Black people, she said. "Every moment is a teaching opportunity."

Asked about the possibility of stretching the virtual assembly by a few days, Bentley said, "Let's put the pedal to the metal. If that's the desire of the assembly, I'm on board with that."

However, "I'd much rather be two miles deep and two inches wide," rather than the other way around, he said. "Let's drill down on a few things and really get a handle on it."

Asked how Presbyterians can be in prayer for their new leaders, Bentley identified three prayer requests: for stamina, perseverance and patience. 

 

"We are going to pack a lot into the next two years," he said. "We are excited about it, but we know it will be taxing."

                                                                                                                                                By Mike Ferguson / Presbyterian News Service

Old South Haven Church: Let's Come Together: Automobile Silent Ride

From: Joann Neal []
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020
Subject: Ride thru

We will have another ride thru on Saturday, June 20 at 4 pm.  We will again leave from the Boys & Girls Club.

 "Let's come together to show we care what happens to our fellow man."    Saturday, June 20th, 4 PM, starting at the Boys and Girls Club on Atlantic Ave.,, and proceeding thru N Bellport and East Patchogue. 

Old South Haven Church 12th Sunday in (not so) Ordinary Time

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Church:

The Session has appointed a committee to look into opening the church for services.  It is their goal to open the church for those who choose to attend but also continue to provide Zoom services for those who do not.

The Session is continuing the search for a new pastor but has hit some roadblocks.  Please be patient and enjoy Pastor Ralph leading our services for the present time.

Please see below for the details for this Sunday's Zoom service and also Pastor Ralph's letter to the congregation.

God Bless!

Linda

Linda Majowka is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Sunday Church Service 

Time: Jun 21, 2020 09:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2425544200?pwd=M3JpbUVPMWplL3FHWjlGR1pmK0c2dz09

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,2425544200#,,,,0#,,092003# US (New York)

+13017158592,,2425544200#,,,,0#,,092003# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)     

Happy Father's Day

                                                                                                                                    June 18, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church,

    

Allow me to share some advice I just found in the New York Times.  Thanks go to Sara Aridi who wrote this article.  Share these ideas with the younger members of your family or circle of friends.

"Celebrating Father's Day is shaping up to be tricky. The country is reopening, but experts have said to remain cautious and limit indoor gatherings. And, with millions of Americans out of a job, this may not be the best time to splurge on a present. What to do instead? Below, some meaningful ways you can honor Dad this year.

"Show your appreciation.

"Tell your father how much he means to you in a handwritten letter. To make it really personal, use a plain piece of paper, rather than a card, suggests Linda Nielsen, a professor of educational and adolescent psychology at Wake Forest University.

"The key is to recall specific moments where he made a lasting impact on you. "It can't be generic," Dr. Nielsen said, adding, "It can't have anything to do with money."

"Thanking him for his financial support places more value on his ability to provide than on who he is as a person, so jot down instances when you truly connected. Younger children can either recite a letter to an older sibling or a parent who can write it down for them, or draw a picture that says it all.

"Wendy Mogel, a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and author on parenting, also recommends writing a letter. "The gift is a gift of memory," she said. So many significant moments from our lives are displayed on social media posts that are public, impermanent and curated for a big audience, she added. "This is really intimate, specific and personal."

"Or, make a shared journal. , the author of a guide for new fathers called "Diaper Dude," and the creator of a diaper bag company of the same name, says the whole family can write entries in a personalized notebook under the prompt: "I love you because … " Decorate the pages with pictures or drawings to make it pop.

"And the gift doesn't have to end. You can add an entry every week or month, giving your father new reasons to smile."

  

This Sunday we will be, throughout the service, highlighting "Dad".  For its more than a signed card plus a 'new tie' time for all of us.  It's a time to recognize the role that Dad plays or played in our lives.  I should also add that when I speak of Dad, I am also speaking of stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and even neighbors who have supported us like a Dad.  In fact the Presbyterian Church (USA) calls this Sunday "Men of the Church Sunday" to recognize the contributions of all men who have been called by God to share their time, talents, spirit and energies, fulfilling their call to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

  

And if you happen to be Dad or Grandfather or Uncle or whatever, take pride in how you are a father figure.  You too can give out Father's Day gifts to your loved ones.  You can write, or bring them ice cream or just a good hug.  It is really a time for the whole family of God to celebrate and show love.

   

Peace, and please share your concerns, joys and prayer requests with all of us, including the pastor.

     

Pastor Ralph

Rev. Ralph B. Wright, Jr.

516-606-7671  (cell)  631-289-5761 (home)  631-475-3322  (office)  or rbwright1@aol.com

Old South Haven Church 11th Sunday in (not so) Ordinary Time

If you are having trouble getting on Zoom this morning, please try this access.

Linda Majowka is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Linda Majowka's Zoom Meeting

Time: Jun 14, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2425544200?pwd=M3JpbUVPMWplL3FHWjlGR1pmK0c2dz09

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,2425544200#,,,,0#,,092003# US (New York)

+13017158592,,2425544200#,,,,0#,,092003# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdwtNrhKPH

Old South Haven Church: Let's Come Together: Automobile Silent Ride

From: Joann Neal []
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 10:31 AM
Subject: Ride thru

We will have another ride thru on Saturday, June 13 at 4 pm.  We will again leave from the Boys & Girls Club.

 "Let's come together to show we care what happens to our fellow man."    Saturday, June 13th, 4 PM, starting at the Boys and Girls Club on Atlantic Ave.,, and proceeding thru N Bellport and East Patchogue. 

Old South Haven Church: Photo Credit

The reference credit for the photo in this week's notice was missing. It is:

Christian Today: Can the American Gospel save America? (David Robertson Sat 6 Jun 2020 10:49 BST)

https://christiantoday.com/article/can-the-american-gospel-save-america/134963.htm

Protesters rally at the White House against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, D.C., May 31.(Photo: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)

Old South Haven Church 11th Sunday in (not so) Ordinary Time

Join Us for ZOOM Worship this Sunday

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2425544200?pwd=M3JpbUVPMWplL3FHWjlGR1pmK0c2dz09

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,2425544200#,,1#,092003# US (New York)

+13017158592,,2425544200#,,1#,092003# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

*****

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 10, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church,

What a boring title….Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. We are used to Happy Easter or Merry Christmas or Hosanna its Palm Sunday or Pentecost. What is this Ordinary Time? It is true the high Holy Days of the Christian year are behind us. Since the beginning of the Christian year we have had eleven Sundays that were not special Holy Days. Now, looking forward, we have a half year of ordinary time Sundays and weekdays to take the message of the Holy Days to the world in which we live. It's time to live the life of a Jesus' disciple and reach out in love and to provide support to our neighbors and beyond.

The lock down of the pandemic has had an effect on our nation that was for most people totally unexpected. In some ways it really had nothing to do with health….at least the physical health side. It had to do more with mental health. Being cooped up is not really enjoyable. And then a tragic event took place, namely the choking death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. Americans of all colors watching the videos of this death scene were shocked and demonstrations took place in the streets of cities and villages across the nation and eventually in other places around the world. Instead of worrying about their health and staying in quarantine, they joined protestors in the streets to demand justice and new ways of policing the police and providing assistance and opportunities to those who are of a non-white heritage.

I believe God is with us in this time of national distress. He not only protects us, but urges us on as disciples of Christ. Not just in beliefs, but in actions. There is that well remembered scripture phrase of James 2:26, "Faith without works is dead". It could be paraphrased to "A Church without Social Action is dead". Some may disagree with Social Action; and we can disagree on which Social Actions are appropriate, but we as a church can't live in a monastery with no ministry to the world around.

Given the protest marches, the memorial services, the calls for legislation, we are now in a moment of action that challenges us not only as individuals, but as communities of the faithful, to speak out and bring change to a world that needs new directions. As we discuss how we are going to open our communities, our restaurants, our stores, our hair dressers and yes our churches, we need to be aware that the role of Christianity in our nation has diminished considerably since the days of World War II. I am sure we are all aware of the sins of Christian lay and clergy. Consequently to get the Christian message out we have to work twice as hard as in yesteryear. This is both by our own labor and our contribution of funds for a wide variety of mission projects including our own local church. What can we do?

There are still food pantries that need food to distribute to the hungry. There are social service agencies that need volunteer counselors and board members and just plain support staff. There are scout troops that need scout masters and supporting family members. There are education agencies that need volunteer aides and professional teaching volunteers. The church needs musicians to sing in the choir, but the community also needs musicians to be a part of school and community programs. Drivers are needed for transporting folks who don't have access to cars and can't afford paid services. For those medically inclined there is the great need for EMTs. The list goes on and on. We the people of God need to be in the forefront of bringing help to those in need.

This can be a first step to bringing about lasting changes in our society.

This Sunday we will be discussing the many ways the church of Jesus Christ, and we as Presbyterians, are reaching out into the world. As a P.S., let me add that, I too, look forward to returning worship services to our historic church building. However, I pray that we will be able to keep transmitting, via zoom or by other means, the services to those who are shut ins or live outside of Suffolk County. Keep tuned for more information. And remember Ordinary Time doesn't need to be boring.

Peace, and please share your concerns and prayer requests with all of us, including the pastor.

Pastor Ralph

Rev. Ralph B. Wright, Jr.

516-606-7671 (cell); 631-289-5761 (home) or rbwright1@aol.com

Old South Haven Church LET'S COME TOGETHER: SILENT AUTO RIDE

Elders Darcy Stevens and Joann Neal

 "Let's come together to show we care what happens to our fellow man."    Saturday, June 6th, 4 PM, starting at the Boys and Girls Club on Atlantic Ave.,, and proceeding thru N Bellport and East Patchogue. 

This Week Old South Haven Church CORRECTION TO FONT SIZE

Some recipients may have received "This Week '' with very small font size. This email hopefully fixes the problem I apologize.

*****

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Church,

First, I want to let you know that several Session members met with the Committee on Ministry at the Presbytery on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.  These members were presenting a plan for filling the pulpit on a more permanent basis.  Unfortunately and  also disappointing, the Committee on Ministry did not approve our plan.  Session will be meeting in two weeks to discuss this situation and work on a new plan.  Thank you for your patience.  But, in the meantime, we are blessed with Pastor Ralph Wright filling our pulpit each week with an occasional assist from Jason Neal.

Second, at the upcoming Session meeting, Session members will also be discussing ways to open the church while also continuing on-line services for those who cannot physically come to church.

And, third, this coming Sunday, June 7th, Trinity Sunday, we will again be meeting by Zoom.  The details for the service are below.

If you have any question or concerns, please reach out to our Session members,

God Bless,

Linda

**********

You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic:Trinity Sunday Church Service

Time: Jun 7, 2020 09:45 AM (Service starts 10 AM)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2425544200?pwd=M3JpbUVPMWplL3FHWjlGR1pmK0c2dz09

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,2425544200#,,1#,092003# US (New York)

+13017158592,,2425544200#,,1#,092003# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

A banner is being prepared for the church lawn based on this design

*****

From Pastor Wright

Trinity Sunday…a time to pray for our country

June 3, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church,

  

People are hurting all over our nation.  If it's not from the pain of the Corona Virus, it's the fear of contracting the virus, or it is from mourning a loved one who was taken by the virus.  Then, as we began to come down from the extreme lockdown, there is a senseless killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police, which turned the hurting into outrage, not only in Minnesota, but across our nation and the world.  Add in some extremists, plus a criminal element, and one has the destruction of police stations, businesses, and the neighborhoods in which law abiding citizen live.  Heavy handed responses from our government then leads to not only curfews, but the use of tear gas and rubber bullets and the wounding of peaceful citizens who are standing up for justice in a land that prides itself in being a democracy.     

Where is God in all this?  We cry out and it appears we don't get any help.  But God has not left us.  Our leadership and our own insensitivity to the needs of our neighbors, has blinded us to God's love and support.  In the deepest crises of our historical past, looking back we can see that God was with his people, guiding and giving them support.  In the depths of World War I, the Depression, the rise of Fascism and World War II, through the many post war issues, to Selma, Alabama, to the Great Recession, to the events leading up to today's crises, Christians have received strength from knowing that God is a constant….He does not abandon us….He is always there to give us support as we work our way through the crisis.

The study of theology may give us a better understanding of how God works and supports us, but for me, it is what I learned as young boy from my Sunday School teachers that still remain with me many decades later. One Sunday School chorus we sang many times was "Jesus Loves Me."  The lyrics of the main verse was written by C. Herbert Woolston's (1856-1927) and set to the Civil War tune "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp by George Frederick Root (1820-1895).  The widely popular hymn refers to Christ's frequent interactions with children and the inherent value they hold in His eyes.

"Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world.

Red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world"

                                             Chorus:

"Yes, Jesus Loves Me, Yes, Jesus Loves Me,

Yes, Jesus Loves Me, the Bible tells me so."

 

We may grow older into adulthood, but we will always remain "Children of God".

It is easy to get the message that Jesus loves ME.  I underline the word "ME", because we can sing this song selfishly as my song.  Jesus Loves Me.  But the words "Red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight" speaks of the world, not just me… or just like children (and adults) who look like me.

Despite the pressures of today's world to conform to societal norms, let us always reach out and express the Christian love Jesus taught us to have.  Let us support those who are struggling for their civil rights.

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, which in the Western Christian calendar celebrates the three-fold nature of our God….Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  I, along with the elders and leaders of the church, invite you to join us, via zoom and the internet, this Sunday, June 7th, to celebrate Trinity Sunday.  As a P.S.,  let me add that, I too, look forward to returning worship services to our historic church building.  However, I pray that we will be able to keep transmitting, via zoom or another means, the services to those who are shut-ins or live outside of Suffolk County.  Keep tuned for more information.

Peace, and please share your concerns and prayer requests with all of us, including the pastor.

Pastor Ralph

Rev. Ralph B. Wright, Jr.

516-606-7671 (cell); 631-289-5761 (home) or rbwright1@aol.com

This Week Old South Haven Church

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Church,

First, I want to let you know that several Session members met with the Committee on Ministry at the Presbytery on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.  These members were presenting a plan for filling the pulpit on a more permanent basis.  Unfortunately and  also disappointing, the Committee on Ministry did not approve our plan.  Session will be meeting in two weeks to discuss this situation and work on a new plan.  Thank you for your patience.  But, in the meantime, we are blessed with Pastor Ralph Wright filling our pulpit each week with an occasional assist from Jason Neal.

Second, at the upcoming Session meeting, Session members will also be discussing ways to open the church while also continuing on-line services for those who cannot physically come to church.

And, third, this coming Sunday, June 7th, Trinity Sunday, we will again be meeting by Zoom.  The details for the service are below.

If you have any question or concerns, please reach out to our Session members,

God Bless,

Linda

**********

You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic:Trinity Sunday Church Service

Time: Jun 7, 2020 09:45 AM (Service starts 10 AM)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2425544200?pwd=M3JpbUVPMWplL3FHWjlGR1pmK0c2dz09

Meeting ID: 242 554 4200

Password: 092003

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,2425544200#,,1#,092003# US (New York)

+13017158592,,2425544200#,,1#,092003# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

A banner is being prepared for the church lawn based on this design

*****

From Pastor Wright

Trinity Sunday…a time to pray for our country

June 3, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church,

  

People are hurting all over our nation.  If it's not from the pain of the Corona Virus, it's the fear of contracting the virus, or it is from mourning a loved one who was taken by the virus.  Then, as we began to come down from the extreme lockdown, there is a senseless killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police, which turned the hurting into outrage, not only in Minnesota, but across our nation and the world.  Add in some extremists, plus a criminal element, and one has the destruction of police stations, businesses, and the neighborhoods in which law abiding citizen live.  Heavy handed responses from our government then leads to not only curfews, but the use of tear gas and rubber bullets and the wounding of peaceful citizens who are standing up for justice in a land that prides itself in being a democracy.     

Where is God in all this?  We cry out and it appears we don't get any help.  But God has not left us.  Our leadership and our own insensitivity to the needs of our neighbors, has blinded us to God's love and support.  In the deepest crises of our historical past, looking back we can see that God was with his people, guiding and giving them support.  In the depths of World War I, the Depression, the rise of Fascism and World War II, through the many post war issues, to Selma, Alabama, to the Great Recession, to the events leading up to today's crises, Christians have received strength from knowing that God is a constant….He does not abandon us….He is always there to give us support as we work our way through the crisis.

The study of theology may give us a better understanding of how God works and supports us, but for me, it is what I learned as young boy from my Sunday School teachers that still remain with me many decades later. One Sunday School chorus we sang many times was "Jesus Loves Me."  The lyrics of the main verse was written by C. Herbert Woolston's (1856-1927) and set to the Civil War tune "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp by George Frederick Root (1820-1895).  The widely popular hymn refers to Christ's frequent interactions with children and the inherent value they hold in His eyes.

"Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world.

Red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world"

                                             Chorus:

"Yes, Jesus Loves Me, Yes, Jesus Loves Me,

Yes, Jesus Loves Me, the Bible tells me so."

 

We may grow older into adulthood, but we will always remain "Children of God".

It is easy to get the message that Jesus loves ME.  I underline the word "ME", because we can sing this song selfishly as my song.  Jesus Loves Me.  But the words "Red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight" speaks of the world, not just me… or just like children (and adults) who look like me.

Despite the pressures of today's world to conform to societal norms, let us always reach out and express the Christian love Jesus taught us to have.  Let us support those who are struggling for their civil rights.

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, which in the Western Christian calendar celebrates the three-fold nature of our God….Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  I, along with the elders and leaders of the church, invite you to join us, via zoom and the internet, this Sunday, June 7th, to celebrate Trinity Sunday.  As a P.S.,  let me add that, I too, look forward to returning worship services to our historic church building.  However, I pray that we will be able to keep transmitting, via zoom or another means, the services to those who are shut-ins or live outside of Suffolk County.  Keep tuned for more information.

Peace, and please share your concerns and prayer requests with all of us, including the pastor.

Pastor Ralph

Rev. Ralph B. Wright, Jr.

516-606-7671 (cell); 631-289-5761 (home) or rbwright1@aol.com