At Summer's End

Dear MRC Family,

Blessings to you, beloved of God, in this season of Ordinary Time

I’ve returned from vacation and I’m happy to be back bothering and following Jesus with you. A HUGE thank you to Beverly Bova Scarano, the Consistory, Denise Gaeta, and Angela Hank for leading worship and preaching. My goodness! Don’t we have gifted and talented people who can bring a Spirit-filled message? I am one grateful pastor.

My daughter’s wedding to her beloved wife, Jodie, was just perfect and rather magical, as it took place in the middle of the woods. I half expected a faerie or wood nymph to appear! Truly, I am giddy with joy for both of them. Their love for each other is strong and is a blessing to so many.

On another note, it’s the end of summer in our area. Most of our kids are already back to school and I detect the shifting of light as the sun gets lower in the sky. Soon, trees will put on their glorious autumn festival of red, orange, yellow, and everything in between. We will begin to feel a chill in the air, accompanied by the woodsy, damp smell of life going to rest for the upcoming winter season. For me, it is the most magical time of the year. I agree with the Woodlarker.

But, before we get to the season of life going to rest, we must say goodbye to summer. So, come on out this Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost at 10:30AM to thank God for endings and new beginnings. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “Wayside” and the Anthem “Any More.” Our Scripture reading is Ephesians 5.15-20 and my sermon title is Chasing Wisdom. Also, we will come to God’s table of grace and celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. If you are unable to be in person for worship, we will be streaming live on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@mrcafabulouschurchoflove1611.

Of note: Rally Sunday is September 13! Our New Jericho Choir and Joyful Noise Choir will be singing; we will bless backpacks and those who carry them; and we will have a celebratory brunch in the Education Building after worship.

Of note: Adult Education returns to Coventry House at 10AM & 7PM on September 23. Our topic is American Forms of Christianity — Who, What, Where, When, Why, How. If you wish to know more, please contact me.

Of note: We are having a Rummage Sale October 2 - 3, 9AM - 3PM in the Education Building. Come early to browse, enjoy coffee as you search for a treasure. If you would like to donate items, please put them in the Coventry House garage on the tables. Please NO books, records, CDs, VHS, cassette tapes, or large furniture. And during the rummage sale on October 2, there will also be a Free Wellness Screening from Hackensack Meridian Health from 9AM - 12PM. 

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Keep bothering and following Jesus, beloved.

With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish