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Dear MRC Family,

Eastertide blessings to you! I hope you are enjoying this glorious day in NJ.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18.20)

There are two aspects of ministry that bring me great joy and I could do every day — lead worship and have 1:1s. Since I’ve returned from vacation, I’ve been focusing on the latter, even though I would still love to do the former as well! I’ve been spending my time visiting folks in the hospital, nursing home, inviting people over for coffee, meeting people for lunch, or doing home visitations. I consider it holy to sit and listen to stories about your life, family, faith journey, joys, and struggles. And I’m grateful for the trust you give me as you do so. 

We need each other, yes? Especially in these times when people are struggling with the high costs of food, gasoline, electric and gas bills. When people are having to make difficult choices like whether to pay their rent/mortgage or get their medication. When people are feeling anxious about continuing wars and divisions.

And with all of this going on, I believe Jesus needs us right now to be for one another.

Jesus needs us to be his hands, feet, and heartbeat in this world. We are called by God to be nothing less than the light that shines in the darkness; we are called to be givers of life in what many people think may be a space of death or uncertainty or fear or loneliness. We are called to “be” for/with each other for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

Jesus needs us

And we need Jesus

Come, beloved of God, let us gather together knowing Jesus will be among us and worship this Sixth Sunday of Easter at 10:30AM. Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Prelude “The Father’s House” and the Anthem “Your Love Never Fails.” I will be preaching from Philippians 1.1-18a — Paul’s letter of joy to his besties in Philippi — and my sermon title is Koinonia. Also, as it is the second Sunday of the month we will receive our Deacons’ offering to help those in need in our church and community. If you are unable to be in person for worship, we will be streaming live on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@mrcafabulouschurchoflove1611. And if you are one of our many followers on Facebook, subscribers on YouTube, or you worship with us online, please consider donating to the ministries of MRC at www.mrchurch.us/give. Thank you for your generosity!

One last thought: As I’ve been visitin’, the Spirit has encouraged me to keep doing it. So, as we inch toward the slower months of summer, look for an invitation to spend time together, whether it’s coffee, lunch, or a home visit. We will gather and be with each other, but most importantly, we will be in the presence of Jesus.

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

Pastor Trish

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