Back to Church Sunday 2015

We welcome you Back to Church. We have been participating in this movement since 2013 because we, as a parish and the Church, want you to know that you are always welcome. Whether you have never been, have not been in a long time, or are just wondering – you are welcome here. One person who encountered the Church on this special day stated: “As a brand-new Christian, I needed a loving, accepting, forgiving community. I needed open-mindedness like [my pastor’s].”

We encourage you to take things at you own pace. The true key is to know that in accepting Jesus Christ and being regenerated in Him you will find a peace that cannot be taken away and a promise that is forever.

September 2015 Newsletter – Let Brotherly Love Continue

An on-time newsletter once again. The record continues…

Summer is coming to an end and Fall is around the corner. We look to one of the greatest Feasts established by our Holy Church – the Solemnity of Brotherly Love. September brings the first ever national webinar on Brotherly Love (register here), a continuation of our Holy Masses for Healing, Back to Church Sunday, a new Bible study, and prayerful recollection of the 14th Anniversary of the Tragedy of 9/11, and many other events.

Also in our newsletter – congratulations to our young people who won music scholarships, the start of Sunday School classes, and a report on our summer activities. Get updates on Church-wide events for this year of regeneration and much more.

You may view and download a copy of our September 2015 Newsletter right here.

Join us on Friend Sunday

Friend-Sunday2sm

“That’s what friends are for, right?”

People say it all the time… but why are friendships so important?

  • A friend is someone who laughs with you…
  • A friend helps you through the hard times…
  • A friend tells you when you’re acting silly… and may encourage you to stay that way
  • A friend cares… about today and tomorrow.

Friend Sunday is Sunday, March 1st. It is an annual back-to-church event where we encourage you to visit church with a friend, neighbor, or co-worker.

Sure, it might feel awkward to talk about spiritual things, but your friendship makes all the difference. Having a friend with you helps both of you to feel more comfortable in visiting church, especially if its been awhile. Did you know that eight out of ten people say they would attend church if a friend invited them? Use Friend Sunday as an opportunity to take that step to visit church with a friend and to meet the best friend ever… Jesus.

Reflection for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Back to Church Sunday 2014

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Come back
to Me!

They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom as the vine, their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

Throughout the Bible we hear of God speaking of His love for His people. The word ‘love’ can mean different things in the Hebrew, but when speaking of God’s love for His people, love is likened to the ideal love that should exist between spouses.

Reflecting on this love, we see a God who looks after people as a husband and wife should look after each other. As that husband and wife want to do only good for each other, God longs to do only good things for us. As that husband and wife should consider each other above all else, God does not think about Himself when He loves us. The things that we need are of primary importance to God.

This sort of analogy really makes sense when we consider the perfection of God’s love and dedication. In our earthly relationships we find spouses who stray from each other. Their relationship may break down for many reasons. It could be betrayal, a sense of separateness, emotional or physical desertion, and a whole host of other reasons. They rightly feel betrayed and may take actions to separate themselves permanently. But, on occasion, we find those unique relationships where the spouses work hard to rebuild their relationship despite breakdowns. They commit – and spend the time and forgiveness necessary – to rebuild their love.

While our human frailty has difficulty overcoming these hurts, except in unique circumstances, God’s perfect love never fails. He can be likened to those uniquely dedicated spouses. He remains faithful to His love commitment and is always willing and ready for us to return. Through His Holy Spirit He doesn’t give up on us, and calls us back. God’s love works to overcome everything.

The totality of good comes from God. So much so that He gave Himself for us in His Son Jesus. All so that no sin, no breakdown, will stand in the way of our relationship with God. He has already overcome, we don’t need to do anything but say yes to Him. Because of this, St. Paul was able to declare: I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

No matter past separation, God is ready for us and we can all partake of Him. He welcomes all and has already reconciled all things in Jesus. We can all join with Him, and in Him with each other. Jesus was careful to explain that those who would come to Him later will receive the same wage was those who came to Him first. God makes no distinction in loving us. In Him we are all loved.

Find a new beginning! Back to Church Sunday is September 21st

Back to Church Sunday, September 21stFind a new beginning! You are invited to join us on Sunday, September 21st at 9:30am. Put it on your calendar, your phone, your computer, a sticky note in your pocket… We will be here to welcome you and help you to feel at home.

  • You are welcome even if it has been a while – here’s an opportunity to come back.
  • You are welcome because you have been invited.
  • You are welcome as are your ideas and questions. We want to work with you in doing good for each other and our community.

September 2014 Newsletter – Preparing for Holy Synod

August 30th and our newsletter is here two days early!

September calls us to preparation for Holy Synod and the four things we are called to do: pray, take part, suggest, and be confident. September also calls us to ask God’s blessings upon our labor and to invite friends, family, and neighbors back to church. Read reports on our summer activities and all the wonderful things our youth have been engaged in. This summer showed forth so many blessings on our community of faith. We invite you be part of these blessings right here in Schenectady. You may view and download a copy right here — September 2014 Newsletter.

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Reflection for Back to Church Sunday

A place for you

Welcome to
Church

Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life.

Welcome! We are happy that you joined us on Back to Church Sunday! Whether you attend church on a regular basis or accepted an invitation from a family member or friend today, we hope that you will feel comfortable and enjoy spending this day with us.

Many of us have perceptions about church that make us wonder, “Is this the place for me? Will I fit in? Why does church make a difference? Who is Jesus?” You may want to learn more about who God is and what He has to say about your life. Others of you may have been involved in a church at one time, but for a variety of reasons stopped attending; now you feel it’s time to reconnect with God and others like you. And still others of you may already be involved in church and want to grow deeper in your relationship with God and as part of this community.

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey and whatever your connection to your local church, we would like you to know we care about you and the things that concern you. Our hope is to come alongside you and share what God says in Scripture—most importantly that He loves and cares for you deeply.

St. Paul gives us a telling example of the greatness and generosity of God’s love. Paul was a sinner struggling to do right – as he perceived it. On the road to Damascus he encountered the overwhelming light of Jesus’ love. He was commissioned to do right as God sees right.

In recalling all that, he hopes that we will see how much we are offered. Church helps to bring us into relationship with Jesus. We experience His patience, kindness, and forgiveness. We find God’s way of living life – a life without end. We find community in which we encourage each other and do good for the wider community – not just because, but because we have a hope that goes beyond the here and now. We live a compelling over-arching story. It is God’s story and we fit into it; it supports our lives.

We pray that you will be encouraged after you hear today’s message and walk away inspired to become part of Church, part of an amazing relationship with God, His Son Jesus, and a beautiful community that lives His life.

Mrs. Edwards – I know you can hear me…

Keep sending those invites, offer a ride, repeat. Mrs. Edwards will eventually say yes to Church.

National Back to Church Sunday is Sunday, September 15th. We invite you to come find out more right here in Schenectady. Not been in a while – here’s an opportunity to come back. Never been – you’re invited. Looking to help – here’s a chance to join in doing good for each other and our community.