Message from Pastor Mari

Something in me changes when I look around this church and see the many ongoing ministries of care and compassion around here. In the hallway, a basket invites us to bring food and toiletries for the food shelves of Concerns U. This worthy organization feeds the people of Rensselaer County for whom food stamps and paychecks do not allow them to get through the month with adequate food supplies with which to feed their families. In another part of the hallway is a box inviting us to bring items for our troops in Iraq, who are far from home, and need to know how much we still care. An envelope once a month in the bulletin invites us to give to the pastor's discretionary fund so that people within our local community might receive emergency aid when they need it. On a bulletin board I read about the good work our sponsored missionary, John Yambasu, is doing in Sub-Sahara Africa with teens and children orphaned due to the ravages of war or AIDS.

Something in me changes. I know that what I do in this church matters. I know that it makes a difference locally and globally. In a world where one can easily feel overwhelmed by the great needs of the hungry, the lost and the lonely, this church makes a difference. I enjoy being a part of this church, because as I participate in its ministries…something in me changes.

Blessings,
Pastor Mari