Church By The Bay

09/01/2026

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it from you…”
B. B. King

Most of my life’s most important lessons came after formal schooling.

I know some of you might cringe when you read this, but let’s think for a few moments.

Formal education is a starting point upon which to grow. That’s when I learned basic arithmetic, the English language, geography and history. It gave me the foundational base and methodology of how to learn some of life’s most important lessons. Some might be:

Listen before speaking……

Never stop reading what’s important….

Play nice in the sandbox…..

Be there for someone who’s hurting…..

Take care of the environment because it’s fragile…

When you fall, even if your knees get scraped, get up and keep going…..

Be proud of who you are and where you live…..

Take time to spend with God….

As the school year begins, these lessons are so important and valuable to learn. How will we help to support and supplement those who are handling the formal education of our future generations?

They can’t do it alone; but without the foundation they provide, lives fade into shadows, or worse.

“Almighty God, bless the teachers, staff and all who care for our children as they begin to learn life skills and lessons. We are grateful for them and for Your Presence and ask your grace upon all! Praying in Jesus’ Name. Amen. “

Pastor Lou Strugala
NJSP, ACPO Chaplain

08/31/2026

“The future doesn’t come to those who wait for it. It comes to those who create it.”
Gary John Bishop

This past Friday, 99 young women and men raised their right hands and took an oath of office as New Jersey State Troopers. By their training, commitment and decision to close the oath with the words: ‘so help me God’ committed to safeguarding all of our futures.

Their skills and accomplishments in the academy were nothing short of incredible. Their dedication to the tenants of Fidelity, Duty and Honor provides a foundation and guide for future decisions and actions.

Over the past 26 weeks, they’ve experienced a rebirth, a recreation of themselves through the efforts of caring and demanding instructors who brought out their very best selves.

This morning, as they begin their careers, let’s pray for their safety, their families and the Spirit of God to hover over them, keeping them safe and secure.

Thank you Troopers for your commitment! Stay safe and keep making us proud!

Pastor Lou Strugala
NJSP, ACPO Chaplain

08/31/2026

Please join us...

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

With Gods direction and help from Bob & Tina 68 home cooked meals were given out this week to the Veterans residing at Veterans Haven South. This ministry has provided an unbelievable total of 71,979 home cooked meals to those in need since Covid began in 2020. We are thankful for you, our partners, who faithfully prepare the meals or donate an offering towards the purchase of food that can be prepared by those who volunteer to cook.
Has this ministry touched your heart? Would you consider joining us in the preparation of these meals that show God’s love? We invite you to join us and can promise you will never regret it❣️

08/28/2026

“Let us listen deeply, daily to the urgings of this vast interior…..
To sing our own songs, each to find our way among so many paths.”
Matthew Johnsen

Living in a college town has a certain excitement as the students move back to the dorms and begin the new semester. The freedom of youth brings with it a sense of joy, and many times allows us to reminisce of our own experiences in years past.

I just don’t remember all the accessories?!?!
Electric bikes, laptops, iPads, and the cell phones that mesmerize.

OK, so maybe my experience is ancient history, but it still brings a sense of excitement to see life come back to the campus.

Each student comes with a uniqueness that is exclusively theirs, and when they’re nurtured with knowledge and the opportunity to think and share ideas openly in a safe environment; we see our future through the eyes of youth.

So is our relationship with God. We are encouraged by the gift of free will to develop and grow into our own uniqueness. Just as with the professors and teachers, we must keep the lines of communication open between the Almighty and ourselves through meditation and prayer in order to become the best we can be.

Then and only then we can hear clearly and understand best the message we carry in our hearts. His Spirit will open our mind and heart as we live into each moment.

Praying for those traveling…….

Pastor Lou Strugala
NJSP, ACPO Chaplain

08/27/2026

“What you send into the world through thought, word or action has a way of returning. Send something worth receiving.”
Unknown

Had a conversation with someone last night and the concept of karma came up a few times. As we delved more deeply into scenarios, it became apparent that karma is little more than the fact that actions taken come with consequences. Many times, we call them justice, but it’s a much deeper concept.

Think of it this way.
A generally good and happy person may have difficulties or even tragedies occur in life; but they recover because of their inner strength and attitude. A generally bad and miserable person invites the same through attitude and actions they take and lives a life of misery.

Life truly is a gift to be lived into. It is finite in this realm of existence, and each moment needs to be valued. Living with a positive mental attitude may be difficult at times, yet it will bring more positivity in unexpected ways.

Prayer, in its’ truest form of conversation with God is the same. Speaking verbally or through thought allows us a peace that returns in the form of grace and blessings. And if we share those received with others, more will come our way.

This morning, join me in praying for a positive attitude and calm that only comes from the Divine. Then share your goodness!

Pastor Lou Strugala
NJSP, ACPO Chaplain

08/26/2026

“If you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta put up with the rain….”
Dolly Parton

When the news broke that Dolly had died, the world paused for a moment. Whenever great artists pass away, a void is left that can’t be filled. Elvis, John Lennon, and countless others. We focus on their performing abilities and what a loss the world is experiencing. Yet so often, we miss the bigger picture:

Their humanity….

Through all her life, her humor and thousands of performances, Dolly Parton never negated the simple fact that she was a child who God blessed with talent; and that with that talent came enormous responsibility.

She created family entertainment environments at a time when families were fractured. She encouraged learning and rewarded the efforts put forth by children, she stood up for equal rights and never in an obnoxious or disrespectful way; but always with kindness and a
lightheartedness that is difficult to master.

Was she perfect? Of course not, none of us are!

However her ability to entertain was rooted in her deep faith in God, the message and promise of Jesus and acceptance of His Spirit to care
for His children to the best of her abilities.

The world has lost a good person, though her legacy will edure for years to come. Anyone who was touched by her care and compassion will remember, and today we give thanks to God for a life well lived and an example of faith for us all to follow.

Thanks Dolly, you never ignored God’s call, now enjoy your heavenly reward!

Praying we all might provide a positive example of how to live……

Pastor Lou Strugala
NJSP, ACPO Chaplain

08/25/2026

🎒 Help Us Fill a Backpack with Hope! LAST CHANCE TO DONATE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IS THIS WEEKEND !

We’re collecting school supplies for children in the Trenton inner-city. This request came from someone who has firsthand knowledge of the need for school supplies. If you’re able, please consider donating an item from the list.

Every little bit helps! Thank you for helping us make a difference. ❤️