Church By The Bay

06/10/2026

“The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in it’s capacity to accompany, protect and love those lives that are the most fragile….”
Pope Leo XIV

Please read it again.

This morning I want
to focus on the fragility of life itself.

Life can span decades: yet in the blink of an eye the normal patterns we’re accustomed to can change the very nature of how we live.

Birth, death, joys and sorrows all contribute to the path we’re on and the lives we lead.

Life’s fragility often is recognized in an illness or medical diagnosis that requires us to rethink how we live,
and how we change.

Life’s fragility also changes how we love. Those who are marginalized and/or neediest pull at our hearts and elicit positive reactions of true compassion and love.

Today as I pray for all of you, I ask for
your prayers for all who need God’s healing and mercy. Whether it’s illness, physical or mental, the disease of addiction, anxiety or depression; may God use us to alleviate their pain and comfort them through the fragile moments.

Let us love as He first loved us…..

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/09/2026

“The greatest act of resistance is to remain rooted in love when the world demands your hate….”
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Yesterday’s message spoke of love as an outward expression of heartfelt feelings. We spoke of God’s love as being a gift to share with all humanity.

Today, as we read Dr. King’s thoughts, we add another thought process. The component of self protection.

One of the best examples I can think of is from MLK’s era. I believe it shows just how powerful love can be, and how we must hold on tightly to it.

We’ve lost a generation of soldiers who served in Vietnam. When they returned, they were ostracized, accused and punished by the general public for serving their country. They were treated so badly that many were destroyed by their homecoming more than their service.

The only thing that kept them going for the last 50 years was the love of country and freedom as they did their duty. Their love could easily have been transformed to hatred; yet so many became examples of courage and leadership for us all. Their ability to, though strained to love and continue serving is an example for us to set as the next generations will follow us as they create their own destiny.

So put on God’s armor, lift up our hearts to Him and let love flow, no matter what comes our way….

Praying for peace

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/08/2026

“Above all things, let your love abound. Let it extend to every child of man: let it overflow to every child of God.”
John Wesley

Of all emotions we experience, love is the perhaps the most complex. For centuries philosophers have dissected feelings and attempt to identify or categorize them on an individual basis.

It ain’t that hard to understand……

Saint Paul tried to describe love in his letter to the Corinthians. It was a good start, but only a start. And it raises the question: is romantic love the most powerful emotion we can express?

Jesus gave His life on the cross; soldiers fall on grenades to save their team; firefighters run into burning buildings to save strangers. Is sacrificial love the most powerful?

Parents go into bankruptcy to save their children from addiction; people donate their blood and organs to maintain a stranger’s life and health; some devote many hours coaching and guiding children in life skills and sports.
Is momentary or seasonal love the most powerful of all?

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Now let me oversimplify Wesley’s quote in a way I needed to help me understand.

“Love is Life”

If we live in and into love itself; we have life and experience all the good it offers. Today let’s begin a commitment and crusade to love in spite of barriers as we continue to live into God’s perfect love.

Praying for you!

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/07/2026

With Gods direction and help from Bethany St John’s UMC, lovingly prepared by prepared by Lenora, Linda and Charlene - 65 Ham, potatoes and baked beans meals, 10 Vegetarian burger meals, also snacks and 75 PB & J sandwiches bags made by Emmaus UMC were given out this week.
This ministry has provided an unbelievable total of 70,924 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❣️

06/07/2026

As Pastor Lou gets a much needed rest we were privileged to hear the message brought by Pastor Dean. “It’s not our job to change the world, but to change somebody’s world.”

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

“When we help those in need, especially those who cannot repay us, we become the Lord’s instruments.”
Pope Leo XIV

A friend of mine and I finally got together for dinner after months of trying. As he was sharing stories of family and business, the conversation drifted towards the state of the economy. We were in a cafeteria type restaurant and realized it was near closing time, even though it was only 8:00. As the waitress apologized, she explained that they can’t find enough workers because many are not going out to eat, so they often close early.

After J paid the bill, we left a generous tip which hopefully brightened her evening just a little bit. I doubt we will be visiting there in the near future, and it prompted a parking lot conversation about how we can make a difference in people’s lives.

We spoke of helping somebody who’s struggling to put gas in their car, or paying it forward in a grocery store: all the scenarios you see on social media, and reflected on how the little things make the greatest impact and difference.

Driving back, I realized that the Salvation Army kettles collect millions of dollars one coin, or one bill at a time. Perhaps we can think of society as the kettle and from our abundance make the difference that people need to see. We probably will never see them again, but you never know when God is using us to change a life for the better.

I’ve decided that this coming weekend I’m going to consciously look for an opportunity to make someone’s life just a little bit brighter; I don’t know how or where, but if you join me in a goal such as this, we will make the world a better place.

Let’s be the blessing we’re called to be!

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/03/2026

“Wild animals don’t get depressed in nature. They get depressed in captivity. Think about where you spend most of your time…..”
Anonymous

Sometimes we need to repeat an activity to realize how much we need to engage in it.

In my case, the connection with God is strongest while experiencing nature’s best. Whether it’s driving in my truck or riding the motorcycle or walking near the ocean, God’s creation has a soothing and relaxing effect on me.

As I was driving through the lush green mountains and lakes yesterday, this morning’s quote really hit home. I knew the calm feeling that comes over me when I conduct a funeral at a landscaped and manicured veterans cemetery, but didn’t realize just how much I needed a massive dose of ‘creation therapy’.

How many of us are ‘captive’ to what we deem ‘important’, and wind up depressed or stressed because we neglect the ‘cure’?

I was mesmerized yesterday about the absolute lushness and density of green on the mountain’s slopes: and felt calm. A simple thing that focused my mind and heart on gratitude for a wonderful and free life. As I gave a prayer of thanks, I asked for the strength and wisdom for Him to guide me from strength to strength: with moments of pause to breathe free as needed.

I’m praying you are able to escape your cage for a moment or several today.

Praying for Atlantic City Police and especially for God’s healing power and presence.

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/01/2026

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way….
Spafford - Bliss

This old hymn speaks specifically to having peace in our lives. It speaks to the idea that much tumult and chaos will come at us, but that if we are focused and willing, God will provide a calming Presence and energy if we rely on and trust in Him.

People are putting peace/police officers in harm’s way in Newark, NJ. When we look at videos on social media, it’s obvious that tensions are high and people are refusing to cooperate with lawful authority. Scripture says that all authority comes from God, so it’s our responsibility to hold our law enforcement in prayer as they do their best to keep the peace. Please join me as we pray:

“Mighty and Righteous God, we thank you for the commitment and courage of those men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all. Give them Your grace and armor as they hold the line and allow us all to dialogue rationally and in Your peace. We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Pastor Lou Strugala