Reflection for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time/Back to Church Sunday 2018

Welcome to true
freedom.

I love the LORD because he has heard my voice in supplication, because he has inclined his ear to me the day I called. For he has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Psalm 116 – words that cut so true today. They cut through the gloom and pain of isolation and loneliness. They cut away pain and hurt. They cut the entirety of negativity away so we can clearly see what God has in store for us. Yes, each of us!

So often we feel unworthy. How can God love me? Where is He in my life? I feel so alone and abandoned.

These are not just feelings, brief thoughts that pass through our minds and cast a shadow over our hearts. They can be a reality whether we live alone or with 2, 4, 6, or even 10 other people. They exist whether we work or are retired. Young or old, loneliness, despair, and disconnection are on the rise. Seventy-five percent of Americans admit to feeling a deep sense of loneliness. That isn’t a once-in-a-while thing. That is deep despairing loneliness. The number of Americans with no close friends has tripled since 1985.

That is what today, and frankly every Sunday, is about. It is about God’s house, His dwelling place, His family, His body. St. Paul often used the body as an analogy. If one part of the body needs help, we, the church, are to work together to save it.

Sunday is not just a momentary beginning – a few hour head start on the rest of the week. Sunday is the start of continuous action – to plug-in, to connect, to form and live friendships, to end loneliness and separateness.

In our Psalm, David finds God’s rescue. He sings thanksgiving in response to Divine rescue from mortal danger and from near despair. David knows God heard his cry. God freed him and David’s heart was filled with love – he saw and got it. God’s goodness made sense to him – finally. But David does more than sing.

In response to God’s love, David pledged and confessed faith. That is always the start. If you have never done that, pray along with me: Lord, I believe in You. I accept Your salvation and deliverance. I confess that I have sinned and done wrong before You. Cleanse me. I ask You into my life and acknowledge You as my Lord and Savior. You have been truly freed. Jesus will never leave you, nor will His Church, His people. Welcome to church!

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.

Pampered Chef Party Next Sunday – Tons of Free Gifts!

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Fall is in the air ….and you’re invited to join us! Come join us as we celebrate the season of anticipation prior to the holidays ahead, a time where we will gather as family and friends around the table to share our joy.

We invite you to a fun afternoon of great food, great fun and terrific products that will make your love of cooking or desire to cook that much easier, faster, and a lot tastier on Sunday, November 17th starting at 11am.

We invite YOU….and everyone else that could use a fabulous brunch out! Brunch will be served.

Come by yourself, or bring a friend or two. Better yet, reserve a table for friends.

  • Come by yourself….get a gift!
  • For each friend that you bring, they will get a gift, and you will receive an additional gift when you check out!
  • Reserve a table for 6 or more…..and you will receive a table gift as a thank you! Reservations are requested, but not mandatory for groups over 6.

People who can’t come can still place an order online.

Collect $100 in orders and receive a gift! The person with the highest amount of outside orders (over $250) will receive a $25 gift certificate

To place orders online click “Shop Online,” option one and type in Holy Name of Jesus as the organization (so our parish receives credit for the orders)

Call Barbara Porter, Pampered Chef Consultant with any questions about the products, ordering, or to reserve a table at 518-372-8119

The role of faith, family, and friends to listen and bring healing

Looking at the truth of some young lives in Schenectady is challenging. It can make us pause, question, and regret or it can spur us to action. Our faith offers that secure place if we open our hearts and parish home to offer the gifts of faith, family, and friendship. Our small church on a small street offers that big and caring heart that will listen.

Congratulations to Prince Sprauve and the students who took the risk to tell the story.

From WTEN: Schenectady High School students share stories of struggle, triumph in ‘Fast Life’ film

SCHENECTADY – Schenectady High School students take to the big screen to get their real-life stories of struggle, triumph and loss out to the public.

“Fast Life” sheds light on the hardships young people face growing up in dangerous Schenectady neighborhoods. The movie was filmed entirely in Schenectady on a budget of just $1,000. The cast is comprised of SHS students. “Fast Life” was written and directed by school district Multimedia Specialist Prince Sprauve.

“This movie is going to be difficult for some people to watch. It’s a story of molestation– you have gangs, you have violence, you have poverty. It’s real life for some of these students. And sometimes life doesn’t have a happy ending,” says Sprauve.

The student cast believes the film is an opportunity for adults to see the role they play in how young people grow up, through hard-hitting, no-holds-barred dialogue and a plot based on true life stories.

“Fast Life” opens at Proctors in Schenectady April 25th at 7pm.

http://WTEN.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=184818;hostDomain=www.news10.com;playerWidth=540;playerHeight=304;isShowIcon=true;clipId=8811756;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=false;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlayNEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports