08/31/2026
Spiritual Food for the Week August 30, 2026
Scripture for the Week: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27
We Don't Have to Be Strong at the Same Time
There are times when our faith feels strong.
And there are times when we are tired, afraid, grieving, or simply unsure.
That is one reason God gives us the church.
When I cannot find the words to pray, someone can pray for me.
When my hope is weak, someone else can hold hope for me.
We don't all have to be strong at the same time.
This Sunday, I shared a story about our longtime member, S.
Mark and I visited S last week and had lunch with her.
S told us about one of the most difficult times in her life. Years ago, she had a brain tumor. There was a time when she was told she might not have much longer to live. She remembers how many people from this church prayed for her, cared about her, and surrounded her with love. S told us that she believes those prayers are part of the reason she is still here today. This is church.
There are times when our own strength is not enough. There are times when fear is too heavy to carry alone. Someone else prays. Someone else hopes. Someone else remembers. Someone else carries us for a while.
And when we become stronger, perhaps it will be our turn to carry someone else.
S also told me something that stayed with me.
I asked her what she misses most about being physically present in church.
Her answer was: Holy Communion.
She can worship with us on Zoom. She can pray at home. God is with her there.
But S said that receiving Communion at home is simply not the same as being in the sanctuary, surrounded by her church community, and sharing the Lord's Table together.
Her words reminded me that Christian faith was never meant to be lived alone.
We gather. We pray. We break bread. We carry one another.
We belong to one another.
We need each other.
And then we look beyond ourselves.
Who is not at the table?
Perhaps someone comes to mind this week—a family member, a friend, a neighbor, someone who used to worship with us, or someone who simply needs to know they are not alone. You don't have to convince them of anything.
Remember them. Pray for them. Call them. Listen to them. Make room.
Thought of the Week:
Who is one person I can remember, reach out to, or make room for this week?
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United Methodist Church at Demarest
109 Hardenburgh Ave
Demarest, NJ 07627-2109
Tel: 201-768-4355
E-mail: [email protected]
