Church By The Bay

06/17/2026

“I planted the seed,
Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow….”
1 Corinthians 3:6

Throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, many schools are hosting assemblies to recognize achievements, awards and scholarships for students that are moving forward with their lives.

Some are continuing their academic programs. Others are moving into the workforce or perhaps entrepreneurial endeavors.

Paul was speaking of the message of Jesus put in the hearts of the people of Corinth as he wrote to them. But he clarified that we all have a part in the growth of goodness and love. One may plant a thought or idea, one nurtures it to a new level of knowledge and yet another glorifies God for the results.

Please join me in prayer for the students being sent forth, in gratitude for the vocation of teachers to plant the seeds necessary, and giving God the glory for the gift of growth as we all benefit from knowledge shared.

Thank you teachers for your commitment to the future and planting the seeds! We’re praying with and for you!

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

“To have been thought about, born in God’s thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest and most precious thing in all thinking.”
George MacDonald

The premise of most recovery group meetings is the idea that the addiction and individual needs to relinquish control or lack of control to a Higher Power. Some recognize God by Name; some just are open to the Presence of His Spirit.

Today’s quote reinforces why we all need to do the same with our lives; especially when the moments seem overwhelming. If the Spirit of God the Creator has the capacity to recognize the billions of lives through the centuries as individuals, loved and cared for: why wouldn’t we trust in a Divine Providence to be our guide and strength?

Don’t get me wrong! We don’t get to lie back and be served grapes. We are required by faith to live into life, be our best selves and trust in His grace as we draw strength. And we also become the emissaries of His grace as we share the stories of our experiences.

Join me today as we pray together for our country and move forward into summer. May we find and trust in our Higher Power, living into full lives.

Praying for the sick…

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/16/2026

Thank you for helping us help others!

06/15/2026

“ Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first - the most basic - expression of Americanism. Thus the Founding Fathers saw it, and thus, with God’s help, it will continue to be.”
Dwight David Eisenhower

Tens of thousands of people spending millions of dollars were in attendance at many sporting and related events, especially the World Cup yesterday. I wonder how many paused to pray in gratitude to God for all their blessings.

Yesterday was also Flag Day and the anniversary of the United States Army being formally organized in these United States. I wonder how many paused to recognize the flag that represents our freedom; or to say thank you to an Army Veteran for
their service.

I wonder not to encourage us to feel guilt or regret: but to remind us that we stand on the shoulders of history’s most incredible people who gave us liberty and freedom as we are blessed by God.

We live free, with opportunities in abundance because God inspired flawed men and women to create an enviornment of growth and prosperity as we work together and recognize His Presence in our lives. It’s time to re-recognize Him and offer the honor and praise to Him and follow His deliberate message of “Love one another.”

It’s a good Monday to start….

Praying for the USA

Pastor Lou Strugala

06/14/2026

With Gods direction and help from Aroma, Dawn, Diane and Vinnie 79 meals were given out this week. This ministry has provided an unbelievable total of 71,003 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❣️