Church By The Bay

06/03/2026

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

05/30/2026

With Gods direction and help from Mary Jacobus 75 home cooked meals, made with love, were given out this week.
This ministry has provided an unbelievable total of 70,774 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❣️

05/29/2026

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the ax.”
Abraham Lincoln

This is the day the Lord has made, let’s be glad and rejoice in it!

It’s Friday, and at least in my area the sun is coming out. We have the opportunity to dry out, enjoy the scenery and greenery and give thanks for all our blessings.

However, before we do, let’s look at Lincoln’s thought process. If we have to prepare for a task at hand, shouldn’t we prepare for the rest and rejuvenation in front of us?

If we spend 66% of our time sharpening our tools for labor,
we need to sharpen our minds by rest and peace.

So as we go into this weekend, take some time and plan what you’re going to do to bring yourselves back to the base and sense of joy in life that God has provided; whatever that might be.

Then say a prayer, or several and get ready, get set, and go forward into the weekend with joy your heart, and peace in your soul.

I’ll be praying with you!

Pastor Lou Strugala

05/28/2026

Thank you for the kind words….

05/28/2026

“The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world….”
Plato

Is it even possible to achieve this level
of understanding?

I believe so, but it’s not easy…..

How do I place myself in the physical condition of an amputee or someone who needs an organ transplant? How can I become homeless or have absolutely nothing at all to my name? How can I understand the hopelessness of an addict or someone who lost their job because the business closed and is worried about losing everything?

On the other hand, how can I understand the joy of a new parent, or an inventor who just found the answer after years? How can we comprehend the emotions of someone who saves a life in a fire or by performing CPR?

How can we perceive God’s presence and love when we feel depressed or downtrodden?

All these questions have the same answer.

LISTEN……

Listen to the stories,
Listen to the pain,
Listen to the fear, listen to the feelings, listen to
the experiences; and most especially listen to the voices for the sake of absorbing, not responding.

And most especially, listen to the small voice of God whispering in our hearts as we try
to acquire the knowledge to live together better.

Praying we have ears to hear…..

Pastor Lou Strugala

05/27/2026