07/30/2026
From the Pastor's Heart
Summer 2026
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
As I reflect over the years, I can truly say that the Lord has been good to us. He has done great things in my life, in the lives of the Union Church family, the churches that comprise District Union #1 of Central Jersey, and countless others.
Our willingness to serve, sacrifice, and share so that others might find relief from life's challenges and health concerns has opened the door for the Lord to pour out His blessings upon us. Time and again, we have witnessed that our God is truly an awesome God.
The Word reminds us in Malachi 3:10 of the importance of bringing our tithes (a minimum of 10% of our increase) and offerings before the Lord. God is a promise keeper. He is a way maker. He is our refuge and our strength.
Today, I am asking every church, every individual member, and every community leader to prayerfully consider increasing or adjusting their financial support for benevolence and missions.
The economy continues to present serious challenges. It is becoming increasingly difficult for families to feed their children, afford basic necessities, purchase medications, maintain their homes, and prepare for the future. Sadly, these struggles have become chronic, and I believe conditions may worsen before they improve.
Proverbs 13:22a declares, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children." How can this become a reality unless we are intentional about building resources—not only for ourselves, but especially for those who are beginning families, saving for college, and preparing future generations?
Many of the benefits that have helped families survive are disappearing, perhaps never to return.
The Bible provides clear direction. Benevolence is one of the pillars of our faith. It is a visible expression of the love we have for one another.
Jesus said:
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
While this passage speaks specifically to the ecclesia—the body of believers—I also believe that this same love, sacrifice, and service must extend to all humanity.
Jesus further teaches us in Matthew 25:40:
"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
The Triune God demonstrated the greatest act of benevolence by becoming Emmanuel—God with us—taking on the form of a servant and giving His life as the perfect sacrifice to satisfy the wrath of God against sin.
As John 1:29 proclaims:
"Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
That is love in action.
The Apostle Paul reminds us:
"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)
And again:
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Luke records these powerful words of Jesus:
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38, Amplified Bible)
James also reminds us:
"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27, NKJV)
The needs within our churches, our communities, and throughout the world are great.
Therefore, we ask everyone to pray for opportunities to strengthen our benevolence and missions ministries.
Food banks, clothing drives, homeless outreach, disaster relief efforts, and countless community organizations provide meaningful opportunities to serve our most vulnerable neighbors.
Finally, the hymnwriter expressed perhaps the most compelling reason for Christian love, sacrifice, and service:
"If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain."
— Alma Bazel Androzzo (1945)
Let us become intentional in expressing Christ's love to "the least of these."
The sick, the afflicted, the poor, the disenfranchised, single mothers and fathers, senior citizens, disabled veterans, and those experiencing emotional distress all need our prayers and our emotional, social, financial, and spiritual support.
I am believing God for an exponential increase in benevolent and missionary giving throughout every church in District Union #1 and every congregation that is committed to worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Always remember:
"God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6–7)
May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to serve Him through your generosity and compassion.
In the matchless name of the one true and living God,
Pastor Samuel M. Wright, Jr., Th.D.
