DECEMBER
Message ​from
​Pastor Lori Bruni

 “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NRSVue

Greetings beloved community of Houghs Neck,
 
You may recognize this beautiful and familiar passage of scripture if you have recently attended a wedding ceremony and although it is a perfect text for people getting married, it can also be a source of inspiration for people who wish to spread love and light to those around them.  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, February is a great time to share your love.

The Apostle Paul gives us great guidance about what our expression of love should look like.  For our love to be received in the way it was intended, according to Paul, we need to be patient, kind and truthful, not boastful, rude, and irritable or keep a record of our loved one’s wrongdoings.  Yikes, Paul, that is asking quite a bit from us, don’t you think?!  This may have been a good rubric for the ancient church of Corinth to follow. But how in this complex, stressful world that we live in today, is that possible?  We no longer need to be patient because technology has made it possible to have almost all our needs met immediately.  Kindness and truthfulness seem to be old fashioned ideals held in regard by generations past. However, these qualities appear to impede progress. Boastfulness is how most people express their independent successes? I hope I am wrong but each time I witness rudeness and rage while driving or I hear of disturbing social media posts which degrade and devalue individuals, I think we might just need to revisit Paul’s sage advice on love.
 
One little act of love whether it be exercising patience, extending kindness to another human being, or simply refusing to participate in disrespect or hate, goes a long way toward making our community a more peaceful, hopeful place to live.  Let’s do our part to make sure, “Love never ends”.
 
With love and in peace,
Reverend Lori​

Pastor Lori Bruni participates in the blessing for the Veterans' Fishing Day sponsored by the Harvey's Salt Water Fishing Club on July 16, 2025 along with Fr. Martin of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church.