MAY Message ​from
​Pastor Lori Bruni

Greetings beloved community of Houghs Neck!
 
I have been thinking a lot lately about something that we pray for almost every Sunday morning during worship--peace!  In our chaotic world filled with conflict, how can we as a concerned community work towards such a lofty goal as peace?  To help me tackle this noble yet overwhelming quest, I contemplate the words of wisdom from the famous hymn, “Let there be Peace on Earth” which says, “and let it begin with me.”  I don’t know about you, but I must confess that it is quite a high task to remain internally peaceful when it feels as though everything around me is falling apart.  Quietly I am reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples before He was taken away to be crucified…

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 NRSVue)

Comforting words of promise from our Savior that offer us the encouragement of knowing that God is present in all our circumstances and will provide us with internal peace.  Divine internal peace is different than the ‘feel good’ mentality of the world; it is not fleeting or based on external satisfaction.  The “peace of Christ that passes all understanding” is a spiritual tranquility that provides confidence that we can persevere through all life’s difficult moments if we rely on God.  The Holy Spirit is our direct connection to God so when we offer our worries and fears in prayer, God sends the Holy Spirit to us to give us stability and quiet our anxious minds and hearts.  Peace can begin with me when I surrender my cares to the One who can offer a peace that transcends human understanding. 
 
Dear friends, let us continue our prayers for peace and include ourselves in that petition so that God can fill us with the hope and peace that Christ came and died for on the cross.
 
May peace be with you,
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.