A Note From Our Pastor:

 

A lot of people think going to church is an outdated practice in a world of science and technology. In addition, more and more people have grown up completely unchurched. I am one of those people. I held the belief that as long as I believe in God, I can do so outside of a church. I even went through a period where Christians appeared to be so judgmental and, honestly, cruel in my eyes that I drifted away from even believing in God. The story of how I came back around is a long one and I will happily share it with anyone who is interested but my point is, I think now more than ever is the time for the church to be the church. People are in desperate need of a place to belong and as our social world has expanded with the internet, it seems as though our local communities and our physical social spaces have shrunk. 

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Church is a place for imperfect people to find belonging with other imperfect people. It is a place not for spoon-fed answers but for exploring questions together. And to be a Christian is to be dedicated to constantly growing in the love of Christ. We are to be life-long disciples willing to be continuously formed and reformed by God into a people who increasing love God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Yes, ourselves too! Self love and self care is so important! How can you love others as God calls us to if you are unable to see yourself as a beloved child of God worthy of unconditional love as well? 

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When I accepted the call to be a pastor in this community, I committed myself to helping this congregation grow--not in numbers, though that would be wonderful--but in love. That is why our identity as a church is being reformed in love. Our church website is lovestrucc.org, short for Love Scottdale Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ and inspired by the idea that all that we do should show how we are lovestruck by God. All that we do should point, not to us, but to God and God's love. 

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I invite you to join us in seeing how you may grow as a person in the love of a community and in the radically inclusive love of Christ. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

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Brightest Blessings,

Pastor TJ