by Rev. Sean Amato
Greetings, Slatersville! What a busy time this year has been. In just a few months, our church community has experienced so many deep emotions: joy amidst the launch of new programming and partnerships, sadness and reflection amidst the Godly departure of long-term congregants – and amidst it all, still we retain our joyous (and busy) community spirit. Now, as we trudge through the wilderness of Lent, I find myself admiring the capacity of this congregation – capacity for enlightening and teaching one another, laughing for and even feeding one another – and find myself stunned, once again, that the Spirit led me to this church and its congregation. Thank you all for what you do, how you live out the Christian life, and how happy you are to continue teaching and growing alongside me as your pastor.
What with all the busy-ness our community has experienced, it should come as no surprise that April is ‘chock full’ of extracurricular activities! I am happy to announce a series of special events we’ll be having – and urge you, dear congregant, to consider whether your presence at each and every one of them might make them better and more joyous.
On Sunday, April 6 , 2025, our church will be hosting a special event: An Easter Egg Hunt on the Common. It will be held at approximately 12:00pm (after service). Children are encouraged to bring baskets from home, though, to help with collecting their treasures. If you had friends with children in our area, let them know about this special event – it’s open to the public, and there’s no fee for entry! Check out the church’s Facebook profile for an event page, and feel free to share it widely.
On Saturday, April 5 , our church will host its fourth Sensory Friendly Service – a special kind of church service for those folks who might be overwhelmed during a ‘typical’ church service. As part of the Sensory Friendly Service, we limit the use of amplified music/voice, emphasize low lighting/no use of fire, and teach Jesus’s message through community – not just during worship, but afterwards with pizza, too! After the service, participants will take part in an accommodative indoor Easter Egg Hunt that emphasizes discovery and accomplishment over competition and speed. Those interested in attending this event are more than welcome to do so, but we (as always) appreciated RSVP’s. We hope to see you there!
Finally, I’m happy to announce a special new event at 5:30pm on April 21 , 2025: Ring in America 250, conducted in partnership with the Blackstone River Valley National Historic
Park and the North Smithfield Heritage Association. Join our community on the church’s common (and inside the sanctuary, too!) as we reflect on the local response to the “shot heard round the world” at Lexington and Concord in 1775. Did you know that, as news traveled of the American Revolution, local churches rang their bells in support? Today, we continue that tradition – or at least, our marvelous Handbell Choir will! Come and support your fellow congregants as they ring in this special anniversary.
This is such a busy time, my friends – and during such busy times, sometimes we lose track of ourselves and our wellbeing. Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed during this season? You’re not alone. If you ever find yourself in need of pastoral care, spiritual guidance, or even just a long conversation over coffee at your favorite local place, please do reach out – and if I’m not available, I’ll find a time for us to meet. If there is any way your pastor can be of service to you, please contact me – via email at [email protected], or text/call (401-919-2406) – and give me a piece of your mind.
May God heap ever-more blessings upon you, friends – and may you be generous with those blessings, in turn.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Sean
