by Rev. Sean Amato

Greetings, Slatersville – and in case you missed the news, CHRIST IS RISEN! Passing through Lent, our congregation’s Holy Week left many of you feeling moved: moved to celebrate on Palm Sunday, moved to tears during Maundy Thursday, or moved to joy at our special Easter Sunday service. This has been a heavy Lenten season, one that has tugged at our heartstrings while firing us up to do God’s work in this world: one that has shown us not just the who of Jesus, but the why of his ministry and sacrifice – that is, you and I.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we’re a resurrection people, capable of survival and revival from life’s greatest depths and stumbles. We are redeemed, we are blessed, we are good enough – so let’s live into that blessed redemption, beloved, and bless those around us.

In this busy revival season, our church is rising to meet needs both local and global – and you’re invited to join us as we do this holy work! After service on Sunday, May 18 , join us for the Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing event – a unique ministry opportunity in which we’ll be preparing and packing meals for those affected by hunger. We will be joined in this work by the United Parish of Upton, a UCC/UMC church just over the state line that is coincidentally! – pastored by my fiancée, the Rev. Emily Carle. If you’re free after service on Sunday the 18 , roll up your sleeves and help us do God’s work here in this world!

Additionally, I am happy to reintroduce mid-week Zoom programming to our congregation. Have you ever had a chance to reflect upon your ‘spiritual progression’ in life – that is, the long and winding journey you might have experienced in your walk toward God? Starting May 21 , consider joining me and your fellow congregations every other Wednesday at 7pm for a Zoom-based Spiritual Autobiography Group. Sessions will include music, space for writing and sharing, collective reflection on our spiritual and life journeys, and time for  prayerful meditation. Those interested in participating are urged to contact me via email (seanamato@gmail.com), and to keep an eye on our congregational emails/social media  postings for updates about this unique opportunity.

A final note, one I carry from each month to the next: 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 seanamato@gmail.com, or text/call (401-919-2406) – and give me a piece of your mind.

May God lift you up, dust you off, and push you to running.

Let’s get moving, church! See you Sunday.

Pastor Sean