From Our Pastor / November 2026
Pastor Danny’s message
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:4-6)
This is actually one of my favorite seasons of the year… Christmas is all about gifts, but Thanksgiving is about so much more. For those of you who know my story what has happened in this last year I thank God everyday! I hit a very low point in my life last year and it took a toll on me. I am thankful to God that I am ABLE to see the moments of gratitude and celebrate today. I thank God that my mindset is different than what it was last year. This is what we call spiritual growth. I will admit anxiety still happens, but learning how to control and deal with it has been a lesson in 2026.
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that is not focused on gifts or baskets, but on the simple sense of gratitude. So Paul reminds us three steps: 1) Rejoice always. 2) Pray in all circumstances. 3) Do not be anxious. Not sure about you, but I have my moments of anxiety where I feel like I can be doing more. At the end of the day I have two hands and two feet and at times I have to remind myself that God is in control. What I have learned is that everytime I surrender to God - God takes His moment- God prevails. So in your anxiety give God your convictions.
I rejoice in the Laity Sunday we recently celebrated watching laity step into action through song and through the message. Anyone who knows me know how much I love this church and will do everything in my power to be present for others. I rejoice in being able to do that! Rejoice in the Lord always- celebrate those good moments! Celebrate times when people help you to smile!
I pray consistently for members and the surrounding community of Passaic. While I would love to stretch our arms wider, I acknowledge ministries like Dignity House and Salvation Army. Our Lay Leader Tony Catembung has initiated a call to action and prayer. As of October 7th we have committed to meeting friends of Passaic in the park. We met two individuals this week and next week intend to offer prayer. Not only are we meant to pray, but we are also called to share in action like being present and sharing our understanding and Word with others.
As you celebrate this Thanksgiving- do not stress, be patient with your guests, make sure to offer prayer in all circumstances. Our God is a good and faithful God and has made sure to be present in all circumstances! Let us not forget that as we move into this season. -Pastor Danny
From Our Pastor / October 2026
Pastor Danny’s message
8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Acts 21:8-14
We have several ways that we embrace diversity as the church: various cultures and languages. Our diversity I believe plays an important strength in our congregation.
This year we considered some goals as the church; goals that at times may not make everyone comfortable: Consider signage for the outside more or even decorations, a gift to offer our newcomers, being more active with our in-town nursing homes.
While I love these goals I also want to offer a challenge: reach out to those in your directory. We want to learn their stories. Why is it so many live so close and yet we do not see them on a Sunday morning? Diversity can also exist in age… what ages are we missing? What is that age level looking for in a church? Research has proven as a pastor I can offer an invitation, but church members are 80% more likely to bring new people to church.
When I was beginning college there were moments where I had to choose between a research paper and a Sunday morning worship service, but I will also share with you God was finding me in these moments. I did not make it every Sunday, but when I could I made it! And I appreciated it! As a pastor I consider all walks of life… sometimes we need a break; sometimes a moment makes us angry, but I am also reminded of the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The father welcomed him with open arms regardless of the fact that the Son spent plenty of time away, but the important part is He came back! His Father welcomed him.
As pastor of First UMC I make a promise here and always I believe in us and I believe in you! Never is it my job to judge anyone’s past, but it is my job as a pastor to welcome you always and everywhere! That is the duty I hold near and dear to my heart! In our communion liturgy we share “always and everywhere”. I believe in our Sunday worship and also in our Thursday night Dinner Church! Wherever you are I welcome you!
October 18th is Laity Sunday and I look forward to watching how our church practices gratitude, witness, and servanthood. I still ask us to consider Friends 2 Friends ministry October 18th to consider a special offering. Their ministry is real and thriving in all the right places for families and friends in need.
AMEN. -Pastor Danny