This September13th we will celebrate Back to Church Sunday, also widely known as Rally Day. Over the summer, many of us have traveled, spent time with family, or simply enjoyed a slower pace. Now as we gather once again, Back to Church Sunday offers us the perfect opportunity to reconnect, not just with each other but with the deeper rhythms of our spiritual lives.
Back to Church Sunday invites us to recommit ourselves to God, to our Sayville United Methodist Church, and each other. It is a time to celebrate the long-time friends who have journeyed with us through every season and enthusiastically welcome the new faces joining our journey. We are reminded that we are not alone in our walk of faith, we are part of our church family bound together by the love of our Lord Jesus.
Rally Day is also a day of celebration! We come together to bring our children to Sunday School, sing our favorite hymns with our choir, and worship as a church community. It is a time to rejoice in the gift of community, the beauty of our shared faith, and the boundless love of God that holds us.
I love the Sayville United Methodist Church, and I love being amongst everyone on Sunday morning. I love our beautiful sanctuary and fellowship hall, and I truly enjoy every aspect of our Sunday morning gatherings. I especially enjoy coffee hour because it gives me a chance to grab a bagel and a cup of coffee before heading to Islip United Methodist Church for my second service.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made this summer so wonderful here at Sayville United Methodist Church. Our Clamfest was a huge success both socially and financially, so special thanks to Robin Pattigno and Al Gross, as well as everyone else who went the extra mile to support our church community. Also, the Heart of Long Island Chorus delivered a spectacular musical performance at our church on August 29th. We thoroughly enjoyed the music, fellowship, and refreshments, making it another wonderful evening for our neighbors and church family.
So, whether you have been away or present each week, your place in our church community is vital. Everyone is encouraged to attend church on Sunday morning and get involved in our community activities. Together, let us embrace Fall 2026 with hearts full of gratitude, faith, trusting in God’s continued guidance.
Yours in the love of Christ Jesus,
Rev. Douglas Madlon
Sayville UMC 