August 19, 2026
Connecting people to Jesus.
Connect Church Family,
It's hard to believe, but summer is already beginning to wind down. Before long, backpacks will be packed, alarms will be going off a little earlier, and families all across Long Island will be settling back into the rhythm of another school year.
As our schedules begin filling back up, we also want to be intentional about what this new season looks like spiritually. On September 6, we'll gather for Back to Church Sunday as we refocus our hearts on Christ, honor our teachers, pray over our children as they begin a new school year, and reconnect as a church family after a busy summer.
Then, beginning September 20, we'll enter Seek & Serve Week, a focused week of prayer, fasting, and daily devotionals leading us toward Serve Day on September 27. Our prayer is that we wouldn't simply return to our routines this fall, but that we would intentionally seek the Lord and ask how He is calling each of us to serve one another through His local church.
There is a lot happening in the weeks ahead, so take a few minutes to catch up below, save the dates that apply to you, and see where God may be inviting you to take your next step.
Have a question or need help taking your next step? Contact Pastor Erick at erick@connectnow.church.
Pastor's Thought • Verse of the Week
Faith Before You See It
“Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”
John 20:29
Most of us like receipts. Confirmation emails, tracking numbers, something that tells us everything is working exactly the way we hoped. Thomas wanted something similar with Jesus: Let me see it first, then I'll believe.
But Jesus reminds us that faith doesn't begin once everything finally makes sense. Faith trusts Him before we can see how everything will turn out. We don't follow Christ because He has shown us every detail of tomorrow. We follow Him because He has already shown us who He is.
This week, don't wait for God to give you every answer before you trust Him. Jesus is enough.
God at Work • Rainforest Falls VBS
God Was Faithful.
More than 150 children attended every day during Rainforest Falls VBS. Throughout the week, children worshiped together, memorized Scripture, learned God's Word, built friendships, laughed, played games, created crafts, and most importantly, heard the Gospel.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible volunteers who faithfully gave their time, energy, patience, and love to serve the next generation. Thank you for praying, serving, giving, and helping us continue connecting kids and families to Jesus.
Sunday's Sermon
Where Does Your Allegiance Lie?
Genesis 30:1–24
Genesis 30 confronts us with a family desperately looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places. Rachel looks to children. Leah looks for the love and approval of her husband. Jacob is caught in the middle of it all, and everyone is trying to grab hold of something they believe will finally satisfy.
The chapter forces us to ask the same question of our own hearts: Where does our allegiance really lie? We can say that Christ is first while quietly looking to success, relationships, comfort, control, or even good things to give us what only He can.
Watch the SermonLife at Connect
What's Coming Up
Sunday, August 23
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Backpacks and school supplies generously donated to help families at Connect will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. If your family could use a little help preparing for the new school year, we would love to bless you.
View DetailsSunday, September 6
Back to Church Sunday
As summer winds down and families settle back into the rhythm of the school year, Back to Church Sunday is an opportunity to refocus on what matters most and make Christ the center of this new season.
We'll honor our teachers, pray over our children during their Kids services, and enjoy Italian ices together after each service. This is also a great Sunday to invite a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member to join you.
View Event DetailsSaturday, September 12 • 6:30 PM
Long Island Ducks Game
Join your Connect Church family for a fun night at the ballpark, with fireworks to follow the game. Tickets are $15 each, so reserve yours while they're available.
Purchase TicketsWednesday, September 16 • 1:45–7:45 PM
Give the Gift of Life
Being FOR Long Island means looking for practical ways to care for our neighbors. We're partnering with the New York Blood Center for another blood drive, and appointments are strongly preferred.
Sunday, September 20 • After the 11:30 AM Service
Membership Class
Church membership is affirming your commitment to a local church as part of the body of Christ. In this class, you'll learn more about Connect Church's history, mission, vision, values, and what it means to faithfully belong to and participate in the life of the local church. Lunch will be provided.
Register for Membership ClassSeptember 20–27
Seek & Serve Week
The week leading into Serve Day will be a focused time of fasting and prayer as we encourage our church family to seek the Lord and consider how He has gifted them to serve His church.
Members will receive a focused daily devotional throughout the week centered on seeking the Lord, serving one another, and using the gifts God has given them. We are called to more than simply attend on Sundays. Christ Himself came not to be served, but to serve, and part of following Him is learning to faithfully serve one another within the body of Christ.
Sign Up for Daily DevotionalsWeek of September 21
Fall Crews Begin
Biblical community matters. Fall Crews begin the week of September 21, with sign-ups opening on Back to Church Sunday, September 6. More information about available Crews will be shared as we get closer.
Saturday, September 26 • 1:00–5:00 PM
Pickle for a Purpose
Join us at The Picklr in Centereach for an afternoon of pickleball, community, and fun while supporting the Connect Church team heading to Ecuador this November to help build a Bible school.
Tickets are $25 and include opportunities for beginners, open play, and tournament play. There will also be a basket auction, raffles, and prizes. This event is for ages 15+.
Get TicketsSunday, September 27 • Both Services
Serve Day
Serve Day is all about helping every person discover where they can faithfully serve within the body of Christ.
After each service, you'll be able to meet our ministry team leaders, learn about specific teams, ask questions, and sign up to serve.
We are called to more than simply sit and attend each Sunday. Christ came not to be served, but to serve, and He calls His people to serve one another through His local church.
Serve Day DetailsAlso Coming Up
Looking Ahead
| Date | Event | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 10/02–10/04 | Tuscarora Men's Retreat | Register |
| 11/08–11/15 | Ecuador Mission Trip | Support the Team |
October 2–4
Tuscarora Men's Retreat
Step away from the noise of everyday life for a weekend of worship, biblical teaching, rest, and deeper brotherhood as the men of Connect pursue what it means to faithfully follow Christ together.
Register for the RetreatNovember 8–15 • 81 Days Away
Ecuador Mission Trip
Our team will head into the Ecuadorian jungle this November to help support the work of the Shuar Bible School. Even if you are not traveling with the team, you can still participate by praying and helping financially support the mission.
Support the Ecuador TeamFaithful Generosity
Thank You for Faithfully Supporting the Ministry
Everything God is doing through Connect Church is made possible through His faithfulness and the faithful generosity of His people. Thank you for investing in the work of the Gospel and helping us continue connecting people with Jesus, His purpose, and each other.
Give OnlineListen Throughout the Week
Continue Growing Throughout the Week
Our desire is to help you continue growing in your relationship with Jesus throughout the week, not just on Sundays. Whether you're revisiting Sunday's message or preparing your heart for worship, these resources are available to help keep God's Word and Christ-centered worship close throughout your week.
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