Pastor's Place - October 2001

Finding A Way to Go Forward!

"My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me." Jeremiah 8:18 and 21

These words from the book of Jeremiah express what we all have felt in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and another never-to-be-known target. Tremendous sadness has come upon us as we reflect on the loss of life, the threat to our sense of security, the uncertainty of what our future might now hold.

Several of you have voiced to me special concern for the children growing up in the world we now live in. Our dream and hope has always been that our children could inherit a peaceful world. At the moment that dream seems shattered.

During these last days, we have all had to delve deeply into the resources of our faith. One scripture passage which has been helpful to many is from the beginning of John's gospel:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being was life, and the life was the light of all people." John 1:1-5

We have seen the light shining when we gathered in prayer at the church on short notice; as people supported one another and made contact by telephone and email; in the faces of those who shared in our Wednesday Night Meal, while Alan A. led everyone in prayer for the victims. The light gathered strength as we came together for worship on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. We welcomed many neighbors who were happy to find our community of faith in this time. We drew comfort from being together in God's presence.

We know that the light is shining forth across our nation and around the world, because we have seen the news reports of unity gatherings, worship services, great acts of courage, and tremendous thoughtfulness toward others. A hymn that has been used in a multitude of settings during this initial period of response is "Amazing Grace." The affirmation of verse four seems especially necessary for us now:

"The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures."

We go forward in the light of God's eternal promise.

God bless you all,

Pastor April