Two Septembers

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the nation experienced a mini revival. For

several weeks, people gathered in their local churches seeking what the church offered.

The events of that day left many feeling weary and broken. This led many Americans to

consider where they were spiritually. So driven by fear, and the uncertainty of the times,

we gathered at church.

We gathered to hear a message of hope – that God had not abandoned us. We gathered

with our friends and family members because suddenly those relationships took on a

new importance. We gathered to pray for comfort for those who had lost loved ones.

We prayed for healing for the wounded. We prayed for protection from our enemies

because honestly, we didn’t know what else to do.

Church became that place we could gather for comfort when the world just didn’t make

sense. It was safe. It was solid. It was what we needed, for a time, to get through

another crisis.

After a while, life returned to ‘normal.’ The airports reopened. Ball parks were full of fans

rooting for their teams. The news-media turned its attention to the next big thing. The

fear that had enveloped us just a few months earlier had been forgotten. And just as

quickly forgotten was our need for what the church offered.

So here we are again, on another September 11. We are facing multiple national crises

that in many ways are worse than any other. We are again fearful. We are again drawn

close to family members because suddenly those relationships have taken on a new

importance. We are again hoping for a quick return to normalcy.

Again, the church is a place of refuge for the weary and the broken. Even though ‘church’

may look differently than it ever has, it is still the place where we encounter the risen

savior. Where we find healing for our hearts and minds. And forgiveness for our ‘sin-sick

souls.’ It is still the place where we are reminded of God’s never-ending love.

I hope the church is a blessing to you during these difficult days. I hope that knowing

the doors of the church are open calms your fears. I hope that as you face the

uncertainty of these days, you will have the assurance that God has not abandoned us.

I hope that as the days draw shorter, you will feel the longing to once again gather in

the church to find peace.

Have a blessed week

Pastor Marty