"2 Thessalonians 3:16"

      On the radio this morning, the announcer was discussing with callers how their lives had changed since Tuesday, September 11th, with the terrorist bombings of the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon. That is very much the question for all of us in these days and weeks following this national tragedy.

      The responses of the radio audience included a new fear of flying, persistent sadness and sorrow, awareness that security searches have intensified at airports and public gatherings, aversion to watching television coverage of the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, a need to have family close by, shortness of temper and difficulty sleeping. These are all natural responses to traumatic stress, and talking about feelings and fears can be the first step in recovering from such stress.

      At church we have been providing opportunities for children, youth and adults to talk about what has happened to them individually and to us as a nation and a people. We have also tried to provide opportunities to "do something" in response to this tragedy: the children have been encouraged to use art to express how they feel, a prayer wall is available at church to share our thoughts and prayers, prayer vigils and prayer services have brought us together in God's house, a blood drive has been scheduled for October 15, youth have been encouraged to write letters to express their concern, love offerings have been taken to assist relief work and support rescue workers.

      I cannot emphasize enough how important it is at this time to come together and take positive action. One of our lay leaders frames the question in this way: what do our children see us doing in times like these? We model for our children--and for the community and the world what we truly believe in days of darkness and doubt.

      As Christians, our faith is not just about the joyful times. The earliest Christians lived through the crucifixion before they could understand the resurrection. We too will learn more about our faith in a living Lord as we face the darkest times of death and destruction. The numerous acts of heroism in the past weeks are honored when we stand together in faith, renewed in our commitment to live lives that give glory to God day by day in the midst of a broken and fragmented world.

      Recent days have seen the signs of a spiritual resurgence in America. Christians, Jews and Muslims are turning back to their faith in a time of need. I urge each of you to recommit your daily life to being a faithful disciple of Christ, to living the abundant life that Jesus offers us, to worship and study and pray with others here at our church. This newsletter is filled with opportunities and activities that need your support and response--your church needs you. Take hold of this moment, use it to grow strong in your faith and witness.

      "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)