Greetings,

It has been 17 years since 9/11/2001 and a lot of things have changed in our country. I am sure that many of you remember where you were when you heard about the attacks on our nation's soil. There are a great number ofstories about tremendous acts of service, sacrifice and heroism on that day. The days to follow were incredibly galvanizing. That next Sunday, people left their homes and filled churches, as much of America was captivated by what had just happened and were seeking hope.

Shortly after the dust had settled, another attack on our soil was revealed. This time it was in the form of years and years of silent abuse that had plagued the Catholic Church. That next Sunday, where could people look for some sort of solace and recalibration? People were looking at their church leaders and wondering if this truly is a safe place to take refuge. The church, where they had previously turned for comfort, was the attacker.

It is a lonely place when humanity lets you down. Unfortunately, often people equate the faithfulness or faithLESSness of the church with God. It should be a given that the church reflects the nature and heart of God, but many times it does not. The church is managed by people and people fail. We all agree that the church should be a place of comfort and peace, where grieving people find rest for their souls. It should be a place where people steeped in sin can find victory. Where lost people can be found and hopeless people find hope. Not a place that entertains, allows or perpetuates sin.

God was there in the midst of the 9/11 attacks--comforting, protecting and guiding people--and He was grieving alongside of the many victims young and old that were abused by priests and leaders in churches. There is a great deal of ground to cover to help people to not feel jaded by the church, regardless of the denomination, association or affiliation.

I believe that each of us can do our part in our city to show the love of Christ to this community and demonstrate the true nature and heart of our God of comfort. It may never be in our nation as it was 17 years ago when people flooded churches seeking hope, but with God’s help the hope that is found only in Him can shine brighter than ever before through all those that serve Him with grace and truth, integrity and humility!

Grace and peace to you!

Love ya,
Chris

P.S. What a special offering!!! It is certainly not too late to give, if you haven’t already given. We exceeded our goal of $10,000 by over $2,000. I love seeing the ministry that can be accomplished because of the sacrificial giving of our fellowship. I know the Lord is pleased with our sacrifice as well.