An Open Letter
A special note from our pastor on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
Dear Gentle Folks,
We are deeply saddened by today’s events in New York, Washington, and Pittsburgh. We are swinging between tears of grief and deep waves of anger not to mention a certain amount of fear of further attacks. The devastating images of the Trade Center bring us to our knees. Images of people who are sworn enemies of the United States celebrating this destruction strikes a blow to our very souls. The thought of thousands injured or dead bring us untold anguish and pain. This kind of terrorism makes no sense at all. This kind of violence while common in the world, once again speaks out loudly and painfully of what intolerance, hate and bigotry can do to all of God's creation. And while there are no answers, our faith leads us to say:
"God is King, despite the chaos that may be roaring around us." (Ps 93)
“If one member suffers, the whole body suffers…” (I Cor 12)
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … nothing in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8)
"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
"The Lord takes care of me as his sheep; I will not be without any good thing. He makes a resting-place for me in the green fields: he is my guide by the quiet waters. He gives new life to my soul: he is my guide in the ways of righteousness because of his name. Yes, though I go through the valley of deep shade, I will have no fear of evil; for you are with me, your rod and your support are my comfort. You make ready a table for me in front of my haters: you put oil on my head; my cup is overflowing. Truly, blessing and mercy will be with me all the days of my life; and I will have a place in the house of the Lord all my days." Psalm 23
Today may we find ourselves moved to pray. May these prayers be for all of the victims, their family and friends. May we pray for our enemies that their tools of war be made into plowshares. May we pray for our government to have wisdom, courage and a Christ like response to this insanity. Let us pray for God's protection and a calming of our fears. And may our prayers be accompanied by expressions of our faith – that we are not conformed to the ways the world and how they will respond to these events, but to the way the Christ would respond. May we be in our speech and actions the love of God.
God Bless,
Rev. Paul M. Turner, Sr. Pastor
Deacon Robert Shaw, Sr. Deacon
Alyce Keener, President of GSCC Congregation
Candace Chellew, Editor of Whosoever