PASTORAL LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
A DAY OF TERROR AND NUMBNESS

To all in the Community of Faith:

This has been a day of terror and numbness, of confrontation with destruction and vulnerability.

Let us be in prayer:
    for those who have suffered loss and injury,
    for those who are working long and at great risk to rescue others,
    for those who have been exposed to horror at close range,
    for those who wait anxiously for word of the unthinkable,
    for those who bear knowledge of the inconceivable,
          may they be healed and restored;
    for our national leaders, that they may react and respond with wisdom,
    for the souls and hearts of those who planned and carried out the devastation
          we witnessed today
    for our world in its ache for justice and peace.

Many of our churches will be open to their communities for prayer today, tonight and on into many tomorrows. Those who wish to contribute to the rescue and relief efforts may send contributions to the Conference Office, One Great Hour of Sharing, for immediate and total use in those efforts.

As the Psalmist put it,
   "May the Holy One answer you in the day of trouble!
    May the God who answered our ancestors in the day of their distress protect you!
    May the Almighty send you help from the divine refuge,
          and bring you aid from the unassailable mountain...
    Some trust in warfare, and some trust in weapons,
          but we put our trust in the eminence of our God.."

Blessings in this time of deep distress,

Mary Susan Gast, Conference Minister

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this page last updated on September 17, 2001