Well, it is the week of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  We're planning some things for this Sunday and I hope you'll be able to be a part of this observance, at one of our two worship services this Sunday. We'll also be recognizing and thanking some of our "first responders" who put their lives on the line daily, in their line of work.

Can you believe it's been TEN years?  I certainly can't.

9/11 is one of those days in history that we will always remember.  If we were old enough at the time, it's one of those dates and times (like Pearl Harbor, assassination of JFK and the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster) that we not only remember, we remember where we were and who we were with.  Do you remember your first thoughts upon hearing about this tragedy?  Could you believe it?

I was at a district clergy meeting.  Suddenly, all around me, cell phones started ringing.  First it was one, then two; then everyone's phones were ringing.  A feeling of uneasiness began to settle.  Looks of disbelief, shock and horror were on everyone's faces.  Then, an official announcement was made, a prayer offered, and everyone was encouraged to head home to be with their families and churches.

I was with the Rev. Dr. Pat Turner-Sharpton, pastor of First UMC, St. Augustine.  We couldn't get home fast enough!  On the way home, we were having difficulty with cell calls coming through.  (I guess everyone in the world must have been on their cell phones!)  When I stopped to get gas, I couldn't help but notice a growing line behind me of people filling up.  They all had this look of fear in their eyes.  One thing I remember vividly is this:  We were traveling up US 19 through the Ocala National Forest.  Normally, there are con trails all across the skies.  But by this time, all flights across the nation had been cancelled and not a single airplane was in the sky...and not a single con trail.  There was an eerieness about it; yet it was also quite peaceful.  (I knew in my heart that God was in control, no matter what happened --no matter what would happen in our future.)

Of course, when we arrived in Palatka, Pat hurried on to his church.  I immediately called staff and leaders together.  We prayed; we opened the prayer room.  We put out signs announcing a prayer meeting that night.  Musicians were called in.  People were lined up to play the church chimes on the hour, every hour.  Another thing I remember is that it was raining that day --very dreary--almost as if God were crying.  (I thought to myself, how sad.)

The service that evening was held in our chapel.  With a seating capacity around 100, there was standing room only.  Although the overall mood was somber, I do remember the warmth and encouragement I felt having been a part of a church community under such dire circumstances, where we rejoiced in the everlasting God who comforts us and carries us.  I remember feeling a part of something far bigger than I.  I remember feeling uplifted and even strengthened as we read scripture and especially as we prayed to our Heavenly Father who promised us that He is with us, even to the ends of the earth.

In the days that followed, our church prayer room was used frequently.  Church attendance rose.  Participation in ministry also increased, along with church giving.  Again, I thought:  Why does it take something like this to unite us?  Why does it take something like this to get people back to church?  And yet, the reality of it all is that it happened.  Although it would take weeks, months, even years for things to get back to a semblance of normalcy, the question begs:  Why does it take a disaster to get us down on our hands and knees?  Why does it take something of this magnitutde for us to realize what's really important in life?

Yet, we have an awesome God who, despite our frailties and short-comings, is always there knocking on our heart's door, beckoning us to let Him in.  I praise Him for that and I thank Him that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, don't you?

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on all of this--where were you at the time?  How did you manage?  What gave you strength?  How were you encouraged?

May God bless us all as we prepare to reflect back to the 10th anniversary of this tragedy. May we use this as an opportune time to do a little soul-searching and introspection that may lead us to re-commit our lives to the living Lord!  So be it!  Amen and Amen!