Dear Congregation,
As I write to you our local news channel is focused entirely on the aftermath of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside. This horrific tragedy occurred just about a mile and a half from where I live in Bay Harbor Islands. I passed that Collins Ave. building regularly as I drove home from church. Rescue efforts are continuing with many people still unaccounted for and four persons reported dead. I know you join me in praying for all those victims and their loved ones, and for those brave men and women working in search and recovery efforts.
I have been touched to see stories in the news reports about all the people who have come forward to offer their help in so many ways by donating food, water, clothing, gift cards, etc. In fact, those in charge have had to request that no more in-kind donations be brought to the community center because they’ve run out of room! I’ve also seen that, as a result of a plea for housing, all housing needs have been filled.
There are no easy answers as to “why” such a tragedy happened, as Rabbi Harold Kushner addressed in his book, Why Bad Things Happen to Good People. One of the things in which I find comfort is this quote by Fred Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” In this God’s love is present and real.
It will be good to be with you in worship on Sunday, when we can pray together for all who are suffering as a result of this tragedy and for the helpers.
God Bless You!
Pastor Candy
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