Dear Congregation,
As I write this on Thursday afternoon, the weather forecast is calling for Hurricane Dorian to grow to a Category 4 by Sunday as the storm heads for Florida. At tonight’s Council meeting an important item on the agenda (probably the most important!) is hurricane preparation for the church. We do have a Hurricane Plan book which gives detailed instructions for securing the property and procedures to be followed. Volunteers will be needed for sure. Some of you signed up on Sunday. Others may let Julio Balcells or Lorrie LeGrand know that you’re available.
I have heard stories from many of you of your experiences during and after Hurricane Andrew’s devastation. It must have been beyond terrifying. My only hurricane experience was evacuating with my daughter’s family before Irma two years ago. We live on an island in a mandatory evacuation area. Even though that drive to a safe and comfortable Air B&B in Orlando pales in comparison to what some of you suffered in this area 25 years ago, I must admit to being scared.
And so, I thought it would be good to share with you a piece of scripture that I find comforting under just about all circumstances, hurricanes included.
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
May God comfort each of you and keep you safe in all the storms of life.
In the name of Christ who calmed the storm,
Pastor Candy Thomas
Interim Pastor
Christ Congregational United Church of Christ