Earlier this month, Ann and I
visited New York City. People go to
places for different reasons, and such was the case in our visit to New York
City. While we went largely to see the
sights, we also had a secondary reason
for our trip: visiting the 9/11 Memorial.
It had been 8 years since we were in New York City. They were not finished with the 9/11
Memorial the last time we were there.
Since I worked in New York City in the Fall, 2001 after the terrorist
attacks with both the General Board of Global Ministries and the American Red
Cross, it was important for me to visit that site.
Near the 9/11 Memorial is a church called St. Pauls
Church. You will see a picture of it above. This house of worship has been
on that site since the 1700’s. They say
that after George Washington was inaugurated as our nation’s first President in
New York City, he walked to St. Pauls Church and spent some time in prayer
there. When I was in New York City after
the 9/11 attacks, St. Pauls Church was transformed into a respite center for
the workers at “Ground Zero”. In the
sanctuary of that church, one could receive a meal, a time of quiet reflection, and even a massage to soothe aching
muscles.
I left St. Pauls
Church that day reflecting that the church at its best is always a respite center. On its best days, the church is a place and
people that provides a haven for the hurting, the hopeless, and the
downtrodden. In times of terrorist
attacks and in all times, the church is a place and people that welcomes us and
soothes our aching, wounded souls. Yet,
the church is also a place and people that sends us out into a world to tell of
one who came to save us from our sins.
I want to be a part of a Church like that. How about you? Have a joy-filled week.- Pastor Randy Wall
Prayer:
Lord and God, you have built your
Church upon the foundation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let your Spirit blow upon your Church that
it might rise to new heights in serving you;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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