|
Dear Bethesda Family,
Eli, Hannah, and I returned home this morning, along with the Staleys. Father Thomas is en route home as well.
We have the generator going now, and there is a just a bit of a feeling of normalcy amidst all the debris. You may remember that, as part of our hurricane preparedness plan two years ago, we purchased a large generator that could power the entire campus and also did the work to be able to connect it to our electrical service efficiently and safely. We did this precisely for this situation so that we could carry out our ministry and programs even with the prospect of being without power for several days.
We made sure to open the doors of the church as soon as it was light enough this morning to be able to see, as we feel those open doors are an important sign of welcome and hope.
We have surveyed the property and begun the process of cleaning up. While we have yet to discover any major damage to our buildings, we do have repairs that will need to be done and some extensive landscape work and tree removal. I will send a letter soon with more information about the damage and costs for repairs and cleanup.
For those of you on the Island, we will have our normal Wednesday noon service tomorrow with prayers especially for those engaged in relief and recovery efforts and for all those who have suffered loss as a result of this storm. If you are on the island, please come join us for this. Because of our generator, the church is air-conditioned and comfortable.
We intend to get back to our full ministry and programs as quickly as we are able. We still do not have internet access yet, and we have no idea when that will get back in service. The lack of internet certainly limits what we are able to do. Nonetheless, until it is back, we are doing as much as we can to care for the buildings, to clean up, and to restart other activities.
On Sunday, we are going to pretend it's September 10-last Sunday. We will have two services at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., each followed by our Ministry Fair. We will also have our induction, pounding party, and welcome reception for Father Thomas and his family. Last Sunday was too important to skip, and that's why we are simply moving it to this Sunday (and thereby skipping the 17th). If you have school-age children in your household, please look for a note from Greg later in the week that will outline the plans for Sunday School and other activities this Sunday.
Finally, please get in touch with us if you need us or you know someone else who needs our pastoral support. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible tomorrow and Sunday.
Peace,
James+
|
