Over the past 24 hours, it has become clear that Hurricane Irma is not going to leave Florida alone. In fact, it now appears that much of the state will experience significant weather conditions, based on the projected path of the storm as of 8am this morning. Until late yesterday, Catherine and I were still hopeful that the people of Trinity could worship together this Sunday. To do so no longer seems advisable. As much as we would like to be with you that morning, our care for you on this particular weekend puts us in the unusual position of urging you to stay home rather than come to church. And so, we are informing you this morning that all worship services, as well as other ministries and activities on the campus for this Sunday, have been cancelled. Facilities will remain closed on Monday and we are hopeful that things will return to a normal daily schedule on Tuesday, September 12.
I am sure that most of you have seen images from the islands that have been battered by Irma's powerful force over the last few days. We encourage you to be in prayer for those already hit by the hurricane, while continuing to make your own preparations to be safe as it heads our way. As you are gathering supplies, know that if you end up not needing them for yourselves, Trinity will provide you with a way to share them with people who do. Stay tuned for more information about this opportunity as well as flood buckets once the storm has passed.
For those of you with access to our Facebook page, your pastors plan to offer a brief time of prayers and reflection on Facebook Live at 10am on Sunday, weather and power permitting. It will be a way for us to join our hearts together that morning in prayer for one another and for all who are in the path of the storm. Even if you are not able to be online for that experience, we invite you to join us in a spirit of prayer at that time on Sunday.
In the meantime, take heart. Check on your neighbors and others in your church family who you know may be alone. Huddle close with those you love. Know that you are not alone as Irma approaches. Even on the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days, there is a God who knows your name, who loves you deeply, and who promises to be with you through the storm. And when the storm has gone, may we all be ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus for those who will need us.
"Don't be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks." Philippians 4:6
