Dear friends:

If only we had a flamethrower .

After this past weekend’s storm I was chatting with one of the snowplow drivers responsible for clearing Kensington’s streets. I told him the crew had done a great job. He was grateful for the praise , allowing that they also get their share of complaints from local citizens who feel the Town has not helped enough. One resident, he said, called and asked if someone could come over with “a flamethrower” to clear the ice off her driveway. A flamethrower is a weapon of war used since ancient times to direct a long stream of fire at one’s enemies. She appeared disappointed that our small village did not possess such an incendiary device. Presumably she had to clear her driveway using more traditional methods.

Despite the great work of the local snowplow crews, last weekend’s snow certainly impacted worship attendance at St. Paul’s on Sunday. Instead of our traditional average of 340+ in worship, we counted 16 at the first service and 44 at the second. Still, a respectable showing given that snow had fallen all night and was still actively coming down.

Attendance may have been light, but I was so proud of the people of this church for making the praise possible. Everyone in this tight-knit village of St. Paul’s contributed willingly and without complaint. Since the folks who normally set up the refreshments in the Octagon on Sunday morning were snowed in, Tracey Furman stepped up and made coffee and put out the cookies. Mark Smithers , a faithful 9:00 worshiper, came by early and shoveled the sidewalks. Since Marvin was stuck in Baltimore, pianist Meg Baker walked to church from her home to accompany the hymn singing at both services. Emily Sechler eagerly volunteered to be the acolyte at the 10:30 service, Aaron Bazawada carried his crucifer’s cross, Mary Revenis read the Scripture, and Nathan Bazawada took on both ushering and bell-ringing duties. On a snowy morning the St. Paul’s bell still pealed over the quiet streets, inviting all to worship. For those who couldn’t physically be present, Pastor Kate pulled together a time of morning devotion via Facebook that received over 300 views.

As the snow continued to fall Sunday afternoon I repeatedly said, to myself and to God, “I’m so happy.” I was glad for the beauty of the snow, as well as its substantial depth. I was even more glad to be part of a church that comes together in the midst of adversity, making the most of what we have to praise God as best we can. Even a flamethrower could not have made my joy more complete that day.

See you Sunday, friends. May the church that faithfully worships ever share the warmth of God’s holy fire.

Peace,

A.B. Snell