Calm to the Waves
Calm to the waves. Calm to the wind. Jesus whispers, “Peace, be still.”
Balm to our hearts. Fears at an end. In stillness, hear his voice.
These words echoed in the sanctuary when we gathered for worship on Sunday, October 6, ten days after Tropical Storm Helene tore through our community and region.
As a congregation we were incredibly fortunate. Staff were able to communicate with more than 85% of households in the first week after the storm. No one was injured, and while many had tree damage and even water intrusion, all but one home is habitable, and where roads were blocked or washed out, temporary roads have been built until permanent ones can be constructed. For most the loss of electricity and water ended within two weeks and while internet and cell service continue to be glitchy, they are improving.
Faith doesn’t provide an easy answer to the questions that disaster stirs. And faith doesn’t erase the trauma that we experienced. But faith does give us a foundation that is unshakeable. It gives us the promise of a Comforter and an Advocate. It gives us a Savior in Jesus Christ. It gives us God with us, in all the highs and lows. And it reminds us that we are not only neighbors, but siblings in Christ, united in faith.
We all know neighbors who suffered much more. All around us, we will have opportunities to serve individually and as a congregation. For caregivers and parents, your service may be in your home, with those in your care. For others, it may be listening to those who have stories to tell and creating space to hold those stories. Still others may look for ways to go out into the community and serve as families or small groups. Volunteers are needed at the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) downtown Asheville and at the Warehouse Distribution Center in Flat Rock and at the different nonprofits here in town. Please ask Kimberly (kdunbar@gracehendersonville.com) or Pastor Christina (cauch@gracehendersonville.com) if you want help connecting.
I hope you will prayerfully consider what your service will look like and ask God what God would have you do.
+Pastor Christina
