Dear Friends in Christ,

Tonight, we know that life has been lost in this terrible fire which continues to burn, now inside our city limits. We pray for the repose of that soul, whose name we do not yet know. We give thanks for the lives of all who have escaped injury, and we continue to pray for God's protection on all who remain in harm's way.

All Saints and the surrounding neighborhoods were evacuated this evening. I have removed the parish records for safekeeping, and took the photo above as I left the parking lot. I will deliver the records of 125 years' of All Saints' baptisms, confirmations, marriages, Eucharists, and gifts into safekeeping at the Bishop's office , tomorrow morning. They, too, know what it is to survive a devastating fire. We don't know what will happen to our church building, but we know that our church is much more than a building. All Saints is people gathered as a part of the Body of Christ.

We will not pray Morning Prayer at All Saints tomorrow, but I invite you to pray it online here. When I have more information about the church, I will share it with you.

This morning, the Evans, like so many other All Saints' parishioners, made it through an ordeal to find safety, sustenance, and prayer in the community of at All Saints. We will gather again in prayer to share our stories, our lamentation, and thanksgivings. For tonight, we pray, and our city and our diocese pray with us.

In Christ,

The Rev. Carren Sheldon

707.363.4294 cell