Dear Siblings in Christ,

As Hurricane Helene swept through, the winds, the rain, and the storm surge reminded us of the fragility of life and the power of nature. My family and I had a moment of quiet reflection as we huddled together in the closet during a tornado warning. With the winds howling and uncertainty looming, we gathered for supper, grateful to be together and praying for those in the path of the storm. That moment felt like more than just waiting for the danger to pass—it became a reminder of how, in moments of crisis, we turn to God and one another for strength and peace.

This experience resonated with the readings for this week. In Numbers 11, we hear the complaints of the Israelites, who were frustrated with the challenges of their journey and longed for the comforts of the past. Moses, overwhelmed by the burden of leading them, turns to God for help. This passage speaks to how, in times of distress, we may feel overwhelmed or tempted to focus on what we lack. Yet, God provides, not always in the way we expect, but in the way we need. As the storm raged outside, the simplicity of a family meal in the closet reminded us of what truly matters—God’s presence with us, even in the most uncomfortable situations.

In James 5, we are reminded of the power of prayer: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray” (v. 13). Prayer connects us to God and to each other. It was a source of comfort and strength for us as we prayed not just for ourselves, but for our community. James also emphasizes mutual support: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (v. 16). As we face the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, may we reach out to one another, offer support, and bring our prayers and actions together for healing.

The Gospel from Mark 9 also offers a profound lesson. The disciples were quick to judge someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name, someone not part of their inner circle. Jesus’ response was clear: “Whoever is not against us is for us” (v. 40). As we continue to recover from the storm, this teaches us the importance of unity. In times of crisis, it is easy to focus on divisions. But Jesus calls us to see the bigger picture—to work together for the good of all, regardless of differences. As church together, may we be a source of hope and help for everyone, whether they are within our fold or beyond.

As we look forward, let us remember the lessons from the storm. We may feel helpless at times, but God is always present, and we are called to pray, to support one another, and to work for the good of all. Let us find strength in our shared faith, knowing that together, with God’s guidance, we can face whatever storms life brings.

God is with you,

Pastor Will