In observance of 9/11, I’m using my Friday Letter to Broadway as this morning’s Daily Lesson:
Dear Beloved Broadway,
As I am sure we are all aware, tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. We who remember that day can all recall exactly where we were when we heard that the towers had been struck. We also remember how our hearts were so heavy and fearful.
Twenty years on, the fear has dissipated but the heaviness of heart remains. The almost 3,000 lives lost in the September 11 attacks plus the hundreds of thousands of lives lost in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq bring both sadness and sorrow. It is important that we take time to recognize and lament these losses.
In that vein, Broadway’s Fleming Chapel will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 11am for anyone wishing to come and pray in silence in this sacred space. Building entrance will be available at the W. Broadway Ave Chapel doors, and masks will be required.
Another positive response can be made by volunteering to assist with the needs of Afghan refugees coming to our community. Broadway is planning to serve as a friendship church for two Afghan families, helping to meet their initial needs upon their arrival in the Fort Worth area. Additionally, Broadway will be assembling various welcome kits for these and other Afghan refugee families. More information on these programs can be gained by reading next week’s Broadway Window or by emailing Broadway’s Community Ministries Director Peter Nelson at pnelson@broadwaybc.org.
On September 14, 2001 a service of prayer took place at the Washington National Cathedral. Billy Graham preached the service. His opening remarks included these words:
“We come together today to affirm our conviction that God cares for us, whatever our ethnic, religious or political background may be. The Bible says that He is ‘the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.’”
On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, I pray that the God of all comfort will bring comfort to all everywhere. So may it be today and tomorrow, always and forever. Amen.
See you Sunday,
Ryon
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