Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Several years ago I was asked to lead the worship at Gloria Dei while your pastor was on vacation. I was surprised and pleased when I first entered the sanctuary. I have seldom been in a space that felt so worshipful. I continue to thank God each week for the beauty which surrounds and inspires me. What has changed since my first visit is that I have come to know how kind and loving the congregation is. I look forward to each Sunday worship service not only because I get to be in that holy space, but also because I get to be surrounded by the faithful people of God who worship with me. In short, I have been reminded that the church is the people, not the building.
Gloria Dei, like most of the Gulf Coast, has taken a hit by Helene. It will take a great deal of work to restore our building to what we have known. It will not be easy, and it will not be inexpensive. However, it can be done with God’s help so long as we work together and remain patient with one another. I was in the building on Monday and felt an immediate sense of loss. However, while I was there three members of the congregation were working to remove waterlogged items which are now a health hazard. I thank God that they were there. Their presence reminded me that though our building is compromised, our church is still alive and functioning. The church is the people, not the building.
Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning our council met to deal with issues that require immediate attention. We all wish such meetings were unnecessary, but I could see the determination and commitment of all the members of our council. We will continue to meet and face the very difficult choices that must be made. The council has sent a letter explaining briefly what we face. I can only ask that you prayerfully consider offering your financial assistance. Far beyond your gifts all the leaders of the congregation need your prayers. Even if our hope that the sanctuary is safe to worship in before the end of October, the repair work will continue longer. The decisions and the work will be an ongoing process.
Our building has been weakened, but the people of God at Gloria Dei are strong when we work together. We are the body of Christ!
Pastor Bill