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Greetings, Mark & colleagues
Thank you for your concern and prayers at this time.
We would appreciate you joining us in thanking our Lord – that Cantabrians and visitors were spared death and more serious injuries during the chaos of today's earthquake and aftershocks.
Most people are on edge, and many – younger and older, especially those living alone – are feeling afraid.
We are grateful that St.Paul's church building is essentially undamaged, apart from an interior door not closing properly – and about half of my study bookshelves emptied on the floor.
Some members homes have sustained damage, including ours; many are without power and running water, and most (all?) can't flush their toilets.
Many have extensive clean-up tasks ahead, because of flooding and/or partial-collapse of buildings/walls. Prayers for patience and good humour would, therefore, also be appreciated.
Tomorrow, for the 6th year in a row, we will begin our celebration of the September-long Season of Creation; and in faith we will affirm this verse from tomorrow's Psalm (Ps.104:1 – 9, 24 – 26 for Ocean Sunday – Series C): verse 5 – "[LORD] You have set the earth firmly on its foundations, and it will never be moved." Amen! J
Serving Jesus with you,
DAVID LIPSYS
St.Paul's Lutheran Church – Christchurch
