INSPIRASUNS

A few months ago, in this little blog, I shared that we are in the midst of a big project at church. Well, actually, that is the big project. After extensive research and thoughtful prayer, we made the decision that we must take down the current building and rebuild it at a higher elevation. The past two hurricanes did major damage to our little church, and it simply cannot withstand more of the same. We want this sacred space to be here for the next generations, so we have to make it flood and wind-resilient.

It’s a big project, as you can imagine. It’s also an emotional one. Many of our parishioners grew up in this church. We have numerous generations who have been baptized, married, and buried in this beautiful place. As I’ve been working through various parts of the project over the past months, I’ve had my own moments of sadness.

Yesterday, we received one of our final approvals from the city to move forward. We have just one last meeting in August, and we will have the green light to get the construction permits. I thought a lot about the project last night and the emotion around it. I don’t want to minimize those feelings because they are real, and when the building comes down, it will be difficult. However, Jesus doesn’t see walls. He is wherever we are. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them”.

We will be worshipping in our parish hall and on our waterfront during construction. Though a little different, God will be in the midst of us. He will be wherever we are, and we don’t need the walls of a building to feel His loving presence.

The Lord will be there, and He will guide us through the many months ahead. With or without walls, Jesus will be with us, wherever we are gathered.

Have a good day, friends. I welcome your continued prayers for our church family. And…continued prayers for the return of sweet Emily Rea.

Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”