It's hard to believe it's been a year since the fire. I remember that Sunday night well — a panicked phone call from Mike Wernke, a speeded ride to the Church, my stomach tied in knots as I quickly parked the car and made my way toward the Church, where so many of our fellow parishioners had already gathered. I remember my relief upon seeing the Church building intact and hearing that no one was hurt; I remember my heart sinking when I saw our beloved parsonage engulfed in flames and the thickest black smoke — all the memories there for our parishioners, the years of faith, prayer and striving which that little building represented.

The wee hours of that next morning, and the next few days, saw many of us slogging through the wreckage, struggling through the foot-deep muck and trying to save icons, Church records, artifacts, photo albums, dance costumes … anything of value and especially anything of sentimental value. It was during these days that the great and powerful heart of our people became apparent to me.

I saw people — day after day, week after week, month after month — working incredibly long, hard hours to get things reorganized, back on track. Parish council members took days off from work to make sure we had phones, computers, a fax, and all the necessary tools to carry on the ministry of our Church and communicate with one another. In imitation of Christ, people gave, and gave, and gave — and then gave some more.

I was impressed; I was moved. And I still am.

As Thanksgiving approaches, and our thoughts turn to the blessings in our lives, I hope you'll take the time to be thankful for our Church family and think about the last year. Think about the loving strivings and sacrifices of our parishioners — how we've rallied so strongly over the last year and, by the grace of God, pulled ourselves up by our proverbial boot-straps. Think about the massive project of restoring the Patmos Hall, which represents so much planning, so much preparation, so much creativity and so much effort — and all at breakneck speed, for the good of our parish. Think about the love of our Lord for our little community — and the love and support that our community offers each one of us every day of our lives.

Think about these things, and give thanks. This year at my Thanksgiving table, Brandy, the kids and I will be giving thanks for all of you. You are a blessing in our lives.