The earth moved!

That's a phrase we use (or at least "used to") to describe moments of incredible power (and yes, there are lots of sub-texts).

Our mid-Atlantic region got a very real taste of the earth moving on Tuesday when a 5.8-magnitude quake shook the Richmond, VA & D.C. region. While not nearly so dramatic as recent quakes in Haiti, Japan and elsewhere, many of our iconic structures built a century and more ago were tested. Some stood well. Others are showing cracks and strains that call their safety into question. While so far essentially "safe," our Nat'l Cathedral lost a number of stones from its pinnacles and preliminary examination has revealed cracks in several of the flying buttresses. One (St. Stephen's, Culpeper) masonary church building dating from the early 19th c. has been condemned after the narrthex separated from the historic worship space.

In the face of these earthshaking results, there are many questions. Yet, the dauntless spirit that God has placed within each of us shows itself without fail. The people of Haiti - devastated 18 months ago - continue to rebuild their lives and country. The people of Japan have not been conquered despite huge hits to Japan's energy, economic, manufacturing and residential structures. The people of St. Stephen's, Culpeper have already posted this message on their website:

Earthquake Update:
Sunday services will continue as scheduled.
Due to the extensive damages our church sustained in Tuesday's earthquake, our Sunday service will be held in the Gathering Room.
New Sunday service schedule begins September 11th.
8 & 10:30 a.m.

How resiliant is your spirit to moments when "the earth moves" beneath your life? There's no question that the fabric of our lives are stressed in these moments - whether joy-filled or tragedy-laden. Remember that God's Spirit and the Lord, himself, journey alongside each of us in such moments, awaiting our individual invitation to lend strength, calm, patience and a peace that passes understanding. While bad things still happen to good people, we never have to journey there alone.

Shalom,
Jeff+
Nothing separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8.39)