September 11, 2001 was one of those days that each of us (at least those of us of a certain age!) remembers in great detail. Everyone can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing the moment they heard the news of an airplane striking the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Glued with horror to our televisions and radios, we watched and listened as the drama unfolded. Another plane hit the South Tower; another struck the Pentagon. And then, due to the bravery of some passengers, another plane, destined for the Capital, crashed in a Pennsylvania field.

But then came September 12.

The alarm went off in the morning. And most of us went to work, like any other day. I was working at a bank in Wilmington. On September 12, a church just a few blocks from the bank had a large sign outside announcing that there would be a prayer service at noon. Several of my co-workers and I decided to attend. The church was packed. A Presbyterian minister, a Catholic priest, an Islamic mullah, and a rabbi co-led the service. Those in attendance represented all different faiths and all different races. And, just for that day, it seemed, our similarities were more noticeable than our differences. We were Americans. We gathered to lift our voices in prayer for those who had lost loved ones and those who had been injured. We gave thanks for the heroic first responders. And even though our prayers may have been voiced differently, we all had the same hope that evil would not prevail. This was faith, at its strongest. 

Likewise, my co-workers who attended with me were Christian, non-Christian, and agnostic. We were white, black and brown. And when we returned to the office, we did something we had never done before. We talked about our faith. We shared a common bond and a common hope. Even if just for that day, we all voiced true belief that someone or something beyond our own weakness, anxiety and fears had it all under control.

The phrase “We will never forget,” seems to be on everyone’s lips this week. Of course, we will never forget. But each of us chooses to remember in our own way. I choose to remember, and long for September 12.

I hope you will join us this weekend, either online at ctcde.online.church at 9 or 11AM on Sunday, or in person in Bear at 6PM Saturday or 9AM or 11 AM Sunday or at 11 AM Sunday at Elsmere.

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Next Sunday!

Community Day

Sunday, September 19

Sunday, September 19

10:30am-2:00pm

For more information, email mpasswaters@ctcde.church

Lord, we worship you and give you thanks. Protect our nation and bring peace to all nations throughout the world. May all creation one day raise our voices in unison with the cry, “Jesus is Lord of all!”

- Pastor Sharon