09/11/2026
*A Letter from Pastor Randy on Remembering 9/11*
Do you remember where you were 25 years ago today? I was in my office and getting ready to go to a staff meeting. I received a message about a plane hitting a building in New York City. I remember turning on a TV and watching in disbelief. Twenty-five years ago today, on September 11, 2001, our nation—and our world—changed forever.
Thousands of lives were lost. Families were forever changed. Communities grieved. And for a time, we wondered what the future would look like.
Twenty-five years later, we remember. We remember the lives taken far too soon. We remember the families and friends who still carry the weight of loss. We remember the first responders, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage by running toward danger to help others. And we remember the remarkable compassion, generosity, courage, and unity that emerged in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.
As people of faith, we hold tightly to these words:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
God never promises us a life without hardship, grief, or uncertainty. But God promises to be present with us—in the midst of it all. So, as we remember September 11, may we honor those we lost not simply by looking back, but by choosing how we will live today.
May we choose love over hatred.
Compassion over fear.
Courage over division.
Peace over violence.
And community over isolation.
May we remember that we are not enemies first. We are neighbors. We are human beings. We are children of God, each one created in the image of God. And may we pray and help bring about peace in our communities, our nation, and our world.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
