What a disaster we experienced this week.  For some the tragedy is direct and personal.  The loss of a home is unfathomable to me.  My heart breaks for the tens of thousands who have been displaced and will now be involved in months or years of rebuilding, possibly re-locating, and re-starting.  I’m afraid the number of lost lives will rise as we further investigate the damage.  All of us smelled the smoke in the air, saw the glow in the sky, anxiously waited for news from friends, and prayed through sleepless nights.  All of us felt the spiritual shock of the power of nature and our human vulnerability.  This was a collective blow to every Angeleno and sympathetic souls beyond.  We mourn together.  And we will recover, together.

Several members of our church evacuated but were spared property damage, as far as I am aware, although the danger continues.  I know of a handful of folks we count in our larger circle who have lost property.  We will support them.  Unitarian Universalists, in congregations all around us, suffered lost homes, ongoing evacuations, and other hardships.  Our networks of connections are sharing information and words of comfort at this early stage.  As needs become more clear and systems of practical help are put in place, I and the Board will keep you informed, and I know you will want to contribute.

For now, take care of yourself and take care of each other.  Find stories of hope amid the horror.  If you have something of spiritual or practical healing to offer:  a prayer, a spare room, a sympathetic ear, expertise in insurance, warm coats, a donation of money, get your offering together and prepare to give when needed.  Take comfort in the words of the hymn, “I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.”  Come to church on Sunday and let’s begin the work of repair.