Two Anniversaries Of Two Tragic Events

Published September 11, 2026
Two Anniversaries Of Two Tragic Events

HELLO FRIENDS

This week we are faced with the reminders of two very tragic events - one just a year ago, and the other twenty-five years ago. 

Today, as I write this congregational reflection, it is Thursday, September 10, which marks the one year anniversary of the senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk at the age of 31. 

Tomorrow is Friday, September 11, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11, when 2,977 people were killed in the terrorist attacks of that day.

These are watershed moments in our history, and upon our hearts. 

I recall our church gatherings on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in which we had a time of prayer and intercession in response to these events, as well as numerous other troubling things that were transpiring in North Carolina, Colorado, Minnesota, Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Gaza and Utah. 

The weight of anxiety, grief, pain and confusion was almost numbing. 

And yet we were comforted by directing our prayer and petition to the Lord, our God and Maker. On that Sunday, and on into a worship night that evening, I recall reciting Psalm 46:1-3.

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalm 46:1–3

That was true then. 

It is still true now.

One year later.

Twenty-five years later.

Loved ones, be still, and KNOW that He is God.

Grace & Peace to you all,

Pastor John