Words of Comfort During Wildfires

Dear Ones,

As if the world around us is not worrisome enough, in the last hours, the Santa Ana winds have picked up and temperatures have soared.

In our extreme drought, the inevitable has happened.

Fires are now burning in six locations and thousands have evacuated as homes and businesses are destroyed. Many of our church communities are presently impacted. (Holy Cross and St. Michael’s in Carlsbad; Grace, San Marcos; St. John’s,Fallbrook, St. Alban’s, El Cajon; and Trinity, Escondido are in the thick of it).

We hold these communities, and all who are evacuating, in our prayers. Firefighters and other first-responders also should be in our prayers.

Across the ages, Jesus’ words come to us in Sunday’s gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me,” (John 14:1).

Tonight as we prayer fervently for safety and protection of life and property, maybe these are just the words we need to hear.

Blessings and deepest prayers for all in danger.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop

A Litany for God’s People Amidst Smoke, Fire and Ashes

Worship Resources for Wildfires (ELCA)