By DAVID EPPS
Pastor

Most of America is still reeling from the vicious attacks on America and on innocent people by terrorists on September 11. One of the predictable results of the tragedy is that many people are seeking spiritual solace.

Certainly, many of the clergy in New York City and Washington, D.C. have been mobilized and word has it that Roman Catholic priests are conducting "last rites" around the clock at the site of the World Trade Center. Plans are underway to bring in clergy to conduct daily devotions during each shift for the rescue and recovery workers who are suffering unimaginable difficulty as the loss of life, the magnitude of the task, and the odor of over 6,000 corrupting corpses takes its toll. Workers are said to have spurned counselors, psychologists, or therapists. Instead, they are calling for pastors and priests.

This attention to spiritual matters has taken hold around the country as prayer vigils are being conducted, special worship services held, and larger than normal attendances at church are seen. At Turner Field in Atlanta, named after super-agnostic Ted Turner, the ironic message on the marquee greeting the tens of thousands on the interstate connecter is "God Bless America!"

Nationally televised prayer meetings are being broadcast and the nation turned its collective eye to the National Cathedral as Billy Graham, President George W.Bush, and others called the nation to prayer and dependence on God. In Fayette County last Tuesday, ministers from a wide range of denominations came together to pray and repent. In most churches, the sermons for the past two weeks have focused on the tragedy.

These events are forcing many to consider the brevity of life, the uncertainty of the current day, and the unfathomable sadness and unfairness that only an approach to God can begin to heal.

But what about the future? What if there is another terrorist attack? What if, on television in an address to the nation, the President announces that hundreds of thousands of military personnel are on the way to a war zone? If the nation is spiritually needy now, how much more needy will it be in the event of additional tragedy or during a protracted period of uncertainty?

In Peachtree City, many of the clergy of that community and the surrounding area are planning for just such an event, even though they are praying that it never happens. If a national disaster were to occur, on the scale of the World Trade Center, or a massive military operation is commenced, a community prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. the day after the tragedy. Area ministers of all Christian denominations will gather at 7:00 p.m.at First Baptist Church in Peachtree City to receive assignments.

At 7:15, the ministers will be dispatched to two churches where two identical prayer services will be conducted. One service will be held at First Baptist Church while the other will be conducted at First Presbyterian Church. The two churches sit next door to each other so that people coming to attend the services can park in the common lots and enter one of the two buildings. If both buildings fill up, then a third service will be conducted in thefellowship hall of First Baptist Church. Parking will be available at both churches, at the recreational park across the street, and next door at the city municipal buildings.

Even the scriptures and songs have been selected in advance. There will be singing, scripture readings, and prayer. Lots of prayer. There will, however, be no sermon. If such an event does occur again, it is not time to listen to a man. It is time to worship God, to seek God, and to commit to God.

Most worship services, especially community services, are well-planned, highly advertised, and a high attendance hoped for. In Peachtree City, the ministers who have planned this service are praying that it will never be held. But, if tragedy does occur, if a national emergency cannot be avoided, then the clergy of Peachtree City and the surrounding area will be there to help the community through yet another difficult situation. Just like they always are, day after day.

[Father David Epps is rector of Christ the King Church in Peachtree City. He may be contacted at FatherDavidEpps@aol.com or at www.ChristTheKingCEC.com.]

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