Tomorrow marks 25 years since September 11, 2001, a day forever etched into the memory of our nation.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost that morning. We remember the families who said goodbye without knowing it would be the last time. We remember those whose lives were forever changed by the events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93.

But we also remember the extraordinary courage that emerged in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.

We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel, and countless first responders who ran toward danger while others were trying to escape it. We remember the ordinary men and women who, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, chose to help a stranger, comfort someone who was frightened, carry someone who could not walk, or stand together against evil.

That courage did not end on September 11.

Every day, there are men and women who continue to place themselves in harm's way in service to others. There are first responders who answer the call, members of our Armed Forces who serve and sacrifice, and ordinary people who quietly choose courage, compassion, and selflessness when someone needs them most.

September 11 reminds us that bravery is not found only in a uniform. Sometimes it is found in the person who simply refuses to walk away when another human being needs help.

As people of faith, we also remember that darkness does not have the final word. Even on one of our nation's darkest days, there were acts of tremendous love, sacrifice, kindness, and courage. In the face of hatred, people chose to help one another. In the midst of fear, people prayed. In the midst of devastation, people reached for one another.

Today, we honor those who never came home. We hold in prayer the families who have carried their loss for 25 years, as well as those who continue to live with the physical and emotional effects of that day. We give thanks for those who served then and for those who continue to serve today.

May we never forget the lives that were lost.

May we never take for granted those who stand ready to serve.

May we have the courage to step forward when someone needs us.

And may we continue to choose compassion over hatred, unity over division, and love over fear.

We remember September 11, 2001. We honor the fallen. We give thanks for the brave. And we pray for a world in which peace will always be stronger than fear.

NONPERISHABLE FOOD DRIVE

NOW up till September 14, 2026

Bishop Scharf has issued an invitation to all the Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Southwest Florida to participate in a food drive. He wants us to collect canned goods and shelf-stable items to donate to a local Episcopal food ministry. The church closest to us with a food bank is All Souls Episcopal Church in North Fort Myers. Their food pantry is open every Wednesday morning, and we will collect nonperishable food items for them from now until September 14th. Consider cans or pouches of tuna fish and jars of peanut butter -- both good sources of protein.

This is an outreach project designed to take our theme at Diocesan Convention, "One Witness," beyond the walls of the church and into communities across the Diocese. I think it's a great idea, so let's jump in with both feet!  We want to do our part to feed hungry people in our area, so give generously!!

Look for a box or bin at the back of the church. On September 15, 2026, we'll deliver the food we have collected to All Souls Food Pantry in North Fort Myers.