On July 4, flash floods tore through Kerr County, Texas. In the days that followed, we grieved, watched first responders work tirelessly, and began the slow work of recovery.
At First Presbyterian Church Kerrville, we had already planned Creative Camp. This year’s theme was God’s Masterpiece: Designed with a Purpose, a week of art, movement, and hands-on learning meant to remind children they are uniquely made and deeply loved. But after the flood, we questioned whether it still made sense. In the face of so much loss, did these efforts matter? Was this the right kind of response? Purpose suddenly felt harder to define.
Even so, we move forward in faith.
Less than two weeks after the flooding, more than 50 children gathered for camp. They each came shaped differently by the weeks before. The kids painted and built. They played drums, explored science and sang together. They made tie-dye shirts, blew bubbles, chalked messages and drawings along the church steps, and cooled off with paletas. It was colorful and creative. A little noisy. A little messy. And deeply needed.
Volunteers showed up, too. Some led activities. Others restocked supplies, cleaned up or stepped in wherever they were needed. New volunteers joined each day, creating something steady and kind in the midst of so much that was still uncertain. In small ways, healing began.
The week of color, laughter and care revealed that the theme held greater meaning than we intended. We are God’s masterpiece, designed with a purpose. We each have unique gifts to offer. Sometimes it looks like showing up, listening or making space for someone else to feel joy again.
We are especially grateful for the first responders, volunteers and neighbors who continue to care for Kerr County. Their ongoing work reminds us that purpose takes many forms and that healing takes all of us.
Carra Gray; Director of Engagement and Communications; First Presbyterian Church Kerrville; Kerrville, Texas
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:
Jackie Carter, Project Manager, Media & Publishing, Interim Unified Agency
Katie Carter, Manager, Faith-Based Investing & Shareholder Engagement, Interim Unified Agency
Let us pray:
Loving God, creation is your masterpiece. You grieve whenever a piece of your creation is damaged or destroyed.
Your heart breaks open whenever one of your little ones is lost. Made in your image, we grieve all that has been lost.
Help us to find purpose as we work and wait, for hearts to heal, and lives to be restored. Amen. - Rev. Susan Shaw-Meadow of FPC Kerrville
No comments:
Post a Comment