TEL: (212)870-2221
FAX: (212) 870-2737

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

We, in the Presbytery of New York City, have been touched by the way you have reached out to us with prayers, phone calls, letters, as well as with practical and financial help during these agonizing days of grief and uncertainty. During this time, we are grateful that we are able to join with you through God's Spirit in prayer and through Christ's fellowship in the Church.

We continue to mourn our losses and struggle to rebuild our lives. A number of Presbytery church members were killed in the tragedy, and many more have lost relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Some have lost their jobs and homes. Many of us witnessed the destruction first-hand and grapple with memories of terror and suffering.

Thankfully, none of our churches were damaged and we have been able to keep our doors open for services of prayer and mourning. On Sundays our churches have been full of both members and neighbors seeking God's comfort and guidance. Many of us, including clergy, have participated in services of prayer and healing with New Yorkers who are Christian, Muslim and Jewish.

We voted as a Presbytery on September 29th to adopt a resolution of prayer that those responsible for the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history be held accountable without the loss of more innocent lives. We also urged that all leaders in our nation refrain from suggesting that God ordains violence against any persons as punishment for the diversity that comprises the city and country we love. We ask that you join with us in reflecting upon the God we know through Jesus Christ: a God who calls all of us to repentance, who loves us and suffers with us, and whose heart breaks when innocent people suffer anywhere.

We are particularly grateful during this time for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Office in Louisville, which can be reached at 1-888-728-7288, ext. 5839. They can receive donations for our relief efforts. We are thankful that the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick has paid us a pastoral visit on behalf of the General Assembly and the whole Church. Above all we are thankful for your prayers.

We thank God for your love and support. God bless you. This has been an experience which affirms the connectional church.

In Christ's hope for us and love for the world,

Elder Dee Evelyn Matthews	The Rev. Jan G. Owen	The Rev. James Foster Reese
Moderator	Stated Clerk	Executive Presbyter