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Dear All, I pray this email finds you and your families safe. As you know, a devastating fire is raging in the Palisades right now and firefighters are bravely battling the flames. While the situation is changing rapidly and there is much we do not know, I do want to update all of you on a few things we do know: First, God will see us through this. Personally, I am still very much in a state of shock over the events that rapidly unfolded over these past 10+ hours (and continue to unfold). And yet, through it all I can't help but feel God watching over us. Even as my heart breaks over the images I saw today and the news I continue to hear, I know we are not in this battle alone. Second, all of our preschool staff and children are safe. When reports of the fire first reached our attention, the preschool parents were notified and the children were sent home. Preschool and church staff worked as a team to ensure every child was directly reunited with their parents even as chaotic evacuations were underway in the Palisades. I could not be more proud of our amazing teachers and staff for their poise and dedication during a very harrowing time. Third, all church staff are safe. Those of us who live in the Palisades (Will, Lynda, myself) evacuated without a problem and others (Lucy, Enrique, Johnny) who were on campus today left campus in a timely manner and made it home safely. Others who were not on campus today (Pastor Grace, Pierre, Anthony) are also safe at home. Mary, me, and our children are staying at our friends' house in Culver City. We were not able to get anything from our home in the Highlands before departing and I had to leave my car near the church, but we are together and safe. Like many of you, we have no idea if our house is ok or not. Fourth, as far as we know all of our church members and friends who live in the Palisades area were able to safely evacuate. Pastor Grace and I have been reaching out to our members/friends in the Palisades via texts, phone calls, and emails. She and I are staying in constant communication as we receive news and updates. If you know of anyone who could use a call from a pastor, please let us know. My cell phone number is 310-592-9025. Pastor Grace's cell phone number is 818-571-3997. Fifth, we have heard different reports about the status of our church campus. Flames are certainly threatening it, but I cannot confirm anything at this time. Obviously the situation is changing by the minute, so we may not know for some time how our church has fared. Sixth, many homes and businesses have already been damaged or destroyed. The loss appears to be significant. Please keep everyone who resides or works or owns a business in the Palisades in your prayers. And please keep the courageous firefighters in your prayers as they risk their lives to save our community. Seventh, I have received countless messages of love and support to pass along to our church family. Fellow clergy from the Presbytery and throughout Los Angeles and other faith leaders have contacted me and Pastor Grace to offer their prayers for our church and our community. Many of our nearby Presbyterian churches have offered to help house anyone in need or provide whatever services may help. If you have a need, of any kind, please contact me or Pastor Grace and we will do our very best to help. PLEASE know that we and our community are being lifted up in prayer by many, many people right now. As we endure this horrific trial, we do not do so alone. We will remain united in faith, hope, and love for one another. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 Together with you in Christ, Pastor Matt and Pastor Grace
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