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Students signed a sign, expressing both grief and hope. Photo: Bobb Barnes, PDA National Response Team.
sunday, April 22, 2007 (Day 6)
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team (PDA-NRT) members Jim Kirk and Bobb Barnes worshiped at the 9:30 a.m. Service of Worship at the First Presbyterian Church in Narrows, Virginia, at the invitation of the Reverend Shirley Larson, Pastor. The service was informal, and Bobb and Jim gave opening statements and invited questions on forgiveness and what to say to a local family whose child had been killed. The one most moving comment that concluded our presentation came from a lady who thanked us for being there, stating that "it made a big difference for me."
The team returned to Blacksburg where Jim attended the 11:00 a.m. Service of Worship at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, where Alex Evans is pastor, and Bobb attended the Northside Presbyterian Church, where Linda Dickerson is pastor. Many personally greeted and thanked both Jim and Bobb after the services, expressing appreciation for the connectional demonstration of the church and appreciation for their representation of the denomination.
Jim and Bobb then hosted lunch with the Reverend Nancy Dawson, Executive Presbyter, who brought with her Lara Gentry, pastor of two small churches where the Reverend Dawson had delivered the morning message. PDA resources were reviewed, and PDA NRT members extended an offer for additional support from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance staff. This was a constructive final meeting between the PDA-NRT and the presbytery with mutual expressions of appreciation.
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