Blizzard

Blizzard: 1. a severe snowstorm characterized by strong sustained winds of at least 35 mph and lasting for a prolonged period of time—typically three hours or more. 2. soft-serve ice cream mechanically blended with mix-in ingredients such as sundae toppings and/or pieces of cookies, brownies, or candy.

 

Given the option, I would choose definition 2. (French Silk Pie is my favorite.)  However, I don't think we will have the luxury of choice this weekend. Moments ago, I heard a meteorologist suggesting that he was about to up his projected totals from the 20-30 inches he posted earlier this morning.  Blizzard warnings are posted from 3 pm today through 6 a.m. Sunday morning.  Finding a shovel, bag of salt, or loaf of bread may be a challenge according to media reports, while state and local governments have declared states of emergency.  It would appear that this storm is the real thing!

 

That said, what decisions are to made for activities at Westwood this weekend?  The cancellation of services is never taken lightly.  Over the years we have canceled Sunday services a few times, always in the midst of or aftermath of a storm.  This storm, however, is different.  There seems to be little variance between weather services about the severity and timing of the storm.  While we have a contract for snow removal from our church parking lot and some great Westwood folks to work on the sidewalks, this storm may simply be too much to overcome in preparing for Sunday services.  A few inches would find us advising you to take precautions if you were making your way to church...a few feet, well it would seem the wiser choice is to remain indoors until side streets, main thoroughfares, parking lots and sidewalks can be cleared. 

 

So, with that in mind, and with the agreement of several leaders within our church, we will cancel all activities at Westwood for this Sunday.  Over these next few days, let us be wise in how we react to this storm, planning for the needs of our own families, but let us also be compassionate in reaching out to neighbors and friends around us who may need help and support.  Your act of worship and ministry this weekend may be to help a neighbor in need.  Already we have had a request from one of our elderly members who will need assistance in clearing her driveway after the storm, so if you would like to help with this need, let me know.  This storm is a reminder to us of the importance of shelter and the hypothermia program we participate in.  Remember in prayer those in our area who are seeking and offering shelter during this storm.

 

Over the weekend I will offer you some words to think about as you pause to honor the Lord right where you are Sunday morning.  Though we may not be together as a body, let us join in spirit to honor the Lord, encourage one another, and reach out to those around us in need.

 

Oh, and by the way, I guess you can choose both kinds of blizzards this weekend, but I recommend you act on the second kind before this afternoon!

 

Jim Abernathy