A Day of Celebration and Mourning

The Church was full yesterday as we entered the season of the 50th Anniversary of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  It was a beautiful time of opening our doors to many in the community from all over our city, Michigan, the US, and Canada.  All in one service, we celebrated the accomplishments of athletes, while continuing the collective mourning of the most famous shipwreck in Great Lakes history.  There was plenty of news coverage as well as a documentary film crew capturing all the activities.

In addition to the swimmers who participated in the 411 mile relay swim, in attendance was much of their families, support team, the community and church.  This included the Deputy Detroit Mayor (Melia Howard), the Wayne County Commissioners Office, and the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (Bruce Lynn).  These dignitaries gave words of welcome and thanks to the congregation in attendance.  Wayne Country presented an official resolution to Mariners’ Church commemorating the day, which we will display in the Julia Anderson Room starting this Sunday for a season.

Jim Dreyer, the Director of the Swim, shared not only his pride in the swimmers accomplishments, but his faith in how Jesus gave them the ability “to do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).  They overcame injuries, equipment failure, and bad weather and Jim gave God the glory in it all.

The second half of the service was a powerful remembrance as we tolled the bell for all 29 names of the souls lost on the Fitzgerald, plus one toll for the whole of the Great Lakes tragedies.  Gary Marchetti from the Detroit Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Corp did a single piper procession while playing a solemn version of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

Before we put away the Kleenex from that powerful moment, Gordon Lightfoot’s epic ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” was played by Brian Liebau a local musician and personal friend.  It was a powerful exclamation point on a meaningful service of God’s Word and prayer.

Afterwards the church was full of conversation as we hosted two receptions for both the general public in the Julia Anderson Room, and the swimmers in a dressed up children’s area.  Thanks to Charlotte and Kelly, our wonderful administrative team, for coordinating all these efforts.  A special thanks to all of our members and volunteers who came to usher, greet, clean, and be helpful on this busy day.

I’m so proud of our church in how we came together for this event.  It gives me great anticipation as we look towards the upcoming events in November.   It is very apparent that there will be much to be done to accommodate all those who want to attend.  Please be attentive to announcements and requests for volunteers as we continue serve our community and the Maritime community from around the world.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Todd