Dear Editor,
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow . . . And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10a, 12
Over the past two months, the Coronation Evangelical Free Church can truly bear witness to the reality of these words from the Holy Scriptures.
In the face of our adversity and loss, we have been overwhelmed with the care, compassion, generosity and support we have received from so many!
In many ways, we are part of three communities, each one intertwined with the others, bringing strength and encouragement to us as we figure out next steps to start a new build in the up coming months.
First, we wish to thank the community of Coronation, the County of Paintearth and our neighbours and friends throughout East Central Alberta. You have made it clear to us that our loss was your loss as well, and you have helped us shoulder the burden we have to carry.
We want to thank our volunteer firefighters from Coronation, Castor and Veteran for the superior job you did in battling our fire, and for all you continue to do to protect our homes and families in Coronation. You serve us selflessly in the worst of circumstances, and you have all displayed true care for us in our time of loss. Thank you!
Second, we thank our local RCMP detachments in Coronation and Consort, and our local Victim Services volunteers for all that you have done to ensure our protection, and for the professional way that you managed the scene, collected evidence and sought to get the cause of the fire.
Your compassion, empathy and professionalism are much appreciated!
Thank you for all you do to “Maintain the Right” in our community and area; you are in our prayers for protection as you face uncertain and dangerous situations every day.
A special “Thank You!” to Jill Bossert for being there for our Pastor and for our parishioners!
Thank you for caring for us throughout this ordeal!
Third, we thank our local community for all the practical ways you have taken care of us in our loss. We wish to thank Paintearth Adult Education, SK Welding and the Trinity United Church for your willingness to house us, and for offering us office space!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Coronation Home Decorating/Beans and Blooms for the office space you have provided us with, and to the Clearview School Division, Coronation School and Staff for allowing us to use the School for our Sunday Morning Worship Services; it is a beautiful home away from home for our congregation! Thank you, Robin Cole, for fundraising for us, and for all your care for us!
And lastly, we wish to thank everyone for their kind words, their monetary gifts, their prayers and support. Words cannot express how much we value being a part of such a great community!
We hope that in the coming days, as we rebuild, that we will be able to bless you all as you have all been a blessing to us! In Christian Love,
Pastor Clayton Grice and the Coronation Evangelical Church
