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AFTER THE DEPARTING OF THE WATERS
 New Orleanians were not allowed to return to their city until a month after Hurricane Katrina. In that month homes, churches, libraries, schools, offices, and every other dwelling place in our wonderful city sat in the sweltering heat of a south Louisiana September. The waters warped and rotted anything made of wood. The heat turned water soaked rugs, walls, and bedding into a green and black sea of mold and slime. Homes, fishing boats, and even inground swimming pools were strewn about the streets like discarded toys of some giant's careless child.
A MESSAGE FROM THE WATERS
When workers entered First Church a month after Hurricane Katrina, they found this hymnal, Singing The Living Tradition, open to hymn #308, Blessings of the Earth and Skies . It seemed appropriate that we sing the hymn at our first service together.
Churches across the country have donated hymnals to replace those that were lost to the waters. Thank you all so much.
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THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED
 Both pianos, the organ, and the music library were claimed by Katrina, so the music could not play. But fear not, there is hope in mudville. We were very lucky in that our wonderful pianist, Jane Jensen, had copies of everything the choir has ever sung. Ever resilient the choir has regrouped and sounds wonderful.
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The church has been gutted and the mold has been removed. The second floor in the education wing now houses our offices and a Hurricane Relief & Social Justice Project volunteer center. We have had one service in the Sanctuary, regular committee meetings in the wallless classrooms, and several fellowship activitites in our Fellowship Hall. We want our church home back!
