Getting to Janet’s house wasn’t easy, streets full of work trucks dumpsters and friends helping out. Her whole neighborhood flooded, many people displaced. Parking next to her ruined car, Christi and I walk past piles of furniture, books, a fridge, washer and dryer, much discarded on the front lawn.

As we enter the house, loud fans and the smell of mold assault us, flood sediment smeared across almost new tiles.

Christi and I hug Janet, a profound sadness present. All around, the walls are cut, studs and wiring exposed. This is a broken house, like so many in and around Houston.

I begin the Communion service, reading the Collect prayer :

‘Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.’

And together we receive the bread and wine, accompanied with tears. I pray that God would be present for Janet and her family, that they would know they are not alone. That they are very much loved.

This I am certain of, whatever may happen, God will never abandon us.