Words From The Warden

Reflections On September 11 and the Power of Community

Where Were You on September 11?
“Where were you when the world stopped turnin’ That September Day?” (Alan Jackson) Most of us remember exactly where we were on that beautiful September 11, 2001 morning. The shock of the events led many of us to gather in places of worship that evening, seeking comfort and solidarity in each other’s presence. We cried, prayed, and shared our fears, united in confusion and uncertainty about what had happened. The grounding of all flights made it clear: we were under attack, and the nation faced an unknown future.

I purchased this flag at a benefit for a Pickerington HS Senior. A freak accident on the wrestling mat during the 2003-04 season left him a quadriplegic. I display this flag once a year.

Living in the Aftermath
In the days that followed, life felt surreal, as if we were moving through a fog. Many events, including college and professional football games, were cancelled. Gradually, we started emerging from this haze of fear. On Saturday, September 22, I officiated a football game at Purdue, and the atmosphere in Ross-Aide Stadium was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Security was heightened, and our officiating crew underwent an unusually detailed pregame briefing, preparing for scenarios involving bombs and snipers. The camaraderie among players, coaches, and officials was striking; everyone treated each other with uncommon warmth. Even the crowd of 65,000 was subdued, giving off a sense of unity and togetherness that I had never felt before, and have not felt since. By the following Saturday, life had returned to “business as usual,” yet the tragedy that had forever changed us was already beginning to fade from daily consciousness.

The Lasting Impact of September 11
September 11, 2001, transformed all our lives in profound ways. It is worth noting that not a single student at Denison, nor any child in school today, was alive at that time. For them, nothing changed; the events are only stories from the past.

Community and Belonging at St. Luke’s
The sense of unity and community experienced in the aftermath of tragedy is truly special. At St. Luke’s, we pride ourselves on being warm and welcoming. However, it is important to ask: do we truly make people feel like they belong? There is room for improvement. I recall a family who regularly attended our Sunday services. The mother and children were frequent participants, while the father, an Army Captain, joined less often. He was invited to present at our Coffee: Grounds for Discussion event, which he did enthusiastically at the historical society next door, as our Undercroft was being remodeled. Through his presentation, he shared stories of his deployments and explained how his service was dedicated to keeping us safe.

Unfortunately, a few individuals—perhaps three—made comments suggesting that the United States deserved the attacks on the towers. One woman expressed embarrassment about being an American due to the country’s actions abroad. Regrettably, I did not speak up, and that Sunday was the last time this family attended our services.

Embracing Beloved Community
True beloved community means loving everyone, because God loves everyone. Let us take a moment to reflect and truly see one another, and in doing so, let us see Jesus in each other.

Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Sr. Warden