Dear Editor,

The members of Shoals United Methodist Church would like to thank you (The Pilot and Dean Palmer) for the thoughtfulness of the articles that were published in your paper. We were very pleased with the content and the way you wrote not only the facts but the feelings of our congregation and community.

As a congregation, we have been blessed with the outpouring of generosity and help. The community of Shoals and the outlying communities have reached out to us providing for our every need — emotional, physical and spiritual. The media has helped to get out the word of the loss of Shoals United Methodist Church. This has allowed a massive chain of prayers and concerns for us and the rebuilding of our church. We truly appreciate the prospective of your articles. God has had His hand in all the words that have come from reporters’ hands and mouths.

Please let us know if there is ever a time when the members of Shoals United Methodist Church can be of service to your paper. We are fortunate in Surry County to have a compassionate group of God’s people working in all areas of the press.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Something good will come from the destruction of our church. Something good has already happened with the outpouring of prayers and offerings of help. We believe that our church, community and county will grow spiritually and strengthen from this point and on into the future.

Again, we thank you and bless you for everything done!

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Members of Shoals United Methodist Church