Dear Friends in Christ, Thus far, everyone I’ve checked with is okay from Praise Lutheran Church which is in the region of the train derailment and chemical spill/fire which took place northwest of our church in Maryville, TN. The accident, it would appear, was less than a mile from the church as the crow flies. Five thousand in our region were evacuated but as of yet, it doesn’t appear to include any of our church family members, though some are very close to the evacuation zone. Thank you for your prayers and concerns. I’ll continue to check with our families until we know that all are safe. I have not been to the church building and do not know the status of the air and ground, but it seems wisest to stay clear from the church building for now. I’ll keep you posted about that as well as we move into the weekend. I’ve been in contact with Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola of the Mid-South District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod to update him about the situation. Blessings on your Independence Day celebrations. The Lord be with you+ Pastor Roberts