With storm's passage, worshippers give thanks
By MATT CURRY Associated Press Writer

TYLER, Texas — Reaching into a white plastic bag Sunday, pastor Michael W. Massar pulled out a broken tree limb — a symbol of Hurricane Rita.

"The winds are going to blow, it says in the Bible, and we want you to be strong," Massar told the church's children during Sunday services at the packed First Baptist Church on an unexpectedly sunny day

Hurricane Rita blew through East Texas and western Louisiana on Saturday, but did far less damage in Texas than expected.

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