Out of Chaos, Hope

(This information is reprinted from a recent Presbyterian Disaster Assistance email.)

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to record-setting storms in the Northeast

New Englanders are still digging out from a series of powerful winter storms that have dumped more than 100 inches of snow within a 30-day period. Coupled with frigid temperatures, the weather has created significant challenges for Presbyterian congregations in Boston and northern New England.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is responding to the Synod of the Northeast’s request for $300,000 and disaster support services to provide emergency relief and long-term recovery in the affected presbyteries. The support will help congregations remove snow from strained roofs and parking lots, seek alternative worship locations during the weather crisis, and support pastors and congregations to pay heating and utility bills.

Members of the PDA National Response Team will be sent to assess the damage to buildings, assist congregations with insurance questions, and determine how volunteers can contribute to long-term recovery.

In this season of Lent, when congregations throughout the denomination receive the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, it is an extraordinary blessing to leverage the collective power of our church’s generosity to respond to the urgent needs of affected congregations and the communities they serve.

Give: Your faithful and generous support of OGHS makes an immediate response possible. Supporting the 2015 offering is crucial. Additional gifts to DR000015 (Disaster Relief – USA Disasters & Emergencies) will help with the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Act: Learn about congregational care of vulnerable people in cold weather. Prepare now to assemble Gift of the Heart Cleanup Buckets that are often needed following flooding conditions. Like us on Facebook to stay informed and receive updates to share with your congregation.

Pray: Pray for the congregations, pastors, and families impacted by the storms and cold temperatures. Pray for strength for those offering assistance and those who will participate in the recovery efforts in days and months to come.