Loading...Dear Friend in Christ, Severe storms and flooding have been battering the U.S. since April. Most recently, a massive tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, killing at least 117 people. The storm damaged over 2,000 buildings, or as much as 30% of the city. Rescue crews are still working to locate survivors.
Episcopal Relief & Development is responding through the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri to meet immediate needs with food, gas cards and temporary shelter, and is standing by to assist as the rescue phase shifts into recovery.
Thankfully, the entire congregation of St. Philip's, the town's sole Episcopal church, is safe. "A couple of our parishioners have lost homes and others have family members with injuries, but nothing life-threatening," said the Rev. Frank Sierra, rector.
We are also continuing to support the Episcopal Dioceses of East Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Atlanta, among others, in ministering to impacted people in the wake of storms and tornadoes in April and major flooding from the Mississippi River this month.
Your help is critical in providing temporary shelter, food assistance, basic household items, pastoral care and comfort for those in desperate need.
Please photocopy this bulletin insert and place it in your Sunday Service leaflet on Sunday, May 29.
Encourage your congregation to visit Episcopal Relief & Development's website, www.er-d.org, for updated information on the storms and affected communities and to assist those in need by making an immediate, convenient and secure contribution to Episcopal Relief & Development's USA Disaster Response Fund.
O God of mercy, give rest to those who have died, comfort those who are grieving and protect those who are working to rescue and assist survivors. Strengthen the Joplin community now and during the long journey to recovery and healing. Help us, your people, to walk alongside those who are suffering with our prayers and compassion. Amen.
Thank you for your partnership, prayers and compassion.
Sincerely in Christ,
Brian Sellers-Petersen, Director of Church Engagement
Give a gift today:
Please make checks payable to:
Episcopal Relief & Development/USA Disaster Response Fund
Mail to: PO Box 7058 Merrifield, VA 22116-7058
To make a credit card donation, please call 1.855.312.HEAL or visit our website at www.er-d.org.
