Disaster Relief

Presbyterian Church responds to the storms in the U.S.

April 28, 2011

Situation

In the past few weeks we have seen severe and devastating storms ravage the Midwestern, Southern, and Eastern United States. As we pray for all who have been affected by these events, we remember that “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8) and call on the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom “even the winds and sea obey” (Matthew 8:27).

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already responding to the need.

The Office of Theology and Worship has provided resources for prayer and worship in such a time as this.

Please join with your efforts. Give – Act – Pray.

PDA response

One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds from PDA are already at work in areas most affected by this string of disasters. 

At the request of the 11 presbyteries in 10 states (including Alabama), members of the PDA National Response Team (NRT) are working to help leaders as they organize their response for local communities.  PDA is monitoring a number of additional presbyteries in case a need for assistance arises.  A number of NRT members are on stand-by status. Read a previous report about April storms.

How you can help

You can help the church in this response and stand in the GAP for those affected by this disaster.

GIVE.

The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, long-term and unmet needs, and spiritual/emotional counseling.

Individuals may give by phone at (800) 872-3283, through your congregation, online, or by mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700. Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 (please include DR000015 on your check to support response to disasters in the United States.)

Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.

ACT. 

• CLEAN UP BUCKETS are needed. Please consider assembling buckets to assist families as they begin the overwhelming task of storm and flood clean up.  The Maryland location especially needs the buckets at this time, and for those who live in the northeast, there are additional drop-off locations in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia
  
  
• Register your team’s interest in future rebuilding possibilities. Call (866) 732-6121.
• Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.

PRAY.

Creator of the wind and water, thank you for your ever-presence with us.
Please be with your children who are displaced by the recent storms, who have lost loved ones, or who will need to begin the tasks of cleaning up or rebuilding their homes.  May the light of your hope and the power of your love shine through your church as we stand with those in need. 
For the grace of your Son, which is sufficient for our every need, we give you thanks.  Amen.