Hurricane Helene Response
September 29, 2024

 
Hurricane Helene has brought devastation to GA and TN.  Winds and floods ravaged communities from Brunswick GA all the way up to East TN.  People have lost their homes. Many lives have been lost. Search and rescue is still underway.  In many areas, people are cut off from vital infrastructure needed to access water and supplies due to roads, bridges and water plants being compromised.  In addition, hundreds of thousands are still without power in GA and in TN.  First responders and utility crews are working as fast as they can. Rescue operations are still underway in parts of our synod.

We are grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, concern and prayers for those impacted by this hurricane. In addition to reaching out to our congregations in the affected areas, we are organizing for response along with local and state organizations and our disaster partners. We are establishing congregational care connectors to disburse emergency assistance funds to survivors and working to connect people and communities with needed resources. This will be a long recovery as the impacted area is vast and the needs are great.

What we can do now:

Pray -

Pray for the safety of those awaiting rescue, for those injured by the storm, for those who grieve, for those who anxiously wait for loved ones unaccounted for, for those who come to help – first responders and firefighters, law enforcement, utility workers and chain saw and heavy equipment crews who put their lives in danger to save others.  Pray for this response that hearts will open and volunteers will come and help the survivors restore their communities and homes. Pray for the safety of all that come to help. Pray.

Give -

Donations are specific to each area impacted as needs for resources change after a disaster. The best way to help at this time is to provide funds for items that are needed that then can be purchased and sent directly to the sites as their needs are identified.  Please give generously. Our disaster ministry team is working with the state and local organizations including our congregations in the impacted areas to determine needs as they arise and get funds out to them as quickly as possible.

Volunteer -

Crisis Clean up Call Line – This is an important volunteer task!  By helping with the Crisis Clean Up Call Line you talk directly with survivors and help them get their information on the board to be picked up by groups that can help with their need. You can do this from your home with a computer and a phone. Contact Beth Smith to volunteer and get more information. bethrand@comcast.net

DO NOT SELF DEPLOY – But Plan to volunteer to help with clean up and muck out when volunteer centers open and they are ready to receive you.  We will post this information as soon as we know.  Virtual Muck and Gut Training will be provided – watch for more information to come.

Join the Synod Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care team to provide support in the affected areas. Contact Pastor Morgan at pmgordy@elca-ses.org.
 

We are grateful for our partner Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) who has provided support for our responses to the disasters this synod has experienced in the past and now has reached out to walk with us through this one.  Please donate generously so that together we can provide the care and support needed for those families and communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
 
God’s peace amidst the storm,

  Pastor Morgan Gordy
  Assistant to the Bishop for Disaster Ministry
 

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Loving God, we come to you trusting in your mercy and knowing that your steadfast love endures forever. Look with mercy on those who are harmed or displaced by Hurricane Helene. Give them your strength to meet the days ahead, your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and renewed hope for restoration and rebuilding. Move in those who are able to give aid, that we may be your hands and heart on earth. Be with all who offer assistance; may your Spirit uphold them. As you have made water a sign of your kingdom, and of cleansing and rebirth, grant your people vision to see new life on the other side of disaster. To you be given all honor and praise, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

From sundaysandseasons.com.