Dear friends in Christ,
Yesterday, the towns of Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia, experienced the worst flooding in recorded history with over 18 feet of water. The people of the Copper Basin are now living with a new reality today: homes and businesses damaged, a disrupted water supply, and the long, weary work of cleaning up and starting over.
The Psalmist cries out, "Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck" (Psalm 69:1). As the Body of Christ, we answer by standing with them, and we do not leave them to carry this alone.
There are three things that you can do today.
First, pray. Hold the people of Copperhill, McCaysville, and the surrounding communities in your prayers, especially those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and cherished belongings. Pray also for the first responders, volunteers, and neighbors who have worked so faithfully, and for our brothers and sisters, our siblings in Christ, at St. Mark's, Copperhill, as they minister in the midst of it. A prayer is included below for use in your congregations.
Second, give. We have set up a fund dedicated to the flooding in Copperhill and McCaysville. Gifts made to this fund will go to families and ministries impacted by the flooding. Every gift, large or small, becomes a concrete act of care. As we saw with Hurricane Helene, you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by flooding. Please prayerfully consider what you may be called to donate using the button below.
Third, volunteer. In the coming weeks and months, opportunities to live out our East Tennessee volunteer spirit will arise. If your parish or group is able to offer volunteer hands, supplies, or other help, we ask that you hold on to those for now so that our efforts can be coordinated with local leaders and meet real needs rather than adding to the burden.
A prayer for those affected by flooding:
Gracious God, you stilled the waters and are present in every storm. Comfort those who have lost much, protect those who labor to help, and renew the hope of all who grieve. Make us a people who share one another's burdens, that your love may be known in our response; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for your prayers and your generosity.
Peace,
The Rt. Rev. Brian L. Cole
Bishop of East Tennessee