As Hurricane Michael wreaks its path of devastation across the Florida panhandle and into Georgia, we wanted to let you know that we’ve heard from Bishop George in Pensacola and Bishop vonRosenberg in Charleston. We give thanks that both are well and safe.
Bishop George said he and his family stayed in Pensacola as the worst of the storm, or the “bad stuff” as Bishop George said, was to the east of them, and all are good tonight. Bishop vonRosenberg said that except for some rain and wind, things should not be bad In Charleston. Both gave thanks for our good thoughts and prayers for them, and those in danger or suffering the impact of the storm.
In a Facebook post this morning, Bishop Russell Kendrick of The Episcopal Church in the Central Gulf Coast noted that they’ll let us know of any assistance that may be needed, and that they’re already working with Episcopal Relief and Development.
Please keep all impacted by Hurricane Michael in your prayers as it continues its devastating path north and please continue to give generously to Episcopal Relief and Development, to The Episcopal Church in the Central Gulf Coast as needed, or to another trusted relief organization.
Help is needed for immediate relief from the impact of Hurricane Michael, but also for long-term recovery from the devastation of both Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Florence. It hasn’t even been a full month since Florence barreled into the Carolinas. St. Paul’s, Kingsport, and St. James, Knoxville, are continuing efforts in our diocese to help with the aftermath of Florence. Here’s how you can contribute to those efforts:
Buy a gift card of any amount from Lowes, Wal-Mart, Target, Food Lion, or Publix, and send it to the Ven. Chris Harpster, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kingsport TN. St. Paul’s will be collecting gift cards through October.
Send a check payable to St. James Episcopal Church – be sure to include “Rector’s Discretionary Hurricane Help” in the memo line. Send the check to St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 North Broadway, Knoxville TN 37917, Attention: Hurricane Help.
And, here is the Hurricane Florence Page on the Diocese of North Carolina website with donation links to their Diocesan Fund, Episcopal Relief & Development, and Episcopal Farmworker Ministry.
Your gifts as well as your continued prayers are very much appreciated.