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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”
(Psalm 46:1).
Dear friends,

Hurricane Dorian has hit with devastating force, causing major damage and a growing number of reported deaths in the Bahamas, and inundating the Carolina's with flooding and storm surge.

Lutheran Disaster Response is communicating with the Florida-Bahamas Synod, the South Carolina Synod, the North Carolina Synod, Lutheran Services Carolina's and other partners, who are assessing the immediate needs and initiating a response. While the extent of the damage is not yet known, we will accompany impacted communities from immediate relief through long-term recovery. This is our commitment as a church.

Please give to Lutheran Disaster Response today. Your gifts ensure that our church will be able to provide help and hope for those whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

Stay connected to the latest events and our response to this and other disasters through our Facebook page. Please join me in prayer and partnership, and use this bulletin insert to help spread the word in your congregation.

In Christ's service,
 

The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Funding
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

GIVE NOW  

Additional Ways to Give
Checks or money orders can be sent to:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009

Write "Hurricane response" on your check memo line.
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Give by phone at 800-638-3522 or online.

A Letter on Hurricane Dorian

My Dear Friends,

As the immediate effects of Hurricane Dorian have moved away from the region, we are left with dealing with a natural disaster of unimaginable proportions. The diocese has made an initial $2,500 donation to Episcopal Relief & Development specifically for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts in the Bahamas. I write to encourage and inspire individuals our congregations to do the same for the purposes of taking care of a tragedy inflicted on the Bahamian people.

In the aftermath of Dorian, we have heard of myriad ways our congregations and clergy have reached out. Some clergy have posted birthday donation requests on Facebook. Others have emailed challenge letters to their congregations, with matching grants. Still others have connected with local families that have relations in the Bahamas, so they can personally support them emotionally, financially and spiritually. Congregations have dedicated their Sunday loose plate for Episcopal Relief & Development and Hurricane Dorian.

Episcopal Relief & Development is a charity of The Episcopal Church that does excellent work and is responsible with its donations. It excels in the aftermath of a natural disaster, when enthusiasm and attention from the rest of the world begins to wane.

The Diocese of Southwest Florida supports the work of Episcopal Relief & Development every year, and additionally when there are events of disastrous proportions.

Again, I invite you to participate. Your generosity personally and in your congregation is a gift to bring God’s healing to broken people.

You can donate HERE.

Sincerely,
Bishop Dabney Smith
 
Donate Here

Ways to Get Involved
  • Donate: Give directly to Episcopal Relief HERE.
  • Connect: In the diocese, we have a new Episcopal Relief & Development Coordinator, Ellen Lightner. She is beginning to connect with local parish Episcopal Relief coordinators across the diocese. Her goal is to encourage the ongoing work of the charity by supporting a network of parish-based efforts. Please email her about ongoing support for Episcopal Relief & Development HERE.
  • Tell Your Story: We want to hear what you are doing to help in the aftermath of Dorian. Send your ideas HERE. We will post them on our Episcopal Relief & Development page HERE.