The General Assembly opened this morning with a prayer for the Presbytery and the state of West Virginia because of Thursday's massive flooding. It is hard to follow the news from afar, although I'm not sure it's any easier back home because it seems that news is still trickling in about the extent of the damages and the numbers of deaths caused by the flooding. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has reached out to us and will be sending emergency funds as we assess the damage and determine the needs. PDA volunteers are also on the way to help and should arrive in the state on Saturday. The Synod of the Trinity is also making funds available to help us. They may be able to send volunteers too. It is amazing to me how many people have asked how we're doing after they see on my name tag that I'm from West Virginia. There are at least a couple of commissioners here who have been on WVMAW work camps. Friends, we do not stand alone.