Statement from Rev. Dr. Bruce T. Grady, Executive Presbyter

Presbytery of New Hope

Dear Friends,

My heart breaks that Helene has brought such devastation upon Western North Carolina Presbytery, the Montreat Conference Center and surrounding areas. With this same storm, the Presbytery of New Hope experienced a sinkhole in Roxboro and a tornado in Rocky Mount. The southeastern US was devasted, with at least 52 people killed and many wounded. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and millions are without power. Other communities were also impacted by high winds, flooding, and saturated grounds.

I have attached a recent update from Rev. Dr. Byron Wade, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Western North Carolina. Please keep these communities in prayer. And please pray for our whole state for the destructive impact of this hurricane. In addition to harming people and infrastructure, tornadoes damage farmland and crops, kill livestock and other animals. All of God’s creation groans under the weight of such storms.

We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. Romans 8:22

Prayer of the Week

Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Shalom in Jesus Christ,

Rev. Dr. Bruce T. Grady, EdD

Executive Presbyter, New Hope Presbytery

Update from Rev. Dr. Byron Wade, General Presbyter

Presbytery of Western North Carolina

Friends,

I hope you are all doing well.

Just wanted to reach out and solicit your prayers. As you may know, Hurricane Helene has hit Western North Carolina pretty hard. Many towns such as Asheville, Black Mountain, and Montreat (just to name a few) have sustained significant flooding, power outages, and destroyed roads. There are at least 290 roads that have been closed as of this moment, including a section of Interstate 40. I have not heard of any significant damage to church buildings or of any injuries but all reports have not come in.

I have authorized Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to send a team and they will arrive on Wednesday. As the situation becomes clearer I will keep you informed. I know a number of you have already reached out to me to ask if we need any support. We are still surveying at the moment and are fine but will let you know. The most important thing is to keep us in your prayers.

Thank you!

Peace,

Byron