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From the Rector
Thursday, September 26, marked nine months since our beloved Trinity Church building experienced a disaster.
As I write this, I'm watching multiple reports from social media and news about massive flooding in not only Florida, but also Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina, from the continuing assault of Hurricane Helene. And that's in the mountainous areas such as Asheville and Gatlinburg. One small town in North Carolina, Chimney Rock, appears to be wiped out completely. Forty-three people have lost their lives, at last count.
Our disaster was contained and local. But this disaster spans states, and affects possibly millions of people. You may even know someone who is has evacuated or lost home or property during this weather event.
You may remember The Rev. Teresa Angle-Young, our revisioning consultant, who lives in Atlanta. I texted her yesterday and she said her family was ok, but that her daughter's apartment complex had flooded, and her car was a complete loss. That's right in downtown Atlanta.
Interstate 40 was wiped out on the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Multiple bridges are gone. Thousands of homes have been destroyed. Social media is rather amazing. It's possible to watch houses float down the swollen rivers, people being rescued by helicopter on the roof of a Tennessee hospital, abandoned animals being cared for by courageous, compassionate folks. It's both horrifying and amazing at the same time.
Every year, it seems, some weather-related disaster occurs, and a link is provided to offer help to those in need through through Episcopal Relief and Development. Look below to find that link, if you wish to donate. In the meantime, I offer a favorite prayer from the Compline service in the Book of Common Prayer:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
Blessings,
Pam+
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