Dear  

Hurricane Sally has come ashore just east of Mobile, Alabama. Gulf coast communities, especially those to the east of Mobile, including Pensacola, are being severely impacted by flooding and high winds. Of course, we are asking you to join all of us in prayer for these communities. This afternoon (Wednesday, Sept. 16), I'll be on a call with a number of other of CBF's disaster response leaders to discuss our plans and preparations to respond. I'll keep you posted from CBF Florida's perspective about different ways that you can help. As always, financial contributions are the best first response in that it gives our teams the flexibility and capacity that is called for in these circumstances. You can contribute through CBF Florida's website. Just be sure to designate the gift for "Disaster Response" or for "Hurricane Sally."

This Saturday, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (EDT), Amani Sasa, one of our CBF Florida mission partners, will be hosting an online benefit to celebrate the conclusion of its first year in its new ministry center. Florida's own Missy Ward Angalla directs this awesome, impactful minisry. You'll be able to see inspiring stories about the difference that Christ has made in the lives of several of the refugees who have found wholeness and healing through Amani Sasa. You'll also have a chance to participate in an online auction and to discover other ways to support this significant work. Just click here to register for the celebration and benefit.

If your church is still in search of help navigating the challenges of online ministry and communication during this time, CBF Florida may have a solution for you. Join Christen Green Kinard, founder and director of DigitalCongregations.com, for a series of four webinars on church communications through and beyond Covid-19. Christen will offer practical instruction and follow up coaching to help your church achieve more effective online and virtual communications. CBF Florida churches will receive a 50% discount on their registration fee. Sign up here today, since there are limited number of openings!

Finally, for the clergy who may be reading this, I want to invite you to join the annual Florida Clergy Convening. This year's Convening will be virtual -- no surprise there. It begins Thursday afternoon, September 17, at 1:00 p.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. In addition to a plenary opening worship, keynoted by Rev. Jennifer Butler (CEO of Faith in Public Life), three workshops will focus on Education, Criminal Justice, Immigration. You can register for this free event by clicking here.

Thank you, friends, for all that you do for the work of God's kingdom in this world.

Grace and peace,

Ray Johnson
Coordinator, CBF Florida