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One of the most basic and vital callings we have as a church is to care for people in times of crisis. In Matthew 25, Christ taught that caring for the hungry, the sick, and the oppressed is seen by God an act of righteousness, faith, and worship. Following that Word, the apostle Paul urged the churches he planted to "bear one another’s burdens," for whenever we do so we "fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). In our own Presbyterian tradition, we profess that one of the main callings we have (literally, one of the "great ends of the church") is to provide "shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship" to all of God's children (Book of Order, F-1.0304).
As we watch from afar the devastating infernos that continue to ravage Los Angeles County, many of us are wondering what we can do to help. Fortunately, the church is already on the scene and at work doing the things that Christ and Paul urged us to do. If you are looking for ways to join the effort and ease the burden of our brothers and sisters in California, please consider making a contribution to one of the charities named below. You can follow the embedded links for more information on how to give.
We also invite you to join us in the following prayer:
"God our Creator, at times we are shaken by the awesome power of nature and the forces that exist in your world.
Christ our Savior, we turn to you in this hour of need, for we know that even the winds and the waves are subject to your authority.
Holy Spirit, giver and guardian of life, we are grateful that you are present even now with those who are grieving deep losses, with those who are battling intense heat and flame, and with those who are seeking to provide shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship to people in crisis.
Help us to do our part to share their burdens and ease their pain, and we pray that you will receive our acts of support and encouragement as faith and worship. We pray these things in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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