Our Pastor's Blog

Greetings Friends,

Our hearts are in the mountains this week. Stories and images of devastation and loss have started to stream out like so much of the flood waters that still remain in the swollen creek beds. But, at the same time, stories and images of people coming together, supporting each other, finding friends and neighbors, bringing people to safety, and supplies to people who need them the most have reminded us of how good people can be.

I heard on the radio this morning that now, more than ever, community equals survival. And we can be part of that community. There are many efforts rising up to support our neighbors in the mountains, and I encourage you to consider these below.

This is the beginning of our efforts, we will continue to support relief work as long as it is needed.

Here are ways you can help with the Hurricane Helene Response:

Cleaning Buckets. We will be collecting supplies to pack into cleaning buckets. The list and instructions are in the link, we will announce a planned group packing effort soon.

https://umcmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Cleaning-Kit-Assembly-Instructions_09.2024.pdf

You can Donate to the relief efforts.

We are collecting a special offering this Sunday, in worship to support recovery efforts in the western half of our conference. Half of the 44 counties in our conference have been affected. You can give online here: https://bit.ly/WNCCHurricaneReliefDonations

Or, if you want to give through UMCOR to all national hurricane relief efforts, you can give through the special Advance with UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery. https://bit.ly/umcorusdr You can give credit to our congregation of Summerfield Peace, by searching our state and zip code (NC, 27358) in the payment page.

And, as always, we pray.

This prayer is from our WNC UMC Resident Bishop, Ken Carter

A Prayer for the People of Western North Carolina

O God, we place our trust in you.

As the wind and rain has passed through the mountains

of Western North Carolina, we name before you

those whose lives have been devastated.

We especially remember those who have lost so much,

those with the fewest options, the most vulnerable.

Draw near to those who are the most exposed,

the most frightened, the most overwhelmed.

Hold space for a stillness and a peace even in the midst of the storm.

O God, we place our trust in you.

In the aftermath of ravaging wind and surging flood,

inspire those who give themselves for others.

Let that work be done justly, wisely, safely, generously.

Help us to turn toward one another in our need.

Strengthen our bonds of connection and love for each other.

O God, we place our trust in you,

and we say these words in the strong name of Jesus.

Amen.

In all these things, we pray together. Reach out if you need to talk.

Peace be with y’all, Pastor Kathy

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant