This morning, I’m including an update just received from a team from one of our churches that is now in Maryland. Thought you would want to see it. I’m also including a prayer to remind us of the importance of Veterans Day.
How can we be the church in the midst of “Sandy” and for our veterans? How can we be the church for our community and around the world? What is our response following an important election?
Here is one Scripture reading that continues to guide me: “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:23-24)
What does it mean to be the church?
- Hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm.
- God can be trusted to keep his promise.
- Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
Update on Sandy Recovery – by Deb Broadwater of Bethlehem UMC
I just got an update via phone and text from Rick Carroll, the team leader of Bethlehem Emergency Response Team. They arrived yesterday (Friday Nov 9th) afternoon and were sent to Crisfield, MD, a town devastated by Sandy. Here’s a bit from the news:
and here is a FB page https://www.facebook.com/crisfieldmd, you may want to friend them.
Bethlehem’s team is staying in a Methodist church in the area that was not damaged.
There was a lot of inside damage to so many homes. UMCOR assigned our team to muck out the home of Mark and Diane Bradshaw. The entire inside of the house is ruined. Mold is a problem. Floors most of the walls and all of the personal belongings are being taken out of the home and have to be thrown away. When everything is out, they will treat for mold. There is so much work to do.
Our team indicated there was a great need for flood buckets in this area and suggested that perhaps churches, through coordination with our District could assist. UMCOR website has described ways to assist http://www.umcor.org/ also, there is an insert for bulletins for churches describing how individuals can help in a real way.
Bethlehem’s Emergency Response Team will return on Tuesday, no doubt tired, but feeling good about being able to help the families in body and spirit. Not everyone can be a first responder, but all can help in some way- through our prayers and financial gifts. Any dollar amount will do good through UMCOR.
Rick asked that we pray for all of the ERT members and all of the families that live in flood areas. Spirits are raised when helpers come, everyone is so appreciative.
Our district is considering putting together flood buckets but we will need a lot of help and leadership. Would you and your church be interested?
Veterans Day Prayer – posted by Susan Diamond
God of compassion,
God of dignity and strength,
Watch over the veterans of the United States
In recognition of their loyal service to our nation.
Bless them with wholeness and love.
Shelter them.
Heal their wounds,
Comfort their hearts.
Grant them peace.
God of justice and truth,
Rock of our lives,
Bless our veterans,
These men and women of courage and valor,
With a deep and abiding understanding
Of our profound gratitude.
Protect them and their families from loneliness and want.
Grant them lives of joy and bounty.
May their dedication and honor
Be remembered as a blessing
From generation to generation.
Blessed are You,
Protector and Redeemer,
Our Shield and our Stronghold.
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