Hurricane Harvey Response

Friends in Christ,

Over the past week, the people of the Texas and Louisiana have suffered one of the most destructive and deadly natural disasters of our nation’s history.  The losses of property and livelihoods will be felt for years, if not decades, for potentially millions of people.  In the cries of our fellow human beings, we hear the voice of Jesus calling us to serve our neighbors in their moment of most desperate need. We know Jesus is near to all who suffer, especially those who are most vulnerable.  As people of God, we will not turn away.

Here are the ways you can help:
1. If you have family or friends who have been impacted, please email me (pr.jim@comcast.net) so that we may hold them in our prayers and listen for the Holy Spirit to inspire us to share our time, talent, and treasure for their healing.  Thank you to everyone who has already notified us about their friends and relatives.
2. Give a financial gift in any amount to Lutheran Disaster Response, www.ldr.org.  You can give with confidence that 100% of your gift will go directly to those in need.  An insert will be provided in this week’s bulletin.
3. If you are unable to make a financial donation, remember that by doing the good that is nearest to you to do, you are still making a difference.  Jesus will be leading you to people, or leading people to you, so that together you may witness his amazing grace at work in this world.  We would especially welcome persons to serve in our clothing closet, which continues to grow in its reach and reputation.

Just in the last 48 hours, our clothing closet served a family of 5 from East Vandergrift who lost everything in a terrible fire, and several men and women of our congregation came to their aid as volunteer firefighters and emergency responders.  Yesterday, our clothing closet assisted another family with a young child who had only the clothes on their back.  In addition, the Leechburg Food Bank served over 100 families at their August distribution.  Community PATH will continue to serve the children of the Leechburg Area School District.

These ministries would not be possible without your support.  Thank you for all you give and all you do.  In all the tragedies and trials of life, we trust that Christ will lead us safely through our sorrows into the light of a new day.

In Christ,
+Pastor Jim

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/Lutherans