Message from the Diocesan Disaster Team
We are weary of the suffering we see
so let's remember the beauty of PR and Mexico.
So many in our congregations have loved ones in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Our prayers are with those who wait for news of life and well-being. Steve Abdow is working with Bishop Fisher to send additional funds to help Episcopal Relief and Development , and its US Disaster Program respond to the immediate needs in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

We are weary of the suffering, and it's easy to think that the gift we made four weeks ago is enough, but we have never faced a chain of disaster so great. Harvey, Irma, Jose, Maria and two earthquakes - we can barely keep up, and integrate so much pain into our hearts and minds. May God give us endless compassion and strengthen our resolve to keep making a difference.

Vicki

The Rev. Victoria Ix
Communications Director | Missioner
WMA Disaster Preparedness Team
Relief Fund for Puerto Rico, Caribbean
Contributions to Episcopal Relief & Development’s  Hurricane Relief Fund  will help support church and other local partners as they provide critical emergency assistance to those most in need in the weeks and months ahead. Bulletin insert for Sunday
Above:   San Juan, Puerto Rico from the Air Photo: roger4336, used under Creative Commons
Relief fund for Mexico
Episcopal Relief & Development has reached out to church partners after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the central part of Mexico on Tuesday, September 19, causing major damage and destruction in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Morelos and Puebla. This is the second major earthquake to hit Mexico this month. On September 7, an 8.2 magnitude quake caused approximately 100 deaths and damaged and destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Donations to the  International Disaster Response Fund  will help Episcopal Relief & Development support people impacted by these two earthquakes in Mexico.
  Above: “Ciudad de Mexico” by edans. Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. 2008.
Let us pray...
 O God, our times are in your hand. In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 — The Rev. Lyndon Harris, from the Episcopal Diocese of New York disaster preparedness plan

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