Now I say, "
my house is dry but my church family is flooded."
And that’s true. My house may not have any water in it, but so far we know of 55 families from our church that have been flooded. By the time we finish calling everybody, that number will be over 100. Here’s the truth: when THEY flood, WE flood. We are in this together. That’s what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote, "
If one member of the body suffers, all the body suffers. If one member is honored, the whole body rejoices."
I’ve known that to be true theologically, but Harvey drives that home in the heart. I have heard stories of great loss and my heart hurts. Then I hear stories of heroic generosity and I rejoice. In these last days literally hundreds of people, both inside and outside the church, have stepped up in extraordinary ways to help people in need. Thank you!
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Give and encourage others to make financial donations. It may seem impersonal, but people on the ground will tell you money is the most immediate need. People can donate anywhere, but they may want to give to an organization connected to you. Go to our Facebook page here:
facebook.com/sjdhouston/, and then share the "Donate to Hurricane Harvey Relief" post at the top of the page, or send people directly to
bit.do/SJDHarveyRelief.
2. Bring baby and cleaning supplies to church. We are specifically collecting only baby food, diapers, wipes, toiletries, baby stuff, cleaning supplies, and gift cards. We don’t need clothes or bedding at this time.
3. Join our work teams to help people this weekend. We sent out 50 people to 6 homes today. We hope to serve 12 homes tomorrow, with more to follow on Saturday and Labor Day Monday. We start at 8:30 am at the church for a briefing, and then we head out on missions all over Houston. We need skilled or unskilled labor, able bodies and willing hearts. Bring first aid kits, water bottles, crowbars, hammers, sheet rock tools, face masks, gloves, and wear sturdy, closed toed shoes or boots. If you don’t have any tools don’t let that keep you from coming.
4. Join us in worship on Sunday. We are open! Come to church and bring a friend. It’s an important weekend for us to be together in prayer. We will be having one service at 7:45 am in the chapel, one combined service at 9:00 am in the church, one combined service at 11:00 am in the church, and one service at 5:00 pm in the chapel.
There are many in our community that have lost much, and yet this community is resilient and strong. It is a community that I’m proud to be part of!
Blessings,
Clay
The Rev. Dr. Clay Lein
