On Friday I got to spend the day out in the field visiting homes of our flooded parishioners. I got to listen, encourage, and then pray. It was a moving experience for two reasons.
First, I was overwhelmed with the scale of the damage. I did mission work after Katrina and this looked eerily similar. The need in our community is immense and long term.
Secondly, I was overwhelmed by the impact that YOU are making. Over and over again parishioners, AND their neighbors, expressed gratitude at how the people of St. John the Divine have been a gift from God. Work teams have cleaned houses, prayed for people and hugged the hurting. I told them that’s what church is supposed to do.
Driving home I couldn’t shake the thought that this was just the beginning. Tearing out dry wall doesn’t mean that we’re done. We have a long road ahead of us. And I believe that St. John the Divine is called to be a part of that work.
In fact, a friend from out of state texted me yesterday with a word of encouragement. She quoted Esther 4:14
“who knows but that you have been raised up for such a time as this.” She is right. God is giving us the chance to play a part in the rebuilding of our city. And so far, you have stepped up and taken it.
So what can you do right now?
1. Come casual to church tomorrow. Come casual because many of our people have had their “church clothes” flooded out. Our service schedule for 9/3 has changed a bit. We will worship at 7:45 am in the chapel. We’ll have one combined service at 9:00 am and again at 11:00 am in the church. Our 5:00 pm service will be in the chapel.
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 Labor Day work teams to help people @ 8:30 am on Monday. Today we had over 100 people working to demo homes and sort out donations. Others were doing laundry, cleaning family heirlooms, and going home to home praying for families in need. We can use your help on Monday, Labor Day. So come join us Monday as we work both here onsite and at homes all around our community.
Blessings,
Clay
The Rev. Dr. Clay Lein
