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From Rev. Brock Patterson
“Everyone Already Knows”
Churches and Chapels across the country used to say something like, “Give Until It Hurts”, referring to some stewardship campaign or their specific budget needs. Don’t freak out (yet). I’m not going to say it, but I want to use it as a reference point to relate to our friends and neighbors who suffered loss from Hurricane Ian.
As Hurricane Ian approached Florida a couple of weeks ago, we experienced terrible anxiety as Longboat Key lay directly in its path. We feared the worst and prepared as best we could. Fortunately, LBK only received a glancing blow, causing minimal damage compared to some of our neighboring communities.
We got lucky. However, some of our neighbors weren’t so much. They got hammered. The resulting need is immediate and almost overwhelming, putting the rest of us in the position of asking ourselves- “How Can We Help?”
During the next Chapel Board Meeting, I will be asking the Chapel to consider making a significant contribution to our denominational affiliation, the International Council of Community Churches (the “ICCC”), on behalf of Hurricane Relief. One of our affiliate churches in Ft. Meyers received terrible damage and many of their church members' and neighbors’ homes were destroyed. Folks also lost vehicles, furnishings, family photos, and sentimental items. The ICCC is assisting our church in Ft. Meyers as well as other churches and communities that sustained hurricane damage.
If you’re looking for a way to help hurricane victims over and above your gifts to the Chapel, you are welcome to give to the Chapel and indicate “Hurricane Relief” on your gift. We will forward the funds to the ICCC office. They will then send half of the money directly to our affiliate church in Ft. Meyers and the other half will be used for other hurricane relief efforts in other places like Puerto Rico, Cuba, Florida, and South Carolina. No administrative costs are associated with these donations.
Yeah, I guess I misinformed you. This is giving until it hurts. It’s been difficult for everyone, but it ain’t nearly as bad as it could’ve been. I don’t have to tell you that. Everyone already knows.
Prayers are best but money will also help.
God Bless.
Brock
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