Dear Friends,
As with all post-storm cleanup efforts, the task is complex with many interdependencies involving coordination with different professional services companies. The cleanup at St. Stephen's has been steadily progressing and we still anticipate our return on October 3rd. The Preschool re-opened this week, having converted two upstairs rooms to temporary classrooms, while the work on the downstairs classrooms is completed. Welcoming our little ones back and hearing their little footsteps in the halls has been a nice distraction.
We are so very grateful for all who have asked, and those who may be asking themselves, if there is anything you can do to help. The answer dear friends is to live our faith as we always do, and perhaps:
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Practice a little patience. (This applies to us as well.)
- Pray for everyone affected by this storm.
- Have faith in the professionals handling the cleanup and rebuild.
- Help us to continue to support our ministries with generosity in prayer, in assistance, and in aid to the best of our abilities.
The most important thing we can do right now is to continue to live our faith and love our neighbors as Jesus taught us to do. With that said, our partner ministry, Family Promise of Essex County, has reached out for our help in purchasing groceries for families in a shelter (hotel). When called upon, St. Stephen's answers the call!
Please consider the list of needed items below and drop off your donations anytime between now and September 30th.
And, don't forget to join Rev. Paula on Sunday at Christ Church.
Stay well. Stay blessed.
Maria
