Flood Update from District

Dear Friends,

 

Greetings in the name of our gracious and loving God.

 

Like many of you, I have been following the news all weekend - and staying inside and out of the rain. Throughout today, members of the SED staff have been contacting pastors and congregations in the coastal areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

 

As we prepare this announcement, this is what we have learned:

• Several of our church buildings experienced some roof leaking
• One congregation had some flooding in the school building
• Several members of congregations experienced home roof leaks and some flooding
• At least one member was helped by members of her congregation when she was told she needed to evacuate
• Another congregational member was scheduled to have a critical surgery, which has been postponed due to road conditions
• The water system in Columbia SC has been compromised
• Risen Christ, Myrtle Beach is serving as an emergency shelter for the neighborhood

 

At this moment, community needs are not yet known. Holy Trinity, Columbia SC is just blocks from where all the news pictures about the flooding have been taken. Pastor Chris Burger shared that it was still too soon to know what help will be needed. He is going to keep us informed.

 

There is concern that there is still more flooding to come as waters from the swollen rivers up north and from the west flow south. But it will be two or three days before that is known. All to say, our hearts are being moved to respond but we don't yet know what is needed.

 

So, what can you do - how can you be neighbor to one in need?

• First, continue to pray for all in the impacted area that they will be kept safe and warm and that dry shelter will be available to them.
• Secondly, consider a contribution for water. We will be working with the various disaster response groups to identify the best way to get water to the area.
• Thirdly, we will provide an update on Thursday to let you know further details about receiving a special love offering on Sunday to assist with recovery needs and share additional information about any hands-on serving responses that are needed.
• And, finally, please share with us as you learn of community needs because of the flooding.

 

There are many who are ready to reach out in compassion to help their neighbor and we can help to connect resources. As soon as we learn of them, we will get word out. Expect the next update to come by Thursday, October 8.

Southeastern Distirict, LCMS 6315 Grovedale Drive Alexandria VA 22310   www.se.lcms.org

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