Saint Andrew’s Net | September 2005 | Vol. XX No. 7 | Page 1

Over the past few days, we have witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, perhaps the worst natural disaster in American history. Already many have been killed and tens of thousands have been left homeless. Some of the worst-hit areas are also some of our nation’s poorest, which means that the relief effort will be doubly challenging because of a lack of community resources. The question I keep asking myself is, what can I do to help? What can we, the people of Saint Andrew’s, do to help?

The first thing we all can and need to do is pray. Pray for all the people who have been affected by Katrina. Pray for the members of the Coast Guard and the National Guard, police officers, firefighters, government officials, and all the volunteers who are there helping the people who have been affected by this disaster. I pray that God’s healing presence will be with all of these people, and that God’s spirit will give strength to them as they begin the rebuilding process.
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), which provides emergency assistance after disasters, was quick to respond to those caught up in the path of the hurricane and has mobilized in support of communities affected by the disaster. On behalf of Episcopalians, ERD sent emergency funds to the Diocese of Mississippi to help vulnerable people whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. ERD support will help the diocese provide aid to community members through two mobile response trailers, equipped with supplies such as chainsaws and generators to assist in the recovery. ERD officials are waiting to hear what kind of aid is most needed in Louisana and have offered emergency assistance to the other dioceses affected by the storm.

If you would like to help ERD provide assistance to the victims of the hurricane, please write a check to Saint Andrew’s and designate it for the hurricane fund. In a couple of weeks we will send one check from this congregation. As Christians we are called to recognize pain in the other, and to fight with all our strength to bring a bit of light into the darkness. I thank you for your generosity.

Let us pray: All things look to you, O Lord, to give them their food in due season: Look in mercy on your people, and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions have been destroyed by the hurricane. In your mercy, restore your creation and heal our land. So guide and bless your people, that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth and give you thanks with grateful hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.