Disaster Response
Bishop Mayer extends suspension of in-person worship through May.
Bishop Scott Mayer has extended the suspension of in-person worship through May. Meanwhile, the bishop, clergy, and lay leaders are exploring a phased approach to resuming in-person worship. Because the goal is to keep worshipers as safe as possible during this health crisis, this approach will be based on the best available scientific and medical advice. In the meantime, the medical community urges us to continue to love our neighbors and ourselves by sheltering in place, maintaining physical distancing, frequent…
Our Dallas neighbors need help in wake of tornado
This week’s tornado destroyed three campuses in the Dallas Independent School District: Thomas Jefferson High School, Cary Middle School, and Walnut Hill Elementary Now DISD officials say they’ve been overwhelmed by those seeking to help and have set up a tornado relief fund through the Dallas Education Foundation, according to the Dallas Morning News. The newspaper reported that “school supplies and gift cards, preferably in $25-30 increments, are also being sought. Gift cards can be mailed to 9400 N. Central Expressway,…
“Bless the dying, soothe the suffering. . .”
On Tuesday, August 29, Bishop Scott Mayer issued this statement addressing Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. ————- Like all of you, I have been riveted by the news coming out of Rockport, Houston, and the other areas hit by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. As the full extent of the damage becomes known, it is clear that help will be needed for a very long time along the Texas coast. While the immediate need is rescue of those in peril,…
How to begin helping after the storm
Many of us have family and friends displaced and experiencing damage from Hurricane Harvey. Below are some sources of information and ways to begin helping. Please donate and volunteer as you are able, but before you do so, please read the information below. Visit our diocesan disaster resources page for additional links and information. Bishop Scott Mayer statement Bishop Scott Mayer has issued a statement that concludes with this prayer: “May God hold close all who have died, all the people suffering from this storm,…
Disaster response to Louisiana flooding
The Diocese of Louisiana is now accepting out-of-state volunteer teams to help with mucking out and gutting flooded homes in eastern Louisiana. Current work site locations are in Baton Rouge, Clinton, Denham Springs, and St. Francisville. Read about how to volunteer. Organizers prefer groups register together as a team rather than as individual volunteers. The Diocese of Louisiana’s Disaster Coordinator, Deacon Elaine Clements, noted that the largest teams that could be easily accommodated at this point are teams of about 14, although it could be possible…
Support relief to Gulf Coast residents
A note from Episcopal Relief and Development regarding recent flooding in states along the Gulf Coast: Greetings, Sisters and Brothers in Christ. As flooding continues in the US Gulf Coast, Episcopalians are asking how to respond. Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with dioceses in the region to reach the most vulnerable. We have created this bulletin insert so that you can share information and an opportunity for compassionate response with members of your congregation. Please continue to pray…
GO! Workshops will aim you in the right direction
The message of the presiding bishop-elect Michael Curry at General Convention was simple: Go! Go into the world and make disciples. Go share your love of Jesus Christ. Go help the helpless, feed the hungry, help the beleaguered, be inspired and inspire. Go! Four workshops will be offered at diocesan convention November 13,14 at the Botanic Garden Center. Learn about transforming lives through evangelism, disaster preparedness, online learning, and helping with the refugee crisis. Saturday Morning Saturday, 9 to 10:30…
Fort Worth AME churches invite community to march and pray in solidarity
In memory of the nine people killed at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, two African Methodist Episcopal churches in the Fort Worth area have organized a solidarity march and memorial prayer service the evening of Thursday, June 25, 2015. Our bishops, the Rayford High and Scott Mayer, encourage you to act and in the wake of this tragedy and to respond to our neighbors’ invitation to stand together in support. Details…
Update on Episcopal Relief & Development’s Response to Nepal Earthquake
Shared by Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Relief & Development is responding to immediate needs for food, shelter and clean water in earthquake-impacted Nepal through the ecumenical ACT Alliance, and is exploring further opportunities for action through other partners in the region. The organization is in contact with the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia regarding its appeal for the work of the Deanery of Nepal (part of the Diocese of Singapore), and may also support partners in northern India and…
Prayer for those affected by the Nepal earthquake
Lord, who is our shepherd, We pray for the people of Nepal in this time of want. Guide those who grieve to still waters; restore their soul. Lead those who are searching to the right places. Comfort those who are trapped in the darkest valley of fear. May generosity and compassion overflow in response so that goodness and mercy may follow all who will live in the shadow of this earthquake. May they dwell in secure houses and know healing…
Episcopal Relief and Development responds to Nepal earthquake
Episcopal Relief and Development has posted a statement about the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25. They identify urgent needs and assessment efforts. Episcopal Relief and Development is working with ACT Alliance and talking to other local partners about how to help, including the Deanery of Nepal, the Diocese of Singapore, the Diocese of West Malaysia, CASA in northern India, and Amity in southwest China. The Rev. Janet Nocher, diocesan coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development, urges that people contribute to the relief effort through…
Bishop High appeals for funds for humanitarian crisis
As I read the stories of the children arriving at our border, I am reminded of a story of another refugee family crossing a border to save their child. Matthew 2 tells us that after the three Magi departed after paying homage to the infant Jesus, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt and be you there until I tell you. For Herod will seek the…
Jennings: Christians worship a child who fled violence in his home country
A commentary by the Rev. Gay Jennings, president of the House of Deputies, about the unaccompanied children arriving at the borders of the United States as they flee violence in their own countries has been published by the Religious News Service. (RNS) This summer, many Americans are watching in helpless horror as more than 52,000 children fleeing violence stream over our southern border. Many of them are making a dangerous journey by themselves to escape murder rates and gang violence in…
Presiding Bishop addresses crisis of unaccompanied children at the U.S. border
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a statement on the current crisis of unaccompanied children and families at the United States border. She urges compassion, prayer, consideration of financial contribution; she asks you contact legislators to support appropriate humanitarian response, and to share today’s Office of Government Relations testimony with your elected officials.
Immigration Situation from Bishop Lillibridge, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas has published a July 3, 2014 letter and appeal from the Rt. Rev. Gary Lillibridge on their diocesan website: [Episcopal Diocese of West Texas] As you are likely aware, the border is experiencing record numbers of people, primarily from Central America, seeking to enter the United States. Several cities within our diocese are at the forefront of these record numbers. If you have been following the news reports, you know that detention facilities are overflowing and needs are overwhelming.…
How to help with border crisis
The plight of the unaccompanied children arriving on the Texas border and that of other states has dominated news reports recently. Bishop Rayford B. High, Jr., has issued a statement about the crisis, and many Episcopalians have asked how they can help. Catholic Charities Fort Worth is the main local agency helping with the influx of unaccompanied minors. They take in 32 children aged 3 to 16 at a time with each child spending up to 30 days in the…
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