A Word from the Presiding Bishop
Statement on Hurricane Matthew from Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church:
Prayer matters. All who because of Hurricane Matthew have lost their lives, who have lost their loved ones, their homes, or who have been hurt need our prayers now. They also need our help in other ways.
Episcopal Relief & Development is already responding to this crisis. Episcopal Relief & Development is providing technical assistance to dioceses and partners in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic as they assess local needs and respond to those affected by this crisis. They are also preparing to respond in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
God please be with those who have been harmed by this hurricane. And help us to help them, our brothers and sisters.
Donate
Your donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund supports a swift response to help devastated communities in the Caribbean, including Haiti, and in the Southeastern United States. In the aftermath of this storm, your gift will provide critical assistance and emergency supplies to support people as they recover and rebuild.
Pray
A Prayer for First Responders
Blessed are you, Lord, God of mercy, who through your Son gave us a marvelous example of charity and the great commandment of love for one another. Send down your blessings on these your servants, who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Grant them courage when they are afraid, wisdom when they must make quick decisions, strength when they are weary, and compassion in all their work. When the alarm sounds and they are called to aid both friend and stranger, let them faithfully serve you in their neighbor. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
— Adapted from the Book of Blessings, #587, by Diana Macalintal
News Updates and Resources
On the Episcopal Relief and Development website, you can:
- View the latest updates on Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to Hurricane Matthew.
- Download informative bulletin inserts for your congregation
- Explore prayers for first responders and all disaster relief workers.
Stories from Episcopal News Service:
- October 10, 2016: Episcopalians take stock of Hurricane Matthew’s damage
- October 7, 2016: Hurricane Matthew scrapes Florida coast, heading to Georgia, Carolinas
- October 5, 2016: Hurricane Matthew battering Caribbean, heading for Florida
