2011 Hurricane Irene Relief
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."
(Isaiah 43:2a)
September 1, 2011
Dear United Methodists of the New York Annual Conference:
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, the Prince of shalom, Healer of our brokenness, and Hope of the world!
Hurricane Irene has come and gone and left in its wake massive damage to many communities, our churches and parsonages. You may have seen some of the towns of our churches which were inundated by floods on national news reports. Especially hard hit were our coastal areas and the usual flood prone places. More than 10 inches of rain fell in the Catskill Hudson District.
Effective immediately, our Conference has established a Call/Response Center in the Learning Center of our Conference building. The phone number (914-615-2226) and e-mail (nyacdisaster@gmail.com) will be staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, after hours the phone number and e-mail will be answered 24 hours a day. In collaboration with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), and the New York Annual Conference Disaster Response Team, our church will continue to engage in the relief, recovery and rebuilding process. As God's people who care for our neighbors in need, we all can be a part of this effort. Please visit the website of the New York Annual Conference at www.nyac.com for more information.
In consultation with the Conference Council on Finance and Administration, our Conference has set up the "Hurricane Irene Relief Fund." I would like to ask our churches to take a special offering during worship on Sunday, September 11. I believe that giving in response to the needs created by a disaster is one of the most meaningful ways of observing the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Please make checks payable to "New York Annual Conference (NYAC)" and designate for "Hurricane Irene Relief." Mail your gifts to New York Annual Conference, Attention: Fran Collins, 20 Soundview Ave., White Plains, NY 10606.
In times like these, we are blessed to be part of a connectional church. I know I can count on our churches and God's people for generous financial and personal support. Irene was big. But our God is bigger. Please be assured of my prayers for all of you.
In Christ's Ministry with you,
Jeremiah Park
Please click the links below to download a printable bulletin insert for this Special Sunday:
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