Brothers and Sisters,
I was raised to believe that prayer is always in order, especially in times of disaster.
As reports continue to come in, Tropical Storm Harvey is causing record rainfall and flooding in Houston and other parts of Texas resulting in loss of life, property, and for some, hope.
I invite us to join in a moment of intentional prayer and ask that God, who is love and a stronghold in the times of trouble, be with the people who have been impacted by this catastrophic event, those currently in harms way, and the on-duty responders and agencies that are on scene providing assistance in any way they can.
My colleague, Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference offers this prayer.
Let us be reminded of Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." (NRSV)
The Indiana Conference will share this week more ways we in Indiana can be supportive of the current emergency needs and long term recovery.
For the time being, The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is providing real-time information on how The United Methodist Church is responding to Tropical Storm Harvey, as well as a link to donate to the UMCOR Disaster Relief Grant Fund – ADVANCE #901670
Bishop Julius C. Trimble
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church
How you can help now:
Hygiene kits and cleaning buckets are being collected at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Door 6, during normal business hours. The goal is to collect as many useful resources as possible by Monday, September 11. St. Luke’s UMC will coordinate with UMCOR Sager Brown depot and the Midwest Distribution Center (MMDC) for pick up detail.