| Subsequent to Hurricane Irene, the ongoing rain and severe storms throughout these weeks, this brief bulletin is sent to all pastors, parish leaders, congregations and agencies in the Atlantic District. Please copy and put this BULLETIN in your newsletters, on your parish information boards, and Sunday bulletins, as well as distributing to your local disaster response/human care teams.
Needed - your prayers, and support with human resources and financial resources.
The Atlantic District, through its Task Force on Human Care and Disaster Response Coordinator, is working to provide a long term response to help those directly affected but the recent storms and flooding in upstate NY.
Our plan is to set up bases of operation at local LCMS churches in Catskill and Albany. These bases can provide housing, kitchen and bathrooms. Some tools and safety equipment will be positioned in these places for volunteer usage. A grant proposal has been submitted to the national LC-MS Department of Human Care and Relief for support beyond our congregational gifts and time in these ongoing efforts.
What can you do to help?
1) SPECIAL OFFERING: If you haven't already, please take a special offering and forward it to the Atlantic District, 171 White Plains Road , Bronxville , NY , 10708, labeled Hurricane Irene Assistance.
2) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Teams are being formed and are active in the affected areas. Congregations and individuals from the Atlantic District have been and will continue to be on-site to dig out and assist families as needed. If you and/or a congregational team desire to volunteer contact Pastor Derek Lecakes, Atlantic District Disaster Response Coordinator - ilcpastor@hotmail.com or 518-281-9351. Pastor Lecakes has the specific information as to location, timing and housing/equipment needs for volunteers. Further bulletins from Pastor Lecakes will provide more detail for volunteers District-wide.
We are sent forth with God's blessing restored and forgiven, fortified with the Body and Blood of Christ every Sunday from our altars into the world to be a blessing. We desire nothing more than to be a shining witness, provide mercy, and demonstrate to a world in need, especially those afflicted by hurricane and storm, that we will engage the world with the Gospel of hope!
With love in Christ,
Rev. Dr. David H. Benke, Bishop/President
Atlantic District, LC-MS
Pastor, St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Brooklyn, New York
"Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope"
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