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A Pastoral Letter Regarding Recent and Impending Floods in the Missouri Mid-South Conference
From the Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel
Conference Minister for the Missouri Mid-South Conference
With the recent flooding throughout the Missouri Mid-South Conference, I wanted to reach out to all of you to offer my support during this challenging time. The Rev. Dale Parson and I have contacted ministers in affected areas to check on how the churches and communities have fared from the floods. To date, we are not aware of any flooding damage to our UCC churches. If you know of flooding damage to one of our churches, please contact me at ginny@mmsucc.org so that we can offer support to the church and community.
But many of you are also bracing for anticipated flooding throughout the conference in the next few days. Yesterday, in preparation for the impending floods, Rev. Parson and I talked with the Rev. Stephen Redman, who is the Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Rev. Redman told us that he serves as a coordinator for the Conference in the long-term recovery needs that may arise. Below are action items that your Conference Ministry Team are implementing in the next few days in order to fully support those affected by the floods throughout the Missouri Mid-South Conference:
- Contact clergy and church members throughout the Missouri Mid-South Conference to offer support and guidance during this time.
- Provide resources to all in the Missouri Mid-South Conference for opportunities to volunteer as well as services when the needs present themselves.
- Talk with our Disciples of Christ counterparts to ensure that we can be of support to each other in the days and weeks ahead.
- Receive support from the Rev. Zachary Wolgemuth, Executive Director of the UCC Disaster Ministries.
- Pray for all affected by these possibly historic floods.
The UCC Disaster Ministries provides solidarity grants to communities in the midst of disasters. These grants are made possible by the Emergency USA Fund, which allows the UCC Disaster Ministries to respond to both large and small natural and human-caused disasters in all U.S. states and territories. 100% of funds to the United Church of Christ designated for U.S. disaster relief are used for disaster relief and rehabilitation programming within the United States.
If you would like to contribute to the Emergency USA Fund as an expression of love and support, please click UCC Emergency USA Fund link.
Finally, I offer my prayers in this time of waiting. Our Advent season reminds us that God's peace comes to us when we are called to wait in the midst of life occurrences. Our Nativity story reminds us that God's love is always born in the midst of difficulty. Our UCC motto equips us with purpose that no matter who we are or where we are on life's journey, all are welcomed with the extravagant hospitality of Christ.
As the flood waters rise in vulnerable areas of the Missouri Mid-South Conference, may God's peace, love, and hospitality guide our responses individually and as a conference.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel
Conference Minister
Rev. Dale Parson
Associate Conference Minister
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