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May, 2015
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A Campus Ministry for ALL Students, Supported by Members of the Episcopal and Lutheran Church
from across the Nation
Sunday Worship: 5:30 p.m.
510 N. Guadalupe (across from Tower Garage and the UAC)
Our Purpose: In gratitude for God's mercy in Christ, we shall be a community of worship, service, and hospitality.
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A Flood of Water and Tears
The water fell upstream some thirty miles, but it fell so fast and hard that the Blanco River in Wimberley crested over 40 feet, well out of its banks and damaging or destroying hundreds of homes. Five bodies have been recovered, with many more people still missing but feared lost. The water moved on, through Wimberley and down into San Marcos, where it topped I-35 and spread across entire neighborhoods. Wider now, the river knocked over far less, but seeped into hundreds of houses in thirteen different neighborhoods.
San Marcos is not that big a town, so everybody knows somebody who has been affected by the flood. To see the homes, to walk with those who have been flooded, to listen to the stories of loss - tears come readily.
But tears don't rebuild. The compassion behind those tears, translated into visible deeds - that's what rebuilds. So find below a few ways to put your compassion to work in the weeks and months ahead. An old camp song goes, "And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love..." For San Marcos, let our song be, "And they'll know we are Christians by the underwear we give and the bleach we bring..."
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HOW TO SERVE
Hands-on service opportunities will abound for quite some time. The best resources for discovering places to put your energy are: www.servesanmarcos.org and www.barnabasconnects.org. The first site will direct you to projects and needs in the greater San Marcos area. The latter address is more specifically for the Wimberley Valley area. Both sites will direct you to where to sign up to get a badge or wristband. You will also find there what sort of tools might be handy or what supplies are particularly needed.
Muddy water has to be removed before drywall and insulation can be ripped out and replaced. So far out of the floodplain as for a flood to be unimaginable, many homeowners lack flood insurance. 
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WHAT TO GIVE
Imagine everything in your house that is on the floor or within 30 inches of the floor. Now imagine all of that having soaked in a bath of water, mud, and backed-up sewer lines. That stuff, if you are a homeowner in San Marcos affected by the flood, is now standing on the curb, and that is the stuff that needs replacing. Beds, couches, and dressers are obvious, but not always affordable. What is easily bought are basic hygiene supplies (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, toilet paper, diapers, etc.), basic cleaning supplies (paper towels, bleach, all-purpose spray cleaner), sanitizing gel, canned goods (especially ready-to-eat meals that require no cooking, as well as tuna, peanut butter, pasta dinners), and gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, HEB or other stores, so that those who have been flooded can have the dignity of picking their own sheets.
 Clothing, at least in San Marcos, is not a huge need, as the water did not get as high as closets and above the middle of a dresser. Enough clothing is available to meet needs at this point, with two exceptions: socks and underwear. With many in shelters and without access to washers and dryers, many are forced to simply discard the day's garments and start again with a new pair the next day. That's a lot of socks and underwear, so bring all of those you want.
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What to Pray
Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia wrote the prayer below for the victims of storms and all those affected. I think it works well for our purposes here...
A Prayer for Storm Survivors
Jesus, we see you calming storms-
storm tossed seas and stormy lives.
Extend your power and grace again,
especially upon these most recent storm victims.
Speak peace and healing over bodies and spirits broken by the chaos. Jesus, speak peace.
Speak peace and hope over families and communities devastated by sudden loss. Jesus, speak peace.
Speak peace and unity over diverse groups of people
so they would come together for greater provision,
just distribution, and effective rebuilding. Jesus, speak peace.
Speak peace and protection over rescue workers
as they reach out to those who are suffering. Jesus, speak peace.
You are the Prince of Peace.
You are the Resurrection and the Life.
You are strong to save.
Our hope and trust are in you. Amen.
© 2011 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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Our campus mission is to be a welcoming spiritual community, a place for people of any gender, race, national origin, and sexual orientation. Growing together in faith, we seek the unity that Christ envisions for His church through learning, liturgical worship, service, and fellowship. |
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