From the Rector ~ October 2024
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:40
Dear Parish Family,
We continue to be shocked and saddened by the immense damage brought about by Hurricane Helene, and the ensuing grief and pain for so many families and communities. The news continues to unfold of the loss of lives, homes and businesses, and even now the reality of persons missing and unaccounted for. To be sure, the process towards recovery will be a matter of many years.
As people of love and faith, our first desire is to offer care and assistance to those who are immediately suffering. In particular, our hearts and minds are connected to our fellow parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, and also our dear friends at Glory Ridge and in the nearby Madison County town of Marshall. Our parish youth and adults have spent meaningful time over the past decades with families now directly impacted, and our roots of relationship run deep in that region.
In these days following the storm, our diligence with intentional prayer for all who have been affected will be valuable and important. Prayer matters. In addition, this is an appropriate time and place for financial support. Through Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) and other local organizations, there are tangible ways for us to offer ground-level assistance to families and individuals affected by the storm.
As I have mentioned, there is an opportunity for all to participate in our parish response this coming Sunday morning, October 6th, through a special offering of care and support. During our traditional collection, all cash and designated checks will now be directed to ERD and importantly local food and shelter operations in Madison County.
There will be much more to do in the future. I am sure additional opportunities will present themselves for us to offer our hands and hearts of love. I anticipate more specific and targeted needs, and the very real possibility of hands-on service in the months to come. Again, we will keep you informed along the way.
I welcome your prayerful thoughts and ideas for our parish, as we seek to respond to this tragedy. Please feel free to reach out to me directly.
Our commission as followers of Christ is to offer love and support to our neighbor. Thank you for being models of that commission.
Blessings,
The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.