Supporting Neighbors after Storms: Resources for Congregations
Dear siblings in Christ,
Thank you for the many ways you have already responded with prayers, generosity, and care for neighbors, families, and friends affected by the tornado. Your compassion has been a tangible reminder that Christ's love is made known through the care we extend to one another in times of crisis.
As relief efforts continue to take shape, we want to share a few updates:
Please give where needs have been identified. At this point, donating items that have not been specifically requested is not helpful and can actually create additional challenges for those coordinating relief efforts. Please avoid organizing collections prematurely. Experienced relief organizations are working together to assess needs and communicate where support is most needed. We encourage congregations to follow updates from the organizations leading the response:
At this stage, financial gifts remain the most effective way to support recovery efforts as needs continue to emerge.
Resources for congregations. Lutheran Disaster Response has prepared a collection of resources to help congregations share opportunities for giving and prayer, including a QR code, bulletin insert, and PowerPoint slide. These materials are available here. We encourage congregations to use these resources in worship and other communications over the coming weeks.
Continue to pray and be patient. Your prayers and generosity have already meant so much. Those in the hardest-hit communities are exhausted. In these early days following the storm, many needs are still being assessed, and limited internet and cell service continue to make communication difficult. People may not yet know what resources are available or be able to access them easily. Please know that your willingness to help is deeply appreciated and will continue to be needed in the weeks and months ahead. At the same time, offering grace and space as communities begin to assess the damage is also an important gift.
Remember who we are. Lutheran Disaster Response recently gathered with pastors and leaders serving the most affected areas and offered an important reminder: we are the church. Our faith centers us in Christ's abiding presence and unfailing love, and we embody that love by walking alongside one another through life's hardest moments. We also know that the church is uniquely equipped for the long journey of recovery. As needs become clearer over time, there will be many opportunities to serve as the hands and feet of Christ through accompaniment, generosity, advocacy, and prayer.
The following intercessory prayer is available for use in worship in the coming weeks:
For all who were impacted by the tornado in Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha, that they may find community, strength, and hope amid loss and uncertainty. Grant healing to those carrying the weight of complicated grief, and surround them with compassionate neighbors and steadfast care. Strengthen and protect first responders, linemen, volunteers, and all who labor to restore what has been broken. Stir our hearts to respond with generosity, wisdom, and humility. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We also commend this prayer, recently shared by our friends in the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin:
Let us pray.
God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to all as we wait in uncertainty. Bring hope and peace with whatever lies ahead. Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided. For your will is health and wholeness; you are God and we need you.
—Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
Thank you for the many ways the congregations of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin continue to bear witness to Christ's love through prayer, generosity, and faithful accompaniment. We trust that God will continue to strengthen us for the work of caring for our neighbors in the days and months ahead.
In Christ,
Pastor Jenn Pockat
Associate to the Bishop,
Director for Relationships and Resources
