After the Storm: Sharing Love with Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah
In the wake of the EF-3 tornado that impacted Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha, I’ve seen the tagline for our synod come to life in real time. Indeed we are curious, courageous, and Christ together these early moments of of recovery for our neighbors who have been impacted the most. The trauma of a scary weather event and the stages of grief brought about by complex loss meet the stirring so many of us feel to “do something” or to “help” in some way; and in that milieu of experiences and emotions - we have been given the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Here is what I’m seeing, hearing, and learning:
We are mostly okay. After calling pastors, leaders, and congregations in areas most impacted, we have learned that St. Timothy in Menasha sustained damage to their building. Pastor David shared that the steeple on School Court is down, roof shingles are off, and trees down. St. Paul’s in Neenah near Doty Island was okay with some tree limbs down and possible minor exterior concerns. The pastors who live in Neenah and Menasha are mostly okay; though there is some external damage to their homes, trees have been lost, the loss of power, internet, and water due to the Menasha Water Plant being out of operation is also still impacting their communities. From sabbatical, Bishop Anne reported that she and her family and their neighborhood are okay. No one else on synod staff sustained any damage. However we are learning there are members of congregations and friends of leaders that have been personally impacted by loss.
We are not in this alone. Our neighbors in the surrounding synods have reached out to us to lend support and they have shared generously. The La Crosse Area Synod sent cases of water. The Greater Milwaukee Synod has made a financial gift and has shared phone chargers and power banks. The South Central Synod of Wisconsin has helped with connections and offered prayers. Lutheran Disaster Response and the Wisconsin Council of Churches have been in touch to check on us and lend support.
There are ways to lend and receive support. St. Mark’s in Neenah (140 S. Green Bay Rd.) will continue to receive bottled water and portable phone chargers/power banks from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm through the end of the day on July 29th. Likewise, Gloria Dei in Neenah (1140 Tullar Rd.) will begin serving a free community lunch for anyone in need from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm beginning on July 29th until the need is met. A poster is available with more details. In addition,St. Mark’s in Neenah and Christus in Greenville (N1915 Julius Drive) will be open from 9:30 - 3:30 to provide space for anyone to cool off, charge devices, and receive spiritual care and prayer.
Financial generosity is best. While many feel the pull to personally contribute something. Financial gifts allow people to be helped with dignity and in a way that is best to them. There are a couple of ways to make contributions. An insert, slide, and link to give to LDR will be available and shared as soon as we receive it. Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to stay in touch with us if there is work being done on the ground that can benefit from support. People can also give on line through this link and select “Local Disaster Relief” from the menu. These funds will be shared where they can do the most good in lending support.
We are a part of something larger than ourselves. Volunteer Fox Valley is creating a volunteer standby list and you can find that link here to lend a hand. United Way Fox Cities is a place where people can report damage, volunteer, or donate. You can call them at 211 or access their website here. Resources for mental health are available through NEW mental health network of care.
We are Christ together. The following intercessory prayer is available for worship in the coming weeks in the form of prayers from Sundays and Seasons.
For all who were impacted by the tornadoes 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.
As Pastor Amy Engebose walked her neighborhood after the storm ended in Menasha she met a little girl with her dad who was afraid. Pastor Amy said to the girl, "This was pretty scary, wasn't it?" With tears the girl shook her head. Then she said, "We are about to make so many new friends who are going to help us get through this together." Thanks be to God for friends and neighbors near and far who are ready to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Peace, in Christ,
Pastor Jenn Pockat
Associate to the Bishop
