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| EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO HAITI EARTHQUAKE DISASTER |
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St. Jude’s, Wantagh, Parish Alert
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January 14, 2010
Dear Parishioners,
As we enter the third day of praying for the victims of Haiti, the hope for more survivors is dwindling. Soon, the country will move from rescue to recovery, from hope to despair. The toll on human life is unfathomable and the oncoming epidemic of disease, hunger and safety issues will make a horrible situation even worse. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti (the largest in the Episcopal Church) has been hit hard with its Cathedral, buildings, schools, convent and more destroyed. Family members have been displaced (our own Sully has been unable to reach his family and I have recently learned that he has a member of his immediate family in Port-au-Prince.) Yet, in the midst of despair, we are not helpless.
The Psalmist, in Psalm 46, wrote: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; Though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” The earth has moved, yet God is still with us!
It is so important to remember that we have a loving and living Lord who has been holding the people of Haiti in his loving hands before, during and after the earthquake. I am heartened by stories of children and adults singing hymns of praise to God (if only our faith would be so strong to do the same in the midst of tragedy). People from throughout the world are reaching out and being Christ to the people of Haiti. God is in the midst of the situation and for that, I give praise!
Additionally, we can pray. Pray for those who are trapped, pray for the rescuers, pray for those who are trying to find missing persons, pray for those who have died, pray for those who are grieving, pray – pray – pray! In addition to our own personal prayers and our communal prayers this coming Sunday, Bishop Provenzano is calling the people of the Diocese to the Cathedral of the Incarnation this Friday, January 15, 7:30 p.m., to celebrate a Eucharist in support of our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Haiti and in support of our Haitian clergy and church members here in the Diocese of Long Island. The offering will be designated to Episcopal Relief and Development. You are welcomed to attend.
Finally, we can give. This Sunday, January 17 and next Sunday, January 24, we will be collecting money to be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development (http://www.er-d.org), our Church’s relief and development organization. 100% of funds raised will go directly to Haiti and the people of the Diocese of Haiti. Our donations will be sent together as a love offering. When times are challenging, it often requires those who have much to give much. I pray that you will give a generous gift to assist in the aid efforts. Even the poorest among us have far more than the richest in Port-au-Prince. Simply make your check payable to The Church of St. Jude, memo: Haiti, and put your gift in the offering plate this Sunday or the 24th along with your normal tithes. In the future, there will be other opportunities to assist. Yet, for the immediate future, your cash donations are needed most. Thank you for your prayers and your giving.
I will also be sharing with you a pastoral letter from the Bishops of Province II of the Episcopal Church (which Long Island is part of). I hope that you will read their words of hope and prayers.
In prayers,
Christopher+
The Very Rev. Christopher D. Hofer,
Rector
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