The Oasis - October 9, 2024
Author: Rev. Eric Dupee
October 09, 2024
As I’m sure you know, the impact of Hurricane Helene has been devastating. A number of our church members have contacted me to inquire about possible responses. In this post, I will offer an avenue for responding and a heartfelt prayer, written by Maren Tirabassi, for those about to experience the effects of Hurricane Milton.
Helene landed in Florida on Thursday, September 26, as a category four storm empowered by high water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. It brought a devastating 20-foot storm surge and 140 mph winds. After making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, the storm proceeded northeast into Georgia, western South Carolina, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee as a category 1 storm. Over 200 people have been confirmed dead.
If you would like to learn about the United Church of Christ disaster relief efforts and make a contribution, you can go to this website: https://support.ucc.org/hurricane-helene-relief?erid=1487558&trid=789e32ab-6bbd-468f-b96c-045d1f3a1d3d. If you are looking for a remote volunteer opportunity, on that page, you will find a resource for “Crisis Cleanup phone banking.”
You also so see a link for “Hygiene and cleanup bucket assembly.” After natural disasters, there are specific items needed. Often, UCC churches will assemble buckets containing needed items and deliver them. In addition to these opportunities, there are members of our church investigating other avenues in which First Parish Church members might respond to the needs. Stay tuned for more information on that.
As our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, those who have lost homes, and those who suffer on account of these storms, let us also pray. The following prayer was shared at today’s bible study and I offer it for your use. – Eric
Prayer for those facing Hurricane Milton
By Maren C. Tirabassi
God, bless those who wait for the storm,
that grows in width and strength
with every hour.
Guide the evacuation
in its deep sadness, hurried choices,
lack of needed gasoline
and sustain those who wait
to care for ones who must remain.
As Christ walked across the waters
so walk through the storm
giving courage and kindness and hope.
Holy One, we pray for people trained
to respond to disaster
stretching to their very limits today.
And also for those called
to respond in the moment,
give wisdom in their compassion.
And we continue in our prayers
without ceasing for everyone
hunting, weeping, cleaning,
grieving, hurt, unhoused
after the devastations of Helene,
whose lives
spun out of control
in last week’s winds,
and who are far from gathered again.
Tenderly guide them to offered help.
As the winds rise, bring peace;
as the world spins, bring rescue;
as the floods grow,
bring care and hope and help. amen.
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