Hurricane Harvey Relief: Letter from Fr. Tommy

Dear Beloved of St. Margaret's,

It was just one year ago that we were experiencing the horrible flooding that the people of Texas are currently experiencing. I know some of you might be feeling anxiety, sadness, and fear in this time of crisis. May God’s peace and love surround you.

You might be wondering how we as a parish can help.

Your donation is critical and needed now! Episcopalians are reaching out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

Bishop Andy Doyle of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas suggests that people give directly to relief efforts by going to the websites of the dioceses affected, which are the Diocese of West Texas and the Diocese of Texas. He states that equally useful would be giving directly to Episcopal Relief and Development through their website with funds directed to Harvey Relief. He stated that ERD is also keeping a register for any who are willing to travel to, and offer assistance in, the affected areas should that become necessary and desired. Donating to Episcopal Relief & Development will help the most vulnerable in their communities by providing emergency assistance grants now (shelter, hot meals, etc.) and long-term recovery grants as communities rebuild. We will have a special insert in our bulletin this Sunday from ERD.

I would also suggest that the donations of gift cards to places like Walmart or Target are helpful to individuals and families immediately following a disaster. If you would like to donate gift cards, you may drop them off at church this Sunday. The ones we collect will be sent to Trinity Episcopal Church in Houston, and my dear friend Mother Hannah Atkins, their priest, can make sure the gift cards will be put to good use.

I invite you to join me in praying the following prayer in the days and weeks ahead:

Lord, please be with the rescue workers and keep them safe as they make heroic efforts in dangerous situations to rescue those in trouble on the Gulf Coast.
Lord, please be with everyone waiting to be rescued, keep them safe, and bring help to them soon.
God, bless each and every person affected by this storm and surround them with Your love, protection, and angels.
Let them know there are millions of us out here praying for them and their loved ones.
We give You all the praise and glory forever, Lord, and know that even in the darkest hours, You are always with us.

- Adapted from "Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina"

With love and blessings,

Fr Tommy