October 1st, 2024
Dear Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope,
As you know, hurricane Helene ravaged so many communities in Western North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. In our own diocese, our beloved brothers and sisters at Christ the King in Boone, North Carolina are facing major damage to their homes, scarcity of resources, and are without cell service or power. The total extent of damage is still unknown due to communication difficulties. Thankfully the community and surrounding areas have rallied to help each other as a first response. However, technical expertise, equipment, and significant funding are now needed to continue working toward restoration.
Please give to this urgent need and support Christ the King and the surrounding community during this difficult time by following this linkand selecting the “Western NC Disaster Relief Fund” in the drop-down menu. All funds given will go directly to Christ the King in Boone. Any excess funding received will be given to Samaritan’s Purse and/or the Anglican Relief and Development Fund for broader relief in the Western NC area.
Additionally, we understand that people in your congregations, out of the goodness of their hearts and a desire to help, may want to make a trip to Western North Carolina. Please be sure to contact Samaritan’s Purse to offer help during this time.
We will be hosting a Diocesan Zoom call to address specific ways we can send teams into the Western NC area for physical help, in coordination with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and ARDF.
Please join this call Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 pm EST.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89214775495?pwd=GRuvu2av3rwzUPSIFMxokpDgbGzjCM.1
Meeting ID: 892 1477 5495
Passcode: 127606
If you are clergy or a lay leader, we ask that you please forward this message to your local church’s mailing list.
Thank you for your help!
All the very best to you,
Bishop Alan J. Hawkins
The Diocese of Christ Our Hope
+1-336-404-2387
From the Prayer Book 2019. In times of Natural Disaster.
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
