Bishop Alan M. Gates and Bishop Gayle E. Harris are requesting continued prayers and support for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey. "We extend our concern, compassion and prayers to those facing the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Donations to the hurricane relief fund at Episcopal Relief & Development will provide emergency relief and assistance in later recovery efforts. Please give generously."
Episcopal Relief & Development has printable bulletin inserts about hurricane relief available.
Bishop David Reed and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson of the Diocese of West Texas communicated that they did not yet know the extent of the damage in many communities within the diocese, and that they are working with Episcopal Relief & Development to coordinate relief efforts. They wrote:
"Please pray without ceasing for all those affected by this terrible storm. Give thanks to God for mercies received and for his Spirit already working to restore, rebuild and heal. Consider prayerfully the many ways you and your church can participate in that work. We are looking at a long-term recovery effort, and the needs will seem overwhelming at times. But our God is bigger and his love is stronger, and Jesus calls us to follow him into the midst of the devastation and heartache." Read the full message from the bishops of West Texas here.
In his Aug. 27 message to the Diocese of Texas, Bishop Andy Doyle wrote, "Two of the most powerful images in Scripture have Jesus Christ exercising authority over the sea. Jesus commands the stormy sea to be calm: 'Who is this?' The disciples ask. 'For even the winds and the sea obey him' (Matthew 8:26). In a different passage, Jesus walks on the sea (Matthew 14:26). The point being made by the biblical author is clear: namely, that God’s power to save, renew, heal and restore is infinitely greater than the sea’s power to destroy. The God we know in Jesus Christ forever sits 'enthroned amidst the flood' (Psalm 29:10). It is with this hope that we wait for healing together and, in concert with our baptismal vows, we pledge to be conduits through whom God brings healing and renewal to others."
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry offered the Collect for Aid Against Perils on Aug. 25: Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read ongoing Episcopal News Service coverage here.