UCC - Geoffrey Black offers prayer, appeal for storm victims

From Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>
Date Mon, 23 May 2011 21:13:43 -0700

Geoffrey Black offers prayer, appeal for storm victims


Written by Staff Reports
May 23, 2011
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Tornadoes and flooding through April and May have killed more than 400 Americans. The most recent tornado in Joplin, Mo., claimed at least 89 victims Sunday.
In response, the UCC's General Minister and President has issued a statement and prayer, offering comfort to "a grieving, weather-weary nation," and calling for increased generosity from members of the UCC to meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those affected.
United Church News will post updates from the UCC's Disaster Ministries as they become available. A "<http://www.ucc.org/news/http://www.ucc.org/disaster/spring-storm-appeal.html>Spring Storm Appeal" update and <http://www.ucc.org/news/https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Donation2?df_id=2141&2141.donation=form1>donation page has been established for online donations. Donations can also be made through local congregations designated for "US Spring Storms Appeal."
From Missouri to Minnesota, tornadoes have stolen precious lives, demolished homes and businesses, and broken the hearts of countless survivors. Across the United Church of Christ, we join our prayers with a grieving, weather-weary nation as, again, we pledge our love and solidarity with those who now must endure this long season of rebuilding, but not alone. We call for an outpouring of money, resources and volunteers to demonstrate the power of our oneness and the strength of our resilience, proving once again that God's people can and will rise above this present suffering.
May the God of resurrection hope lead us in an outpouring of care and concern for all who have been victimized by this spring's violent weather. Beyond the turbulent winds, above the floods, after the storms, and even in the midst of them, may our faith remind us that, together in community, we must hold on to one another, even as Christ's love firmly holds us all. 


The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black
General Minister and President
United Church of Christ