Hurricane Michael Relief
Update 11/14/2018
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Susan and I offer many thanks to the numerous volunteers from St. Christopher's and Holy Cross who have already helped with hurricane relief efforts at St. Andrews in Panama City. As you know, we have barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done to restore some sense of order to the residents of Panama City and Bay County. There are more than 15,000 homes either completely destroyed or substantially damaged from Hurricane Michael.
We are trying to organize another work party on Saturday, November 17, and you are welcome to sign-up. Here is the sign-up link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4DABAA2DA1F58-holy1
Most of our workers will not be doing any heavy work like clearing trees and removing debris, however, there is a special request for able chainsaw operators. Instead, volunteers are needed for a more difficult and sensitive job, helping people sort through their life belongings to salvage what they can and then find appropriate storage for those items if possible.
This is a great sign-up opportunity for our youth!
As far as supplies, the biggest need they have right now is Rubbermaid totes to store treated items in. Think of the size for storing Christmas decorations. If you would like to donate some of these, we will take them with us on Saturday. Also, as the weather turns colder our attention has been drawn to the fact that those who lost their homes and are now residing in tents across the city. Please consider donating gently used or serviceable hats, coats, gloves, and blankets to be distributed to those in need in Panama City
Please meet at St. Christopher's at 6:00 am ready to load up and drive to St. Andrew's. If you have any questions please call Jay Cook at 850-776-1548 or email him at jc111678@gmail.com.
In Christ,
Nick+
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Susan and I offer many thanks to the numerous volunteers from St. Christopher's and Holy Cross who have already helped with hurricane relief efforts at St. Andrews in Panama City. As you know, we have barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done to restore some sense of order to the residents of Panama City and Bay County. There are more than 15,000 homes either completely destroyed or substantially damaged from Hurricane Michael.
We are trying to organize another work party on Saturday, November 17, and you are welcome to sign-up. Here is the sign-up link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4DABAA2DA1F58-holy1
Most of our workers will not be doing any heavy work like clearing trees and removing debris, however, there is a special request for able chainsaw operators. Instead, volunteers are needed for a more difficult and sensitive job, helping people sort through their life belongings to salvage what they can and then find appropriate storage for those items if possible.
This is a great sign-up opportunity for our youth!
As far as supplies, the biggest need they have right now is Rubbermaid totes to store treated items in. Think of the size for storing Christmas decorations. If you would like to donate some of these, we will take them with us on Saturday. Also, as the weather turns colder our attention has been drawn to the fact that those who lost their homes and are now residing in tents across the city. Please consider donating gently used or serviceable hats, coats, gloves, and blankets to be distributed to those in need in Panama City
Please meet at St. Christopher's at 6:00 am ready to load up and drive to St. Andrew's. If you have any questions please call Jay Cook at 850-776-1548 or email him at jc111678@gmail.com.
In Christ,
Nick+
Update 10/17/2018
Yesterday, Susan and I took a trip to Panama City in order to touch base with the Rector of St. Andrew’s, the Rev. Margaret Shepherd, and her Associate Rector, the Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin. As we approached Lynn Haven, the effects of Hurricane Michael became an all consuming reality, a cash based society with no power and very little running water. All I heard as I took in the destruction was Susan saying, “I’m sorry” a prayer if I’ve ever heard one. It took us every minute of three hours to get from Pensacola to St. Andrew’s Church. Highway 98, was extremely backed up, however, alternate routes were surprisingly clear of debris and traffic which was a blessing.
Upon arrival, Mother Molly and her husband Michael were already at work directing moisture abatement teams at the Education Building, which sustained the most damage. We were greeted warmly by Molly and Michael, arriving just minutes before the Bishop and Chris Heaney, Diocesan Disaster Relief Coordinator. Although it was just the six of us, the energy concentrated in those hugs left one feeling as if the entire diocese was present in love. We set about quickly surveying the damage and after a tour of the campus, we started to discuss what would be the most efficient way we could serve them.
In collaboration with each other we decided that it would be helpful to have a single point of contact who would serve as the lead in coordinating relief efforts from both parishes. Warren Jerrems of Holy Cross volunteered for the job and will be assisted by our own, Jay Cook. We decided to set this system up not to create a bottleneck, but to alleviate stress on Molly and Michael who will be managing several fronts for the foreseeable future. The staff of both churches will be working closely with Warren and Jay in order to get the most up-to-date information to you as possible.
In the meantime, we have tentatively scheduled a work day at St. Andrews for this Saturday, October 20. Molly and Michael will be communicating with Warren about what kind of labor will be the most helpful and about how many volunteers will be required. There is an understanding that our assistance will be in service to their direct need and that our help will serve to assist them not overwhelm them.
The staff here at St. Christopher’s will continue to take names of those wishing to volunteer as well as any skill sets and tools which might serve our brothers and sisters through the recovery process. After the list is compiled we will have an idea of who to reach out to for specific tasks which Warren will request from us. Please continue to donate: Money, water, meals to grill, wipes, etc. as these items remain helpful until a more comprehensive disaster recovery unit is in place. Please keep your eyes open for more communication no later than this Friday. Until then, may the peace of God which passes all understanding sustain you and give you life.
In Christ
Nick+
Yesterday, Susan and I took a trip to Panama City in order to touch base with the Rector of St. Andrew’s, the Rev. Margaret Shepherd, and her Associate Rector, the Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin. As we approached Lynn Haven, the effects of Hurricane Michael became an all consuming reality, a cash based society with no power and very little running water. All I heard as I took in the destruction was Susan saying, “I’m sorry” a prayer if I’ve ever heard one. It took us every minute of three hours to get from Pensacola to St. Andrew’s Church. Highway 98, was extremely backed up, however, alternate routes were surprisingly clear of debris and traffic which was a blessing.
Upon arrival, Mother Molly and her husband Michael were already at work directing moisture abatement teams at the Education Building, which sustained the most damage. We were greeted warmly by Molly and Michael, arriving just minutes before the Bishop and Chris Heaney, Diocesan Disaster Relief Coordinator. Although it was just the six of us, the energy concentrated in those hugs left one feeling as if the entire diocese was present in love. We set about quickly surveying the damage and after a tour of the campus, we started to discuss what would be the most efficient way we could serve them.
In collaboration with each other we decided that it would be helpful to have a single point of contact who would serve as the lead in coordinating relief efforts from both parishes. Warren Jerrems of Holy Cross volunteered for the job and will be assisted by our own, Jay Cook. We decided to set this system up not to create a bottleneck, but to alleviate stress on Molly and Michael who will be managing several fronts for the foreseeable future. The staff of both churches will be working closely with Warren and Jay in order to get the most up-to-date information to you as possible.
In the meantime, we have tentatively scheduled a work day at St. Andrews for this Saturday, October 20. Molly and Michael will be communicating with Warren about what kind of labor will be the most helpful and about how many volunteers will be required. There is an understanding that our assistance will be in service to their direct need and that our help will serve to assist them not overwhelm them.
The staff here at St. Christopher’s will continue to take names of those wishing to volunteer as well as any skill sets and tools which might serve our brothers and sisters through the recovery process. After the list is compiled we will have an idea of who to reach out to for specific tasks which Warren will request from us. Please continue to donate: Money, water, meals to grill, wipes, etc. as these items remain helpful until a more comprehensive disaster recovery unit is in place. Please keep your eyes open for more communication no later than this Friday. Until then, may the peace of God which passes all understanding sustain you and give you life.
In Christ
Nick+
UPDATE ON CENTRAL GULF COAST HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF
DIOCESAN RELIEF COORDINATOR APPOINTED
I am very pleased to announce that Chris Heaney has joined the diocesan staff as the Diocesan Hurricane Michael Relief Coordinator. Chris Heaney spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain in 2015. Chris and his family have been members of Christ Episcopal Church, Pensacola, for nearly 25 years.
Chris will coordinate and oversee our diocesan relief efforts for the next several months specifically focusing on connecting outside assistance with impacted congregations and their surrounding communities. You can best reach Chris on his cell phone 850-341-1346 or his email chris@diocgc.org +Russell
PARTNERING OUR PARISHES
On Monday morning active diocesan clergy and some senior wardens met via video conference to listen to reports from the churches most impacted by Hurricane Michael. Clergy from the impacted congregations updated the group on damages sustained in the storm and current relief needs. Diocesan churches are being directly partnered with those impacted congregations in order to get assistance to those in need as efficiently as possible. If your congregation is interested in partnering, clergy should contact Chris Heaney. see above for Chris' contact information
DONATIONS NEEDED
By far the most important donation that is needed is money. Donations can be made directly to our diocese or to Episcopal Relief and Development via links at our Hurricane Relief Hub on the diocesan website. https://www.diocgc.org/hurricane-relief-hub
Here are other needed items requested by our clergy:
Collected items should either be delivered to your partner parish OR TO St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church, Laguna Beach on Wisteria Lane Contact The Reverend Mary Alice Mathison @ 850-774-0999 to coordinate delivery.
WORSHIP ON SUNDAY
We have been hearing poignant stories about the worship services held last Sunday in our churches most damaged by Hurricane Michael. Some form of worship occurred in 10 of the 11 churches most impacted. Some worshiped inside; some worshiped outside. Most worshiped without power or water. Some of the comments shared: From a parishioner in Apalachicola "This was the most moving worship service I have ever attended." From a priest in Panama City, "I noticed the hands of those receiving communion more than ever. They were dirty, bruised, scarred. It was very emotional." The congregation of St. Luke's Marianna worshiped in the parish hall without power. All four candidates for confirmation showed up. "What a powerful sign of the power of faith" someone commented afterwards. Another priest whose church has been going through strategic planning had placed lists of hopes and fears on the altar last Sunday. Through all the wind and rain, the paper lists remained unmoved on the altar. "It was as if God held on to us through our hopes and fears."
+Russell (10/15/2018)
DIOCESAN RELIEF COORDINATOR APPOINTED
I am very pleased to announce that Chris Heaney has joined the diocesan staff as the Diocesan Hurricane Michael Relief Coordinator. Chris Heaney spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain in 2015. Chris and his family have been members of Christ Episcopal Church, Pensacola, for nearly 25 years.
Chris will coordinate and oversee our diocesan relief efforts for the next several months specifically focusing on connecting outside assistance with impacted congregations and their surrounding communities. You can best reach Chris on his cell phone 850-341-1346 or his email chris@diocgc.org +Russell
PARTNERING OUR PARISHES
On Monday morning active diocesan clergy and some senior wardens met via video conference to listen to reports from the churches most impacted by Hurricane Michael. Clergy from the impacted congregations updated the group on damages sustained in the storm and current relief needs. Diocesan churches are being directly partnered with those impacted congregations in order to get assistance to those in need as efficiently as possible. If your congregation is interested in partnering, clergy should contact Chris Heaney. see above for Chris' contact information
DONATIONS NEEDED
By far the most important donation that is needed is money. Donations can be made directly to our diocese or to Episcopal Relief and Development via links at our Hurricane Relief Hub on the diocesan website. https://www.diocgc.org/hurricane-relief-hub
Here are other needed items requested by our clergy:
- Tarps and tie down Contractor grade garbage bags
- Rubbermaid-type Bins and boxes for storing household items
- Hand sanitizer / hand wipes
- Precooked meals that can be warmed up on a grill
- Small packaged snacks
- Gas
- Ice
- Cleaning supplies
- Propane fuel tanks
Collected items should either be delivered to your partner parish OR TO St. Thomas by the Sea Episcopal Church, Laguna Beach on Wisteria Lane Contact The Reverend Mary Alice Mathison @ 850-774-0999 to coordinate delivery.
WORSHIP ON SUNDAY
We have been hearing poignant stories about the worship services held last Sunday in our churches most damaged by Hurricane Michael. Some form of worship occurred in 10 of the 11 churches most impacted. Some worshiped inside; some worshiped outside. Most worshiped without power or water. Some of the comments shared: From a parishioner in Apalachicola "This was the most moving worship service I have ever attended." From a priest in Panama City, "I noticed the hands of those receiving communion more than ever. They were dirty, bruised, scarred. It was very emotional." The congregation of St. Luke's Marianna worshiped in the parish hall without power. All four candidates for confirmation showed up. "What a powerful sign of the power of faith" someone commented afterwards. Another priest whose church has been going through strategic planning had placed lists of hopes and fears on the altar last Sunday. Through all the wind and rain, the paper lists remained unmoved on the altar. "It was as if God held on to us through our hopes and fears."
+Russell (10/15/2018)
Letter from Mother Susan
Friday, Oct 12th, 2018
Dear St Christopher’s,
As we join our brothers and sisters in heart and prayer – we also have the opportunity to help them concretely. We are in contact with one of our priests in Panama City (the Rev Molly Payne Hardin) and will be trying to deliver needed supplies 1st light Saturday morning and again, early Monday morning. Here’s a couple of ways you can assist:
Today (Friday) – you can drop off needed supplies to Amie Remington’s house at 4125 Tronjo Road (between Summit and Bayou Blvd), Right now the list includes:
Saturday and Sunday – You can either write a check (to St. Christopher’s with Hurricane Michael relief on the leger line) or bring more of those supplies and put them in the Parish Hall. The church will be open Sat morning from 7am- 11am, for Altar Guild and Green Thumbers, Saturday night (5pm – 6:30pm) for Saturday evening service, and then again Sunday morning for regular services.
Please check the church website and the Diocesan Website for updates on the diocesan effort to assist. We want this to be a coordinated effort and know this is not a quick fix – but will be a long-haul support. https://www.scpen.org and https://www.diocgc.org
God is with us always – and in all circumstances.
We are the hands and feet of Christ,
Susan…+
Friday, Oct 12th, 2018
Dear St Christopher’s,
As we join our brothers and sisters in heart and prayer – we also have the opportunity to help them concretely. We are in contact with one of our priests in Panama City (the Rev Molly Payne Hardin) and will be trying to deliver needed supplies 1st light Saturday morning and again, early Monday morning. Here’s a couple of ways you can assist:
Today (Friday) – you can drop off needed supplies to Amie Remington’s house at 4125 Tronjo Road (between Summit and Bayou Blvd), Right now the list includes:
- Work gloves of all sizes
- Tarps – large – industrial (think: house / roof coverings)
- Bottled water
- Baby wipes/Clorox wipes
- Contractor grade garbage bags
- Bug spray
- Non-perishable, single wrapped snacks that don’t have to be refrigerated (granola bars, for example)
Saturday and Sunday – You can either write a check (to St. Christopher’s with Hurricane Michael relief on the leger line) or bring more of those supplies and put them in the Parish Hall. The church will be open Sat morning from 7am- 11am, for Altar Guild and Green Thumbers, Saturday night (5pm – 6:30pm) for Saturday evening service, and then again Sunday morning for regular services.
Please check the church website and the Diocesan Website for updates on the diocesan effort to assist. We want this to be a coordinated effort and know this is not a quick fix – but will be a long-haul support. https://www.scpen.org and https://www.diocgc.org
God is with us always – and in all circumstances.
We are the hands and feet of Christ,
Susan…+
Diocesan Information
HOW CAN I HELP?
Prayer is an essential part of being an Episcopalian and connecting with others. Your continued prayers are needed as all of us and especially those impacted by Hurricane Michael navigate these next days to weeks to months of recovery. Here are some helpful prayers.
Seeing others in a time of vulnerability moves us to want to help. Right now. Please be patient. Right now we are in the rescue phase, being patient while trained organizations arrive to secure properties, clear roads, and address safety conditions can be difficult, but necessary. Impacted areas do not have the infrastructure to support groups who show up to help without a plan in place which adds stress and strain. Shortly we will move in to the relief phase where your physical help will be needed. Until then, be patient. Here is what you can do now:
It is important to note that our impacted churches are not equipped to handle donations of supplies just yet. We will communicate needs and donation locations as soon as we have a plan in place. Thank you.
INFORMATION FOR RECOVERY TEAMS
Churches and organizations interested in sending teams to help with relief efforts are asked to please coordinate through our diocesan disaster preparedness and response coordinator:
RESOURCES TO ADDRESS SPIRITUAL NEEDS
Episcopal Relief & Development offers incredible resources to walk us through the various ways in which we can respond to the spiritual needs of our friends impacted by disaster. Here are a few that we like:
US DISASTER PROGRAM - HELPING IN TIME OF DISASTER
Resource provided by Episcopal Relief & Development
Most disasters have three distinct, if sometimes overlapping phases: Rescue, Relief and Recovery. Preparedness should be ongoing.
Phase 1 - Rescue
The Rescue phase is focused on saving lives and securing property, and is most acute in those parts of a region that, for example, are directly flooded or destroyed by fires. This work is generally done by the police, fire departments and other government agencies. These groups have equipment that can clear roads and debris, as well as large specialized operations with mass distribution systems and strategically positioned warehouses. The Rescue phase can take one to two weeks, sometimes longer.
Phase 2 - Relief
The next phase is the Relief phase, when the focus turns to creating short-term safe and sanitary conditions. The local church is often one of the first places people go to seek assistance and shelter during this phase. Depending on the scale of the disaster, the diocese(s) and their ministries are reaching out to those in need of assistance, and assessing what needs to be done. They are then coordinating with any number of organizations, such as Episcopal Relief & Development, and securing the resources for the long-term Recovery phase. The Relief phase typically lasts a few months.
In disasters that cause severe damage to homes and other infrastructure, communities might need financial support or volunteers to assist in rebuilding, but sometimes not right away. Again, the best approach is to wait until those affected have indicated what kind of support is most needed and whether they are ready to house and utilize volunteers. Inserting ourselves at the appropriate time alleviates additional stress and complications that can actually make things worse.
Phase 3 - Recovery
Eventually, we get to the third and final phase: Recovery. During recovery the emphasis shifts to restoring services, repairing houses and buildings, returning individuals to self-sufficiency and rebuilding communities. The challenge of the Recovery phase is that most of the television cameras have moved on, but the human suffering has grown. It is a chronic state, not a crisis. However, it is the phase that the Church excels in, because we are part of the communities that have been impacted, can best identify needs and work with the community to address them.
Effective response requires us to discern what is most helpful and appropriate at any given time, and to continue to hold those directly impacted in our hearts throughout their recovery, long after the media images fade.
For diocesan emergency response information, visit www.diocgc.org/emergency-response.
Prayer is an essential part of being an Episcopalian and connecting with others. Your continued prayers are needed as all of us and especially those impacted by Hurricane Michael navigate these next days to weeks to months of recovery. Here are some helpful prayers.
Seeing others in a time of vulnerability moves us to want to help. Right now. Please be patient. Right now we are in the rescue phase, being patient while trained organizations arrive to secure properties, clear roads, and address safety conditions can be difficult, but necessary. Impacted areas do not have the infrastructure to support groups who show up to help without a plan in place which adds stress and strain. Shortly we will move in to the relief phase where your physical help will be needed. Until then, be patient. Here is what you can do now:
- Donate to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast Hurricane Relief
- Donate to Episcopal Relief & Development Hurricane Relief Fund
- Register on Ready to Serve - for volunteers
It is important to note that our impacted churches are not equipped to handle donations of supplies just yet. We will communicate needs and donation locations as soon as we have a plan in place. Thank you.
INFORMATION FOR RECOVERY TEAMS
Churches and organizations interested in sending teams to help with relief efforts are asked to please coordinate through our diocesan disaster preparedness and response coordinator:
- The Rev. Deacon Tricia Spencer. Contact her at deacontricia@yahoo.com or 863-450-7412.
RESOURCES TO ADDRESS SPIRITUAL NEEDS
Episcopal Relief & Development offers incredible resources to walk us through the various ways in which we can respond to the spiritual needs of our friends impacted by disaster. Here are a few that we like:
- The Sunday after a Disaster
- Clergy Self-care
- Working with Children after a Disaster
- Ready to Serve with Compassion
US DISASTER PROGRAM - HELPING IN TIME OF DISASTER
Resource provided by Episcopal Relief & Development
Most disasters have three distinct, if sometimes overlapping phases: Rescue, Relief and Recovery. Preparedness should be ongoing.
Phase 1 - Rescue
The Rescue phase is focused on saving lives and securing property, and is most acute in those parts of a region that, for example, are directly flooded or destroyed by fires. This work is generally done by the police, fire departments and other government agencies. These groups have equipment that can clear roads and debris, as well as large specialized operations with mass distribution systems and strategically positioned warehouses. The Rescue phase can take one to two weeks, sometimes longer.
Phase 2 - Relief
The next phase is the Relief phase, when the focus turns to creating short-term safe and sanitary conditions. The local church is often one of the first places people go to seek assistance and shelter during this phase. Depending on the scale of the disaster, the diocese(s) and their ministries are reaching out to those in need of assistance, and assessing what needs to be done. They are then coordinating with any number of organizations, such as Episcopal Relief & Development, and securing the resources for the long-term Recovery phase. The Relief phase typically lasts a few months.
In disasters that cause severe damage to homes and other infrastructure, communities might need financial support or volunteers to assist in rebuilding, but sometimes not right away. Again, the best approach is to wait until those affected have indicated what kind of support is most needed and whether they are ready to house and utilize volunteers. Inserting ourselves at the appropriate time alleviates additional stress and complications that can actually make things worse.
Phase 3 - Recovery
Eventually, we get to the third and final phase: Recovery. During recovery the emphasis shifts to restoring services, repairing houses and buildings, returning individuals to self-sufficiency and rebuilding communities. The challenge of the Recovery phase is that most of the television cameras have moved on, but the human suffering has grown. It is a chronic state, not a crisis. However, it is the phase that the Church excels in, because we are part of the communities that have been impacted, can best identify needs and work with the community to address them.
Effective response requires us to discern what is most helpful and appropriate at any given time, and to continue to hold those directly impacted in our hearts throughout their recovery, long after the media images fade.
For diocesan emergency response information, visit www.diocgc.org/emergency-response.
