What a start to the Atlantic hurricane season. It’s been a rough season so far. We’ve seen devastation on the Texas coast from Harvey. We’ve watched with helplessness as Irma surged through the Caribbean, across and up Florida, and stormed its way through the southeastern US, leaving destruction and misery. Jose. Maria. Nate. Will there be other storms to follow?
Now, in the wake of devastation, our faith calls us forward to give relief to our neighbors in our state, our country, and our world.
At St. Martin’s, we have a new way provide hurricane relief, through matching funds, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor at St. Martin’s. Here is what you need to know to double the impact of your gift:

  • Any contribution will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to a total match amount of $2000
  • If you give by check, write Hurricane in the memo field
  • If you give cash, write Hurricane on your envelope
  • If you give online, type Hurricane in the description field
  • This matching opportunity ends on December 31, 2017

The money St. Martin’s raises will go to Episcopal Relief and Development’s hurricane relief. ERD is on the ground in every diocese where these hurricanes have hurt lives, in the US and Caribbean, working with dioceses and partner agencies. Your gift will provide critical supplies and assist with the long-term efforts needed to rebuild and heal.

Stay tuned as we announce changing needs

People dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes will have needs in the future weeks and months that we can help meet, so stay tuned to details and the timing of how we can respond. This year’s hurricane recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. If you have further ideas for how to help, please contact a member of the Vestry or the Rev. Scot McComas.

Let us pray

Gracious God, hold close all who have died, all the people suffering from these tremendous storms, and all the people working to help them. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous. Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion, move us to act swiftly, to give generously, all for your name’s sake. Amen.