God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
(Psalm 46:1-4)
These ancient words of the psalmist are quite appropriate this week, as thousands of families and organizations are dealing with the aftermath of the recent heavy rains in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities. My wife and I woke up to three feet of water in our basement Sunday morning, and while it receded on its own a few hours later, the damage left behind has been profound and life-changing. I am grateful for the many words of comfort and support offered by those who knew of our situation, and for the many large and small acts of kindness that have marked recent days.
My heart goes out to all impacted by these storms, and while I am personally taking this week off to deal with the situation at our home, the synod staff is working hard to organize our response. I have asked Pastor Chris Manke and Pastor Becky Erb Strang (our new Assistant for Evangelical Mission who has experience in disaster response) to coordinate our work, which will include the following:
- Gathering information regarding the status of congregations and communities.
- Checking in with congregational leaders
- Accepting donations from those willing to help: money, labor, material goods. Checks can be sent to the synod office and marked for “flood relief.”
Please feel free to reach out to the synod office as needed. We also ask that folks remember all those impacted by the recent storms in prayer, trusting that God, our refuge and strength, can provide whatever is needed as we work to rebuild:
Save us, O God, when the waters rise, and there is no firm place to stand. Life as we know it has been swept away for so many. Draw near to us in this time of need and be our protection. Support us as we rebuild what has been ruined. Do not let us drown in our sorrow, but raise us to new life in your promise of rebirth, already claimed for us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen
All Creation Sings p.49
In Christ,
Bishop Paul D. Erickson
