(Article originally posted on the ECO web site). Dear Friends,
Members of the Synod staff have been in contact with churches affected by the devastating storms in the Southeast; most recently those that endured Hurricane Irma in Florida. Though many churches themselves had minor structural damage, some are still without power, and many have downed trees and other property issues to deal with.
World Renew
Our first response is always to connect people to World Renew. World Renew is an ECO partner and disaster assistance organization that mobilized in both affected regions. You can stay informed by signing up for email updates or visiting their website WorldRenew.net to read about their ongoing relief efforts for both Harvey and Irma, or scanning their volunteer page, which lists numerous on-the-ground service opportunities for people who desire to help victims of the storm.
Donate Directly
Secondly, we encourage people to send financial support directly to the ECO presbyteries of Texas and Florida. With direct contact to those churches and communities, the presbytery is in the best position to administer those funds to people in need. Checks can be made out for:
Hurricane Harvey
ECO: Presbytery of Texas
c/o Highland Park Presbyterian Church
Attn. Mark Story, Moderator
3821 University Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75205.
Hurricane Irma
ECO: Presbytery of Florida
c/o First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville
118 East Monroe Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Attn: Moderator or Treasurer
Donate Digitally: CLICK HERE
Thank You!
It is amazing to see God at work in the midst of a terrible situation. We are hearing stories of our churches serving as shelters and deeply caring for the communities in which they serve. Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church is one such example. They are set up to be a Red Cross shelter, but when the Red Cross staff couldn’t make it in, the good folks of MDPC stepped up and filled in the gaps. Several of these churches have their own funds set up to receive donations as well. We envision the need for work teams in the Keys, just as they are in Houston now, in the coming weeks. We will keep you informed of those opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers,
The ECO Synod Office