Sisters and Brothers of the Massachusetts Conference UCC:

 

Our prayers go out to each and every congregation, family and town that is reeling from this catastrophic storm.  Our regional Associate Conference Ministers are doing their best to check in with churches which have been most impacted.  Many of our pastors and church members are helping neighbors.  Our Disaster Resource Team is in contact with the UCC’s National Disaster Coordinator to assure that resources are available. 

 

At the moment, the Framingham Conference Center has power, as do our offices in Ludlow and Waltham.  Craigville Retreat Center does not have power at present. 

 

The national setting of the United Church of Christ's Hurricane Sandy web link is: http://www.ucc.org/disaster/hurricane-sandy.html  On that page you will find a link to make donations.  Many congregations will take up a special collection to help those who have been hurt the most.  While Massachusetts has been hit hard, the greatest needs are in NJ and NY. 

 

In addition to donating, if you’re wondering how you can help, start by helping the neighbors you know.   Beyond that, some of our churches will coordinate efforts with local emergency management (police and/or fire) officials in their area.   

 

If you’re interested in becoming more involved in responding to disasters, you're invited to a gathering on November 7th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM about and for our MACUCC Disaster Resource Team.  This time will be an introduction to the work which the Disaster Resource Team provides in coordinating and guiding our churches in immediate and long term recovery efforts following disasters.  We work in collaboration with state, federal and non profit agencies.   If you want to know how you can plug into and help in this effort to provide aid in the wake of disasters like Hurricanes Sandy and Irene, tornadoes, flooding and more, please  join us at Edwards House on the Mass. Conference Center campus, 1 Badger Road in Framingham on Wednesday, November 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  Please RSVP to Karen Methot at methotk@macucc.org  by November 5 so we have a count for space and food.

 

Our Associate Conference Ministers, the Rev. Don Remick and the Rev. Peter Wells, together with the Rev. Jim Tilbe, are the MACUCC Disaster Resource Team Coordinators.  They will be updating our Conference web page  (http://www.macucc.org/news/detail/192)  and sending you emails in the days ahead.  Be assured that your help is needed.  Our responsibility and challenge as a people of covenant will be to hang in there with our brothers and sisters for the long haul, well after the media has moved on to other stories.

 

Thanks to each and every one of you for you unselfish desire to help.

 

God’s strength and peace,

 

Jim Antal

Minister & President

Massachusetts Conference, UCC