Update Nov. 2:  Power has now been restored to the Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center in Framingham, so all Confernece facilities are now back in operation.

Update Oct. 31: Power has been restored to the Craigville Retreat Center.

New: A message from Conference Minister & President Jim Antal on the aftermath of Sandy.

All Massachusetts Conference offices have re-opened following yesterday's hurricane, except for the Craigville Retreat Center, which is still without electricity. Anyone who urgently needs to reach Craigville should contact the Conference office in Framingham at 508-875-5233, and a message will be relayed.

The regional Associate Conference Ministers are calling churches in the most affected areas and so far have not received any reports of major damages.  If your church is facing major damage, please contact your regional minister.

A national relief appeal has been issued by the United Church of Christ - information can be found here: http://www.ucc.org/disaster/hurricane-sandy.html

The Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MA VOAD), of which the Conference is a member, has issued this information for those looking to help in recovery efforts:

"With emergency management and public utilities actively getting the infrastructure back together, we don't want to get in their way. Yet, many of us still want to help as quickly as possible to minimize the harm caused to others from this major storm. The solution is to start by helping the neighbors you know. This is especially true for churches and non-profits residing in several communities. Likely, help will be needed for flood-related damage and tree removal. If you want to start helping people you do not know in your community, please contact the local emergency management (police and/or fire) official in your area to be coordinated."