Although needs in western North Carolina vary, agencies are beginning to ask for money rather than in-kind donations. Financial donations help families pay rent, pay out of pocket repair expenses, and so on. The Sharing House, which we supported earlier, accepts online donations: https://www.sharinghouse.org
A new nonprofit in Ashe County seeks to repair privately owned bridges, which are not maintained or owned by the state. Lansing Bridge to Recovery brings in trained personnel to get residents using privately owned bridges their much-needed access to public roads: https://www.lansingbtr.org
Our session is looking into ways to help small churches and their local communities. More information will be shared as plans are made.
One of our college students, Aiden Kearns, is taking supplies to the Brevard area. Aidan began working with emergency response crews as soon as the storm struck.
Watauga High School embarked on a mission to account for all 1647 of their students. All are accounted for.
Camp Grier, a Presbyterian camp, worked quickly to get utilities up and running. They are offering showers and hot meals.
Needs and opportunities:
As the days pass into weeks, the needs diversify. Some people still need food and water. Others need cleaning supplies and crews with power tools as they get back into their homes. Still others will need absolutely everything, as their homes and belongings are gone. Our session will continue to support relief and recovery efforts as they develop.
Locating & Praying for Loved Ones: Two congregation members are active in disaster relief through official emergency services: working in a call center, running a shelter. So far, former church members and family of church members living in western NC have been accounted for.
Stories of Hope:
A Good Samaritan brought in some kind of heavy equipment to haul rocks and make a bridge for Rev. Hefner’s parents and their neighbors. The fire department came through offering water. Hope to have a photo of the rock bridge someday.
Jefferson United Methodist Church of Jefferson, NC has a sizable building and parking lot, one of the few churches in the area with those amenities. They are providing food, water, showers, cell phone charging, and cleaning supplies.
Currently, the situation is “all hands on deck” with many agencies and individuals doing what they can. Because travel is so difficult and communications are spotty at best, it’s impossible to fully centralize the relief effort. So please feel free to donate to any organization that you trust, not just the ones mentioned here.
In-Kind Donations: take to Maple View Ice Cream, for Orange County Sheriff’s Department to load up and deliver through a network of county sheriffs. Supplies requested: please see photo.
Monetary Donations: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance at pda.pcusa.org, NC fund set up by the governor at nc.gov/donate, Montreat Conference Center at montreat.org
Join New Hope Presbyterian Church for Easter services!
An Easter sunrise service will be held at 7:00 a.m. We will begin outside at the columbarium, the proceed inside to the sanctuary mid-service. Sunrise should begin right around 7:00, so arrive at the columbarium early if you’d like to see the sky change into an Easter sunrise. The rain plan is a full service in the sanctuary.
Easter breakfast will be held at 8:00 a.m.
A second Easter service will be held in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.
December 24 is not only Christmas Eve, but it is the fourth Sunday of Advent! Come join us at 10:00 a.m. for a special all church gathering! Children and children at heart are invited to wear their pajamas if they wish! We will have special food that will help us tell the story of nativity and singing. This will be a special time to be together and share in song and fellowship. All visiting family members are invited to join us!
Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols is December 24th. 5:00 pm Pre-Service Music. 5:30 pm Service of Lessons and Carols. Childcare will be available.
