| Dear Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, As we wake this morning, September 5, 2019, we learn that Hurricane Dorian has regained strength back into a Category 3 storm and is moving slowly to the north, just off shore of the Carolinas. I am sure that you have been following this storm, as have I, since late last week when it became apparent that its course was putting many people in jeopardy – in the Bahamas as well as in our own country. Three days after Dorian made landfall in the northern islands of the Bahamian archipelago, the death toll was at 20 and the damage to the property and infrastructure of the islands was severe. It is expected that the death toll will rise in the Bahamas; in the US, the storm has already claimed one life. I know that you join me in prayer for all of God’s children who lie in the path of this storm, with compassion for families who have lost loved ones and everything that they own, and in thanksgiving for the first responders and emergency workers who are serving tirelessly in the wake of the storm. I invite you to join me in the relief effort for Hurricane Dorian by participating in the work of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). This agency within the Episcopal Church offers direct and timely aid across the globe to those who suffer, and I know that they are already organized and mobilized to assist all those who are suffering as a result of this storm. You can learn how to contribute through ERD by following this link: www.episcopalrelief.org And thank you for your continued prayers. Here is a prayer composed especially for this hurricane season: Prayer for Hurricane Victims Gracious and loving God, We ask you to calm the hurricane, gentle the rains, and send clear skies for the recovery. Spare those who were uprooted and dislocated from further harm. Help those in the storm’s way to return to safety, stability, and security. Open our hearts in generosity to all who have no resources, whether physical, spiritual, or economic. In all things and at all times, help us to remember that when the storms of life come upon us, you are always with us, leading us to shelter, guiding us to safety, comforting us in our need. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. *adapted from Diocese of Austin, Roman Catholic. In the way of Love, |
| The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan XI Bishop |
