Dear friends,
We have all been following the news of Hurricanes Helene and Milton the last two weeks. Many of us have friends and relatives, or even second homes, in Western North Carolina and Florida. I have been in touch with our former parishioners Dotti Albright and James Millikan, who moved to Sarasota several years ago. They evacuated from their home, which is very close to the water, to stay in a hotel further inland. They came through the storm fine, and have received word that their house is okay, too. For now they’re staying in the hotel because going out is unsafe with all the downed trees and power lines. I also have good news about other former parishioners, Geoff and Cinda Walker, who have a home on Marco Island. They are in Michigan and missed the storm. They are waiting to hear how their house fared.
At our meeting earlier this week, the vestry voted to give $15,000 to the Diocese of Western North Carolina for ongoing relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. You may make a donation here:
- Diocese of Western NC: Select “Partners in Mission” from the drop-down menu, and add “Hurricane Helene” in the memo box
The narthex is beginning to fill up with supplies to take to North Carolina. The need is great. Water, cleaning supplies, food that does not have to be cooked (and manual can openers), diapers, baby wipes, premised formulas, baby bottles, baby food, pet food, kitty litter, toiletries, batteries — you name it and they need it. We are still collecting!
Elise MacIntyre and I are planning to make a delivery to Hendersonville, NC on Monday. If you would like to come to church and load up your car and join the caravan, please let me know.
This focus on Western North Carolina does not mean we have forgotten about those affected by Hurricane Milton. The vestry is prepared to make a substantial donation there, too, as soon as we know the best place to send it.
Remember that the annual Flying Pig BBQ is a week from Sunday, on October 20. We will have one service that day at 10:45, followed by the BBQ. We ask everyone to bring a side dish. There is also a sign up sheet in the parish hall for the many different volunteer jobs that are needed to make it a great day. Please take a look at it on Sunday.
With love,
Tricia