Tornado Relief

A little over a month has passed now and much has been accomplished. The majority of our displaced persons have found a place to rent or buy or at least a place to stay for the time being. FEMA, the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, AmeriCorps, and other NGOs have done a great job. The process of demolition and debris removal continues, perhaps one third complete. The Diocesan projects to help with relief and restoration were approved by the Diocesan Council. Our two no-charge garage sales were a great success - thanks to the many hands in and outside of our parish & diocese who donated and helped in that effort.

1. Joplin Re’leaf Project – We hope to plant trees around the city especially in the tornado ravaged area.  This might include planting flower bulbs.  Planting dates will be announced as they are set.  We are hoping this project will include the tree planting in Cunningham Park by the people of the Diocese of West Missouri. More info to come.
2. Build another Transitional Housing Unit for Lafayette House.  Plans are in the works and more information and details about this project are being developed.

In the Parish Hall, we have donated items from several states and individuals available for needy persons and families.  Fr. Frank has helped many people through the parish’s Discretionary Fund.  We continue to invite you to pass along names of people who need help to the office or give those affected info about the church and where help can be found.

Together we can continue to be the hands and feet of the Living God to the people of Joplin.

Donations

• Handmade Cards from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Seattle, WA
• Prayer Shawls (8) from St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, McMinnville, OR
• A Prayer Shawl from Laurie Seleski, All Saints Episcopal Church, Ponchatoula, LA
• Van-load of donations from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Edmond, OK  delivered by Roger and Kimberly Webb.
• Donations from Jim and Rose Paul's daughter in KC.
• Signed parish poster with prayers from the congregation of St. Paul's, Port Townsend, WA (church home of Ginny Patrick Ford, Fr. Patrick's daughter)
• Hand drawn pictures from the children of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Medina, WA
• Toys and children's books delivered by Jill Sonick and her 11 year old daughter, Grace from Delta, OH (close to Toledo).  Below are the entities that collected toys and books:
       Pike - Delta - York Schools
       Lourdes College
       Farmers & Merchants Bank
       Delta Public Library
       Bethany Union Church, Blue Island, Illinois
       Diocese of Ohio, Bishop Hollingsworth

Give thanks for the generosity of our sister and brother Episcopalians and associated individuals and businesses and schools. Give thanks that the Holy Spirit continues to move in the hearts, minds, and bodies of people all over this country and finally, give thanks that God is still in control and will never leave us nor forsake us