Responses to the Earthquake in Haiti
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
What devastating news we have received this week about the earthquake in Haiti. News is still coming in and the extent of the disaster is not known. However, we can assist in a significant way.
I am encouraging our congregations to receive special offerings through January 31, 2010, for Haiti and to send those funds to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance which is the assistance arm of our denomination that has been so faithful with the Katrina devastation. They have a proven track record of getting funds and materials to places in a very quick fashion. Simply receive the offerings, make the check payable to Presbytery of the James, reference PDA number on the check then send to the presbytery office. We’ll send on to PDA several times each week. The PDA number is DR000148.
We have already responded as a presbytery through our Hunger Committee. Starke Cauthorn writes the following:
In a previous conversation we planned to divide the remaining hunger funds for 2009 in half and send half to PHP, and half to Church World Service. No change to those plans. But if you have not cut and sent the checks yet, would you designate the half going to CWS for Haiti Earthquake Relief. Thanks. Starke
Thanks for your faithful giving to the 5cents a meal program that enables us to respond immediately to such disasters.
Be in prayer for the people of Haiti and the folks assisting in this relief effort. Many of us have personal connections and mission efforts through the year to this special part of God’s world. It is time we continue that faithful response and giving to PDA is one way of doing that.
Thank you for your generous response.
H. Carson Rhyne, Jr.
General Presbyter/Stated Clerk
Presbytery of the James
3218 Chamberlayne Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
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Dear Colleagues in Ministry:
There will be a special emergency meeting of our group of Presbyterian ministers in the greater Richmond area to explore how we might be able to respond to the earthquake in Haiti. We’ll meet at River Road Presbyterian in Kemp Hall (immediately below the sanctuary) at 3 p.m. on this Sunday, January 17th.
In addition to clergy, it would be helpful if you could bring someone who is involved in the ministry of your congregation that coordinates response to such events.
Blessings!
Bob Ratchford, River Road Presbyterian Church
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
I wrote to you the other day about contributions for Haiti through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) program. I hope you will give generously to that end and send your contributions to us at the presbytery office for forwarding to Louisville.
Another way of service was approved by the Public Ministries Board today via email. Church World Service (CWS) is in need to Hygiene Kits for the work in Haiti. This is a tangible response for people desiring to do a project. You can find the information about making Hygiene Kits on the CWS website: http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=kits_hygiene
We encourage congregations to take on this effort and bring the kits to the presbytery office where we’ll organize and send them to CWS. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope that through giving financially as well as through making the Hygiene Kits, we can being a faithful response to this incredible tragedy.
I’m sure that there will be opportunities for mission groups to go to Haiti….however, that will be in the future and we’ll provide information for you.
Blessings to everyone in the name of our Lord,
H. Carson Rhyne, Jr.
General Presbyter/Stated Clerk
Presbytery of the James
3218 Chamberlayne Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
804-262-2074
877-262-2074
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More information is available at the Presbyterian Disaster Relief Website: www.pcusa.org/pda