September 2, 2021

Dear Friends and Colleagues, 
 
It’s a challenging time for our world as we  face the wrath of a changing climate. Wildfires in the west, an  earthquake in Haiti, flooding in Tennessee, and now Hurricane Ida  continues to cause havoc and chaos in the lives of people. Ida's remnants have left a pathway of destruction that stretches all the way from Louisiana to our own region.  
 

As a result, the past few days have been difficult for our New York  Annual Conference churches and the communities we serve. The same can be  said for our sister Conferences in New Jersey and New England.  Many  are still working to address the damage caused by last night’s severe  weather. 
 

Our hearts were heavy today as we read of the loss of life in our  region.  The sudden and steady rainfall caught many by surprise. The New York Times reports  that the storm is responsible for at least 40 deaths in the Northeast,  with at least 12 casualties in New York City.  Our prayers are offered  to each family affected by this sudden and unexpected loss of life.
 

In response to news that the Governors of both New York and Connecticut  had declared a state of emergency, we immediately dispatched our  District Superintendents to assess the impact this morning.  We can  report to you now, thanks be to God, that with the exception of a few  instances of storm-related property damage, flooding and power outages,  all is reasonably well in the churches of our New York Annual  Conference.  Our clergy and Cooperative Parish Coordinators tell us that  clean-up recovery efforts are underway and ongoing.  Most of our  facilities have seen little damage. 
 

When events like this take place, the natural response from many is simply, “What can we do?”
 

First and foremost, let us pray.  Reports from Louisiana and Mississippi  are sobering.  Persons near to us have been displaced and for them,  hope is hard to embrace.  May our prayers of intercession be earnest and  consistent.
 

Second, your generosity in times like this is extremely helpful.  One of  the great celebrations of being a “connectional church" is that we can  proudly proclaim how we are one of the only institutions actively  dealing with Afghanistan refuges, a Haitian earthquake, western  wildfires, and hurricane relief all at the same time.  But, as you can  imagine, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has been financially  impacted by the magnitude of these events.  Your generosity and  faithfulness in extra-mile giving to UMCOR enables these life-saving and  restorative ministries to continue.
 

Third, I urge to keep your eyes and ears open to the community around  you in the next few days.  Let us not forget those members of our  communities who may need a bit of extra support in the days ahead.  A  hot meal, an extra hand in cleaning, and a kind word of encouragement  will go a long way in any recovery effort.  And, if there are particular  incidents where we can use the connection of the church to be a helping  hand, I urge you to contact us at the Conference Center for support and  assistance.
 

Finally, know too that each of you are being continuously prayed for as  we continue to find ways to be faithful in the midst of the constant  challenges we seem to be facing these days.  

Stay strong, keep the faith, and know that you are loved.
 

The Journey Continues, . . . 
 

Grace & Peace, 

Thomas J. Bickerton
Resident Bishop

Content copyright 2018. Merrick United Methodist Church. All rights reserved.