Our Dwelling Place

I’ve been thinking about the security of dwelling places in recent days. We have seen the images of destruction left in the path of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and we have been reminded of the fragility of the dwelling places we construct.

I am in awe and give thanks to God for the overwhelming response we have shown for those recovering from wind and water damage. To date we have given over $8,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Together we are bringing comfort and rebuilding shattered and damaged homes for those in need.

I have also been in prayer for the dwelling place of this congregation. This summer we discovered that much of our flat roof had deteriorated and was in critical need of repair. Reroofing and repairs has cost $52,820. Unfortunately, we have no financial reserve for the unbudgeted cost of the roof. This is a challenging time and I give thanks for church leaders who lead by faith and a vision for what Christ is calling us to. I also give thanks for the continued generosity of this faith community.

In the midst of my concern for those in distress in the wake of storms and the challenge of needed repairs to the church roof, I have found comfort in remembering the strength of the dwelling place offered to all. Psalm 90 begins, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

God is our dwelling place in times of upheaval and uncertainty, today and for our tomorrows. Praise be to God.

Our Dwelling Place

I’ve been thinking about the security of dwelling places in recent days. We have seen the images of destruction left in the path of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and we have been reminded of the fragility of the dwelling places we construct.

I am in awe and give thanks to God for the overwhelming response we have shown for those recovering from wind and water damage. To date we have given over $8,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Together we are bringing comfort and rebuilding shattered and damaged homes for those in need.

I have also been in prayer for the dwelling place of this congregation. This summer we discovered that much of our flat roof had deteriorated and was in critical need of repair. Reroofing and repairs has cost $52,820. Unfortunately, we have no financial reserve for the unbudgeted cost of the roof. This is a challenging time and I give thanks for church leaders who lead by faith and a vision for what Christ is calling us to. I also give thanks for the continued generosity of this faith community.

In the midst of my concern for those in distress in the wake of storms and the challenge of needed repairs to the church roof, I have found comfort in remembering the strength of the dwelling place offered to all. Psalm 90 begins, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

God is our dwelling place in times of upheaval and uncertainty, today and for our tomorrows. Praise be to God.

Call to Action Reflects Core Value

United Methodist volunteers in Louisiana prepare flood buckets with cleaning
supplies to be delivered to victims of Hurricane Harvey flooding.

Hurricane Harvey has left passed through Texas and Louisiana leaving extensive damage. The coastal damage caused by winds and a storm surge has been eclipsed by the unprecedented flooding that has displaced over 30,000 people and left thousands of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.

As news and pictures of the destruction were being broadcast this week, I began to receive emails and phone calls from congregation members. They asked the same question, "Will we be having an UMCOR offering on Sunday?" I have responded, "Of course we will. That's who we are."

Service is a core value at Brighton First. Many congregation members serve in church-sponsored missions and outreach, as well as community service. When people are in trouble, the faith community of Brighton First seeks ways to help. As news of the unprecedented destruction in Texas and Louisiana came in, congregation members began seeking ways to reach out through the United Methodist connection.

UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is the emergency relief agency of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR was established to offer emergency aid to those experiencing disaster, both displaced persons and refugees. UMCOR not only helps in the immediate aftermath of disaster, but works long-term with survivors, creating sustainable paths to recovery. Because United Methodist congregations give annually to support the administrative costs of UMCOR, when disaster happens, all designated gifts go directly to support those in need.

As I write this blog entry, UMCOR is already responding in Texas, offering grant money to support shelters that have been established at 20 United Methodist Churches. They are also working to deploy specially trained, volunteer Early Response Teams from across the nation. Cleaning and hygiene kits that are stored at an UMCOR warehouse in Louisiana are on route to flood victims.

UMCOR will be present in the days, weeks and months ahead in Texas and Louisiana. The relief and assistance offered represents the heart of compassion and service of the congregations of the United Methodist Church. And the sources for this service are local United Methodist congregations like Brighton First, where faithful disciples respond with action when people are in need.

To give to UMCOR, you can go directly to the UMCOR web site or give through Brighton First.

Call to Action Reflects Core Value

United Methodist volunteers in Louisiana prepare flood buckets with cleaning
supplies to be delivered to victims of Hurricane Harvey flooding.

Hurricane Harvey has left passed through Texas and Louisiana leaving extensive damage. The coastal damage caused by winds and a storm surge has been eclipsed by the unprecedented flooding that has displaced over 30,000 people and left thousands of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.

As news and pictures of the destruction were being broadcast this week, I began to receive emails and phone calls from congregation members. They asked the same question, "Will we be having an UMCOR offering on Sunday?" I have responded, "Of course we will. That's who we are."

Service is a core value at Brighton First. Many congregation members serve in church-sponsored missions and outreach, as well as community service. When people are in trouble, the faith community of Brighton First seeks ways to help. As news of the unprecedented destruction in Texas and Louisiana came in, congregation members began seeking ways to reach out through the United Methodist connection.

UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is the emergency relief agency of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR was established to offer emergency aid to those experiencing disaster, both displaced persons and refugees. UMCOR not only helps in the immediate aftermath of disaster, but works long-term with survivors, creating sustainable paths to recovery. Because United Methodist congregations give annually to support the administrative costs of UMCOR, when disaster happens, all designated gifts go directly to support those in need.

As I write this blog entry, UMCOR is already responding in Texas, offering grant money to support shelters that have been established at 20 United Methodist Churches. They are also working to deploy specially trained, volunteer Early Response Teams from across the nation. Cleaning and hygiene kits that are stored at an UMCOR warehouse in Louisiana are on route to flood victims.

UMCOR will be present in the days, weeks and months ahead in Texas and Louisiana. The relief and assistance offered represents the heart of compassion and service of the congregations of the United Methodist Church. And the sources for this service are local United Methodist congregations like Brighton First, where faithful disciples respond with action when people are in need.

To give to UMCOR, you can go directly to the UMCOR web site or give through Brighton First.