August 1, 2024
Dear Beloved in Christ,
I am sorry to report that the flooding in the Northeast Kingdom and parts of central Vermont continues. Lyndonville, St. Johnsbury and Island Pond have been particularly affected, with some homes destroyed and others isolated due to washed-out roads and bridges. News reports indicate that St. Johnsbury is in the midst of the worst flood in the town’s recorded history.
Canon Susan Ohlidal, who lives in an affected part of the state, and the diocesan Disaster Relief Team are in touch with leaders in flooded areas, and the team has arranged for an emergency relief grant from Episcopal Relief & Development. However, this amount may not be sufficient to cover all the relief needs and insurance deductibles, especially as more rain is expected.
If you can contribute to the effort, please make a gift using this online giving form and choose “Flood Relief” from the fund menu. You can also send a check made payable to the Diocese of Vermont with “Flood Relief” in the memo line to 5 Rock Point Road, Burlington, Vermont, 05408.
As always, if your congregation is affected by flooding or is involved with recovery efforts in your area, please fill out this form and be in touch with the Rev. Geof Smith, chairperson of the Diocesan Disaster Relief Team at deacongeof@outlook.com or 646-860-5292.
Please pray for everyone in harm’s way from the floods and for all those seeking to care for the most vulnerable people in our communities. Pray, too, that leaders across our state and the globe will make a shared commitment to caring for God’s creation and healing our climate.
O God, because in our ignorance and selfishness we so often fail to care rightly for your Creation, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may soften and unite our hearts with all living beings who suffer; through Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. (Season of Creation Episcopal Liturgical Guide, 20)
Blessings and peace,
