Prayer

God who creates scenes of beauty and wonder,
We call upon your mercy and grace to protect the people,
the creatures, and all your creation from the fires that rage in Southern California and beyond.
In the face of destruction, remind us that hope cannot be extinguished.
Surround the people, creatures, and creation with your grace and peace.
Comfort all who mourn the death of loved ones.

Stand with those who grieve the loss of beloved pets or dreams and hopes.
Hold close in your care those who are evacuating, unsure of what awaits them.
Accompany all who have been displaced, and sustain those whose homes,
businesses, and communities have been consumed by flames.
Strengthen the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers working tirelessly to control the fires.

Guide their efforts and grant them endurance and safety.
We ask that you also bless leaders in these impacted communities,
whose courage and compassionare beacons of hope amidst the smoke and ashes.
Lead us to discern ways we can offer tangible help to those affected—
both in this moment of crisis and in the long journey of recovery ahead.

Stir our hearts to action and open our eyes to the deeper changes we must embrace to reduce the risk of future fires.
Even when the skies are clouded with smoke, may we trust that your light cannot be dimmed.
May your promise of renewal and restoration sustain us all.
In Christ, our forever hope, we pray. Amen.
-Rev. Mark Koenig, from the PDA website

Financial Donations

‍‍‍Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) - pcusa.org/disaster-assistance/active-responses/national-disaster/southern-california-wildfires
‍As part of the ongoing response and in consultation with the Presbyteries of the Pacific, San Fernando, and San Gabriel, as well as the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii and its leadership, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been communicating with faith leaders in the affected communities. In addition to providing emotional and spiritual care,

PDA has already released emergency grants to meet the communities' urgent needs and provide immediate assistance. Though the final outcomes of these fires are yet to be known, we are clear that the magnitude of the event will require the development of long-term projects and assistance, both for the physical and emotional long-lasting effects. Presbyterians in the region are participating in coordination calls with nonprofit and faith-based disaster organizations to ensure that no one is forgotten.

To donate to PDA use the button below.

Donate

‍‍‍California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund
‍The California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide ongoing, mid- and long-term support to California communities affected by natural disasters like wildfires. The organization, which provides direct support to victims, is beginning to support those impacted by the Palisades Fire.

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‍World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org/
‍World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit global food relief organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, is already on the ground in Southern California to aid first responders and evacuees.

To support their efforts use the button below.

Donate

Prayer

Once again, God…
Once again, the news stirs our hearts with anxiety.
Once again, the storm looms, threatening the safety of home.
Once again, the winds roar, loud and unrelenting.
Once again, fear creeps in, making its presence known.
Once again, responders prepare to serve, ready to aid.
Once again, the names of loved ones echo in our minds and hearts.
Once again, our prayers rise, carried to the heavens.
Selah
And yet, even now, hope remains.
Hope in your Spirit, which breathes peace into our souls.
Hope in your grace, which surrounds your children and your creation.
Hope in your voice, that stills the storms—both outside and within.
Hope in your presence, ever near, embracing us in your care.
Hope in the truth that you are our strength, our refuge, and our safe harbor.
Hope in knowing that nothing, no storm, can separate us from your love.
Hope in the assurance that you hear our hearts and tend to our prayers.
This is our hope.
This is our prayer.
This is what we believe.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Hurricane Season 2024 Prayer

Financial Donations

‍‍‍Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) - pda.pcusa.org/
situation/
hurricane-helene
‍
pda.pcusa.org/
situation/hurricane-milton/
‍PDA is in communication with all affected presbyteries and National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster) to share information and coordinate resources as damage is assessed. This page is continually updated.

To donate to PDA use the button below.

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‍‍‍Black Mountain Presbyterian Church - bmpcnc.org
‍Black Mountain Presbyterian Church is located 3 miles south of Montreat Conference Center in Western North Carolina. The church is now feeding 1,000s of people hot meals a day and has become a donation and distribution hub for donated goods in the area.

To support the work of the congregation and volunteers use the button below.

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‍BeLoved Asheville - belovedasheville.com
‍BeLoved Asheville has been distributing resources like food, water, diapers, and formula to individuals and families impacted by the storm in and around the Asheville area.

To support their volunteer efforts use the button below.

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Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center - ferncliff.org/
outreach/disaster-assistance
‍Located in Arkansas Ferncliff Camp Disaster Assistance Center is operated through a covenant relationship with Church World Service (CWS) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). The DAC is a designated site for receiving, inspecting, building, storing, and shipping clean up buckets and hygiene kits to aid in immediate/long-term disaster recovery. Hundreds of these kits and buckets have already been given out across 5 states.

To donate to support this effort use the button belowlease make sure to note that the donation is for disaster assistance/kit supply purchasing.

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Montreat Conference Center - montreat.org
‍On Friday, September 27, Lake Susan and Flat Creek swelled to historic levels following heavy rainfall brought on by Hurricane Helene. High water levels caused catastrophic flooding throughout the town of Montreat. In addition, high winds brought down trees and power lines, contributing to widespread outages of power and water. Staff have reported that conference center buildings and structures, including the Lake Susan Dam, remain intact but have sustained damage.

To donate to the Montreat Hurricane Helene Restoration Fund use the button below.

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Wine to Water - wtw.org
‍Wine to Water is currently servicing Watauga and Avery counties (also hit by Helene in North Carolina) and is expanding to Asheville and Ashe County as soon as possible.

They are distributing food, supplies, water, and hot meals. The group also is handing out water filters – which can safely filter water from springs and creeks for cooking and drinking. And running a plastic recycling program to keep single-use plastic bottles out of the environment.

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