A Message From Our Bishops Diocesan Response to Hill Country Flood
Dear Family of West Texas,
Grace to you and Peace. We write to you today to give you an update on the tragic flooding which struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, and the on-going response of the Diocese of West Texas.
As you know from continuing news coverage, search teams continue to comb the riverbanks and debris piles for those who are missing. Almost daily we hear announcements that more of the lost have been found. Yet, the number of those still missing staggers our imaginations.
Several congregations in West Texas have lost members of their extended church families. St. Peter’s in Kerrville has lost at least seven parishioners. Christ Church in San Antonio buried a husband and wife this week. The Rev. Robert McAllen (Ret.) and his wife Margaret, who reside in Weslaco, lost their grandson. St. David’s School in San Antonio lost a former student. This tragedy has revealed the web of relationships that connects congregations, schools, camp communities, and extended families. These connections reach across our diocese and beyond to adjoining dioceses and adjoining states. So many in our congregations have lost a home, or a loved one, or know someone who has.
Our connectedness as members of the Body of Christ is a gift from God. We wish you could read all the messages of love, prayer, financial contributions and support we have received: From our Presiding Bishop and leaders in the Anglican Communion; from bishops, priests and deacons around the country; from altar guilds and Sunday Schools; from vestries and Bishop’s Committees inside and outside West Texas. We are reminded that we are surrounded by the great Communion of Saints. Our hearts are lifted by their love and generosity, and their prayers are tangibly felt.
The Diocese of West Texas is responding directly and strategically to the needs in the Kerrville, Hunt and Ingram area. We have centered our efforts at St. Peter’s Church, Kerrville and are in daily communication with their clergy and lay leaders. St. Peter’s has added staff and volunteers to organize relief and recovery efforts. A RV has been purchased by the diocese to create a satellite location in Hunt for worship, pastoral care, counseling of search teams, and ministry support. Shipping containers have been purchased to store donated supplies. With help from diocesan staff, St. Peter’s hosted a community VBS for 90 children this week. Short-term and long-term plans are being made for grief counseling and mental health support for children, families and first responders.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of generous financial contributions by congregations and individuals. Today, Bishop Cortiñas delivered a $200,000 check to St. Peter’s to support recovery efforts. The diocese has also received a $24,000 grant from Episcopal Relief and Development to meet the immediate needs of those impacted by the flooding.
At this time, St. Peter’s is not collecting donated items like clothing, water, and cleaning supplies. The city has more than it needs. The best thing you can do to help is to continue to pray, and to make financial contributions. In the weeks and months ahead there will be other needs and a need for volunteers. St. Peter’s has created a website to register those who wish to volunteer, and to share information about recovery efforts. You may find it at www.stpeterskerrville.com. The Diocese of West Texas continues to invite and receive financial contributions. You may make contributions here or by mailing a check to the Diocese of West Texas at P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, TX 78209. Please note “July 4 Flood.”
One of the post-communion prayers we say together in worship reminds us that in Christ we are members of the “mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope” of the everlasting kingdom of our God who assists us daily with God’s grace. (BCP p. 339). We thank you for your outpouring of prayers and generosity and ask for your continued prayers for the families of the missing, those who mourn, those who have lost homes and livelihoods, and for the clergy and people of St. Peter’s Church as we continue this journey of recovery knowing Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is with us.
Peace,
+David Read +Angela Cortiñas
The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D. The Rt. Rev. Angela Cortiñas
Bishop of West Texas Bishop Suffragan of West Texas
A Prayer for the Hill Country
Almighty God, your Holy Spirit moved over the waters in the beginning of creation, and your Son Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee: Be mightily present with all those impacted by catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country. Be close to the lost that they may be found; Guide and protect those who search; Strengthen those who await news of loved ones; Comfort those who mourn; Provide for those who have lost homes and livelihoods. And in the midst of things we cannot understand, empower us to entrust all to your never-failing love, and give us the will to persevere in our response to their needs. All this we ask through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Make a donation to support Flood Relief efforts.
Help and Hope for the Hill Country - St. Peter's, Kerrville.
