D.A.R.T. Update – Chicago Presbytery Disaster Needs
Congregations in our presbytery have become well versed in disaster response. Since Katrina, the generosity of resources, talent and time have made a difference around the world, in the Gulf States and, most recently, in the mid-west and the state of Iowa. Now Chicago-area churches have been hit by the most recent storms. You can help. Make a phone call. Offer a gift of time. Find out what is needed.
Affected Churches
Several Presbytery of Chicago churches have been in contact with the Presbytery. We have confirmed that flooding damaged First Presbyterian Church, Brookfield, and both the church building and the manse at Glenview Presbyterian Church. Heavy rains and wind severely damaged roofs at First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Heights and at Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, Chicago. We also had good news that Community Presbyterian Church, North Riverside had not flooded as previously reported.
If other churches have also sustained storm-caused damage, please inform the presbytery office by contacting Adele Hensley. Her email address is ahensley@chicagopresbytery.org and her phone is 312-243-8300 ext. 1316. Adele will forward your message to those facilitating the presbytery’s response. They will contact affected churches.
Presbytery of Chicago Churches Respond
The Riverside Presbyterian Church asking for and organizing volunteers to help people in this area who received extensive flood damage. They are looking for people who can haul debris, gut or haul away sand bags. Help is needed immediately.
Contact: Mary Koons 708.268.4614 (leave a message)
First Presbyterian Church Homewood reached out last weekend across Presbytery and State lines to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Munster, IN. Westminster has been distributing emergency aid to people affected by the flooding. First Presbyterian talked to Westminster over the weekend to learn what would be helpful. Monday, they took a van load of cleaning supplies to Westminster.
Contacts:
First Presbyterian Church, Brookfield: Rev. Caryle Wilkie revcaryle@sbcglobal.net
Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, Chicago: Rev. Magdalena Garcia 773-281-8172
Glenview Presbyterian Church: Rev. Randy Bandy 847-998-5580
For more information, visit DART.
Please remember these Presbyterian sisters and brothers in your prayers during what is for them a very stressful and costly interruption in their ministries.
