A Message from Regional Minister Rev. Dr Karen Medland
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we are all painfully aware, people to the north and west of us are dealing with the most devastating wildfires. Thousands of people have been evacuated with little time to prepare and they leave their homes not sure whether their homes will still be standing when they return. You may be feeling helpless and overwhelmed by the constant news coverage, and wondering what we can do to help.
Our Prayers
As people of faith saying we are praying for someone or some situation is no small thing; we know that prayer is a powerful thing. So let us pray for all those affected by these terrible fires. Let us pray for the people whose work and calling is to go in and fight those fires and to try and keep people safe. The fire chief in West Kelowna said yesterday that it was like fighting 100 years’ worth of fires in a day. It is an unprecedented situation they are facing.
Concrete Help
As one who has ministered in a community affected by wildfires, I can say from experience that the most practical way we can help is to donate through The United Church as the money will go directly to the communities affected. As well, Hillhurst United Church is organizing to help people evacuated to Calgary. Please see the links below for ways you can help.
I also offer you this prayer to use either on your own or in your worship this week:
We pray this day for all those who are displaced around the world because of wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
We remember all those who offer their lives to serve others by fighting fires, protecting our homes, and helping us find a safe place to sleep when we are displaced.
God of compassion, open our hearts to hear the cries of mother earth as she groans in pain as fire and wind sweep devastation across her.
Let us hear the cries of help from our siblings who search for safety and comfort and help us find practical ways to respond and support them.
Jesus taught us to love our neighbours as ourselves, let our response be as we would wish others might care for us in such times.
May the grace of God fall upon us all as we grieve with our siblings of so many things that have such deep meaning for them.
These are not just homes and possessions; they are memories
and hopes and dreams of so many people.
Be with them and us as we support one another in the coming days.
In the name of the One who taught us how to love one another, we pray.
Amen.
Donations to assist northern communities
• Northern Spirit Region, The United Church of Canada, has set up an emergency fund to assist communities affected by wildfires. To donate, you can do so by eTransfer to northernspirit@united-church.ca, with a note in the memo line indicating that it is for support for these Northwest Territories communities in crisis.
Donations to assist BC Communities
• Pacific Mountain Regional Council’s CanadaHelps. Select “Emergency Fund to Assist BC Communities Affected by Wildfires 2023”
Assistance to people evacuated to the Calgary area
• People from Yellowknife and Kelowna areas are being evacuated to Calgary. Hillhurst United Church, Calgary, is working with the city of Calgary to support people needing assistance. Key organizer is Hillhurst’s Anne Yates-Laberge who is also a member of the Chinook Winds Region’s Executive. So far, a particular need is assistance with pets.
We will keep you updated on ways of assisting as we are made aware of them.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr Karen Medland,
Regional Minister,
Chinook Winds Region