Upstate NY Lutherans Encourage Offerings, Volunteering for Hurricane Sandy Recovery

ELCA's Upstate New York Synod encouraged those who are able, to donate funds and supplies as well as offer prayers to assist those suffering and struggling as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

The Synod noted volunteer groups including the Metropolitan Synod of New York's Lutheran Disaster Response affiliate Lutheran Service Societies of New York are working to determine the best ways to respond and support volunteers waiting to help.

Lutheran Disaster Response representatives issued a short list of the best ways to help on Saturday on the Synod's website.

Ways to help include making gifts to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response. The denomination has created a church bulletin insert available in PDF format that provides contacts for the organization.

Other ways suggested include the creation of 'Flood Buckets' to help people clean up after the storm. A PDF document provided by the Synod lists items worth about $56 that fit inside a five-gallon seal-able container including bleach, sponges and towels, among others.

The Synod asked people to continue to pray for all the affected and all those who are bringing aid and issued the sample prayer below:

"God of renewing love, sustain those who continue to suffer and struggle to understand the destruction in the aftermath of this disaster. Bring hope in the midst of despair. Grant patience and endurance to those who bring aid and assistance. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Copyright © 2013 Ecumenical News