Tag Archives: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

July 9, 2025 · 2:08 pm

A prayer in a time of floods

We thank you, God,
for individuals and organizations
that respond to disasters.

Particularly we thank you for
those involved in response and rescue
after the flooding in the Hill Country of Texas
and in central North Carolina
and in southern New Mexico.

We are grateful for each person who is at work.
And we are especially grateful for
firefighters from Mexico who have come help in Texas.

Remind us that, in times of crisis, times of ease, and all times
we are all your beloved children called to love one another.

Protect all the rescuers and responders in Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina
and places that do not make the news.
Strengthen them in every way for this challenging work.
Guide and bless their efforts.
Keep them safe.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has designated an account for contributions to support their efforts in response to this and other floods in the United States.

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Filed under Current Events, New Mexico, Prayer, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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December 26, 2023 · 9:28 pm

#ceasefirenow

On 24 December 2023, I posted about the 1914 Christmas Truce.

I neglected to include links to advocate for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas taking place in Gaza. This post rectifies that. Note that you can email President Biden about a ceasefire in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as well.

Advocate for a ceasefire with the Office of Public Witness, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Learn about the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Israel/Palestine

Support the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; use the online form provided and designate your gifts to DR000081-Israel/Palestine

Advocate for a ceasefire with Jewish Voices for Peace

Respond to the Statement on the Celebration of Advent and Christmas during a Time of War by the Patriarchs and Heads of Communion of the Churches in Jerusalem; observing a moment of silence during this Sunday’s service or providing an opportunity to advocate for a Ceasefire would be two examples.

#ceasefirenow

24 December 2023 – The Christmas Truce

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Filed under Current Events, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Nations

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November 13, 2013 · 9:56 pm

Responding to Typhoon Haiyan

Looking for some ways to help the people of the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan / Typhoon Yolanda? Here is what I support:

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with our mission partner the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and fellow members of the ACT (Action by Churches Together) Alliance. An initial grant of $50,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing funds will help provide emergency food, water and other basic humanitarian needs to families affected by Typhoon Haiyan / Typhoon Yolanda that struck the country on November 8.

Many organizations are responding to this disaster. Most are reputable. Some are not. Some will make mistakes. A few will even take advantage of the people in the deepest need.

My giving goes through the Presbyterian Church because I have seen the work we do and we work in partnership with people on the ground, people directly affected.

If you have a place where you prefer to give, give generously. If you are looking for a place to give, I encourage you to try Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

See you along the Trail.

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July 6, 2013 · 6:08 pm

Staten Island BBQ

IMG_2801 (800x533)I planned to spend today visiting Battery Park, then riding the Staten Island Ferry so I could take some photos using the new telescopic lens I have on “extended loan” from one of my sons.

I got up and found myself moving a bit slowly. Going back to sleep certainly seemed an option.

Determined to force my hand, I posted my plans on Facebook. Once public, there would be no going back.

Shortly after I posted, my colleague and friend, the Rev. Melodee Bottari, pastor of Olivet Presbyterian Church invited me to a BBQ at the church.

It sounded good to me. I went and had a great time that included a tour of the church. I saw where the church provides housing for homeless women and the room where volunteers working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on recovery from Hurricane Sandy will stay.

The BBQ took place on the church lawn and included an invitation to register for the Vacation Bible School.

Good folks. Good food. Good ministry. A good visit.

See you along the Trail.

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Filed under Family, Food, New York

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November 4, 2012 · 11:19 pm

Presbyterian voices in the storm

This post contains links to blogs written by Presbyterians affected by Hurricane Sandy and to materials provided by mid-councils and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with information about responding to the storm.

Some disclaimers and parameters:

  • Experiences of the storm differ widely due to a number of factors. Writing styles differ. The reasons we blog differ. The list is eclectic.
  • People process experiences in different ways using an array of media. This list focuses on blogs since that is what I do.
  • Presbyterians are not the only ones blogging about the storm. This list focuses on Presbyterians because I am one.
  • The fact that I have time to blog reflects my social location as a person of privilege and my geographical location on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

I do not know all the blogs that should be included. Suggest other blogs either in the comments section or via email. This post remains a work in progress.

Bob Brashear – West-Park Press

Christine Davis – Journeying Alongside

Jeff Geary – Pastor Jeff’s Blog

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette – When Waters Roar and Foam (hymn)

John Edward Harris – Summit to Shore

Andy James – bluedrift

Presbyteries in New Jersey on Facebook

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Give to  support immediate assistance and long-term recovery in the United States and in the Caribbean nations affected by this storm

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Share your story

Presbytery of New York City on Facebook

Finally – Mark Koenig – Along the Graybeard Trail

As I mentioned earlier – help me build the list.

See you along the trail.

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Filed under Current Events, New York, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

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