MESSAGE FROM BISHOP ESCOBEDO-FRANK
Today the sky in Pasadena is different. The air is filled with ashes and the sun looks red. The sky is reflecting the reality that things have changed. The change is that we see the need before us; we feel our own vulnerability, and we know our need for God and God’s people. This is the moment in which our care for each other will be the hope for the future. Hope comes with action, and words of courage, and faithful generosity. Let us continue the work that is before us: the work to put love in action, word, and deed. As always, beloved, I walk with you through my prayers, presence, and service.
THE LATEST
We continue to pray for everyone impacted by the wind and fires in Southern California. As we near the weekend, we’d like to lift up the following for specific prayers:
The buildings for Altadena UMC and Community UMC of Pacific Palisades were both lost to fires on Wednesday. Rev. John Shaver of Community UMC of Pacific Palisades also lost his home. Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Paige Eaves’ home was also lost to the Eaton fire in Altadena. We know that too many others in our congregations and communities have also lost their homes, and our prayers are with everyone as they mourn. God, please draw close to them.
We lift up the communities of Hollywod UMC Hollywod Campus, Sierra Madre UMC, La Cañada UMC, First UMC Santa Monica, Church of the Good Shepherd, and others who experienced evacuations this week and may not know when they will return home or have power.
We pray for the congregation of Church of the Foothills in Duarte and other churches that sustained damage from high winds this week.
Lord hear our prayer.
HOW TO HELP
MONETARY DONATIONS
We’ve set up a special fund – the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week. www.calpacumc.org/donate
Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.
If you’d like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.
LOCAL DONATIONS
Two immediate needs are for high-capacity generators and bottled water. If you are local and have access to those or other items to donate such as masks, please contact Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org to coordinate.
VOLUNTEERS
Our Disaster Recovery Task Force is working with local agencies, and we will announce volunteer opportunities as they are identified. Opportunities to distribute water and personal protective equipment will be first, followed by support with sifting through affected areas.
LA COUNTY CHURCH SERVICES
Are you having regularly scheduled or special worship services this weekend? Please tag us in your social media posts so we can help spread the word about places to gather.
Cal-Pac Facebook: @umcCalPac
Cal-Pac Instagram: @calpacumc
SHARE YOUR NEEDS
Please share immediate needs from your communities with your District Superintendent or our Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry, Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org.
