Pastoral Message from Pastor David Hively and Robyn Kistemaker:
Dear Friends in Christ,
Like many of you, we've been watching for information about the fires in and around Spokane. The stories are hard to watch. That difficulty is heightened for many of us who have connections to former members, staff, and interns from the congregation whose homes and communities are under threat from wildfire.
Many of you have asked in the last few days how Messiah can help.
First, make this a matter of prayer. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from God's notice and care. We can trust those important to us into God's safekeeping.
Second, give space for people on the ground to determine what their needs actually are. We are still in the acute stage of this disaster and the situation is evolving rapidly. We have open channels of communication with ELCA leaders on the ground in Spokane. When they let us know how best we can be of assistance, we will communicate that to the congregation across all our channels.
We also commend to your reading this recent Op-Ed from Bishop Megann Manlove of the NorthWest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA: https://favs.news/elca-bishop-megann-manlove-spokane-wildfires-prayer/
Let us pray: Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter. Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires. Grant courage, protection and favorable weather to firefighters and emergency responders; embrace with supportive communities all who are newly displaced or homeless; comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed and give patience to those who are anxious, not knowing when relief will come. Heal your whole creation, that out of flame and ashes new growth will spring forth. We pray through Jesus Christ, our life and our strength. Amen. (From "All Creation Sings," page 50, a worship resource used in ELCA congregations)
-Pastors David and Robyn
Message from Bishop Keith Marshall, ELCA Southwest Washington Synod:
Dear Friends in Christ,
As wildfires continue to burn across Eastern Washington, many of our neighbors are facing evacuation, uncertainty, and loss. We hold in prayer all those who have been displaced, the communities threatened by the fires, and the firefighters and first responders who continue their courageous work.
As people of faith, we also recognize that the increasing frequency and intensity of these wildfires call us to care more deeply for God's creation. We are reminded of our shared responsibility to be faithful stewards of the earth, seeking ways to protect the gift of creation for future generations while standing alongside those most affected by a changing climate.
In times like these, we are called to respond with compassion, generosity, and hope.
I invite you to join me in supporting the work of Lutheran Disaster Response. Your gifts help provide immediate assistance and long-term recovery for individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters such as these.
Make sure to designate your gift to "Lutheran Disaster Response: US Wildfires."
Thank you for keeping all those affected by these wildfires in your prayers and for sharing Christ's love through your generosity.
In Christ,
+Bishop Keith Marshall
Southwestern Washington Synod
Message from Bishop Megann Manlove, ELCA Northwest Intermountain Synod:
My heart breaks for the greater Spokane community in the face of wildfires, which are still burning as I write this. I remember wildfires growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My half-brother, a Forest Service ranger in Northern Minnesota, spent most of his summers fighting fires out west. All of that makes some of this familiar, but no less hard to take in.
I know you are already praying for community members in Spokane, and all across our region, who have lost their homes, and for those who have evacuated and are still waiting for word. We give thanks for all who are providing shelter, including some of you reading this, and we pray for continued welcome and hospitality. Finally, we pray for firefighters and those coordinating the response and planning for recovery.
We pray all of this recognizing it is only Aug. 3, and wildfire season is not over. I recently read that the Holden Village Bed and Breakfast was evacuated because of a wildfire. I'm watching the fire on the edge of Yakima and the wildfire north of Davenport. And there are large fires in North Central Washington and along the Oregon-Idaho border that are very concerning.
This afternoon I spoke with Ray Sherjven, our Washington Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster representative and Lutheran Disaster Response liaison. He's hoping to hold a video meeting with some of our Spokane pastors later this week.
In consultation with Sherjven earlier this summer, synod staff identified the following organizations that can receive financial donations:
ELCA Disaster Response — there for the long haul, after the dust, or ash, settles
United Way — often on the ground early
American Red Cross — on the ground during emergencies
Feel free to give to the United Way or American Red Cross chapter in your state. You may also find a local agency doing excellent work. As a synod, we don't have the resources to handle disaster relief donations or their distribution ourselves.
We will, as we always do, partner with local organizations. We will care for our individual neighbors. We will step into the disaster response and recovery as each of us is able. We will pray — not as an empty gesture, but because prayer allows us to take a breath, and because prayer, especially prayer together, can help us discover the next faithful step we're being called to.
Let us pray: Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter. Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires. Grant courage, protection and favorable weather to firefighters and emergency responders; embrace with supportive communities all who are newly displaced or homeless; comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed and give patience to those who are anxious, not knowing when relief will come. Heal your whole creation, that out of flame and ashes new growth will spring forth. We pray through Jesus Christ, our life and our strength. Amen.
(From "All Creation Sings," page 50, a worship resource used in ELCA congregations)
What else is the church called to right now?
I want to remind you that showing up for those who have experienced fear and loss is valuable, and it's something you can do. You can see Jesus in the face of every neighbor you encounter. You do not have to have answers. Simply remind them that you love them and, if appropriate, that the God we worship loves them too and is big enough to hold all of their sorrow and anger. Sitting with someone in silence, listening deeply and just being present is important work, and it's not something everyone is comfortable doing. God equipped you for this holy work through baptism.
Let me close by leading you in this litany for times of wildfire, from ELCA Worship Resources:
Holy God, in the wake of fires that devour and consume,
Refresh us with the water of life.
In the barren places of ash and dust,
Restore us with the water of life.
When all we can see is devastation and despair,
Renew us with the water of life.
In Christ, we are washed clean.
We are refreshed.
In Christ, we drink from the wellspring of hope.
We are restored.
In Christ, we dance in the fountain of life.
We are renewed.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Thank you for continuing to be wellsprings of God's love. God be with each of you and your neighbors, near and far.