Grace and peace,
Pastor Jim

Feel free to add your message here; or to uses your congregation’s blog thread at any time. You might want to alert your congregation of this resource and try it out as a part of your preparations.

Work on the church began this weekend thanks to a volunteer crew from..????(I forget in the chaos). They worshipped with Bishop Rinehart on Sunday!!!! They may continue to worship there…or may need an alternate space. A crew from CRWRC/SETIO working out of St. John, Port Arthur is to start on the parsonage. Other volunteer groups might start coming in this weekend.

This for your info…in behalf of Paul Zock and St. Mark, Bridge City…without reliable phone and internet services right now.

Tim Norris

See you at the meeting on Wednesday the 24th.

Bernard Scrogin

We rode out the storm with our daughter and grandson from the near north side of Houston…son-in-law stranded in Las Vegas at a business conference (returned midnight Monday). We lost power but were blessed with our next door neighbor having a powerful generator keeping our two refrigerator-freezers, and that of another neighbor, going through long extension cords…kept busy siphoning gas from two vehicles.

No damage to our home…some houses with trees on them in our neighborhood. We got power about 1 am this Tuesday morning and now have good phone, TV and internet service. So I did appreciate getting Don Carlson’s phone message checking on us.

No power yet at New Life as of Tuesday, SEP 16 10:00 AM. There is roof damage but no sign of water inside facilities.Trees and fences have been damaged also. School is out at least through WED.

We continue to chart where people are, and listing needs. Thanks to all for your prayers.

I will communicate with men’s ministry network today to see who is able to assist in Galveston and other places.

Thanks,

David Stouter

Pat Keen
504 715. 11572 cell

Thanks you for the prayers that have sustained us during these days and times.

It has been several days since my last blog, because of the effort that goes into trying to regain some sense of what is happening and how we put our heads back into the work. My wife Cathy, son Patrick Jr., and grandson Anthony, returned to New Orleans last Thursday afternoon.

We still have members in the Atlanta area. The price of gas and the fact that its not readily available is the cause of them not being able to get back home.

We are grateful to God that we were spared Hurricane Ike and pray for the people of Galveston and Houston. I have a deep relationship with the people of God at Zion Lutheran and pray for their safety and the well being of all in that area.

Some of the members of Bethlehem who had relocated to Bay City, outside of Houston have now returned to New Orleans, Their homes again under water. We will do all that we can to make the comfortable. My wife and I are giving a couch to a family.

We will be traveling to Houston to deliver some generators and food by Thursday of this week.

It is now our turn to help those who have been such a great help to us during our times of need.

You may send gift cards to Bethlehem which will be distributed to the folks in the Houston area.

Rev. Patriick Keen
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1823 Washington Ave.
New Orleans,LA. 70113

At least one member of the congregation has returned to his home in Lake Jackson, but without power.

Surfside and Freeport (our neighboring communities) suffered much more severe effects, but I do not know any specifics.

Here’s the latest press release from the City of Lake Jackson (www.ci.lake-jackson.tx.us):

9/15/08 10:30 am

Residents Returning
Lake Jackson residents may return to the City on Tuesday, September 16th. Most of the city still does not have power and in some neighborhoods power may be out for a week or more. Water service is available. Sewer service is very limited. Some limited commercial services are available. Fuel availability is also very limited. If you return, please bring provisions and ice with you. Things will be very difficult for some time. Please be safe on your return trip and be especially safe when you return due to downed trees and power lines.

Water/Sewer Service
Our sewer system is taxed due to power outages. Please conserve water and wastewater usage.

Damage to Residence
The City of Lake Jackson has completed the Windshield Assessment Survey of the entire city. The City will go to the minor and major damage locations and post a Notice of Permit requirement. The Lake Jackson City Hall lobby will be open to process the permits for damage repair due to Hurricane Ike. These permits will be processed through a simple ‘one form’ process. Permit fees will be waived on these permits.

Beginning Wednesday, September 17, 2008, City Hall will be opened from 7am to 7pm until further notice.

Please remember that all contractors that are doing work in the City of Lake Jackson will need to fill out a Contractor Registration Form for each location that work is being done.

POD’s (points of distribution) have been set up for pick up of ice and water at the following locations in Brazoria County:
Clute Krogers
Freeport Police Department
Brazoria Junior High
Angleton Recreation Center

Residential Heavy Trash Service
The city has established drop-off locations where residents may bring their yard waste and debris. Household hazardous waste and household garbage will not be accepted at these locations. The locations and hours of operation are:
Mulch Site, 103 Canna Lane 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, 7 days a week
Jasmine Hall Parking Lot, 100 Narcissus, daylight hours, 7 days a week
Dunbar Park Pavilion Parking Lot, daylight hours, 7 days a week

The city will be focusing on cutting and collecting material removed from the streets and drainage right of ways and it will probably be at least a week before we begin curbside collection of heavy trash from residents. When we do begin curbside collection it will take an extended amount of time to collect all of the material placed curbside by residents.

Commercial Garbage Service
Commercial Garbage Service has resumed.

A 7pm to 7am curfew remains in effect.

We pray that all others are safe and able to return and rebuild soon.

God’s peace,
Pastor Paul Geisler
Christ Lutheran Church
Lake Jackson, Texas
979-266-9539 cell

We lost power at 11:58 pm. Friday and it came back on about 3 pm. Sat. Never lost water or phone. We are among the lucky and blessed. Providing temporary shelter for our son from Missouri City and his children, also John DeYoung’s daughter, her husband and son Eric who is still recovering from his serious scalding accident early this summer.

As TV & radio point out minute-by-minute, we are among the most blessed and fortunate.

Dave Morrell

Mike Button
Christ Lutheran Church
Brenham, TX

[Note: Blog entry is as follows:
September 15th, 2008 at 9:45 am
St. Paul, Lake Charles
Lake Charles had little damage. Debris and limbs. I’ve seen no trees down. Low lying areas flooded including homes. Some are still without power. Some small communities south of here are flooded. St. Paul had some wind and driven rain issues but we worshipped on Sunday. Some folks evacuated but most stayed. No reports of wind or flood damage to members homes.

Orange
Latest Advisory as of 9 AM Sept. 15.
Mandatory evacuation order still in place but evacuees are allowed to return only to assess damage to their property. Curfew begins at 6 PM.
No water, food, ice, or fuel available.]

Tim

UPDATE ON SYNOD STAFF

I heard from Peggy Contos Hahn a few minutes ago. She indicated that all on synod staff have checked in and are OK. Renya’s neighborhood has some flooding, and her carport has several trees on it, so she is not able to get out of her neighborhood.

The synod office building will be closed until Wednesday. The phone numbers for the synod office are being forwarded to Peggy; however, she has limited access. Sometime later this week the synod office will be moved to St. Paul, Brenham.

The synod staff has heard from some of the pastors/rostered leaders. All of the pastors in Galveston are off the island and are safe. They don’t know when they will be able to return.

ALL ROSTERED LEADERS are asked to call the synod office number (281-873-5665) and/or add an entry to this blog. I am monitoring the site and will pass on information to the synod staff as I get it.

Peggy is also aware of the opening tomorrow (September 15) of registration for the 2009 ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. A request has been made to allow congregations in the hurricanes-affected areas to register at a later date. Watch for more information in the coming days.

Our prayers are with you all.

John McCullough Bade
Website Administrator

First the good news! Grace is fine. It looks like we went through a very bad thunderstorm. They appears are first glance no apparent damage to the church and better yet, we have electricity. We also have a working water and sewage system (not so in Jefferson Parish–more later). There is one tall palm tree on Canal Boulevard that is severely leaning toward the church. We have contacted the city asking it to be removed ASAP so that it does not fall on pedestrians or the play area for our Grace Infant Childcare Center.

The church will be open from 9 AM – 6 PM every day for the rest of this week for refuge, rest, and shelter. We’ll return to our normal office hours next week. If you have damage to your home or in need of a sleeping area with air-conditioning due to health reasons, please call me or Caitlin to make arrangements. We have room for you at the inn!

There will be WORSHIP on SUNDAY at 10 AM. Come as you are. This will be a very informal, yet intimate and spiritual time of prayer, word, music (if we have a pianist), and communion. THERE IS NO SUNDAY SCHOOL or CONFIRMATION this Sunday.

There was a plan to have everyone come early on Sunday and help bring downstairs the stuff we took upstairs. I am going to hold off doing that given the presence of three more hurricanes possibly entering the gulf next week.

The staff will be contacting every family in our congregation this weekend to check on their status so that:

1. We have peace of mind and be aware of any special prayer requests or need for pastoral care.
2. We can determine how the church (not just Grace, but our partners, synod, and churchwide) can be of assistance.

Grace Infant Childcare Center and the Dance Aerobics Class remain closed for the rest of this week.

NEIGHBORHOOD STATUS: As I drove in at 2 AM this morning from Mississippi through Slidell, there were some gas stations open along the interstate. No bathrooms were available, though. East New Orleans was sparsely lit, though the McDonald’s was brightly lit and looked ready for business. St. Bernard Parish looked partially lit, the 9th Ward and Gentilly were pitch black. The downtown area was lit, you could see electricity in all the skyscrapers. There was power in Lakeview, the church bell tower brightly lit beckoning everyone home. Some parts of Metairie have power. I am thankful that my apartment was spared any damage and I came home to air-conditioning! I can’t say the same for Caitlin and Jeff’s home. It seems the neighborhood around the hospital and along Veterans Boulevard have power. There are many low hanging telephone lines–so be on the lookout. There are small and medium sized tree limbs everywhere. Easy cleanup. Oh, by the way, life is good–Krispy Kreme was open this morning and doing a booming business! I heard from Sal Pusateri that one of the Rouses Grocery Stores was open (expect long lines). I suppose it is the one by Krispy Kreme on Clearview and Metairie Road.

Jefferson Parish does have water and limited sewage use. They are on temporary power and the system cannot handle full usage. No dishwashing or laundry. Limit toilet flushes and short showers! This is in effect for the next couple of days. Please heed this warning otherwise we all will end up with sewage back-up . . . and you don’t want to go there!

PRAYERS: We give thanks to God for answering our prayers and sparing us any further suffering. As challenging it was to have to evacuate, let us feel blessed that God kept us safe and out of harm’s way. HOWEVER, let us also call on God on behalf of our brothers and sisters around us and especially south of us in the coastal parishes and Baton Rouge who did not fare well. May God give us the strength and energy to come to their aid and offer the . . . grace of God that is in us! Amen.

Keep the faith . . .

Pastor Leon Philpot
Synodically Authorized Minister
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Orleans – ELCA
PO Box 791163
New Orleans, LA 70179
504-482-4994 (church)
504-485-6522 (fax)
504-324-4642 (home)
218-779-8566 (cell)
lphilpot@cox.net
http://www.gracenola.com

“For by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me has not been in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

Prayers from North Dakota,
Ryan Peyton

This is Leon’s daughter, Katie. Dad left this morning to head back to NOLA and has asked me to share a few updates with you.

Errolyn V.’s husband went by the church and we are so grateful to hear that while there is some debris to be cleared, Grace looks to be spared from any exterior damage and in fact, looks to have power!

As planned, Pastor Leon will return early Thursday morning. His travels thus far have been steady and indeed, uplifting–he passed a convoy of energy trucks from Pennsylvania heading to Louisiana. Help is on the way!!

My family and I send our love and prayers to you all. May God give you strength and hope in the days and weeks ahead. God’s blessings and love,

Katie & Bart Vey

I heard from Connie Uddo, St. Paul’s Homecoming Center, that Denise Thornton, the President of Beacon of Hope drove through Lakeview and said it looked great. There was minimal damage, she only saw one palm tree on a house. She lives near Grace and since she made no mention of our church, I can assume there was no major damage to our church. I’ll have more later today after SBA does their assessment.

Attached is a message from the Lakeview Community Improvement Association

Keep the faith . . .
Pastor Leon

MESSAGE FROM LAKEVIEW COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION:

The Mayor and Council conducted a news conference tonight to discuss the City’s new re-entry plan. Councilwoman Shelley Midura contacted neighborhood leaders to brief us on what was discussed. Here are the key points that were made:

· While Lakeview and the City survived the storm with little major damage, there was significant damage to the area’s power transmission grid (the worst in 75 years according to Entergy)
· 13 of the 14 main transmission lines to New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and the surrounding area are currently down and 800,000 customers are without power; the power that is coming into the City on the one open line is tentative and could go down as well while the other lines are repaired
· There is limited power in some areas of the City such as parts of the French Quarter, the CBD, and the warehouse district; the latest report is there is NO power in Lakeview
· The problems with these transmission lines are extensive and it is not now known exactly how long it will take to repair them; a preliminary estimate today was as long as a week; Entergy will update the City on the estimate of the time to repair them when a full assessment is done
· The Sewerage and Water Board is operating on back-up power and could face shutdown if their system fails while they await normal power
· Despite all these issues, the City is under intense pressure to allow re-entry; as a result, beginning at 6 am on Wednesday, persons with pre-issued re-entry permits will be allowed back into the City. Beginning at midnight on Wednesday night (Sept 3), all residents of New Orleans will be allowed to return
· The City knows that residents are anxious to return home but wants them to be aware of some of the challenges they will face when they return: Street lights and traffic signals are out; service stations are closed; hospitals aren’t open; grocery stores have not been restocked yet.

Two other comments made were 1) All Catholic schools and public schools will be closed until Monday; 2) LCPD, NOPD and the National Guard are out in force protecting our neighborhood and will be there at least until power is restored.

In closing, a key point should be stressed: While residents are free to return beginning at midnight on Wednesday, those who do not have a pressing need to come back immediately should consider waiting until power is restored and normal services are again available.

We will keep you informed of any additional information that is provided to us by the City or Entergy.

Al Petrie
Be Safe and Long Live Lakeview

I am leaving VA on Wednesday morning. I hope to arrive in NOLA early on Thursday morning. Our hope is to get power to Grace so that we can open up the facility to serve as a comfort station for our families when they return to the area and find their homes damaged or without power.

I probably will not have access to internet service when I return. However, this website will be available to share information. I will have the ability to have information entered on my behalf.

Caitlin and Jeff are leaving Memphis at midnight tomorrow and planning to arrive back in town on Thursday morning.

Also, the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance is wanting to return ASAP to serve our area. They have personnel on the ground and will be sending someone over on Wednesday to determine if there is any damage to the facility.

Having said all this, i would be remiss in not saying this to you. The living in conditions in NOLA are not good. There is very little power, thus no air-conditioning. The main infrastructure and businesses will receive power first and then our homes. They are saying that for some folks, it may be 2 weeks until power is restored. The hospitals are not operating except in emergency situations. If you have a medical condition that needs attention, please WAIT. Please be safe and wise in deciding whether to come back right now.

I have spoken with Karen Hazlaris this evening. We have decided to postpone any Rally Sunday activities this weekend until further notice. So, NO SUNDAY SCHOOL or CONFIRMATION on Sunday. NO ALPHA classes until further notice.

My hope is that we will have worship on Sunday for those who desire to gather for prayer and comfort, and LOTS of announcements!

Please check this website daily for the latest information that I have available to share.

Good night! It’s time for me to get some good rest.
Pastor Leon

Please keep our emergency personnel in our prayers and our decisions. These folks have got to be beat. Let’s not make their job more difficult by prematurely re-entering our community before they say it is ok. OK?

I have heard from a few members who tell me that they have fared well. It generally echoes what we are hearing on the news from our civic leaders. I have not heard or seen anything about Grace. I promise to relay to you via email (and to speak to the webmaster whether we can put pictures on this web site) any pictures we get our hands on.

If anyone needs pastoral care and assistance, please contact me immediately. You know I will do what I can, and if I cannot do it over the phone (or in person, which may be unlikely), I will find a another pastor or Caring Minister nearby who can. My cell phone is 218-779-8566.

Yesterday, I mentioned that the ELCA pastors in our area would be having a conference call with our bishop. I said it was today, but I was confused on what day it is today. The meeting is tomorrow. Our bishop, Mike Rinehart, and his staff have been in close contact with us. He shares with us that the prayers of many from across the country and offers to help. More will be announced once all the assessments are done. The point is . . . the Lord is long to care for all of us . . . and that grace will be there . . . again!

Secondly, to our partners and friends from around the country: THANK YOU! Thank you for the compassion that you have in your heart for us, not just Grace, but all of the area (SE LA). Little did we know that the time you spent with us in the last three years would touch your heart as deeply as it has. THANK YOU for feeling our pain and being the hope and comfort we need.

Keep the faith . . .
Pastor Leon

P.S. One good thing Gustav did for me was to let me see my grandson, Paul, off to school for his first day in school. Paul is a 1st Grader!

In Christ’s Care,
Pastor Bruce Welander

You are in my thoughts and prayers always, but especially as you were about to remember the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and celebrate your Grace-filled renewal as children of God. My prayers have been intensified now that Hurricane Gustav has made landfall, and with a new hurricane organizing over open waters. On Saturday night, while I was on vacation in Wisconsin, daughter Katie and son Len both notified me of your evacuation to home in Virginia, and the uncertainty of what hurricane damage might come upon you, your flock at Grace, and the Gulf Coast region.

We understand the destructive power of flood waters [and wind], but we know the power of love flowing in baptismal waters. Remembering Romans 5:1-5, you remain in my prayers for all things good wherever you may be.

Peace and love,
Karen

The youth and young adults in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod met this weekend and all of you are in our continual prayers! We pray that you feel God’s unending love surrounding you during this difficult time! We pray for safe travels…safe waiting…and safe travels back to your homes! God is with you every step of the way!

Our prayers are with you!

Heidi Hagstrom
and the staff of the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering

OUR FRIEND CHRISTINE, HER DOG AND CAT, AND OUR THREE CATS ARE WITH US. WE ARE LIVING HIGH ON THE HOG SO FAR. JUST NOW LOST TELEVISION.

JEAN AND BILL WEISS

We have been keeping a close eye on this storm as well, wondering with uncetainty, as are you, just how much you will need to endure this time around, and praying that you will be spared from major devastation and destruction.

As you said early, Leon… we don’t want to pray that it move away from you and on to other, rather we pray that this storm can subside quickly and completely, before any further damage is done anywhere.

Leon, we are especially grateful you have been able to get to Virginia to be with Katie, Bart and the kids – that will bring you MUCH JOY and hopefully a time to “relax”, “refresh” and “renew” your body, mind and spirit! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR TIME TOGETHER!

WE MISS YOU SO MUCH – yet we are SO GRATEFUL AND PROUD of what you brought to us, and all your teachings! You are doing the same for Grace Lutheran and NOLA !

Closing in prayer;

Dear Lord, hear my prayer;

You know all that Leon and all of NOLA are going through at this time. You know the emotions, fears, and frustrations of all those who are having to deal with the elements of devasting weather once again. May you help them to find comfort through your grace, may they find patience, strength, and peace through your love, and may they all feel the support of the multitude of prayers that are being said for all of them from all over the world.

Help them to remember your promise; “I will never leave you or forsake you” AMEN

God’s Blessings on all of you!

With our love & prayers,
Lori Skadeland, Portland, ND

Please know that today at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia, we prayed for you, and for all who are fleeing Gustav, and for all those who are heading towards the storm to help (including some law enforcement officers from Virginia, who leave today). I hope your rebuilding effort is not greatly impacted by this storm, as well as the homes and livelihoods of all the people I have worshipped with at my times at Grace. May the good Lord watch over you and guide you through this storm.

If there is anything else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call me or to email here.

Rick Christ
(Virginia Dept. of Emergency Mgmt.)
540-335-5677

I am back in Latrobe, PA for a PLANNED holiday visit – Airtran says I can’t return to NOLA until Friday but I hope to be back earlier. My “home” church in Latrobe has the Gulfcoast and Grace specifically in prayer. Mine, of course, are included and multiplied! Be safe I hope to be home w/you soon.

Below is a web link to our local TV station that you can watch a live broadcast on the internet:

http://www.wwltv.com Click on VIDEO and then LIVE BROADCAST

It appears our prayers are being answered and the severity of the storm has lessened to a degree we can handle. Let’s us pray that this observation is true.

I again want to relay countless prayers from many of the volunteers who spent time at Grace and have found that they left a part of their hearts in NOLA.

I want to share greetings from Pastor Phil and Sue Blom (who btw are celebrating their wedding anniversary): love & hugs for all continue. at worship this morning, I pictured you evacuating as we sang the Hymn God Of Our Fathers Whose Almighty Hand. I stopped singing when I got to the 4th verse, pictured you & sang the words: Refresh your people on their toilsome way … the tears came/ unexpectantly & movingly.

I would encourage all of our friends and partners from around the country to USE THIS BLOG to share your prayers and well-wishes to GRACE.

Our area pastors are meeting via teleconference with Bishop Rinehart tomorrow at 1 PM to continue our ongoing conversation about our disaster recovery plan.

I am NOT able to send out mass emails during the evacuation (yeah I know, you are all are going YEA!!!!), so this blog will be your source of getting information. Please NOTE that I can receive email and send out individual responses.

Keep the faith . . .
Pastor Leon

Caitlin and Jeff made it to Memphis.

REMINDER to everyone to keep checking this web blog for the latest developments.

Last I heard, Bev Wellmeyer and her family were in the rolling parking lot on I-59. They left around 8 AM today, and at 5 PM they had only gone about 20 miles into Mississippi. They said they closed I-10 going east into MS.

I am going to SLEEP. I will type a more informed blog tomorrow morning after I have had my first pot of ND coffee (or one cup of LA coffee). HA!

Keep the faith . . .
Pastor Leon

I was sure by now
that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it’s still raining.
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find You.
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Godspeed and good luck. I thank God for Hurricane Katrina because it’s what brought me to Grace. I’ve enjoyed worshipping with you. I hope Gustav spares you its brunt. If you need anything, please ask. Pastor Leon, you’ll be a neighbor, it seems. Give me a call.
Rick Christ
(Virginia Dept. of Emergency Mgmt)
Rick@RickChrist.com
cell 540-335-5677
New Market, VA

Because our evacuation timetable has shifted, we have made some changes to our plans. Caitlin and Jeff are continuing on to Memphis as planned for the first night and will be re-examining the situation and their options. We will advise you if there are any further changes to their plan.

I have decided it would be a better use of my time and finances if I evacuated to Virginia during this interim. It gives me the more flexible to deal with the uncertainty of Gustav and its aftermath. I will be available to you via cell phone, email, the synod blog, or at my daugther’s home.

This is where I will be during the evacuation:

Katie and Bart Vey
20866 Paw Paw Court
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-723-9598

I will be back as soon as it is safe to do so and the authorities allow us re-entry.

Keep the faith . . .
Pastor Leon

P.S. I just spoke with Bill Hazlaris and it took him 6 hours to go from NOLA to Biloxi, MS this afternoon!

Grace New Orleans and Gethsemane Chalmette have cancelled worship for Sunday. Grace is having their work day to pack up as we speak. Christ the King Kenner is having worship, then packing up afterwards. That’s all I’ve heard from.

If you end up having to head east here’s some places to land:

Ascension Lutheran Church
6481 Old Canton Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Tel: 601-956-4263
Pastor Tom Clark

Messiah Lutheran Church
6670 Vaughn Rd
Montgomery, AL 36116
(334) 277-4213
Pastor Randy Jones

Hunker down and stay safe.

Michael Rinehart, bishop
The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
12707 I-45 North, Suite 580
Houston, TX 77060-1239
281-873-5665
http://www.GulfCoastSynod.org

If you end up having to head east here’s some places to land:

Ascension Lutheran Church
6481 Old Canton Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Tel: 601-956-4263
Pastor Tom Clark

Messiah Lutheran Church
6670 Vaughn Rd
Montgomery, AL 36116
(334) 277-4213
Pastor Randy Jones

Hunker down and stay safe.

Michael Rinehart, bishop
The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
12707 I-45 North, Suite 580
Houston, TX 77060-1239
281-873-5665
http://www.GulfCoastSynod.org

We want you to know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as another Hurricane bears down on the Gulf Coast, praying for God’s presence and hand in keeping all of you safe and sound know the fears, anxieties and stress of the memories of Katrina are still present in so many.
We are grateful for the love of God that supports us all in these times, and the knowledge that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus and for the support that surrounds and connects us with each other. We will share your message with our friends and colleagues here including a couple here from Louisiana working with the Embassy.
God’s blessings and peace that passes all understanding be with you all,
in Christ,
Andy, Barbara, Michael, Kristian Hinderlie

Andrew and Barbara Hinderlie
B.P. 3771
101 Antananarivo
Madagascar
home phone: +261202225201
Andrew’s mobile +261330305535
chempast@aol.com
http://www.elca.org
chempast@mac.com
http://homepage.mac.com/chempast/
http://web.mac.com/chempast

First of all, please pass the following information on to others you know about in the congregation who are still in the area.

Given the probability that an evacuation probably going to be ordered on Saturday afternoon, that our ability to get the word out in a timely manner is being hampered, that many of our members have already left town, and that your pastor is getting worn out!!!, we have decided it would be wise to CANCEL WORSHIP on Sunday, August 31. We just felt it would be best if everyone focused their attention on the matter at hand and do what is best for their families.

We will still have the WORK DAY tomorrow morning at 8 AM to move valuable and pertinent items upstairs. We could use all available hands to help ease the work load and get it done in a timely manner. At the conclusion of this work, we will be SECURING the building for evacuation. At that point, no worship service, events, or business will be allowed until further notice.

Please know that folks from all over the country are praying for us! We have received countless prayers via email these last few days. They stand ready to help and to walk this journey with us (as they already have so graciously).

Please remember to either email evacuation@gracenola.com or to text or call the staff cell phones with your evacuation plan.

If there is a pastoral emergency, please call Pastor Leon on his cell phone at 218-779-8566.

Finally, please heed the warnings of our state, parish, and city leaders if and when they ask for you to evacuate. Please do not put our rescue personnel, first responders, and national guard at risk to have to come and save your life. Let’s keep them safe from harm’s way, too!

BE SAFE and remember, no matter what, we will come home to . . . the essence of grace!

Keep the faith . . .
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Thanks be to God for our brothers and sisters at Trinity!

Our Katrina Service featuring the debut of our book, “The Essence of Grace,” is still scheduled for 7 PM on Friday. The BBQ at 6 PM has been cancelled.

Our Saturday morning work day will now be used to secure our contents on the first floor and taking them upstairs.

Sunday morning worship will be held as scheduled for those who have not left and have the need to gather and pray.

We encourage all of you to leave when you need to emotionally or physically and not let these events hinder your decision. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

If necessary, the staff is evacuating sometime on Sunday and at the latest Monday morning to the Sleep Inn in Memphis, TN. We will be available 24/7 via our cell phones or by email.

Pastor Leon 218-779-8566
Caitlin 651-276-1676

For all members of Grace: please email the staff your evacuation plans and contact information. Please send it to: evacuation@gracenola.com

Keep the faith . . . seriously keep the faith!
Pastor Leon