Recognizing there are immediate needs to be met and that recovery from natural disaster is a long, long process, the Outreach Ministry Team of Unity Presbyterian Church encourages our members to respond in three ways:
- GIVE – Direct monetary donations to organizations committed to meeting immediate needs and long-term recovery. Often donations can be shared with local organizations that allow money and resources to begin rebuilding local economies.
- UNITY Youth – Dessert, Baked Goods, and Sides sales raised more than $1500 for recovery efforts in Montreat and Black Mountain, NC.
- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – is on the ground responding to the many urgent needs following the destruction Hurricane Helene left in her path. https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000169/
- Appalachia Service Project – meeting immediate needs and mobilizing volunteers to serve with long term recovery efforts in counties affected by Helene. https://asphome.org/helpafterhelene/
- Unity Presbyterian Church -For those most comfortable giving through Unity’s REALM system, visit https://onrealm.org/unityfortmill/-/form/give/default and select Disaster Relief Fund.
- ACT – In addition to monetary donations, hands on action makes a difference:
- Unity will be assembling 50 Cleanup Buckets for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on Sunday, November 10th after the 11:00 AM worship service. If you would like to donate items for the buckets, you can use this Amazon Wish List (https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1SISWY4BKOSX2?ref_=wl_share) and have items sent to the church. If you would like to purchase items on your own, please check the list for correct items and sizes as these are the only things we are able to include in the buckets.
- We will be organizing work trips, both day long and overnight, to Augusta, GA; Spruce Pine, NC, and potentially additional locations as we learn of needs and projects. For those interested in participating, let us know using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/WaavqzPLB1P5VDBR7
- PRAY – While “thoughts and prayers” are sometimes dismissed as an attempt to deflect actions, the thoughts and prayers of the faithful are an act which draws us closer to God and compels us to be at work in the world. May we pray without ceasing for God’s providence and care.
With questions, ideas, suggestions, or other thoughts, please reach out to Dr. Matt, Pastor Molly, or a member of the Outreach Ministry Team.