Romans 8:38-39: 

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Recently, Hurricane Helene brought devastating and debilitating storms across the Southeast area of the United States. At the writing of this letter, Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida and the impact will likely be overwhelming. 

I can hardly fathom what it must be like to face another storm, even as active recovery efforts are underway and survivors and their support network continue to assess the impact of the historic rainfall, flooding, power outages, and 140 mph winds that have come with these storms. 

According to The Associated Press, the category 4 storm that made landfall on September 26^th along with its aftermath have killed at least 179 people over six states. As you may know, the mountains of western North Carolina have been particularly hard-hit. We have yet to know what the comprehensive impact of these storms will be. 

I trust many of you are looking for tangible ways to aid in recovery and support efforts. Therefore, I appeal to every church across the conference to live into what it means to be part of the United Methodist connection. We can make a difference in the impacted area through our annual Dakotas Conference Thanksgiving Offering. Help to bring hope and recovery to our sisters and brothers whose lives have been disrupted and for whom their homes and livelihoods no longer stand. Our 2024 Thanksgiving Offering: United States Hurricane Response will be to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Domestic Disaster Relief Fund.  

The scope of the need in the Alabama-West Florida, Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Holston annual conferences is historic. I encourage you to pray for those dealing with the devastation and implore you to magnify your generosity.  

Please prayerfully consider your own capacity and share your commitment to the 2024 Thanksgiving Offering: United States Hurricane Response. You may share your gifts online directly with UMCOR or through the Dakotas Conference or by mail (1331 W. University Ave., P.O. Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.)

Please invite the members and friends of your congregation to experience the power of our United Methodist connection through this expression of ministry and generosity.  

Your Thanksgiving offering is a gift that will bring hope. Your Thanksgiving offering is a gift that will bring honor to God. Your gift will calm the storms and restore life.  

Let us pray: Jesus, we see you calming storms—storm-tossed seas and stormy lives. Extend your power and grace again, especially upon these most recent storm victims. Speak peace and healing over bodies and spirits broken by the chaos. Speak peace and hope over families and communities devastated by sudden loss. Speak peace and protection over rescue workers as they reach out to those who are suffering. You are the Prince of Peace. You are the Resurrection and the Life. You are strong to save. Our hope and trust are in you. Amen. (Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, "A Prayer for Storm Survivors") 

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