Do not worry about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7, NRSV)

Siblings in Christ,

Since my statement to our Synod last Tuesday regarding Springfield, particularly the national media treatment of the Haitian community there, many of you have reached out directly to ask what else can we do.

I continue to be in contact with our congregations and their leadership. They affirm that the most important thing to be done continues to be to hold their city and the communities they serve, especially our Haitian neighbors, in prayer.

For those who feel called to share financial gifts with those doing local relief efforts, they lifted up St. Vincent de Paul in Springfield, as they already have pathways established for using those funds to serve the Haitian community.

It is a blessing to serve in ministry with this Synod, especially in times of distress, as we embody the Gospel by caring for, loving, and serving our neighbors. We will keep you posted when any additional opportunities to serve arise.

In Christ,
Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt