New Zealand’s iconic cathedral will finally be rebuilt

From New Zealand-

Next year marks 9 years since an earthquake devastated the quaint cityscape of New Zealand’s Christchurch with its splendid cathedral.

Christchurch, the biggest city on New Zealand’s South Island, was already rebuilding from a previous earthquake when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck during the lunch hour on Feb. 22, 2011.
Not only was Christ Church Cathedral, seat of the Anglican bishop of Christchurch, partly ruined, but much of the downtown was destroyed or left uninhabitable. Even more tragic were the deaths of 185 people.

A temporary replacement designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and constructed out of cardboard — yes, cardboard — was erected in the aftermath as a debate ensued over whether Sir George Gilbert Scott’s Victorian-era cathedral should be rebuilt. The debate turned heated with litigation and interventions from politicians and historic preservationists.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/new-zealands-iconic-cathedral-will-finally-be-rebuilt.html

The different fates of Christchurch's Catholic and Anglican cathedrals

From New Zealand-

There's more than one battle in this long saga and only one of the cathedrals will have a happy ending.

Both buildings were severely damaged by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and aftershocks, and both sit derelict.

The future of the Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Barbadoes St looked safe after the Bishop Barry Jones supported restoration.

Meanwhile, the iconic ChristChurch Anglican Cathedral in the city centre looked doomed after its Bishop Victoria Matthews opted to demolish and rebuild.

But several years after the disastrous events of 2011, their fates have switched.

The Gothic-designed ChristChurch cathedral will be rebuilt and its classical Catholic counterpart will be deconstructed and a new one built closer to the city centre.

More here-

https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018725000/the-different-fates-of-christchurch-s-catholic-and-anglican-cathedrals

Supporting Dioceses Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting dioceses located in the path of Hurricane Dorian as they prepare to respond to the needs of impacted communities.

According to the National Hurricane Center on Thursday, August 29, Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 storm as it moves north towards the Bahamas, Florida and the southeastern United States over Labor Day weekend. The storm passed through the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday with winds of 85 mph and heavy rainfall, causing damage to buildings and power lines in the US Virgin Islands.

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting affected dioceses and dioceses in the projected path of the storm, in the Caribbean as well as on the US mainland, as they prepare response efforts.. The US Disaster team has begun daily coordination calls with the dioceses to provide assistance as they plan next steps and activate their disaster response plans. Many of these dioceses are still recovering from the effects of the devastating 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and have been working to build resilience for future storms.

More here-

https://reliefweb.int/report/united-states-america/supporting-dioceses-preparing-hurricane-dorian

Responding to the Drought in Namibia

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican Diocese of Namibia in response to the ongoing drought devastating the country. The organization is in contact with the diocese’s development arm, the Namibia Anglican Community Development Organization (NACDO) as it prepares to respond to the needs of impacted communities.

Over the past four years, Namibia has been dealing with a drought affecting crops and drinking water for both people and livestock. Many people have no access to clean water and travel long distances to find water sources. According to the local government, the lack of rain has caused food shortages, leaving one in five Namibians without access to enough food. At least 60,000 domestic animals have died in the past six months.

Working with the diocese and its development agency, Episcopal Relief & Development is helping marginalized communities in the northern part of Namibia. Based on a community assessment, NACDO has identified 1,060 vulnerable families in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions. They will receive critical food supplies and other support. Two communities, Eembindi and Enghandja, will also receive a four to five km pipeline connecting them to a safe accessible water source. In addition, Episcopal Relief & Development and NACDO will provide support for community and home gardens, poultry farming training and the rehabilitation of wells and dams for water sources in six villages.

More here-

 https://reliefweb.int/report/namibia/responding-drought-namibia

Prayer service honors flood victims, church’s history

From Johnstown-

At the beginning of a community prayer service held Sunday to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the 1889 Johnstown Flood, rumbles of thunder and the sound of rain spread throughout the sanctuary of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. 

“You know, I didn’t ask God for the sound effects, but God provided them,” said the Rev. Nancy L. Threadgill, priest in charge at St. Mark’s. 

The service honored Father Alonzo Potter Diller, rector of St. Mark’s, his wife, Marion Diller and their children, all of whom perished at the church, as well as other victims of the flood. 

Behind the altar, an inscription reads, “to the glory of God and in loving memory of Alonzo Potter Diller – many waters cannot quench love.” A stained glass window at the church pays tribute to Marion Diller, displaying the date of her birth and her death. 

Threadgill said Diller was known to spend time out in his community and, about a month before he and his family were killed in the flood, he turned down an offer at a larger rectory in Pittsburgh. 

More here-

https://www.tribdem.com/news/prayer-service-honors-flood-victims-church-s-history/article_75508cf0-7ab1-11e9-b34a-cbc017c0fd3c.html

Milestone reached in Christ Church Cathedral rebuild as design advisers appointed

From New Zealand-

The Christ Church Cathedral rebuild has reached a "significant milestone" with the appointment of new engineers and architects.

Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL) announced on Wednesday that Holmes Consulting Limited Partnership would be the structural engineering experts and Warren and Mahoney Architects would be the architectural consultants involved in rebuilding the Anglican cathedral in central Christchurch.

Both companies have several New Zealand offices and some overseas.

It was hoped design work on stabilisation would be finished by the end of the year.

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/business/the-rebuild/112383720/milestone-reached-in-christ-church-cathedral-rebuild-as-design-advisors-appointed 

Responding to Tropical Cyclone Idai in southern Africa

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican partner organizations in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe in response to Cyclone Idai, a category four storm that brought massive flooding, rain and high winds to parts of southern Africa.

Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with church partners in the affected areas as they assess the needs in their communities. In Mozambique, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Anglican dioceses of Lebombo and Niassa to provide an immediate and long-term response to those impacted. Episcopal Relief & Development is also supporting partners the Anglican Relief & Development Zimbabwe and the Anglican Council of Malawi in providing emergency relief such as food, water and blankets.

More here-

https://reliefweb.int/report/mozambique/responding-tropical-cyclone-idai-southern-africa

Columbia church members head to North Carolina to assist with hurricane relief efforts

From South Carolina with video-

Members from St. Martin’s In the Fields Episcopal church packed their bags Sunday afternoon to head over to New Burn, North Carolina to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

Ten members left Columbia with four packed trucks and a trailer with disaster relief items to help with a week’s worth of work.

Mitchell Smith, Rector St. Martins in the field Episcopal Church said, “We just have a community that is about serving people and as a church, we believe we are the hands and feet of Christ in the world and it’s our opportunity to live that out and serve.”

A family from the New Burn area contacted Rector Smith and asked for a place to stay during the hurricane.

After the devastation, some parts of New Bern faced, they decided it was their calling to help those in need.

More here-

http://www.wistv.com/2018/09/23/columbia-church-members-head-north-carolina-assist-with-hurricane-relief-efforts/

Knocked sideways by Florence, New Bern rushes to get back on its feet

From Eastern North Carolina-

All through the night as Hurricane Florence began hammering this city near the North Carolina coast, Paul Canady’s phone buzzed and beeped with messages from members of Christ Episcopal Church, where he serves as rector.

A collapsed tree leaned against a nearby house where a husband and wife live. A family huddled in their attic to escape the rising floodwaters. There was no electricity anywhere.

But by Saturday morning, the water was receding, the rain had abated and Canady’s flock appeared safe. So he drove downtown to see how the church itself had weathered the storm.Besides the daylight shining through the stained-glass windows, the building was pitch black. Canady walked to the base of the bell tower, the highest point in New Bern, and climbed two metal ladders with a small flashlight. The wooden floorboards were damp, but everything appeared intact. 

More here-

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-florence-new-bern-20180915-story.html

Episcopal bishops express support for Puerto Rico evacuees

From Massachusetts-

The commonwealth's Episcopal bishops have issued a statement of support for Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria evacuees scheduled to meet with Washington D.C. lawmakers Thursday over permanent housing.

"As citizens of the United States, those who have fled the island of Puerto Rico should have the same assistance as a citizen of the 50 states. Instead, these families are getting phone calls from FEMA encouraging them to return to Puerto Rico," reads the statement issued by Western Massachusetts Episcopal Bishop Douglas J. Fisher, Massachusetts Episcopal Bishop Alan M. Gates and Massachusetts Episcopal Bishop Suffragan Gayle E. Harris.

It further reads, "No American family should become homeless because of a hurricane, a wildfire or a tornado. These Puerto Rican families are our sisters and brothers, our fellow Americans."

 More here-

https://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/06/episcopal_bishops_express_supp.html

Organizations collecting donations for Ellicott City flood victims

From Baltimore-

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in old Ellicott City is many things to many people these days -- a staging area for residents and business owners to get back on Main Street, and both outside and inside a donation-distribution site.

"Every time we say, 'Oh we need to go get,' it just appears. It's great," said Katherine Schnorrenberg, with St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Schnorrenberg, a junior warden of the church, said response has been incredible with donations from all denominations.

"(There are) boxes of water bottles and cleaning supplies, and yesterday Ace Hardware dropped off 30 wheelbarrows. There are two left, I will point out, and shovels," Schnorrenberg said.

More donations came in from the Howard County Food Bank in Columbia. Within four hours of Sunday's devastation, more than 51,000 pounds of supplies came in to help flood victims.

More here-

http://www.wbaltv.com/article/organizations-collecting-donations-for-ellicott-city-flood-victims/20964651

Shelters open doors to Ellicott City residents displaced by flooding

From Maryland-

It was a similar story at St. Peter's Episcopal Church where doors opened Sunday night.

"I'm seeing this coming into my Facebook feed, and people are messaging us and I said, 'As soon as I can get to St. Peter's we'll get people there,'" a church member said.

On Monday, people were dropping off supplies like food, fans and tools to help in the cleanup process.

Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton, of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, came from Baltimore to offer support.

"People can just gather for food, for a hug, some people just came in and said, 'I just want to tell somebody what happened,'" Sutton said.

More here-

http://www.wbaltv.com/article/shelters-open-doors-to-ellicott-city-residents-displaced-by-flooding/20944743

Orlando church helps displaced Puerto Rican families welcome post-Maria babies

From Orlando-

Jinny Santos found out she was pregnant with her fourth child about a month after Hurricane Maria had left her town in the heart of Puerto Rico without power, communication or running water.

Now eight months pregnant, she’s getting ready to deliver her second son in their new home in Orlando with the help of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, hoping the post-Maria birth can help mark a new beginning.

The church is helping 10 expectant mothers from Puerto Rico cover their basic needs.

On Tuesday, Santos scanned the aisles at a Target on Alafaya Trail, filling her shopping cart with clothes, diapers, nail clippers and tiny hangers. She turned occasionally to her husband, who was carrying their youngest daughter, to make sure they covered the basics.

More here-

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/puerto-rico-hurricane-recovery/os-puerto-rico-hurricane-baby-20180410-story.html

Episcopal Church Bishop tours area

From West Texas-

The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, was in Aransas County Wednesday, Feb. 28, along with Diocesan bishop for the Diocese of West Texas (DWTX), Rt. Rev. David Reed, and the Bishop Suffragan for DWTX, the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson. They were joined by a large delegation of clergy from the Diocese of West Texas, including those serving congregations in hurricane-affected areas, as well as staff members from the national Episcopal Church offices in New York City.

The delegation was on a bus tour, coordinated by the Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Recovery for the DWTX, visiting the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, as well as spreading a message of hope and family.

The DWTX is providing assistance to 15 counties, including Aransas, affected by the storm. It includes 86 congregations spread across 60 counties in Central and South Texas. Its offices are in San Antonio.

More here-

http://www.rockportpilot.com/news/article_14309424-22a6-11e8-aed2-8b2cb429dc44.html

Bishops visit Hurricane Harvey affected areas

From Texas-

The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry (Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church) will tour the diocesan areas affected by Hurricane Harvey today.

Michael Bruce Curry, the first African American to be elected Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, is an author, preacher, and activist, noted for his inspiring and galvanizing preaching style and his profound concern for social justice.

He will be accompanied by the Rt. Rev. David M. Reed (Bishop Diocesan) and the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson (Bishop Suffragan) from the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, as well as the Vice President for Episcopal Church Programs and the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Episcopal Relief & Development, and additional staff members from the national Episcopal Church offices in New York City and diocesan office in San Antonio.


More here-

http://www.kristv.com/story/37609641/bishops-visit-hurricane-harvey-affected-areas

Puerto Rico family State of the Union

From Orlando-

Bishop Gregory Brewer sits with the the Ortiz Torres family after giving them a blessing before their trip to Washington DC, at the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, on Thursday, January 25, 2018. Left to Right, Emmanuel Ortiz Nazario; Bishop Gregory Brewer; mom Cristal Torrez Rodriguez; Delimar Isabelle Ortiz Torres, 4; and Aziel Amir Ortiz Torres, 10, -- The family displaced from Puerto Rico has relocated to Florida is joining Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Winter Park) at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. They will talk about needs of displaced families in Central Florida and those back on the island.

More here-

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-1517072619-m8bcogksxi-snap-image-photo.html

Much more here-

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-puerto-rico-family-state-of-union-florida-20180126-story.html

Episcopalian bishop visits USVI

From The Virgin Islands-

George Sebastian crouched in the hallway with his wife while he witnessed Hurricane Irma rip the roof from their home in St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands on Sept. 6.

“I was watching. I was hoping. I was praying,” said Sebastian, a parishioner from All Saints Cathedral, as he pointed to his house on a distant hillside. “I was stressed. I lost everything in a few minutes.”

About four months later, Sebastian has a new roof, and he’s driving Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and his contingent around his island during pastoral visit earlier this month to the Diocese of the Virgin Islands. Curry listened to Episcopalians share their post-hurricane struggles and stress. He discussed how the church can bolster spirits and communities.

Since the horrendous 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, stories like Sebastian’s are many among the Diocese of the Virgin Islands. Curry strove to encourage parishioners.

More here-

http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=5840

“We’re back” | St. Francis Episcopal Church holds first service on campus since Great Flood of 2016

From Louisiana-

Gene Knecht stood outside St. Francis Episcopal Church, greeting church goers with a handshake and a program as they entered the building.

Inside, Erik Pittman sat at his organ, where he sent a string of church hymns in the air as people chatted amongst themselves and found their seats.

The sanctuary started filling up around 9:30 a.m., about half an hour before the scheduled start of service. When 10 a.m. struck, chairs had to be added as more and more people kept walking through the two stained doors in front.

This wasn’t just another Sunday at St. Francis Episcopal Church.

No, this was the church’s first service on its main campus since the Great Flood of 2016, and, boy, did it feel good to be back.

More here-

https://www.livingstonparishnews.com/featured_stories/we-re-back-st-francis-episcopal-church-holds-first-service/article_7c4f3e74-ff0c-11e7-ace7-cfcfae03ca3f.html

Episcopal church converted to emergency response hub after deadly California mudslides

From ENS-

Sunday worship services at All Saints-by-the Sea Episcopal Church proceeded as scheduled on Jan. 7, as a storm loomed in the forecast.

Since then, deadly mudslides and flooding have turned life upside-down in Montecito, California. At least 17 people are dead, and this tight-knit ocean-side community next to Santa Barbara is under a mandatory evacuation order as emergency crews search for survivors and victims, restore utilities and beginning cleaning up the mud and debris that damaged and destroyed homes in their path.

All Saints was spared the worst of the damage but has no power or phone service, and the natural gas was shut off to allow repair crews to begin their work, said Sheri Benninghoven, a parishioner who has led communication efforts for the congregation. The parish’s school is closed, and worship services are canceled until further notice.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/01/12/episcopal-church-converted-to-emergency-response-hub-after-deadly-california-mudslides/

“Love Like Christ”: Presiding Bishop’s pastoral visit to post-hurricane Puerto Rico

From ACNS-

Bishop Rafael Morales leaves no impression he is still wading into his job. He had led the Diocese of Puerto Rico a mere two months when Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September, and since then he, his staff and clergy around the diocese have mobilised relief efforts with a determination that earned praise from Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the US-based Episcopal Church, during a two-day visit.

Hurricane Maria was and continues to be an unparalleled catastrophe, Morales said, but he is seizing the opportunity for ministry to his fellow Puerto Ricans.

“Our people have a good heart,” he said on the road to the coastal town of Toa Baja accompanied by Curry. Puerto Rico’s culture is one of thanksgiving, Morales said. “This diocese is a diocese of hope.”

More here-

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2018/01/love-like-christ-presiding-bishops-pastoral-visit-to-post-hurricane-puerto-rico.aspx