Services and serving through the flooding

As severe flooding continues in the upper part of the diocese, Episcopalians there are planning how to gather for worship this Sunday, and working to reach out to those in need, both locally and in North Carolina.

In announcing Sunday plans, churches are emphasizing safety and encouraging people to heed local authorities. "If roads are closed and you are not able to attend church on Sunday, that's ok!" the Rev. Rob Donehue wrote on Facebook. Those traveling should also be aware that road closures are likely to make travel times much longer than expected. "Above all, stay safe, and remember to be kind to each other!"

Cheraw: The Cheraw  Worship Group will have Morning Prayer at its usual time and location, 10:00 am gathering and 10:30 am worship in the Community Room of First Bank, Chesterfield Highway. 

Conway: St. Anne's will celebrate Holy Eucharist at 10:30 am Sunday, September 23 in two different locations (they will not be in their usual location at Lackey Chapel):

For those who live on the Myrtle Beach side of the Waccamaw River, the service will be at the Ennis's home with the Rev. Barry Stopfel as Celebrant. For those living on the downtown Conway side of the Waccamaw River, St. Anne's will meet in "The Hut" Chapel at the First United Methodist Church (the brick chapel on the corner of 5th and Main), with the Rev. Rob Donehue, Celebrant.

St. Anne's also is planning to livestream both services on Facebook. 

Fr. Donehue also advised people who live closer to other area Episcopal churches that they can attend Sunday services there and be warmly welcomed:

Myrtle Beach: The Church of the Messiah worships at 10:00 am at 6200 N. Kings Hwy (the parish hall of St. Philip Lutheran Church) 

Pawleys Island: Holy Cross Faith Memorial, at 8:00 am and 10:30 am at 88 Baskervill Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Church leaders have been communicating with parishioners about the likelihood of flooding next week along the Waccamaw River, and encouraging people to check the Georgetown County website for updates.

North Myrtle Beach: St. Stephens, at 8:00 am and 10:30 am, 801 11th. Avenue North, North Myrtle Beach, SC. 29582. On Thursday evening, parishioners gathered for a potluck reception to give thanks and to pray for those still suffering the effects of the storm. 

Offering assistance

Direct donations of money to Episcopal Relief and Development (give online here) are still the best way that people who are outside the affected areas can help. Donations get the aid where it is needed more efficiently, and your gifts support local communities and businesses affected by the storm. People are asked not to send any goods (diapers, water, food, etc.).

Within their own local communities, several Episcopal churches have been partnering with or sponsoring food pantries and other outreach programs before the storm. Now, they are working to boost those efforts.

For example, the Rev. Randy Ferebee of Messiah, Myrtle Beach is calling September 23 "Bring A Can of Food Sunday" to collect canned carrots, peas, and any lift-top canned food that can be microwaved, for the local Helping Hands ministry.