You and all your people are in our prayers as we prepare for Hilary this weekend. As you make decisions about Sunday worship, please feel no hesitation about relying on the expertise we gained during the pandemic and holding on-line services only.
We expect severe winds and flooding all over the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and especially in inland and desert regions. We know you will lash down movable objects at home and at church while keeping track of local media and the advice of county authorities and following their guidance about personal preparedness, including plenty of water in the house and a full tank of gas or full charge in the car. Our friends at Episcopal Relief & Development are monitoring the situation. They recommend we all check in regularly with the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center website.
Please text or call us as needed.
We also take this opportunity to encourage you to sign up for the Sept. 16 diocesan Climate Change Summit. A registration link is here providing the option to attend either virtually or in person. Organized by the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change, the summit will highlight local disaster resiliency with insights provided by a subcommittee cochaired by eminent seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones and renowned environmentalist Mary Nichols.
O God, our times are in your hand. In the midst of uncertainty lead us by your never-failing grace as we seek to be agents of healing and hope. Walk with us through difficult times; watch over us in danger; and give to us a spirit of love and compassion for those who suffer and mourn. And finally remind us that you have promised never to leave us so that even in the valley of the shadow of death your love may be felt, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.“
— The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy and I are sending this letter this morning in English and Spanish to mission and parish leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.