Hurricane Ike

Galveston Island and the Texas Gulf Coast are under a hurricane warning as Hurricane Ike approaches.  I have been in touch with many of our local Episcopal clergy and can confirm that they and their families have evacuated and are in safe locations.  Church properties have been secured as well as possible and communicants have, by and large, moved inland to higher ground.

Bishop Don Wimberly and I spoke earlier today.  He wanted everyone to be reassured that the diocese is prepared to assist us and the emergency response plan is ready to be implemented as soon as needed.  Read the details of that plan on the diocesan website www.epicenter.org. Our Bishops and all the diocesan staff hold us in their prayers.

This interactive online forum (blog) is one way we can all communicate during this crisis. If you have a question, comment, or piece of information to share, use the "post a comment" feature below.  Gay and I will be closely monitoring this site as events unfold.

Finally, we are a people of prayer.  I suggest that, among the prayers we offer in the days ahead, we include the following three from The Book of Common Prayer.  Knowing we are praying the same prayers while we are apart from one another will be a source of comfort and unity for us.

For Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and
rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be
our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee,
to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou
art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

For Protection

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and
prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the
attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the
changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be
defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen.

For those we Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy
never failing care and love, for this life and the life to come,
knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we
can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Ron+