Diocese of New Jersey | Hurricane Irene

I am writing with my deepest gratitude and highest regard for so many lay and clergy leaders of our Diocese who are working so hard to help their churches to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene. You have received a message this morning from the Rev. Lisa Caton with a check-list of suggested preparations. You can find documents with additional direction for disaster preparedness on our website:

http://newjersey.anglican.org/Irene/

They were compiled by the Reverend Carmen Viola, Deacon, whose secular work is in this field. He invites you to contact him on his cell phone at 267 236-5163 or via his e-mail address, carmen.viola@dla.mil.

Our diocesan staff, led by the Reverend Canon Lee Powers, is ready to work with you and in support of your efforts to reach out to the vulnerable members of your congregation and the surrounding communities. I offer you the assurance of my prayers for your safety and well-being and my eagerness to stand beside you in the days ahead. You may reach me at home in Pennington, at 609 730-8473. In all of these efforts let us do our best to see to it that no one in New Jersey is forgotten, lost, or left behind to face the storm alone.

This “storm of the century” is unlike anything any of us have ever seen in this region. Its potential destructive force and the anticipated disruption of our lives are daunting, to say the least. This event will test us. But you and I know Jesus Christ, who brings calm in the midst of the storm. I pray that, by His amazing grace, we may engage in those acts of loving and sacrificial service that bear witness to our confidence in Him and our respect for all God’s people. Let us be His Body. Let us walk in His Peace. Let us all hold hands and not be afraid.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

+George

The Right Reverend George E. Councell
Bishop of New Jersey