New bracelets support
rebuilding along Gulf Coast

"Rebuilding churches and communities" reads the inscription on bracelets from the United Methodist Council of Bishops to encourage support of hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast.

Money from purchases of the maroon wristbands will be used for the bishops' Katrina Church Recovery Appeal.

The appeal focuses on the needs of clergy, church staff and mission personnel in the affected areas and on the United Methodist facilities, churches, retreat centers, urban ministries, retirement facilities, and mission centers that were severely damaged or destroyed. Many were underinsured, with insufficient coverage for damage due to rising water. With members scattered and buildings destroyed, many churches in the affected areas still seek the assistance of caring United Methodists to restore their mission and ministries.

"The Katrina Recovery bracelet is a way of demonstrating your commitment to this shared work. It will be a sign of the covenant we embrace to restore the community in the coast," said Bishop Hope Morgan Ward of Mississippi.

"Your partnership is essential as we engage the long process of recovery and restoring our community," she said. "We continue to be grateful for your partnership. Every prayer is needed and every gift is welcome."

Churches may order bracelets for $2 each through the Holston Conference office in Knoxville, Tenn. (Email connectional ministries@holston.org or call toll-free 866-690-4080.). Bracelets may be picked up at the conference office or mailed to churches or members for a small postage fee.

Congregations sending mission teams to the Gulf Coast area are encouraged to contact the conference office for "Holston Conference Disaster Response" T-shirts.

The Council of Bishops is also encouraging congregations to have a special offering for the Katrina Recovery Appeal on Aug. 27, the Sunday closest to the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Contributions to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal may be made through your local church; write "Bishops' Appeal 818-001" on the memo line.

"The bishops of the church have covenanted together to resurrect the Gulf Coast churches that were destroyed or severely damaged by Katrina," said Bishop William Oden, chairman of the appeal.
top