It is about 5:45. Not a lot of sleep last night. I have just gotten John out the door headed for Jackson. He plans to return on Tuesday. The latest forecast seems to have tracked Gustav back to the west. Good for us, but NOLA is still in the NE quandrant with a devastating storm surge. The down side of the west shift is that they also have pushed the landfall time further ahead and that will mean it will hit at high tide. (Monday PM) NOLA is in full evacuation. The roads are solid. It is the first time I have heard a trooper say "If you have an accident and there are no injuries, just move on".
I wonder about the safety of Beth Dyson's daughter. She is in BSL which is much closer to NOLA and to the water. If anyone knows where she is riding the storm please let me know. 317-240-722.
It is quiet here in the early morning hours. Gov. Barbour has declared emergency of course. So has Bush. I guess that is significant, but right now it seems pretty redundant. I am losing my interest in watching the weather. "What has been done - has been done - let it be". I got an email from Rita at Loaves and Fishes - "who is leaving and who is staying?" Mississippi has launched a massive bus evacuation so those who have no transportation will be able to get out. Most are traveling just north of I10 to stay with relatives. I am going to Redeemer in about and hour and will check on folks at Main Street and on parishioners who are staying. I suspect that we will have a small crowd today.
The skies are still clear and the air is cool - but humid. August on th eGulf coast. It is hard to believe that such destruction is barreling our way.
Jane
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Gustav # 2
I am about to go to bed and try to get some sleep. Tomorrow my son John will leave for the MS diocesan center in Jackson to spend the night and day – waiting out the storm His home in NOLA is likely to be flooded as NOLA is looking at a probable surge of 20 ft. That will be deadly for the city. Winds in NOLA are expected in the 135 mph range. Winds in Baton Rouge expected to be 100 and winds here are expected to be about 80. The storm has picked up speed. I am told that the faster it arrives the further east it will bend. It is already the worse case scenario for NOLA except that the storm is coming in at low tide. NOLA is under mandatory evacuation as is Biloxi’s Point (where Redeemer is located). We plan to have church tomorrow. And then I will come home. Helen Gordon has arranged for a video conference at 4:30 CDT. If you would like to log in with us the instructions are below. Once that is finished I will drive to the shelter and am working there throughout the storm. Miss Kitty will stay in the house in my closet. (She prefers to be far away from the thunder and lightning.) My son Will is with my sister in Shreveport and will make his way down through MS to return to NOLA ASAP.
Right now I am just tired. It has been a long day of sandbagging the back door, taping the windows, and moving in the outside stuff. I am as prepared as I can be. I spoke with Nell Bolton of the LA Disaster Response and there was both sadness and worry in her voice. We will help them in any way that we can.
Off to bed with me. The wind is supposed to begin by morning. Landfall is about 36 hours away. We have done all the right things to get ready. The diocese of MS has been so attentive and helpful. I am really thankful for Bishop Gray’s love for us. And now it is time for prayers.
What will I pray tonight… I wonder about those who are homebound and who have no access to news. I am sure there are some even with the door to door warning. I pray that they will be safe. But you know I mostly pray that they will not be afraid. Life is hard sometimes and right now it seems especially hard. I pray that we will all feel the warmth and the strength of God’s presence and that we will act as Christ to those with whom we work and wait. I pray for patience as I help people into the shelter and I pray for the safety of those who are traveling. I give thanks that I am doing exactly what I want to be doing right now. I am serving and loving those to whom I have come as priest. I give thanks for Bishop Bud’s phone call. It lifted my spirits. I give thanks for Helen and her technology and for all those who have emailed and called and expressed concern. I know that God will watch over us in the coming hours. “Comfort every sufferer watching late in pain, those who plan some evil from their sin restrain. Through the long night watches may thine angels spread, their white wings above me watching round my bed. When the morning wakens, then may I arise Pure and fresh and sinless in thy holy eyes,”
http://gulfcoastpartnership.blogspot.com/
PS
Here is a link to an interview with one of my parihsioners. She is Lucy Denton.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26471140#26471140
Right now I am just tired. It has been a long day of sandbagging the back door, taping the windows, and moving in the outside stuff. I am as prepared as I can be. I spoke with Nell Bolton of the LA Disaster Response and there was both sadness and worry in her voice. We will help them in any way that we can.
Off to bed with me. The wind is supposed to begin by morning. Landfall is about 36 hours away. We have done all the right things to get ready. The diocese of MS has been so attentive and helpful. I am really thankful for Bishop Gray’s love for us. And now it is time for prayers.
What will I pray tonight… I wonder about those who are homebound and who have no access to news. I am sure there are some even with the door to door warning. I pray that they will be safe. But you know I mostly pray that they will not be afraid. Life is hard sometimes and right now it seems especially hard. I pray that we will all feel the warmth and the strength of God’s presence and that we will act as Christ to those with whom we work and wait. I pray for patience as I help people into the shelter and I pray for the safety of those who are traveling. I give thanks that I am doing exactly what I want to be doing right now. I am serving and loving those to whom I have come as priest. I give thanks for Bishop Bud’s phone call. It lifted my spirits. I give thanks for Helen and her technology and for all those who have emailed and called and expressed concern. I know that God will watch over us in the coming hours. “Comfort every sufferer watching late in pain, those who plan some evil from their sin restrain. Through the long night watches may thine angels spread, their white wings above me watching round my bed. When the morning wakens, then may I arise Pure and fresh and sinless in thy holy eyes,”
http://gulfcoastpartnership.blogspot.com/
PS
Here is a link to an interview with one of my parihsioners. She is Lucy Denton.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26471140#26471140
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Cape Islands Deanery Test Post
The Cape & Islands Deanery sends our love and support to our sisters
and brothers on the Gulf Coast.
and brothers on the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Gustav # 1
Hi from the Gulf Coast. I am going to try to keep a blog going as Hurricane Gustav approaches and as Hannah churcn behind him. I will try to report on the conditions, my impressions, my feelings, and the impact on those who we have been serving over the past three years. It is ironic that this storm comes on the anniversary weekend of Katrina. My first thoughts from my "Wall" on Facebook.
Friday evening AM The storm seems to be going west of NOLA which will lessen the intensity here but we are expecting hurricane force winds. I have lots of batteries and water and enough non-perishable food for 3 days. After that I will go on a diet. I am washing clothes, calling parihsioners, and putting my mailbox in cement. I have a travel house for Miss Kitty and lots of cat food and litter. I even have duck tape for the windows. I have my Red Cross badge and and am ready to help open shelters.
As for feelings... I am frightened. I have been through hurricanes before, but I was younger then. I am conscience of the concern in the voices of other elderly parishioiners who are limited in the ability to endure physical stress. All of this is of course coming over Labor Day weekend and is a definite deja vu. Thanks for your prayers and calls. They mean a whole lot. Jane
Saturday morning In Biloxi we are still eyeing Gustav with caution. Predictions say we are in for 65 to 85 mph winds and lots of water. I have decided to stay, but to sandbag my lox back doors in hopes of avoiding flash flooding in the den. John is here with his two cats and Miss Kitty is acting like she never heard of hospitality. Oh well she will just have to deal with it. Today my plans are to go fill up the cars, buy one more 5 gal gas can and fill it up, mow the grass (yuck), plant my mailbox and bring all the yard stuff into the garage, and thne make phone calls to the remiaining parishioners so that on Monday I wil know where they have gone. Church will be light tomorrow. I am feeling mostly apprehension and some exctement. I am not as frightened for MS but I am VERY worried about NOLA. The Corps exect NO East, 9th Ward, and parts of Metarie to flood - and of course all of the area south of NOLA. They expect the levees in the inner part of the city to hold. We will see. Later
Friday evening AM The storm seems to be going west of NOLA which will lessen the intensity here but we are expecting hurricane force winds. I have lots of batteries and water and enough non-perishable food for 3 days. After that I will go on a diet. I am washing clothes, calling parihsioners, and putting my mailbox in cement. I have a travel house for Miss Kitty and lots of cat food and litter. I even have duck tape for the windows. I have my Red Cross badge and and am ready to help open shelters.
As for feelings... I am frightened. I have been through hurricanes before, but I was younger then. I am conscience of the concern in the voices of other elderly parishioiners who are limited in the ability to endure physical stress. All of this is of course coming over Labor Day weekend and is a definite deja vu. Thanks for your prayers and calls. They mean a whole lot. Jane
Saturday morning In Biloxi we are still eyeing Gustav with caution. Predictions say we are in for 65 to 85 mph winds and lots of water. I have decided to stay, but to sandbag my lox back doors in hopes of avoiding flash flooding in the den. John is here with his two cats and Miss Kitty is acting like she never heard of hospitality. Oh well she will just have to deal with it. Today my plans are to go fill up the cars, buy one more 5 gal gas can and fill it up, mow the grass (yuck), plant my mailbox and bring all the yard stuff into the garage, and thne make phone calls to the remiaining parishioners so that on Monday I wil know where they have gone. Church will be light tomorrow. I am feeling mostly apprehension and some exctement. I am not as frightened for MS but I am VERY worried about NOLA. The Corps exect NO East, 9th Ward, and parts of Metarie to flood - and of course all of the area south of NOLA. They expect the levees in the inner part of the city to hold. We will see. Later
Monday, January 14, 2008
Looking back on a year in Mississippi
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16 A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. John 21: 15-17
On January 14, 2007, Bishop Bud reminded me of this charge that Jesus gave to Peter and asked that I hold it as my own. The following day I left Massachusetts with my sister, my cat, and a stack of gift cards to move to Biloxi in order to begin a ministry there as Priest in Residence on the Gulf Coast from Massachusetts. I was to serve part-time as an associate at Church of the Redeemer and part-time as a diocesan representative organizing relief work. Now, one year later, the time has come to look back in order to see the way forward more clearly.
I have worked primarily in Christian Education and Youth Ministry. With encouragement from the teachers we implemented Godly Play for all ages. The youth group, though small, is energetic and is planning a visit to Massachusetts this summer to work at Esperanza Academy and to dialogue with some youth from Massachusetts on issues of classism and racism. I have also kept a steady schedule of preaching, celebrating the Eucharist, and pastoral visits.
It is hard to imagine the roller coaster of a ride that moving, hitting the ground running, and dealing with the day to day struggle of seeing so much to be done and not having the time, the resources, or the know-how to make the needed changes. I marvel at the people who have lived through this nightmare and still go on with both joy and hope in their hearts. You can’t tell me that God is not at work here! I see it every day in the faces of locals and volunteers alike. Something good is going to come out of this struggle, it is just hard to see right now.
From the beginning my goal was to integrate my two roles and to immerse my diocesan work in parish life. I have hosted several groups from Massachusetts and other places ranging in number from 1 to 100. The groups work with case managers who identify families needing assistance in returning to their homes and to spend as much time as possible at the work site. In addition, I tried to provide each group with information and insight into the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the lives of the people of Mississippi and Louisiana and the environmental impact on the coast.
A large part of my role has been working with secular groups here who were also engaged in recovery. Early on I realized that there was little office or meeting space available and so I submitted a proposal to vestry to seek funding for the maintenance and upkeep of DeMIller Hall as an administrative place for groups providing disaster relief in East Biloxi. The vestry decided that such an endeavor was in keeping with Redeemer’s mission on the beach and we submitted and gained approval for a grant of $120,000 from ERD over two years to support rent-free occupancy for the administrative offices of Interfaith Disaster Task Force, the Steps Coalition and a daycare.
In support of social justice issues I coordinated the Second Annual Interfaith Service of Remembrance at Gulfside Assembly and I serve on the Board of Directors of Loaves and Fishes. I have worked with IDTF, The Steps Coalition, Coastal Women for Change, and various other local and national groups in projects to facilitate advocacy and support for low-wealth families and marginalized communities. This work has included supporting legislation and programs that have grown out of Steps Coalition work.
In November I began working closely with St Anna’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans to help them get an after-school program going focused around their already thriving music ministry and to help find ongoing money to support the medical mission. This work is ongoing.
Serving at Redeemer for the past year has been a privilege and a joy for me. I appreciate the kindness and hospitality of the parish in welcoming me in true southern fashion and for putting up with my learning curve as I worked my way through the unfamiliar territory of a traditionally Anglo-Catholic parish liturgy. I am indebted to Faye Jones for her patience and guidance this past year and for knowing everyone’s phone number. I am especially grateful to The Reverend Harold Roberts for being my mentor, for introducing me to the other clergy and professional associates, for sharing the pulpit and altar with me and for his friendship. But most of all I am appreciative of the support that I have received from the people of Massachusetts in making it possible for me to serve
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Recollections from a Trip to New Orleans
A group from St. Paul’s (Natick) and Parish of the Epiphany (Winchester) visited New Orleans the first week in November. Our goal was to make a small contribution to the rebuilding process in this city, still devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina two years ago. Our experiences from this week were more than carpentry and painting in the rebuilt home of a new friend. The ultimate reward was sharing this experience with dozens of volunteers from around the country and being aware of God’s spirit in the enthusiasm of all of us.
There is still frustration. Our new friend, Miss J., a retired, widowed school teacher, had waited two years for the rebuilding process to begin. She lived in a FEMA trailer in her own driveway, reminded daily of the rotted, moldy structure that she once called home. Thousands are still waiting for some types of assistance; as the various government agencies slowly make decisions and the lawsuits against insurance companies continue. The most dramatically effected are the elderly and the poor.
The effects of this catastrophe are woven into these communities in a way we can never imagine. The visible damage and the invisible emotional drain is everywhere. But the residents still love this city, and we can’t fathom explaining to them why they must relocate.
Is our work appreciated? We listened to a sermon one night which spoke to this quite eloquently and poignantly. The priest explained that our presence was living proof, that not everyone has forgotten the people of New Orleans. Later in the week, we spoke to a veteran, a man whose stories of rescues during the storm would break your heart. He turned to us at dinner and asked, “Do you think the rest of the country has forgotten us?” Let us continue to show them the answer is an emphatic NO by supporting the rebuilding efforts!
That same service was also a powerful testament to Christian community. An invitation is extended to all volunteers in the area to come to this parish each Wednesday, and the sanctuary was almost filled to capacity. As we experienced the liturgy that is so familiar to us, regardless of where “home” is, we felt a common energy and shared enthusiasm. It was truly a subtle but beautiful moment amongst strangers, united in reflection on a common mission.
There is Hope. The St. Charles Ave. streetcar, a unique symbol of home for many New Orleanians reopened the day we began our journey home. The energy, enthusiasm and sacrifice of the youth leading the Episcopalian mission is inspiring. Traveling and working with people of all ages and backgrounds reminds us of the generosity of Christian life.
And there is Gratitude. It warms our hearts to hear so much appreciation for our time and for simply being in New Orleans, a city largely dependent on tourism for its very viability. From the cab drivers to the clergy to Miss J. herself, who can finally move back HOME. A long, painful journey; only 30 feet from trailer to front door, but two years in the making.
There is still frustration. Our new friend, Miss J., a retired, widowed school teacher, had waited two years for the rebuilding process to begin. She lived in a FEMA trailer in her own driveway, reminded daily of the rotted, moldy structure that she once called home. Thousands are still waiting for some types of assistance; as the various government agencies slowly make decisions and the lawsuits against insurance companies continue. The most dramatically effected are the elderly and the poor.
The effects of this catastrophe are woven into these communities in a way we can never imagine. The visible damage and the invisible emotional drain is everywhere. But the residents still love this city, and we can’t fathom explaining to them why they must relocate.
Is our work appreciated? We listened to a sermon one night which spoke to this quite eloquently and poignantly. The priest explained that our presence was living proof, that not everyone has forgotten the people of New Orleans. Later in the week, we spoke to a veteran, a man whose stories of rescues during the storm would break your heart. He turned to us at dinner and asked, “Do you think the rest of the country has forgotten us?” Let us continue to show them the answer is an emphatic NO by supporting the rebuilding efforts!
That same service was also a powerful testament to Christian community. An invitation is extended to all volunteers in the area to come to this parish each Wednesday, and the sanctuary was almost filled to capacity. As we experienced the liturgy that is so familiar to us, regardless of where “home” is, we felt a common energy and shared enthusiasm. It was truly a subtle but beautiful moment amongst strangers, united in reflection on a common mission.
There is Hope. The St. Charles Ave. streetcar, a unique symbol of home for many New Orleanians reopened the day we began our journey home. The energy, enthusiasm and sacrifice of the youth leading the Episcopalian mission is inspiring. Traveling and working with people of all ages and backgrounds reminds us of the generosity of Christian life.
And there is Gratitude. It warms our hearts to hear so much appreciation for our time and for simply being in New Orleans, a city largely dependent on tourism for its very viability. From the cab drivers to the clergy to Miss J. herself, who can finally move back HOME. A long, painful journey; only 30 feet from trailer to front door, but two years in the making.
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