Mountain E-Messenger
September 2011
September 2011
Goodnight and Goodbye Irene!
As most of you know, the town of Wilmington was devastated by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. The Deerfield River rose to record highs and destroyed most businesses and other property in the center of town. Routes 100 and 9 have both been closed since the storm, and many secondary roads are washed out, leaving the majority of residents stranded.
St. Mary’s suffered some flood damage with wet rugs and floors. The crawl space under the church took the brunt of the flowing water and it will need to be assessed for the amount of damage it incurred. Sewer and water services have been out but should be restored in the next couple of days.
The regular Sunday Service will take place at St. Mary’s on September 4th at 10:30am.
Please keep everyone affected by the storm in your prayers. Especially those who lost their businesses, property and their lives.
The Bible says there will be earthquakes and floods (we’ve had both in the past two weeks), but God has promised to never leave our side through all the events in our lives. Prayers for safety and healing in the coming months.
Blessings, Laura Hunter
DV Food Pantry!
The Deerfield Valley Food Pantry at 7 Church St. in Wilmington, is up and running! They will be open all day for the next few days. Donated items may be dropped off, and food is available for those in need. Sept., Oct. are St. Mary’s months to volunteer.
New Diocesan Website launched in June
The Diocese of Vermont has unveiled it’s new website at www.diovermont.org. The old site is still up and running as the new site is being added to over the next few months. The new site is very user friendly and even includes an Online Community that you can join and participate in. This is a valuable resource during this time of devastation due to the flooding.
St. Mary’s has it’s own page on the site where you can join and post upcoming events or news. Please visit the new site and explore!
Need Help?
St. Mary’s Pastoral Care team is available to help out with many needs in the wake of the devastating floods. The team can help with obtaining supplies if you are stranded, coordinate relief work for your property, bring communion if you are unable to get to church, or just an ear to listen. We understand that this is a very emotional time for people and each of us will deal with it in different ways. To contact St. Mary’s Pastoral Care Team please call:
Laura Hunter 464-7728
Betsy McEwen 464-3979
Judith Louderback 464-7569
Diocesan Flooding Update
Many churches and communities across Vermont were also deeply affected by Irene. Please keep in your prayers…Gethsemane, Proctorsville – they lost an entire building that housed their parish hall and kitchen, and they sustained major damage to their church building and the surrounding community. St. John’s, Randolph – Many people are stranded due to so many washed out roads and a main road, Rt. 107, is impassable. St. James, Woodstock – they are currently without water or sanitary facilities. For a full list of updates on Episcopal churches in VT visit www.diovermont.org.
Please pray for all who have been affected by the floods and all those providing aid, assistance, and relief.
