Disaster Response

 

So we do not lose heart.  For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  2 Corinthians 4:16 & 5:1

 

Church Office (256) 721-0041 - Hours 8-12

 

Messiah Lutheran Church serves the area of Madison County, Alabama.  Madison  County was deeply affected by the tornados of April 27, 2011 that swept across much of Alabama and surrounding states.  

The purpose of this page is to provide news and information and to help coordinate Messiah’s response to the disaster.  If you would like additional information not found on this page or would like to post a message, please contact the Church Office at (256) 721-0041.  You can also stop by the Church office which will be open 8 AM - 12:00 Noon.

 

Incarnation Lutheran Church will be in need of assistance as their new building was damaged.  We well let you know when the needs are made known.  They will be worshipping with the Ford's Chapel Methodist Church at this time.

 

On Monday, May 2nd the Youth assembled Health Kits for Lutheran Disaster Response.

 

Ways to Help -

 

• Donations for the Tornado Relief are being accepted.  Boxes are labeled and are in the Narthex. Current needs:  Toiletries, Underwear, Socks & Diapers (both adult & children), Linens, Batteries & Flashlights.
• Any Non- Perishable items  (esp, pop tab foods, canned meats) can be brought to the church or to the North Alabama Food Pantry
• Check the church directory for other families who may have been affected to see if they are okay
• Let the Church office (know if you need assistance or if you can provide any assistance to others
• Report to one of these areas to get ID bracelets to access devastated areas:
• Monrovia Community Center - 254 Allen Drake Drive Harvest AL (Off Jeff between Nick Davis and Kelly Spring Road)
• Harvest Youth Center - Lockhart Road - Harvest AL (Between Old Railroad Bed Road and Yarborough Road - North of Nick Davis Road)
• First Baptist Church - 600 Governors Drive Huntsville AL
• For more volunteer opportunities, please visit the Madison County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD).  http://www.mcvoad.com/
• Harvest Youth Center Meal Volunteer Schedule - Jenella Lymon
• Harvest Youth Club is trying to establish an "Adopt-A-Family Program"  contact:  Susann Gardner

 

Financial Donations - Several members of the congregation have inquired about where to provide financial assistance to victims of this disaster.  We recommend using caution and asking hard questions from anyone who requests financial assistance from you.  At this time we are recommending the following agencies if you would like to make a financial donation.

 

• The Salvation Army  
• ELCA Disaster Response
• American Red Cross - Madison County Chapter

 

 

Messiah's FEMA Form Brigade

 

Volunteers from the community congregations  in cooperation with InterFaith Mission Service (IMS) and FEMA are canvassing the tornado ravaged areas in our community to assist and encourage those affected to register with FEMA.  Messiah is working in cooperation with All Saints Lutheran, Eagle's Nest Ministries and Progressive Union Baptist in the Ford's Chapel/Wall Triana/ Stoval area of Harvest.  We have identified 200-300 homes in this area that have damage.  In addition to going door-to-door, we will also be hosting "Help Centers" at locations near this area where residents can come in for help with the FEMA process.  If you are interested in helping with this endeavor please contact Kay Spence, our area coordinator.  Training is provided and you can work as much or as little as you want. =)  The deadline for FEMA registration is June 27.

 

 

CHAINSAWS NEEDED  JUNE 11

 

The United Way is hosting a clean-up blitz on June 11 and are in desparate need of persons who will donate their chainsaw help.  There are about 500 volunteers ready to haul limbs to the curb but they need chainsaws to cut up the downed trees.  If you can volunteer some time on Saturday, June 11, please contact Marcie Williams at the United Way (marcie.williams@uwhsv.org or 256-518-8206).  You may also volunteer at www.keepvolunteering.org  or check this site for the latest information on the recovery efforts, volunteer opportunities or needed donations.