Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
One week ago, we watched helplessly as Helene made landfall in the Gulf and barreled into the valleys of Western North Carolina. Homes and livelihoods, years of hard work, lifetimes of memories… all washed away in hours.
Yet in the aftermath of the destruction, God’s presence prevails.
In Boone, a preschool opened its doors for families of first responders. In Morganton, a multi-purpose center became the site of a Red Cross emergency shelter. In Sparta, a congregation welcomed the community for hot meals prepared by local restaurants.
Churches across the Western North Carolina Conference stepped forward to serve as collection centers for supplies that will be rushed to areas of greatest impact.
We want you to know that the staff and leadership of the Foundation stand with you. We are prepared to walk this journey with you in the months ahead. Through God’s grace and the strength of our Connection, we will find the way toward brighter days.
For now, we’d like to share three elements of our initial response:
These efforts represent the start of a long-term undertaking. Please know that we will find more ways to be of assistance, financially or otherwise. This is how we fulfill our mission to build the Church for generations to come and live out John Wesley’s rule to do all the good we can.
With prayers for your safety and gratitude to be on the journey with you,
Board gives thanks for leadership, growth and fruitful ministry
There was a special tribute for outgoing board chair Anne Martin, whose steadying presence proved invaluable as the Foundation navigated post-pandemic recovery, disaffiliation and accompanying challenges.
Balanced approach protects, grows your investment dollars
We are committed to maintaining discipline, balance, and, most importantly, a long-term focus in the decisions we make on your behalf.
The response continues: Lifting up our neighbors after Helene
As Western North Carolina moves toward the recovery stage, the Foundation is walking alongside partners – ensuring they have resources to fulfill God’s promise of deliverance.
