Dealing with Disaster

The first thing I learned when fires started burning out of control in San Diego County is how concerned you all are for one another’s welfare. Telephone and email inquiries about members being evacuated, trips to the church with offers to help as needed, and willingness to house displaced members of the church family were the signs that you were in one another’s thoughts and prayers.

I was proud of the police, fire-fighters and other emergency personnel among us I knew to be out on duty. Our own church secretary, Aimee K., spent seven days of the fire working to evacuate large animals from danger areas. Mark B. provided technological support and attentiveness to make sure all emails to the church were received and reviewed, and phone calls were properly routed. He created a special area of our web site where members of the church could exchange information.

Christina and I spent many hours listening to the radio and checking in with friends. I imagine you all were doing the same. Sources of reliable news were extremely valuable. The universal impulses seemed to be to get in touch with loved ones AND to find some way to help those who were in need. I was grateful for the ability to pray, knowing that God can use our prayers for good.

As the week wore on, I gradually became aware that our homeless neighbors were “out of the loop” in some significant ways. They do not have the same easy access to radio, television, and the Internet that those of us with homes and places of business have. They do not have any place to go to get away from the unhealthy air. They are not necessarily welcome at evacuation centers, as at least one man discovered when he tried to go to Fiesta Island in an attempt to make contact with friends from Ramona. Before the fires started, the city had not been able to agree upon a place for a winter shelter for the homeless. Now, with a full-scale disaster underway, I wonder what will become of that discussion.

Many of you know that PB UMC recently created a task force to plan and prepare for crises, emergencies, and disasters. The current experience may well help focus our thoughts. What might our ministry to the community usefully be in times such as these? Function as a daytime “drop in” center for the neighborhood? Staff and keep the chapel open for prayer? Serve as a collection center for donations? And what level of communication between and about members of our community would be most helpful and appropriate? Should we create an “in case of emergency” email list? Would inclusion be automatic, if the church has your email address, or would it require that you sign up to be included? I am glad we have at least begun the process of planning ahead for next time.

Even through unsettling days, the church continues its rhythm of worship, outreach, and care. Our Tuesday night dental clinic and Wednesday Night Ministry took place as scheduled. Some of the usual volunteers and staff could not make it, but others stepped in. The Tuesday night Bible study group gathered to listen for God’s word. The choir met on Thursday evening to sing together, and rehearsals for our special Christmas presentations went forward in the faith that we will celebrate and give thanks for Christ’s birth with new appreciation this year. When we gathered for worship, we felt it was truly a time to remember that we are all “leaning on the everlasting arms.”

God’s peace be with you,

Pastor April

P.S. According to the city and county, home phones are automatically included in the emergency phone notification system. If you would like to register your cell phone for the Reverse 911 system, please go to http://www.sandiego.gov/ohs/reverse911.

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