Friday Greetings - February 10

SUNDAY SERMON

Every day, we say "Yes" to some things and "No" to others. What should we affirm? What should we agree to be and do? What is the most important thing to which we can say "Yes"? Preaching from Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and John 10:10, Pastor Spivey will talk about our priorities this coming Sunday.

EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY AND SYRIA

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey at 4:17 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, the most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939. In the hours that followed, at least 78 aftershocks were reported, followed by a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude. As of Friday morning, the death toll is 21,000 people, with that number expected to rise.

The earthquake also heavily impacted northwest Syria, where 4.1 million people depend on humanitarian assistance. The majority are women and children. At this time, Syrian communities are simultaneously facing an ongoing cholera outbreak and extreme winter weather events, including heavy rain and snow. The humanitarian response is overstretched due to the devastation and cold weather.

UMCOR has released an initial solidarity grant to a longstanding humanitarian partner, International Blue Crescent (IBC), which has offices in Turkey. The grant will provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready to eat meals and basic first aid kits.

Please help those affected by this disaster.

You may donate online directly to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/.

You may also write a check to Centenary and write “UMCOR Earthquake Relief.” All money collected by UMCOR goes directly to helping those in need.

Thank you for your kind generosity.

Pastor Vann