In 2011, Memorial Day weekend was preceded by massive storms and flooding that killed hundreds and left thousands homeless, unemployed and bereft of hope.  The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, General Minister and President of the UCC, issued a pastoral letter in response to the disaster. It included information on the $250,000 Spring Storms Appeal, an initial $10,000 donation from One Great Hour of Sharing to assist in relief and recovery efforts, and a call to congregations asking them to assist in assembling Church World Service's hygiene and clean-up kits. "In the face of the hopelessness and helplessness that disasters like this often cause, let us be reminded that God has called us into the church to be servants in the service of the whole human family," the letter stated. "I am sure that our prayers, our generosity of treasure and time, will serve as a reminder to those who suffer now, that they have not been forgotten and that they are not alone in these difficult days. Indeed we are with them and more importantly, God is with them."

Lectionary Citations
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Joel 2:18-29
1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Memorial Day