Dear Friends in Christ,

While we are all feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the loss of life and homes in those countries hit last weekend by the Tsunami, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been an important part of coordinating and supporting relief efforts half a world away.  The greatest need right now is for money, and we can offer three ways to give locally and immediately to help our brothers and sisters in this time of tremendous need.

You may go to www.thepresbytery.org, and click on the Tsunami Relief link where you will be given choices and instructions for giving by check or credit card.

You may go directly to http://www.thepresbytery.org/Ecommerce.html to give via the presbytery's secure credit card server.

You may go directly to http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/asia/earthquake-1204.htm to give via the PC(USA)'s web site.  Right now, that site is working pretty slowly as there is an incredible outpouring of support from Presbyterians throughout the nation, so the National Capital Presbytery site is a quicker way of giving.

As is always the case, our prayers are the greatest gift we can offer -- prayers for those feeling the crush of the Tsunami itself and prayers for those who are giving of themselves in the relief effort.

Our prayer is that you and your congregation will give of yourselves in whatever ways you can during this time of crisis.  And in the midst of it all, may you know the peace that only comes through faith in God and trust in the presence of the Holy Spirit whatever the circumstance. 

Shalom.