Before I leave for the day, I want to let you know that almost $6,000 has been contributed to Tsunami Relief via the NCP web site.  In addition, we have received a number of checks today and know that many congregations took special offering yesterday.  As always, your generosity is staggering.

We are also aware that in many of our churches there are families and friends of people living or who have perished in the devastated areas.  The full resources of the presbytery are available to them and to you as you minister to them.  We have access to counselors trained to work with those reeling under the enormity of their loss.  And, of course, we would welcome the opportunity to pray for individuals or families by name if you are able to share them with us.

In an earlier email, I shared the goal of assembling 2,500 Health Kits by January 24 to replenish the completely depleted supply that Church World Service has already sent.  If your congregation is taking action or initiating a special project in response to the disaster, we'd like to share your story via the Presbytery Connector.  Because the next edition is this month, we need to know your story this week if we are to include it.  Please email it and any photos you might have to me.  Sorry that the deadline is so close.

This is a time when we, in the face of feeling so disconnected from our brothers and sisters so far away,  can be connected through our faith and our connectional church -- connected in love, caring, support, and trust in God's everlasting and ever-present love.