Diocese of Missouri Feels the Impact of Historic Rain

At least six churches in The Diocese of Missouri are dealing with damage from the massive rainstorms that hit the St. Louis area on July 26.

Storms dumped 9-13 inches of rain in some areas of our diocese in a 24-hour period -- more than has ever been recorded in one day. More rain is forecast throughout the week.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Florissant, Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur, St. John's in Tower Grove, The Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton, and Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Charles have reported leaks, standing water in basements, and damaged carpets. Our Grace Hill property and Deaconess Anne House in North St. Louis also reported light water damage.

We have been in contact with leaders at Camp Phoenix near Nashville, IL, and are happy to report campers and staff weathered the storm without incident.

If other churches are experiencing problems, please contact the Rev. Canon Whitney Rice in the Diocesan Office. If you need to file an insurance claim, contact Church Pension Group directly.

Janet Thompson from Calvary Episcopal Church in Columbia and the Rev. Dr. Maria Evans from Trinity Episcopal Church in Hannibal serve as our Diocesan Emergency Response Coordinators. Janet has this advice for any of our parishes who need help during a flood or any natural disaster, "They should reach out to their local disaster relief organizations — these may be regional, county-based, or more local — depending on the jurisdiction. If they are in an ongoing emergency, 911 and their Office of Emergency Management are basic allies."

Janet and Maria add that anyone who would like to help others during a natural disaster should consider donating to their local Red Cross chapter. It's better to donate to established organizations than to try to get involved on an individual basis, where you might disrupt the orderly distribution of resources.

We urge everyone in the Diocese to be cautious during this time and offer prayers for those suffering from the storms:

Holy One, you are our comfort and strength
in times of sudden disaster, crisis or chaos.
Surround us now with your grace and peace
through storm or earthquake, fire or flood.

By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen,
sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild,
and fill us with the hope of your new creation;
through you, our rock and redeemer.

– Jesuit Prayer