News and Stories of Recovery
Here you'll find news and updates on what's happening in the Presbytery of WNC along with stories and highlights of the recovery and resilience of our great mountain communities, congregations, and the work of many volunteers.
March 17th:
PDA Host Sites Open for Scheduling
Over the last few months, three of our churches have been working hard with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to assess, discern, and plan for becoming PDA ‘host sites’ for volunteer teams from around the country. And as of this week, we are now scheduling volunteer teams for May and beyond!
For more details and to schedule your own team, or to share this news with others, click over to our 'Volunteer' page.
March 17th:
Green Mountain Presbyterian Church: Stories of Recovery and Hope
Episode One of 'Stories of Recovery and Hope from Green Mountain Presbyterian Church' is now available! Click the image to the right to see a brief YouTube video with the first story.
Green Mountain NC, on the banks of the North Toe River in Yancey County, was hard-hit by Hurricane Helene. Green Mountain Presbyterian Church is in the heart of this small mountain town and, like many other buildings in town, it was heavily damaged. Green Mountain PC is sharing some of the stories of its members and community with us, as they rebuild and heal.
March 19th:
Grants Approved for Recovery Efforts Across the Presbytery
On Tuesday March 18th, a small team of disaster recovery coordinators met to review the grant applications we received from churches across the presbytery. The projects ranged from direct help to neighbors and families, rebuilding efforts, rent assistance, and more.
We're thrilled to be able to say that over $75,000 is on its way out the door to families and communities in need and more stories will be forthcoming here as we share the impact of the MANY generous donations we've received to support recovery in the region.
Another round of funding will be available in July, and more after that as the recovery will continue for many years.
March 5th:
Downloadable Lenten Devotional
Six months after Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, a beautiful devotional has been assembled including reflections from around the presbytery on the themes of lament and hope.
Even if you are reading this after Lent has already passed, please consider clicking and downloading these thoughtful reflections to gain a little more insight into the experiences of Helene from pastors and congregations across the region.
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