Through Fire and Flood: Recovering from Natural Disaster
How do you lead a congregation or a community in the wake of natural disaster?
This question has always been relevant for church leaders to wrestle with, from theodicy and loss of life, to property damage and insurance claims. Climate change is making this question all the more common.
In Isaiah, God says to a people well-acquainted with disaster, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned” (43:2).
Today we hear from three Episcopal leaders whose churches have recently passed through fire and flood. Where did they see, even in the moment, God’s hand at work? What did they learn from the experience? What wisdom would they share with other church leaders like you?
We’ll hear three stories today of Episcopal parishes and natural disaster, including:
- Practical tips for parishes, ex. how to communicate if cell service goes out, ways to build preparedness.
- How preaching and pastoral care are shaped, even years later.
- The strange gift of insufficiency as a priest.
- The surprises of God’s presence in chaos, relief efforts, and the long road of recovery.
Our guests include:
- The Rev. Kelsey Davis, Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and vicar at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Asheville
- The Rev. Bryan Owen, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- The Rev. Bert Baetz, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kerrville, Texas
For our bonus chat, how do we experience God’s provision, not only in extraordinary events but in the day-to-day? Jerusalem Greer joins us to share about a book she reviewed for us, Food Theology: Nourishing Faith in Local Communities. We chat about the age-old Christian calling to share God’s love through food, and end with her best recipe for bread pudding.
Jerusalem is Co-Executive Director and Agrarian Minister at Procter Camp & Conference Center in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
From this episode
Learn more about becoming a Living Church Partner
Episcopal Relief and Development
Donate to St. Luke's building fund
Donate to St. Peter's flood relief ministries
Donate to Western NC disaster resiliency
From the bonus
Procter Center and farm (where Jerusalem works)
Jerusalem's savory bread pudding recipe
From TLC magazine
Louisiana Parish to Rebuild After Devastating Fire
Hurricane Batters Churches Across the Southeast
Anglican Priest and Funeral Director Reflects on Texas Flooding
Texas Hill Country Parish Offers Support for the Long Haul
The Gospel and Real Stomachs (Jerusalem's book review)
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