Serve the world, especially the poor and those in need

​This has been a tough winter. Many congregations have had to cancel services on one or more Sundays. We Live in hope that the higher than normal snowpack will lead to good harvest and provide relief from last summer’s fire season.
 
As you know, people living in isolation and in poverty have been adversely affected by the snow. They are running out of food and fuel. Some of you may have read of the needs on the Blackfeet Reservation. Our full communion partners, the United Methodists, have provided a grant and are coordinating response.
 
The Montana Synod is working to provide food and firewood to the Northern Cheyenne. We have sent a semi of food, enough to feed 600 families for 5 days.  We need to raise $5000 to pay for the food and transportation. When Montana was on fire last summer, other synods sent us disaster assistance. Now we need to ask you, the congregations of the Synod, to reach into your pockets and help our Northern Cheyenne neighbors.
 
Why the Northern Cheyenne, you may ask? Dick Deschamps, our Montana Synod Disaster Coordinator, has access to information on all the disaster areas in the state, and where the greatest need is. The greatest need, with the fewest resources is the Northern Cheyenne. Please read his report, immediately below.
 
I ask you to keep the Northern Cheyenne and all others experiencing hunger and deprivation in prayer. And I ask you to open your hearts and your wallets to help the Northern Cheyenne now.  Please send checks to the Montana Synod and write “disaster” on the memo.
 
Thank you for your generosity. 
 
Jessica Crist, Bishop