Putting our heads together

I just finished meeting with several staff members and some members of the Church Council. We put our heads together to make sure we were focused as the storm approaches and our guests arrive in the surrounding area. Our goal was to look for ways in which our efforts could could be aligned with our particular facilities and abilities in order to meet needs in the most effective way. There are three areas of concern that will affect our response; 1) the needs of the guests in the shelters and the volunteer opportunities offered by the various agencies, 2) The location of landfall and the intensity of the damage, and 3) the potentially damaging weather that could reach Shreveport. This weekend in worship, will be offering opportunities for people to sign up on different teams, each with a particular ministry focus. The teams will include hospitality/food, transportation (delivery of supplies), local storm damage work team, coastal storm damage work team, communication/coordination/administration. There may be other areas in which people would like to serve so we will invite people to share particular interests, gifts, or interests to provide that information as well. Gathering this information will allow us to respond quickly. Our hope is to maintain an updated website of volunteer opportunities and needs for our use as well as for use by other congregations.