Grace Cathedral

October 10, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Over the last few nights we have been kept awake by the sharp smell of smoke in the air and with worries for family, friends, neighbors and strangers suffering as a result of wildfires here in Northern California. This has brought back painful memories for some of the Oakland Hills fire and other disasters. We feel grateful for firefighters, healthcare professionals and others who are helping.

Please join us for a special Evensong on Thursday, October 12 at 5:15 p.m. with prayers and a sermon all focused on the losses and destruction that this fire has caused.

As far as we have been able to discover all our cathedral friends in the affected areas are safe. We are deeply thankful for this good news in the midst of so much sadness. If you know of a pastoral situation that our staff needs to address please contact us.

Our friend, the Bishop of Northern California Barry Beisner suggests sending monetary donations to his Discretionary Fund, or directly to the Church of the Incarnation, Santa Rosa, which is currently receiving evacuees.”Please, no clothing, etc. until needs are more carefully assessed. I am grateful for your concern,” he said.

Episcopal Relief and Development is in close touch with the Diocese of Northern California and will be updating its plans shortly. In the meantime, please consider the volunteer and donation requests posted here.

Please continue to pray for all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods and for all those who continue to battle the flames.

With love,
Malcolm and Ellen

The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, Dean of Grace Cathedral

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Clark-King, Executive Pastor and Canon for Social Justice