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Restoring Hope After Hurricane Helene: How You Can Help St. Alban’s Rebuild
1. The Damage Caused by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene’s powerful storm surge overwhelmed our sandbags and caused extensive damage to our beloved church, offices, classrooms, and preschool. The force of the water left many areas uninhabitable and in dire need of repair. As you can see from the pictures and video below, the damage is significant. Yet, even amidst the destruction, we are filled with hope, knowing that God is with us during this time of trial. *"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."* (Psalm 34:18)
2. What Can We Do About It?
Many of you have generously asked how you can help our church rebuild. One of the most impactful ways you can contribute is by giving! While we are working with our insurance claims, there are still immediate needs—such as school supplies for the preschool’s new location—that must be addressed.
To contribute to our efforts, please visit onrealm.org/stalbans/-/form/give/now (When you arrive at the giving page, click on the box that says “fund” then choose “Hurricane Relief” from the drop-down menu. If you prefer to send a check, you can mail it to:
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
C/O Scott Roeder
781 Oleander Way S
South Pasadena. FL 33707
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."* (2 Corinthians 9:7)
We have already begun taking steps toward restoration. Our church insurance has given us the green light to start repairs, and trucks and vans are already on site, drying out the rooms and preparing the building for the months of repair work ahead. While we have much work to do, we are not without help or hope.
3. We Found a Place to Worship!
We are thrilled to announce that we will be holding services at **St. Augustine's Church**, located at **2920 26th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712-3328**. We are deeply grateful to Father Robert Crow and the entire vestry for welcoming us into their spiritual home. This is truly a blessing from God, as we are also doubly blessed that our preschool has found a temporary home. More details on that are coming soon!
*"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"* (Psalm 133:1)
4. Prayer Needs
Our community has faced significant challenges since the storm, and many of our parishioners and neighbors need prayer. Below is a list of some of the prayer needs that have arisen. Please notify us if there are any additional requests.
- For all the families affected by the storm, for strength and perseverance during this time of recovery.
Above all, we ask you to **pray without ceasing** for our community, knowing that God hears and answers prayer. As it is written, *"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."* (James 5:16)
Prayer
Almighty God, giver of every good gift, we ask for your help and strength as we rebuild after the storm. Watch over those who have suffered loss and guide us as we serve one another in love. Bless the work of our hands and restore what has been broken. In your mercy, heal our hearts and homes, and grant us peace. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We will continue to update the website as we receive more news. Thank you for all you have done to keep us going, and may God bless each of you.
In Christ's love,
Father Omar Reyes
Priest-in-Charge, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
Restoring Hope After Hurricane Helene: How You Can Help St. Alban’s Rebuild
1. The Damage Caused by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene’s powerful storm surge overwhelmed our sandbags and caused extensive damage to our beloved church, offices, classrooms, and preschool. The force of the water left many areas uninhabitable and in dire need of repair. As you can see from the pictures and video below, the damage is significant. Yet, even amidst the destruction, we are filled with hope, knowing that God is with us during this time of trial. *"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."* (Psalm 34:18)
2. What Can We Do About It?
Many of you have generously asked how you can help our church rebuild. One of the most impactful ways you can contribute is by giving! While we are working with our insurance claims, there are still immediate needs—such as school supplies for the preschool’s new location—that must be addressed.
To contribute to our efforts, please visit onrealm.org/stalbans/-/form/give/now (When you arrive at the giving page, click on the box that says “fund” then choose “Hurricane Relief” from the drop-down menu. If you prefer to send a check, you can mail it to:
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
C/O Scott Roeder
781 Oleander Way S
South Pasadena. FL 33707
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."* (2 Corinthians 9:7)
We have already begun taking steps toward restoration. Our church insurance has given us the green light to start repairs, and trucks and vans are already on site, drying out the rooms and preparing the building for the months of repair work ahead. While we have much work to do, we are not without help or hope.
3. We Found a Place to Worship!
We are thrilled to announce that we will be holding services at **St. Augustine's Church**, located at **2920 26th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712-3328**. We are deeply grateful to Father Robert Crow and the entire vestry for welcoming us into their spiritual home. This is truly a blessing from God, as we are also doubly blessed that our preschool has found a temporary home. More details on that are coming soon!
*"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"* (Psalm 133:1)
4. Prayer Needs
Our community has faced significant challenges since the storm, and many of our parishioners and neighbors need prayer. Below is a list of some of the prayer needs that have arisen. Please notify us if there are any additional requests.
- For all the families affected by the storm, for strength and perseverance during this time of recovery.
Above all, we ask you to **pray without ceasing** for our community, knowing that God hears and answers prayer. As it is written, *"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."* (James 5:16)
Prayer
Almighty God, giver of every good gift, we ask for your help and strength as we rebuild after the storm. Watch over those who have suffered loss and guide us as we serve one another in love. Bless the work of our hands and restore what has been broken. In your mercy, heal our hearts and homes, and grant us peace. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We will continue to update the website as we receive more news. Thank you for all you have done to keep us going, and may God bless each of you.
In Christ's love,
Father Omar Reyes
Priest-in-Charge, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church