DISASTER ASSISTANCE & RESPONSE TEAM (D.A.R.T.)

PROPERTY MINISTRIES TEAM (PMT) ALERT-SEPTEMBER 2008
PMT - A Volunteer Task Force of the Presbytery of Chicago

* * * * IKE FLOODING DAMAGE - ALL CHURCHES APPEAL * * * *

Two sister churches of the Presbytery have sustained severe damage from the Ike rains of two weeks ago. Both churches struggle to make ends meet and would appreciate donations and hand-me-downs from other churches of appliances in good condition being replaced.

First Presbyterian Church, 3545 McCormick Avenue, Brookfield
Contact: Stated Supply, Rev. Caryle Wilkie, revcaryle@sbcglobal.net; cell: 630-991-0743

Sump pumps failed, the basement (fellowship hall, kitchen, storage rooms, mechanical rooms) filled with sewerage-laden water to a height of 4'-0" destroying all the contents, equipment and Appliances. Commercial clean-out - power-washing ("Restoration") and repairs have begun. Items particularly needed: Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, dish-washer, stove, sinks, cabinets), choir robes and other items.

Glenview Presbyterian Church, 3030 Central Road, Glenview
Contact: Elder Don Sweeney, dsweeney@dlsemc.com, home: 847-724-3944, cell: 847-644-5552

Sump pumps failed, the site became a lake (see photo above) under 10" of rain overflowing into the church basement (fellowship, kitchen, storage, mechanical) and manse basement (pastor's office, family closets, washer, dryer) destroying all contentsx. Manse water heater and washer-dryer have been replaced, the basement completely gutted; church basement has been emptied of furniture and appliances and is clean.

Items particularly needed: 2 refrigerators, one electric stove, 6 storage cabinets (2 doors w/shelves), folding chairs (100), couches and easy chairs

CONTACT US IF YOU SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT
AUG. OR SEPT. WATER DAMAGE DURING MAJOR STORMS
RE: DENOMINATION DISASTER HELP:

bhutchins@chicagopresbytery.org ;
PoC Fax: 312-243-8409, Home tel 773-348-6216

-September 29, 2008

D.A.R.T. UPDATE - CHICAGO PRESBYTERY DISASTER NEEDS

IKE STRIKES CHICAGO

Congregations in our presbytery have become well versed in disaster response. Since Katrina, the generosity of resources, talent and time have made a difference around the world, in the Gulf States and, most recently, in the mid-west and the state of Iowa.

Now Chicago-area churches have been hit by the most recent storms. You can help. Make a phone call. Offer a gift of time. Find out what is needed.

In Indiana in Wabash Valley Presbytery there was also a great deal of flooding. To assist there contact Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster by phone ( 219 - 838 - 0702) or by email.

Affected Churches
Several Presbytery of Chicago churches have been in contact with the Presbytery. We have confirmed that flooding damaged First Presbyterian Church, Brookfield, and both the church building and the manse at Glenview Presbyterian Church. Heavy rains and wind severely damaged roofs at First Presbyterian Church, Chicago Heights and at Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, Chicago. We also had good news that Community Presbyterian Church, North Riverside had not flooded as previously reported.

If other churches have also sustained storm-caused damage, please inform the presbytery office by contacting Adele Hensley. Her phone is 312-243-8300 ext. 1316, or click on her name to send an email. Adele will forward your message to those facilitating the presbytery's response. They will contact affected churches.

Presbytery of Chicago Churches Respond
The Riverside Presbyterian Church is asking for and organizing volunteers to help people in this area who received extensive flood damage. They are looking for people who can haul debris, gut or haul away sand bags. Help is needed immediately. Contact person - Mary Koons 708-268-4614 (leave a message).

First Presbyterian Church, Homewood reached out last weekend across Presbytery and State lines to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Munster, IN.

Westminster has been distributing emergency aid to people affected by the flooding. First Presbyterian talked to Westminster over the weekend to learn what would be helpful. Monday, they took a van load of cleaning supplies to Westminster.

Contacts
Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, Chicago: Rev. Magdalena Garcia 773 - 281-8172
Glenview Presbyterian Church: Rev. Randy Bandy 847-998-5580

Please remember these Presbyterian sisters and brothers in your prayers during what is for them a very stressful and costly interruption in their ministries.

Learning Opportunity Around the Corner:

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Good websites to visit are:

• www.72hours.org
• www.palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/disasters
• www.sba.gov/beawareandprepare
• www.ifrc.org
• www.getreadygear.com/disaster_prep