The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene ...

“United We Stand”

Part 2 of Southern Conference visit with UCC General Minister and President

By Rev. Belinda Sledge

The Southern Conference United Church of Christ has been said to be the most diverse Conference in the United Church of Christ when it comes to theology. But, one thing we can agree on is uniting in times of need, particularly during times where our areas have been affected by natural disasters. We unified around Hurricane Matthew, carrying goods to the affected areas and standing together for those affected by Hurricane Helene has been no different.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane unleashing devastation across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Unfortunately, it also hit Western North Carolina which includes Southern Conference churches and clergy in the Asheville area and our Johns River Valley Camp.

When the world knew Helene was coming, the Southern Conference Disaster Coordinator, Rev. Eddie Weathers and our Spiritual Care Coordinator, Rev. Rob Edwards were put into action under the direction of Rev. Edward Davis (D.Min.), Southern Conference Minister. And, the Southern Conference has not stopped caring for those affected in our Southern Conference area, from phone calls, to visits, to obtaining financial assistance from our affiliated ministries sent to the National Setting, to aid in assisting those in need, to assistance being sent directly to clergy affected by the UCC Pension Boards. The UCC Insurance Board has been standing in the gap as well to assist with getting the claims process started as quickly as possible.

Hurricane Helene affected the Western North Carolina area and Johns River Valley Camp so greatly that Rev. Davis realized this type of disaster called for a team of people which involved leaders from our Conference as well as the National Setting. There have been numerous Conference calls and brainstorming on how to care for our churches, Johns River Valley Camp and clergy most affected. Rev. Davis traveled all the way to Cleveland where our General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ resides -- Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson (D.Min.) -- to speak to her about the devastation and to make an appeal for her to come see for herself. He realized this was a time that leaders must not only lead but stand in solidarity with those most affected by such devastation.

On October 23, our General Minister and President took Rev. Davis up on his offer and came to visit the Southern Conference devastated areas along with two of the National disaster staff members. This world wind day tour began with Rev. Davis picking them up in Charlotte, then traveling to Johns River, Asheville and back to catch their plane in Charlotte on that night.  

What she and her staff witnessed was not only devastated areas but many stories that were told about the crisis, how it had turned people’s worlds upside down, the pain and suffering that had been endured and the look of what do we do now on each of those in attendance faces. As General Minister and President Rev. Thompson had us pause for a moment of silence after which she clearly hurt for what she had heard and witnessed, she admonished those present to take care of themselves. She talked about her experiences in disaster work and that when these things occur, it is not easy. Rev. Thompson was thankful that Rev. Davis had made the trip to Cleveland to urge her to come and be with the Southern Conference during one of the most trying times, and thanked him for his leadership during this difficult time in ministry. Those who gathered at Johns River Valley Camp and at First Congregational UCC, Asheville, expressed their gratitude for the visit and time to share.

In addition to the many things Rev. Thompson shared, she told us that in her disaster work they always said the one thing not to send is clothing items. Another spokesperson in our group, familiar with the area, stated the one thing that was needed was cash money so that people could get the things they really needed. The warehouses were full of items graciously sent but they have run out of space to store things. 

There have been prayer calls organized for anyone who wants to join, that are not just for clergy. And, the “United We Stand” will continue to be in place for as long as needed. It was said by our National Disaster Team, “it is in the days to come when our help will be needed most and we are here for the long haul.”  

It is my fervent prayer, that in the days to come, the Southern Conference United Church of Christ will continue to do what we are called to do and do best, “Unite Together.” Particularly, [we will minister, one unto another] during the times of natural disasters under, not only the leadership of the Southern Conference Minister but with the help of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ as well!