Recent Messages from the Bishop's List October 13, 2005 Dear Colleagues in Christ, SIGNS OF HOPE It's Thursday morning and I am in Shreveport for a Centenary College Executive Committee meeting and Board meeting. I thought I might take just a few minutes and dash a communication off to you. It seems like weeks have passed since I last communicated, but it's only been a week! Time is flying much too fast in some ways and much too slowly in others.

Bishop William W. Hutchinson encourages displaced pastors during meeting in the chapel at First UMC, Baton Rouge

When I last wrote I was preparing to go to Crowley for a meeting with the pastors and spouses of the Lake Charles District. That lunch/meeting was a great time of fellowship and encouragement of one
another. The Lake Charles District has been hard hit by Rita. Much destruction and damage is evident as I reported right after the storm. Some churches - Cameron, Grand Chenier, Hackberry, and Warren in particular - have been severely damaged or obliterated. In some cases it will take a total rebuild, and in others it will take extensive repair work to get them back in functioning condition. The only pastor and spouse who have been totally displaced are the Beelers from Cameron and Grand Chenier charge. The Chigamiras, pastors at Warren and District Missioner, have been displaced from their home as well, and Doug Ezell is working with them for adequate housing.

In the Acadiana District the most damage appears to have been done at Dulac and Pecan Island. In the case of Dulac, Kirby and Zoeanna Verrett are secure and Jon Vining, pastor of Pecan Island lives in Abbeville and is fine.

We've met with FEMA and gotten their “take” on the situation we are facing. They too are admittedly overwhelmed. This is a disaster that is much more comprehensive than anything they have dealt with. Everyone I have visited with - from the governmental agencies to the volunteer agencies is making that admission.

This past Friday several others and I made a daylong trip into New Orleans. We finally were able to get to the major flooded areas. It was a devastating sight. I personally have never witnessed such
extensive destruction. There is little life - human or otherwise in major portions of the city. Our church buildings are either demolished, or so damaged that I don't see how they can be easily
repaired. We will face each situation on its own merit and stability, and we will return to ministry in every way possible, but there will be decisions to make about which congregations can remain viable into the future given the adverse circumstances in which many of our churches find themselves.

On Saturday the Conference Center Board in Woodworth met to discuss the Center. Interestingly, because of the many people who are staying there in the aftermath of the storms, this Center is faring well. Isn't it interesting how one disaster can cause the growth of another segment of the economy. The Conference Center has made the decision to move cautiously into the immediate future as far as building needs, etc. However, we will not be able to “shelve” these needs for long as they are vital to the continued ministry of the Conference.

Saturday afternoon we met with Council on Finance and Administration. Most of our meeting was taken with looking at the shortfall of funds we expect this year as a result of lost apportionments. Also we began a serious look at the 2006 budget and what the loss of apportionments will mean to us as we move forward. There are some major adjustments we will have to make and a special committee has been named to bring a report before the first of the year as to what needs to be done. I'll keep you informed as we move into that. In the meantime, please pay your apportionments in full if at all possible. And for those churches in the Hurricane Zone, do the very best you can with the resources you have. We need to keep the Conference stable through all of these trying times.

On a bright note. I preached Sunday at Broadmoor UMC, Baton Rouge, for their 50th Anniversary. It was a great morning, with great attendance, superb music and an exciting spirit. In the midst of all
the disappointing news we are facing, it is such a joy to be in a great celebration of a great church.

On Sunday afternoon there was a gathering of United Methodists from throughout the New Orleans District. Munholland UMC hosted the worship service and meeting and the sanctuary was full. It was a great gathering of our brothers and sisters who have undergone so much. Again, the spirit there was wonderful. Prayer time at the altar was a healing time as well with laity praying for pastors and
pastors praying for laity. I am so humbled to be a part of such a spiritual community that clearly loves and cares for one another in profound ways.

The meeting following the Sunday worship gathering was a good time of sharing questions as well as frustrations. Obviously it is a difficult time for all of us and we are trying to meet the needs of
our surrounding neighborhoods and that is hard to do with some of our limited resources and our limited experience in how to respond to such a comprehensive disaster. Let us all continue to pray for one another as we attempt to be the body of Christ.

I think that will bring you up to date as much as I can at this moment. I need to get on to Centenary and work with the Executive Committee there. I'll be on the computer again in the very near future and continue to update you as best I can.

Meanwhile, please know I continue to pray for each of you daily and I know you are working hard and doing all you can to be the body of Christ. May God's deep blessings strengthen you for the task.

In Christ's love,
Bill

October 4, 2005

Dear Colleagues in Christ,

SIGNS OF HOPE

A week after Rita and five weeks after Katrina. What a time it has been! I didn't know you could cram five years into five weeks. But I've seen it with my own eyes and experienced it with my own soul and body.

Let me just hit some highlights for you that I think it is important for you to know.

1. We were able to have the Baton Rouge District meeting on Monday, September 26. It was a very good meeting and people were just shaking their heads, trying to comprehend what the addition of Rita was going to do to our already overload of concerns and needs. But the spirit was positive and determined. We will be supportive of one another, love one another, work for one another, and uphold one another until we get to the other side. It felt much like I think the Hebrews felt when they were trying to help each other across the parted Red Sea. They knew the waters would close again, but for that moment they needed each other to get across and they did it! We can too.

2. The Lake Charles District pastors and spouses will meet tomorrow, October 5 in Crowley. It will be a similar meeting to the one we had with the New Orleans pastors and spouses following Katrina. We just want to see each other's faces and know all are OK in spite of the destruction and devastation. We'll talk about needs. We'll hear stories of survival. We'll probably cry a little. And we'll worship a lot! I look forward to these precious moments with those who have now been added to those who have experienced being displaced.

Good news. Calcasieu parish has announced a “return home” date for this Friday. While the town of Lake Charles is still hampered, persons are asked to be fairly self contained in their survival skills! But they at least can begin returning home. Others will follow soon.

3. On Monday, October 3, we had a very encouraging meeting in Baton Rouge with Larry Pickens, General Secretary of General Board of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns; Randy Day, Gen. Sec. Of Gen. Bd. Of Global Ministries; Garlinda Burton, Gen. Sec for Commission on Status and Role of Women; Paul Dirdak, UMCOR; Bishop Joel Martinez, Pres. Of GBGM, and Deborah Bass, Assoc. Gen. Sec. Of GBGM and several invited leaders of our Conference. The visit from
these executives of the general church was a pastoral one, letting us know of their deep concern for what has happened in Louisiana and offering their services to us in any way we feel we can use them. I believe this will lead to some significant cooperative work between the Conference and the General Agencies that will lead us forward. As those ways of working together emerge, I will let you know.

I want to quote from Doug Ezell's newsletter to the Lake Charles District, (because he has said it so well!)

“ One thing that came out of this meeting was that churches that have served as shelters should secure FEMA forms for reimbursement.

“Also, it was noted that the Bishop's appeal has received $280,000. Louisiana Methodists have given $40,000 to UMCOR for relief as well. It was announced that UMCOR has already collected $11 million for relief in Hurricane Katrina. A statement of how this and other
monies will be spent will come later…”

“Some suggestions at this meeting that I (Doug Ezell) found helpful were:

          a. The Conference is creating a central place for laity to check in, connect with their pastor and with other laity.
          b. Pastors share devotions on line with each other and their laity
          c. Keep putting our story out to those who can help.
          d. Consider helping people from poverty areas and those who cannot read to complete forms and make connections with federal agencies and other resources.

“As we all know, our country has had a tendency to ignore the poor and disenfranchised at times. These are the forgotten ones. However, UMCOR has led the way in providing affordable housing and will do so again in our situation.

“Bishop Martinez who was at this meeting stated that pastoral care is the first priority and he emphasized the key to this is LISTENING. He added that we need to coordinate our communications and marshal our spiritual resources, as well as our physical resources.”

4. You need to know that the Louisiana Conference has set up our own Distribution Center for our response to the many needs across our area. We have done this in an effort to help reduce the load at
Sager Brown depot and to make our response more efficient. Sager Brown will continue to supply our Distribution Center, but you are being asked to make your needs and requests for supplies known directly to our Center and not to Sager Brown. This direct contact with Sager Brown has caused much confusion we are trying to eliminate.

CALL 337-984-4211 for requests and supplies.

5. I was in Ruston today, October 4, meeting with the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home board and representatives from The Methodist Home for Children in New Orleans. It was an excellent
meeting and one major resolution came from the gathering. The resolution was proposed by The Methodist Home for Children in New Orleans and essentially asked for a study committee to be named by the Louisiana Conference, The Methodist Home for Children and The Louisiana Methodist Children's Home. The task of the committee is to study the feasibility of uniting the two homes under the umbrella of one organization.

I believe this is a study that is sorely needed and now is the time to do it! The committee will be named soon and I will let you know who is on it when it is formed.

6. Upcoming events:
          a. October 9 - COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE for all United Methodists and guests in the New Orleans area.

          Munholland UMC, Metairie, will host a worship event at 3:00 pm on Sunday for all United Methodists and guests in the area. This will be an opportunity to see and share with your brothers and sisters in Christ as the repopulation of the New Orleans area is beginning.

          Kay and I plan to be present, and we hope to see all of you United Methodists there!

          b. CLERGY AND SPOUSE RETREAT - November 30 - December 2 at the Conference Center in Woodworth. This is for all pastors and spouses who have been through the trials of this entire hurricane experience. In fact, ALL pastors and spouses of the Conference are invited to attend. The retreat is coordinated by Carole Cotton Winn and Craig Gilliam and will be led by Ed Wimberley of Atlanta.

Please look for information in Louisiana Now! I also will continue to lift it up for you.

I believe that is enough for this time! I just want to keep you as informed as I can. If I attempted to tell you all that has happened I would be kicked off AOL for abuse of the Computer! However, if there are things you wonder about, are confused about, or just want to talk about, my telephone and office are always open to you. Don't hesitate to call me or drop by.

As I was writing this little email I had a call from my daughter-in-law telling me that Miss Maddie, our little five-year-old granddaughter had a song she wanted to sing for me. When Miss Maddie got on the phone, she sang “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.” It was the perfect ending to a good day.

So, on that note, I'll say good night for this time and will be back to you soon. Please remember my deep love for all of you and know my prayers are offered for you daily. Please keep me in your prayers for strength, wisdom and discernment. It is going to be a long distance run! And I'm glad I'm running it with you.

In Christ's love,
Bill

September 25, 2005

SIGNS OF HOPE

Alas, Rita has come and gone.  And with her appearance and departure she has left damage, destruction, challenge and more displaced persons in her wake.  And the weary and battle-worn, who have been faithfully living out the calling to be the body of Christ, find ourselves called to do more and to do it well.  And I know we will call on the strength and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the loving presence of Jesus, and the omnipotent power of the Creator to guide us through.

This past week was a special one as I traveled through the Shreveport, Monroe and Alexandria districts to talk about our response to Hurricane Katrina and to give thanks for and encouragement to those of you who are on the front lines working hard to meet the multitude of needs spawned by this disaster.  As we (I, Don Cottrill, and Tom Hazelwood of UMCOR) were making our way around,
we were getting hourly updates on the path of the new storm, Rita.  Even as we were singing Blessed Assurance in each stop, Rita was making her way to our shores.

On Thursday we realized Rita was coming ashore somewhere close to Louisiana and that she could be a tremendously deadly storm.  Because of that we cancelled our stops in the Lake Charles and Acadiana districts that were scheduled for Friday.  And we began to prepare our response system as well as our spirits for yet another direct hit by Mother Nature. 

Thankfully, Rita has proven to be less of a catastrophic storm than was originally feared.  However, the damage is great and it will be a major clean up and a major point of ministry for thousands of
families who have been in the path of the storm. 

We have spent today (Sunday) making our way through the lower part of the Lake Charles district, surveying churches and other properties to see what damage has been done.  I am thankful to say that what we saw wasn't disastrous.  There is much wind damage - downed trees and power lines, roof damage, etc.  It will be some days before power is restored and before residents can return, especially in the immediate area of Lake Charles.  Our prayers and loving presence need to be
extended to all these residents as they begin to dig out. We should be ready for work teams to begin their help in the immediate future.  We are working now on getting that information concerning needs together.  Please call the Storm Center (1-877-345-5193) and let your needs be known as well as to volunteer your help.

We were not able to get to certain areas in the Southwest corner of the state.  I understand there is much flooding and many homes with significant water damage.  Also, Dulac Community Center has taken another hard hit with surge and flooding.  Rev. Roger Lathan, District Superintendent of the Acadiana District will be making a tour through all the area south of Lafayette in the next couple of
days. Dr. Doug Ezell will be doing the same throughout Lake Charles District.  We should have better reports when they finish .  So, even though things looked fairly good where we were, there are areas that are harder hit and that will require more long term repair and rebuilding.

In our travels we found Doug, Tamara and Andrew deGraffenried at First UMC, Lake Charles.  They had stayed in the building, ridden out the storm, and were glad to see some United Methodists!  It was great seeing them and knowing they were all right.  We also found Jon and Deborah Vining and their Lake Charles families at home in Abbeville and it was wonderful to know they were all right as well.

Another significant happening this past week was on Wednesday when I gathered with Bishop Hope Ward, Mississippi, and Bishop Larry Goodpaster, Alabama-West Florida, in Jackson, MS.  We had a good discussion about the needs of our three areas and how we can cooperate in gathering needed funds for the response to this common disaster and how we can share in ways to respond.  Our Directors of Connectional Ministries and Disaster Relief Directors, along with Tom Hazelwood of UMCOR, joined us.  It was a productive time that will help us sustain our work for the long-term.  Now we add Bishop Janice Huie, Texas Conference to our list of Hurricane Bishops!

Tomorrow I will resume my District visits by meeting with the Baton Rouge District pastors and laity.  Obviously, the thrust of this meeting will be different than that of those in Shreveport, Monroe
and Alexandria.  Now we must add Rita to our concerns.  While an immense amount has been done, our response to Katrina is in the very beginning phases, and Rita is just beginning as well.  All of it
together will be a mammoth task.

I will keep you informed as we move along.  This response has become all consuming.  I believe we are doing well with it.  The Storm Center is now fully staffed and will be working with you efficiently
as you call in with questions, needs, and response - ability. 

All of our pastors have been temporarily placed in places of service ranging from the Texas Conference, the North Texas Conference, the Oklahoma Conference, and all throughout Louisiana.  While everyone has a place for ministry and housing while they do it, the issue of salary support and benefit support remains critical.  Most of the churches that have assumed our pastors will not be paying salary or benefit support!! I can't stress that enough!  We must continue to pay salaries and benefits for the clergy of our conference through the "Bishop's Appeal - LA Katrina" fund.  Please do not let up on helping us raise the necessary monies to do this.

Well, enough for tonight.  It has been a long day.  It has been a long week.  It has been a long four weeks.  And it will be longer.  I pray that God will give us all the peace that passes understanding
and that we will be given the assurance that we are not alone.  We have been given grace and leadership ability for just such a time as this!  May God bless each of us as we give of our best for the Master and for the people for whom he died. 

In Christ's love,
Bill

September 19, 2005

Dear Colleagues in Christ,

SIGNS OF HOPE

"Now the day is over. Night is falling fast." In fact, night fell some time ago and it is nearing bedtime, but I wanted to get a quick update off to you so you will be "up to date" on what is happening.

The last I wrote we were about to enter a couple days of Cabinet meetings. Those have come and gone and much good came from the meeting. We met first with the entire Mission Cabinet and discussed
our Hurricane Response plan and shared where each of us is in our work in that direction. I am continually overwhelmed by the great work that is going on throughout the church. Everyone seems to have made the decision that they will truly be that disciple Christ called us to be!

The main objective of the Cabinet meeting was to find temporary places of service and residence for the several New Orleans District pastors who have been displaced. I have been "swamped" with offers for places of service - all across the nation. I believe we could almost appoint the entire active clergy force in Louisiana to a new,"temporary" place of service if we utilized all the offers we have
had. Praise be to God for this goodness of the church.

We have been able to work out a placement of EVERY active clergy person. Several of these temporary places will be in Louisiana.  Others will be in surrounding Conferences. We are working right now on the final places and when that is complete we will publish a list of where everyone is serving for the time being. Again, I am so grateful to the churches throughout Louisiana who have made this placement possible. I also am grateful to my fellow Bishops who have opened their Conferences with places of service, housing, and funds to help get a family back on their feet. Truly God is good!

Currently I am in Shreveport where I have been part of the Louisiana Inter-Church Conference officers meeting. This group is working hard on the ecumenical response to Katrina. It is good to work with our sisters and brothers in other communions.

I also met today with two bishops related to Louisiana - William Oden and Alfred Norris - as we began discussing ways the church beyond Louisiana can help with the multitude of needs that have been created. It was an excellent afternoon of sharing thoughts and concerns. The remaining three bishops who are related to Louisiana will join us in future meetings - Ben Oliphint, Woodie Hearn, and Dan Solomon. These bishops have been asked by the officers of the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops to join me to talk through this unprecedented disaster and the needs engendered by it. I've been jokingly referring to us as "The Magnificent Six!" But isn't it great to know that these bishops will lend their expertise, thoughts, and skills to help move us forward into tomorrow and the many areas we will have to address.

On Wednesday of this week I will travel to Jackson, Mississippi and meet with Bishop Hope Ward (Mississippi Area) and Bishop Larry Goodpaster (Alabama/West Florida Area) to discuss how we can all be of help to one another and how we can respond with a unified front. I believe this will be a critical meeting. I'll let you know the outcome of it.

Things are moving so rapidly and changing so quickly that it is hard to keep up. We still are dealing with a moving target, with situations changing daily. It will be a long time before a sense of stability returns to us I am sure. But in the meantime, it is of great strength to know that our God is steady and constant and no matter what we are facing each day, we can rely on God for our strength and vision.

Beginning tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) I will start a series of District meetings to give you information, share time with you and share concerns with you. I look forward to the opportunity to see each of your faces and to worship with you. I pray for you daily and it is of such joy just to be in your presence and share your embrace and love. May God's deep peace be with you - displaced, secure, worried, harried, weary and worn. May God's peace be with you.

I look forward to being with you soon.

In Christ's love,
Bill

September 12, 2005

Dear Colleagues in Christ,

SIGNS OF HOPE

The last few days have unfolded quickly and with tremendous energy. Things are moving rapidly.  Sometimes they are moving so rapidly it seems like a blur.  But let me share with you some wonderful signs of hope.

This past Tuesday, September 6, we experienced one of the most powerful gatherings I have attended in Louisiana.  Many of the displaced New Orleans District clergy gathered in Baton Rouge for
lunch and sharing.  It was a room filled with joyous faces that were tinged with smiles of relief that "the family" was together again.  The sound of laughter and the generous amount of hugs and kisses were signs of great love and affection that was demonstrated for one another.

Following a brief lunch we adjourned to the chapel in First United Methodist Church and began our briefing time together with the singing of two great hymns - "Blessed Assurance" and "Through It
All."  Barbara Murray was at the piano and James Haynes led the singing.  It was truly an outpouring of praise and affirmation for our God and for the safety and care God gives to us.  Those leading had lost "everything", but in my estimation that had retained everything of any importance.  It was a power-filled moment. 

Among the many things we discussed, after hearing from several of the pastors and spouses their stories of how they escaped the storm and what they were now facing, was the fact that all salaries and benefits for every appointed clergy person will be sustained through a grant program from the Louisiana Annual Conference.  No one will have to worry about how they will be paid during these trying days.  At least we could remove that burden from our sisters and brothers.

You may ask, how will the Conference do that?  How will be Conference meet that $1.1 million that will be necessary between now and December 31, 2005?  Here's the basic plan:

1. Every church in Louisiana is being asked to take offerings for the"Bishop's Appeal - LA Katrina".  This fund is being set up in our Conference to meet the immediate needs of our clergy and families.  We have been in conversation with officials from UMCOR and it is at their advice and encouragement we are doing this.  Their belief is that the remainder of the connection will provide the funds necessary to do the relief work that UMCOR helps administer.  They are asking
Louisiana to respond to our own needs through this special fund.  So, when you take your Hurricane Relief offering - and EVERY CHURCH SHOULD TAKE IT!!!! - I am asking that you direct it to "Bishop's Appeal - LA Katrina," and send it to our Conference Office along with you apportionments.  If your church does not wish to participate in this way, then I urge you to respond to the appeal from UMCOR for Hurricane Relief.

2. We are in conversation with other conferences for help in placing some of our displaced clergy that we cannot place ourselves for the time being.  Many of our New Orleans District Clergy will be able to go back to their church - in fact many have already done so.  Others will need to be placed in special appointments for the intervening weeks or months it may take to return to their church and their congregation.  As these placements are made, there will hopefully be some financial support there, thus lessening the burden on the annual conference for salary and benefit support.

3. We also are encouraging "Sister Church" relationships across the connection.  A "Sister Church" is one that partners with one of our affected churches and covenants to a.) Provide some salary support b.) Provide some apportionment payments c.) Help with housing costs for displaced persons, or provide in-kind housing support d.) Provide other needs that develop when the church is able to return to meeting together.

4. There are some funds in the New Orleans District, in the Conference accounts, and in the Louisiana United Methodist Foundation, that might be made available for such support.

5. Other churches, individuals, conferences outside of Louisiana are given the option to donate to the "Bishop's Appeal - LA Katrina". 

We are confident we will be able to raise the needed funds between now and the end of this calendar year.  In the meantime we will be planning for the next steps beyond January 1, 2006.  I know God will provide!!!

On Wednesday and Thursday of last week we had Randy Day, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries; Paul Dirdak, head of UMCOR; Larry Hollon, General Secretary of United Methodist Communications; and "Ciona Rouse, and UMCOM reporter with us to talk
about strategy and need for the upcoming long term.  They traveled with Don Cottrill, Freddie Henderson, Rob Webber, Amy Mercer and myself, along with some Red Cross personnel into Jefferson Parish on Friday.  What we saw and encountered there were some wonderful
survivors!  They came out of houses and apartment dwellings that had been devastated by Katrina to get supplies they needed to continue to exist.  Their stories were full of statements of determination,
faith, and thankfulness.  It was indeed a blessing to help them carry boxes of emergency rations to their cars, their bicycles, and their super-market shopping carts! 

A few of these survivors were really genuine!  They didn't care whose presence they were in and they spoke their minds and their hearts in their own colorful language!  How refreshing.  I'd been in groups that carefully chose their language for several days - these folks were the genuine articles!  They called a spade and spade and they called the plays as they read them.  I felt like I had a better
handle on how the storm affected the "hoi polloi" than I had received up until that point. I guarantee these people will continue to survive!

Today the new Storm Recovery Center was up and running.  It can be reached by phone at 877-345-5193 and 225-346-5193.  The email address is <stormrelief@bellsouth.net>.  We are most fortunate to have Nanci Youngblood as the director of the Center!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 13, the Cabinet will meet to begin making plans for all displaced clergy.  I ask for your devoted prayers for us as we work through this emotional time.  We will do
our very best to match persons with the best possible ministry assignment for them.  This is going to have to be a "creative" time and I ask for your prayerful cooperation and help to make it happen. 
I fully believe this may be one of the most blessed times in the life of our Conference and intend to approach it as such.

ON A TOTALLY DIFFERENT NOTE -

Sunday, September 11 was a great day for Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City.  Their beautiful new sanctuary was consecrated to the glory of God and to the service of the people of that area.  There must have been some 1500 people in the two services in their magnificent new building.  One young woman came forward at the end of the first service to say she felt she was called to give her life to Ordained Ministry.  And at the end of the second service a beautiful family of three came forward to join the church by Profession of Faith.  The music was uplifting, the preaching (Barry Hughes preached) was excellent, and the joy that radiated throughout the building was contagious.  It was a great day! 

So, in the midst of tragedy, and even on the anniversary of a terrorist attack, celebration took place.  Praise be to God.

Enough for now.  Just know I pray for all of you daily and I ask that you pray for me.  Also, please pray for all who must lead in the response to Katrina and in the rebuilding of Southeast Louisiana.  It will take all of us to make it happen - and God will give the strength and the glory.

God bless you.

Bill

September 5, 2005

Dear Colleagues in Christ,

SIGNS OF HOPE

It's been quite a week.  Just to think that last week at this time we were in Woodward, Oklahoma involved in the funeral service for Kay's father, and then in Oklahoma City where he was buried.  All the while we were calling back and forth from Louisiana, trying to determine the intensity and possible destruction of Katrina.  For a while it looked as if we had escaped with major damage, but not devastating damage.  Then the levees began to give way and the flooding began.  It has been a nightmare ever since.

But there are great signs of hope amidst the destruction and debris.  Yesterday Kay and I, Don and Glennell Cottrill and Freddie Henderson made it to two worship services in two New Orleans District churches - Laplace and St. Timothy in Mandeville.  In Laplace we worshipped with about 30 people, some who had ridden out the storm and a few who were “evacuees” to Laplace.  It was an upbeat service with songs of hope, prayers for the people, a message of encouragement from Mark
Bray, pastor, and the service of Holy Communion.  Power was on and life was feeling a little more normal.

In Mandeville we were present for the 11:00 am service and some 21 people were present.  Again, we shared the songs of hope and strength, heard an uplifting message from James Mitchell, pastor, and
participated in Holy Communion.  St. Timothy was without power and had a large tree on the roof, but otherwise looked secure.  There were two young men present who were sent in by Sears to help with
storm recovery. 

I've received many wonderful reports from around the state of churches that had wonderful services yesterday - increased crowds as they have welcomed evacuees into their lives and churches and as they are helping the displaced find some sense of normalcy in the midst of this craziness.  The church is being the church and it is a marvelous affirmation.  We may think there isn't much being done, but I assure you, there are major efforts being made and major accomplishments being met.

Thank God we have had no reports of deaths among the clergy.  I do not know about the laity of our churches and fear their fate may not be as positive.  We are anxious to learn of every lay person and each church as that knowledge is gathered.  Please, keep my office, or the Conference office informed as you have knowledge of any death or of any specific need that people might be facing.

Today I met with a team of financial advisors with the specific intent to address the question we are receiving frequently - that of pastor's salaries and appointments.  Without going into a long detail
on this let me simply say - ALL SALARIES AND BENEFITS WILL BE MET FOR ALL DISPLACED CLERGY.  To do that we will need to fund some $1,100,000 between now and December 31, 2005.  We believe we can do that with your help and that of our brothers and sisters across the connection.

There is a special fund being received by our Conference - the Bishop's Appeal.  Please send ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO KATRINA RELIEF TO THE BISHOP'S APPEAL.  IT SHOULD COME TO THE CONFERENCE OFFICE, WITH THE CHECK MADE TO THE LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, AND MARKED “BISHOP'S APPEAL - KATRINA”.  These funds will be used for the salary support and other emergency needs that we have.  UMCOR is fully supportive of this effort - in fact they encouraged it.  UMCOR says that the remainder of the connection will be able to fund the relief efforts they will need to address disaster relief.  But local needs such as salary support need to come through our funds.  Please pass this word quickly to all who are receiving offerings.

We also talked today of the immediate effects this will have on the Conference Budget.  It is possible we will be at least $500,000 short of the budget strictly because of the inability of the New Orleans
District to pay any further.  Some of those churches will be able to do some - possibly all - but we are preparing for the worst case scenario.

That means that ALL OTHER CHURCHES THROUGHOUT LOUISIANA need to make an extra effort to pay in full all apportionments so that the ministries of the Conference will not suffer. 

AS OF TODAY I AM ASKING THAT NO NEW PROGRAMMING BE STARTED BY ANY OF OUR BOARDS AND AGENCIES.  Any program you have in place, please continue to complete, but please do not start anything new.  Also, I am asking that all agencies and boards will curb the remainder of
your 2005 budget by at least 10%.  That should help us see things through until 2006 when we will reassess our priorities and capabilities.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 6, the Appointive Cabinet will meet and begin to strategize how we will deploy our displaced clergy and where their expertise and skills can best be used in this time.  The opportunity for ministry is GREAT.  We simply must determine where it can best be performed and be most effective at this point in time.

At noon tomorrow, we will have a lunch meeting with all New Orleans District clergy who can make it and will begin to discuss where we go from here.  Obviously we are charting a new course and what we will find ourselves doing will be quite different from anything we have done before.  But God is good and faithful and will lead us through.  As the anthem says, “He never failed me yet” and God won't start failing us now. 

As there are things to tell, I will be in touch.  If you know of clergy or lay persons who do not get this email who are wanting to be up on the very latest news, ask them to go to the Conference web site
and enroll themselves in this email list.  This will probably serve as the most current news that you will be getting.  I will work hard to keep you informed.

Lastly, for this time, please know I pray for you daily and for your health and well being.  I also pray for your ministry, wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing.  Please pray for me as well. 
This is a daunting task that is ahead.  All of us need all the encouragement, help, and affirmation we can receive.  Until next time  . . .

Bill

August 30, 2005

Dear Colleagues in Christ,

I am finding it difficult to believe my eyes and to believe my ears. What I am seeing and hearing by way of the news on the television is extremely disheartening.

As most of you know, Kay and I are in Oklahoma where we buried her father yesterday. Today we are trying to complete the closing of his home and bring to a finish 92 years of life. While we are going about that, we are watching the reports from Hurricane Katrina and our hearts are breaking. We wonder about our pastors, about our thousands of laity who are in these stricken areas and about the lives of all those who are still stranded in the flooding areas. I know you are doing much of the same.

I have been on the phone today with Kathy Moore, my Administrative Executive, and with Don Cottrill, Provost. They have kept me informed as they have been in touch with many of you. So far we have no reports of ultimate tragedy (death) among our churches. However, there is a very strong chance that may change in the immediate future as much of the unknown is uncovered.

You are all doing everything you possibly can do at this time, I know. I thank God for your faithfulness and your presence in the time of trouble. Please know you are in my constant prayers as you go about the task of responding to this disaster in the ways that you can respond.

Your churches can best give service right now by praying for guidance and for strength for the long days ahead. As there is more known, we will be better prepared to request of you some specific ways to serve. Of course, you can serve as shelters for those who are trying to find some semblance of order in their otherwise chaotic lives, and you can offer counseling and support to those who have come to your communities as refugees from the storm. Now is the time for us to practice our hospitality to the fullest.

I understand personnel from UMCOR will come to Louisiana tomorrow for consultation and for guidance to us. They will lend great support just as they have in years past when tragedy has struck. For them to function to their fullest, they will need major funds. Please begin Sunday giving your congregations opportunity to help their fellow citizens by receiving special offerings for this overwhelming need. The magnitude of this destruction is unlike anything any of us have seen before and now is the time to be
sacrificially generous with our funds so others lives might be restored.

Kay and I plan to get things completed here by Friday morning, and we will be on our way home. Our hearts are with you there and we pray for you constantly. When I arrive back in Baton Rouge on Saturday I’ll be available to be physically present to the needs that are unfolding. Meanwhile, please know I am in touch by phone, emails, and have you in my prayers.
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May God’s healing love be with you in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

My love to all,
Bill Hutchinson