Churches reach out to quake victims

The earthquake that devastated Haiti last week was a central focus at a number of Midlands church services Sunday, with congregations urged to offer both prayers and money to help the Caribbean nation.

“It's part of what we're called to do as people of faith: to build a beloved community,” said the Rev. Kate Rohde of First Unitarian Church in Omaha. “And part of that is reaching out to people in times of trial.”

All of Sunday's collections at First Unitarian, 3114 Harney St., were donated to Haiti relief efforts. Half of the church's collections for the remainder of January will also be donated.

Rhode said church members also prayed for people in Haiti.

At Sunset Hills Baptist Church, 9416 Pacific St., the Rev. Ron French showed his congregation a slide show of earthquake photos. His message was that prayer and faith should combine with action to help others.

“You must also be someone that is willing to step out and physically help those in need,” French said.

Sunset Hills members responded with prayer and helped put together hygiene kits for earthquake survivors.

The kits included combs, nail clippers, soap, toothpaste, bandages and towels. The church plans to have the kits shipped Friday.

In Council Bluffs, members of the First Assembly of God Church made special donations for relief efforts. About $700 was collected Sunday morning.

“Part of the reason we do it is to reach out to them,” said Randall Harris, a volunteer at the church, 3320 Harry Langdon Blvd.

First Assembly members are familiar with Haiti. The church has sent two mission groups to the impoverished country in the past two years.

Omaha's Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2207 Wirt St., had two collections for Haiti on Sunday. All of the donations will go to earthquake relief.

“If we can't go down ourselves we can give out of our pockets and help those who are suffering,” said Joyce Glenn, a pastoral associate at the church.

Omaha Archbishop George J. Lucas asked last week that Omaha parishes have a special collection for the weekend.

Lucas also asked that prayers for the people of Haiti be offered at all Masses during coming weeks, said the Rev. Joseph Taphorn, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha.

“The human heart wants to reach out to people in need,” Taphorn said. “It makes sense we do that through our faith communities.”

Contact the writer:

444-1304, news@owh.com

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