From Kristin Wood, Parish Representative, ERD:
"It's that time of the year again for the annual Episcopal Relief and Development ingathering. It is scheduled for the first Sunday in April, April 6th. St. Paul's has been supporting ERD for many years, partly from our outreach budget, partly bythis ingathering, and partly by those who buy the Gifts for Life alternative gifts in Advent. As its title suggests, ERD responds to disasters all over the world, working often with local dioceses and church groups already "on the ground". We in the diocese of Vermont received a grant to assist in our Irene ministry two and a half years ago.
In response to the recent disaster in the Philippines, Super Typhoon Haiyan, ERD is working with our partner, the Episcopal Church of the Philippines, organizing community and farmers' groups to send food south to those who lost everything and then organizing for the multi-year recovery process after this first response.
This year, as last, the offering on this first Sunday of April will be unrestricted, going to help ERD prepare for these disasters in the future and in their work in developing countries."
You can help support ERD on Sunday, April 6th by depositing checks directly into the offering plate (specify ERD in the memo).
The loose offering will also go to this important cause.
Thanks for your continued support!