"It is utter devastation. The little church was picked up and smashed into St. James Methodist Church next door, destroying both. None of our people were hurt. No one was in the church building."

Bishop Seamans visited with Fr. Jon Hunter, vicar of Our Savior Anglican church, to assess what their needs were in the immediate context. "All is not lost. We have located a free a meeting room given by a lady to house 50 people so we can meet next Sunday. Then we need to figure out where to rent or build permanently. The tragedy is we have lost it all including prayer books, hardware, chalices, and the Altar Cross. They were all completely destroyed along with the building. We are basically starting from ground zero."

Seamans said people are in high spirits and counting their blessings, but it does knock the wind out of your sails. "We were able to get a plan for this coming Sunday and continue with the mission of being the church and provide Joplin with an orthodox Anglican Christian mission."

The church is about 30-strong. They are grateful they are all still alive according to the Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Mid-America in the REC. His Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Royal Grote is shipping prayer books and hymnals as we speak, he said.

You can watch these videos of Bishop Seamans and the church here:
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/d1c834292f7366de243c3c78dbea81c1/video/91080901
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/218200cc7811ff6a52d7431b0f148f68/video/91074201
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/207a132c16a292afa922c1fd32dab0dd/video/91080521

Those who wish to assist this parish get back on its feet can mail a check to:

Diocese of Mid-America
4142 Dayflower Dr.
Katy, TX 77449

In the memo line write: Church of Our Savior Joplin

*****

Anglican Church Praying for Tornado Victims
Joplin Member Church Destroyed, No Parishioners Injured or Killed

May 27, 2011

Joplin Tornado

The Anglican Church in North America and its members immediately went to the Lord in prayer following the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Mo., on Sunday, May 22. With an estimated death toll of 125 at press time, the twister is the deadliest of its kind since officials began keeping records in 1950. Roughly 1,500 people have been reported missing, in addition to 750 who were injured. Neighborhoods were leveled and 2,000 buildings were destroyed according to news reports.

The storm system that impacted Joplin comes in the middle of a record year for tornadoes, as recovery efforts continue in the South and more deaths and injuries were reported across the Midwest this week. The National Weather Service told CBS News, "There were 506 tornadoes reported in the U.S. through this date last year. It's already more than double that - 1,151 - this year." It was also noted that tornadoes have killed more than 500 people so far in 2011, seven times the average.

The Anglican Church in North America has nine member parishes in Missouri, including Church of Our Savior in Joplin, part of the Reformed Episcopal Church. The Senior Warden reports the building they rent for worship services was completely destroyed along with all furnishings and materials. However, the church is offering prayers of thanks as no one in the congregation was injured or killed.

The Anglican Church in North America has been in close communication with Bishop Royal Grote of the Reformed Episcopal Church Diocese of Mid-America to discern how we can best aid in the recovery efforts. In addition to prayer, those who feel led to contribute financially can mail checks to: Diocese of Mid-America, 4142 Dayflower Dr., Katy, TX 77494 with "Church of Our Savior" noted in the memo line. The Anglican Church office is also contacting member parishes in Missouri to organize teams that can assist on the ground.

Prayer:

Almighty and eternal Father, we appeal to you, asking for a pouring out of your Holy Spirit on all who are suffering through the devastation wrought by deadly winds in Joplin, Missouri, and across the region. We ask comfort and hope for those who suffer without the assurance of knowing your Son our Lord, Christ Jesus. We ask for strength, courage, and compassion for all Christians, and especially our Anglican brothers and sisters as they seek to serve others while enduring their own losses. Give us all generous hearts and open hands. Enable us to send help that demonstrates your love and your character flowing through us. Trusting in your merciful Providence, we lay all these troubles and sorrows before you in the name of your Son our Savior Jesus. Amen.

Photo Caption: On this Sunday, May 22, 2011 photo, two young Joplin, Mo, residents carry their dog and head to a rescue center after their home was destroyed by a tornado that hit the southwest Missouri city on Sunday evening. The tornado tore a path a mile wide and four miles long destroying homes and businesses. Credit: Mike Gullett/Associated Press