Calvary, Bastrop, Counts at Least 30 Homes Lost

Bishop Suffragan Dena Harrison spoke recently with the Rev. Lisa Hines, rector of Calvary Episcopal in Bastrop. More than 30 families from the church or school have lost their home according to Hines' most recent count. Thousands more in the area have been displaced from the fires.

 

At last report the Bastrop fire is between 20 and 30 percent contained. Hines is asking for specific items like new underwear, mens pants, canned fruit, and pet food. A full list can be found here as well as directions on how to donate to the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance.

 

Last night Calvary held a worship service featuring readings from Job, the Psalms and the Beatitudes, which the congregation "heard with new ears," according to Hines. 

 

"This is a catastrophic situation for the community of Bastrop," Bishop Harrison said. "We are going to be responding to this disaster for a long time. It is important to be guided by expressed needs if we are going to be most effective. We've had magnificent leadership from the Rev. Lisa Hines. I hope everyone will hold her and the entire community in their thoughts and prayers."

 

From the Rev. Lisa Hines via Calvary's website:

 

The fires in Bastrop County continue to devastate the community.  Many of us at Calvary have lost our homes; many more are displaced and waiting to learn whether their homes are also lost. So far, the Bastrop downtown area (in which the church is located) is not directly threatened, although the air is murky with smoke and ash. We appreciate all the calls of concern and your offers to help. In addition to your prayers, you may help in the following ways:

 

Monetary Contributions: Donations can be sent directly to Calvary Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 721  Bastrop, TX  78602  

 

Donations of Goods: Calvary is working with other member churches of the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance to collect needed items for the 5000 people who have been displaced. 

 

Toiletries and towels are needed for people staying in shelters. Please take them to the BCOC (Bastrop Christian Outreach Center) at 1096 Hwy 71 West.

 

Furniture, clothing, nonperishable food items, household goods are being collected for eventual distribution to the more than 500 families who have lost their homes. They can be taken to the Warehouse located at 704 Hwy 71 West.

 

      Specific Items needed:

       Volunteers to organize & distribute

       Depends

       Underwear/socks (New only)

       Cleaning Supplies

       Peanut Butter & Jelly

       Bread

       Canned Fruit

       Can Openers

       Disposable plates/utensils

       Toiletries

       Trash bags

       Ice Chests

       School supplies

       Kids/babies toys

       Cat Food

       Flea/tick collars

       Cat litter w/pans

       Misc pet food

       Animal food w/bowls 

 

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please call the Donation Hotlines: 512-332-8807 or 512-332-8977.

 

Please hold us in your prayers in this time of uncertainty.

 

In God’s peace,

 

Lisa +

The Rev. Lisa S. Hines

Rector, Calvary Episcopal Church