Calvary, Bastrop, Rector Posts Letter

The outpouring of financial, physical and emotional support for me, our congregation, and the Bastrop area has been overwhelming. We are logging the many offers to help in particular ways as they come in and are trying to match them to the needs as they become known to us. Parishioners and their families who have immediate financial and other needs should not hesitate to contact me. The more we understand about your situation, the more we can serve Christ through you.

Between our parish and day school, we have 40 families known to have lost their homes and quite a number of families who remain displaced until their homes are habitable. I have been in contact with many of them, and what I hear again and again is how God has blessed them through many generous hearts and hands. We are only at the beginning of assessing what the true needs are, and we all must be patient as the coming weeks reveal the personal and financial hardship occasioned by these fires. 

Local relief efforts for the Bastrop Community are becoming better organized. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Austin Disaster Relief Network have combined forces with the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance to work out how best to sort and distribute donations in kind as well as financial help through gift cards and other means.  Housing remains a pressing concern, and so we are trying to get the word out about rentals, etc. as they are known to us.  I give thanks for the many members of our congregation who have been very active in the community, offering their professional skills, their time, and the strength of their backs.

DONATIONS

At this time, the Distribution Center at 704 Hwy 71 W. is only accepting supplies that will be of help in the clean-up, like shovels, hard hats, sifters, rakes, gloves, etc. and household cleaning supplies.  They have been overwhelmed with the donations of other sorts of goods and are storing them offsite until they have room to move them into the center for distribution.

Monetary donations to benefit the greater Bastrop area can be made to the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance (BCMA) and mailed to First National Bank Bastrop, PO Drawer F, Bastrop, TX 78602.  Gift cards can be sent c/o BCMA, PO 876, Bastrop, TX 78702.

Monetary donations to benefit the Calvary Community in particular can be sent to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, Calvary Episcopal Church, Bastrop, TX 786O2. Gift cards to Walmart, HEB or pre-loaded VISA or Mastercard gift cards can be sent to that address as well for distribution to evacuated families who are in need or such other uses as the donor specifies.

COUNSELING

Calvary is partnering with Threads of Hope, a nonprofit network of licensed counselors who will be providing counseling for the Bastrop community at fees that are adjusted based on client needs.  We anticipate providing space for them for the next six months.  Counseling by appointment will be done in our Gethsemane youth building.  The number to call to make an appointment is 512-327-0020, ext 302.  Please share this information with those who have need or who will be in contact with those in need.  This is holistic counseling that is sensitive to whatever faith tradition the client has, including no faith tradition at all.   Tax-deductible donations to support the work of Threads of Hope can be made at www.threadsofhope.org. Please click this link for Threads of Hope Flyer if you would like a flyer to distribute.

Although it is 70% contained, the fire is still burning, and the winds are picking up again, making us aware of how vulnerable we all remain.  Please keep the people in this area and all the firefighters in your prayers. 

In God’s mercy,

Lisa +

The Rev. Lisa S. Hines, Rector

Calvary Episcopal Church, Bastrop