The Rev. Ted Miller, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids, IA, said: “As I and several members of the church approached First Presbyterian after being cleared through the security perimeter, it became clear that the flood waters had stopped just short of the church building. 

“As we began inspecting the interior, it became evident that we had not entirely escaped the effects of the storm since the church basement was contaminated by up to six inches of backed-up raw sewage. The cleanup continues.

“We are grateful to God the damage was not worse. However, our hearts and prayers go out to those who lost their entire homes — most with no insurance.” 

The Rev. Ron Sumption, pastor of Vinton (IA) Presbyterian Church, reported: “Though the Vinton flood was not as dramatic as Katrina, for those who lost homes and businesses, the effect was as devastating.  The church building and manse are without damage.  The hard work for this community lies ahead, but the congregation remains a people of hope.”

Olivet Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids informed the Presbytery that there was at least two feet of water in the church basement and the condition of the manse remains unclear. The Olivet Neighborhood Mission has more than a foot of water throughout the building.

Additional information about many of the presbytery’s churches is hard to obtain because of tight security throughout the area.

Local and national Presbyterian disaster response officials are asking for prayers for those affected as well as financial and material contributions to the relief efforts. Volunteers are also welcome.

One account has been established to receive donations: DR000162 (Disaster Response--U.S. Storms 2008). Donations may be made online by credit card or by calling (800) 872-3283. Checks payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) may be sent directly to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Individual Remittance Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA.

Responders are also asking for donations of “Clean-up Buckets,” each of which includes:
1— 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid
5 — scouring pads
7 — sponges, assorted sizes
1 — scrub brush
1 — pkg. cleaning towels (18 reusable, like Easy Wipes®)
1 — box dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.
1 — liquid concentrated household cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.
1 — bottle liquid disinfectant dish soap (like Dawn®), 25 oz.
50 — clothespins
Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
5 — dust masks
2 pair — latex gloves (like Playtex®)
1 pair — work gloves
1 — 24-count roll heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon)
1 — bottle insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol), 6-14 oz.

Purchase all liquids in plastic bottles and send only new, unopened materials. Put all items in the plastic bucket, packed securely to avoid damage during shipment, and seal lid with packing tape. If shipping, place each Bucket in a separate box and send to any of the affected presbyteries.

For up-to-the-minute information about the situation, visit the Web site or call Presbytel at 1-800-8723283.