We join the nation in prayers for all the people affected by devastating storms recently. Our hearts go out to them and to those giving humanitarian relief and helping to clean up and rebuild.
From the Alaska Conference 10/15/25:
October 15, 2025
Dear Alaska Conference Family & Friends,
As the people of the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta face the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, we are witnessing deep loss and disruption in communities still recovering from Typhoon Merbok. Villages such as Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Kongiganak, and Tuntutuliak have seen homes displaced, families evacuated, and entire neighborhoods washed away by rising seas.
Emergency partners are providing shelter and food, and the long work of rebuilding will take time. The effects of climate change and permafrost degradation have made these storms more severe and recovery more complex. We remain committed to walking alongside our neighbors in the Delta as they rebuild their lives and places they call home.
You can help by giving to the Alaska Conference Advance Special #674 for Disaster Response, which will support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. Every gift makes a difference and will help provide materials, skilled volunteers, and hope to those facing another long winter of uncertainty.
Thank you,
Rev. Kristi McGuire, Conference Superintendent & Director of Connectional Ministries
Rev. Dan Wilcox, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
Rev. Kristi McGuire, Conference Superintendent & Director of Connectional Ministries
Rev. Dan Wilcox, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
From UMCOR 10/20/25:
On Oct. 12, remnants of Typhoon Halong impacted the Alaskan coast with hurricane-force winds and severe flooding, sweeping away dozens of homes and destroying towns, especially along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta coast.
In response, UMCOR has awarded a solidarity grant to the Alaska Annual Conference. This emergency grant will assist with the immediate needs of the thousands of individuals impacted, especially those currently sheltered. These efforts will be carried out in close collaboration with United Methodist leaders and partners in Alaska, ensuring that aid reaches those who are most vulnerable. The Alaska Annual Conference and its partners are currently coordinating to provide food, a shower trailer and shelter for those impacted, as well as continuing to communicate with all affected communities as they assess their needs.
How You Can Help
Donate to UMCOR (see below) -
100% of your donation goes directly to U.S. disaster response. Your gift might be used to deliver essential supplies like food and water, support the removal of debris, or provide temporary shelter for those who have been displaced.
Share This Story - News about this disaster has been drowned out by stories of rain in Arizona, war in the Middle East, and the government shutdown. Donations have been sparse compared to the response to other natural disasters. Let your friends and family know how much this relief effort means to you.
Join Us in Prayer - Prayer is always appreciated. You can offer your support for this response and the people affected by going to the UMCOR website and clicking on "Pray for This" to show them you will be praying.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief distributes funds and relief efforts around the globe in times of disaster, using the United Methodist connectional system and partnerships with other local religious organizations to coordinate efforts on-the-spot as needs arise. UMCOR has already given funds to the Rio Texas Conference this weekend.
To give St. Matthew credit on the UMCOR giving page, under Church Recognition, type "St Matthew" in the Search Organizations... field, then click on the magnifying glass in the drop-down with Show more results for "St Matthew." Our church is the sixth one from the top, under the Parent Organization East District (DSW).
Or give a donation directly to St. Matthew and mark it "UMCOR."
Kerrville is the county seat of Kerr County, where the impact has been most devastating. Kerrville First has already hosted evacuees, survivors, and people who have lost family members.
"Grieving Church Brings Comfort in Texas Floods" (UM News article about Kerrville FUMC)
Hunt UMC is located a thousand feet from the Guadalupe River and a few minutes' drive from many of the camps obliterated by the floods. The church has been sharing water, Gatorade, fruit juice, and hot food in its parking lot at least twelve hours each day with rescue workers, emergency responders, and anyone else in need.
The Rio Texas Conference encompasses much of south Texas, including the Hill Country and the counties worst affected by the recent flooding. Rio Texas also operates the Martinez Response Center in Kerrville, one of the UMCOR affiliate warehouses.
Contributions (made out to “Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response Advance #2050,” memo “Guadalupe River Flood”) can be sent directly to Rio Texas Disaster Response, 16400 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248.
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Page updated 10/21/25
Rev. Ann Lyter, Senior Pastor
2540 West Baseline Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 838-7309
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
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