God's blessings to a group from Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church (ELCA), who will spend Feb. 18-25 working in Biloxi, Miss., to help rebuild following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. 

      "We're not sure exactly what projects we'll be doing and it really doesn't matter," said Pr. Chris Mietlowski."We want to go and do whatever we can to help; to remind the people of that area that we are still thinking of them and praying for them. We expect to work hard and to be good listeners.  We remember all too well in the NYC area following 9/11 how important it is to have companions at difficult times.   This will be a ministry of presence."

           The congregation first contacted the national ELCA office of Disaster Response in Chicago, who forwarded them to the Bishop's office in Mississippi. The group will sleep on floors at St. John's Episcopal Church, Ocean Springs, Miss., and shower at the local YMCA a mile and a half from the church. Meals will be made at the church. "We could be swinging hammers or shoveling mud or working in the food distribution warehouse.  We're prepared for anything," said church member and trip coordinator, Jessica Prentice. 

          The congregation and local community of Dobbs Ferry have rallied with tremendous support.  Enough donations have been received to cover everyone's travel expenses plus there is an additional $3,000 to be distributed among the people of that devastated area. The group will also bring dozens of handcrafted cards and notes made by the children of the Sunday School, the Christian PreSchool of Dobbs Ferry, and Girl Scout Troops 1688 and 1689.  "A young child's drawing is so full of hope and that's just what we want to bring with us as we do our work in Mississippi" said Sharon Brennen, preschool director who is also going on the trip

      This is just one example of the many efforts of Lutheran churches throughout the New York area to help Katrina victims. The Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has adopted two parishes in the New Orleans area. Watch for their stories soon.