After the disaster in New Orleans and around the Gulf, St. Paul’s, Ivy contributed to the Bishop’s Relief Fund to provide help in the days immediately following the flooding. However, the Vestry and the Rector were eager to help in a more direct way. They heard of a small parish in Louisiana that was in the midst of the search for a new minister. After the hurricane, which leveled the church, most of the candidates withdrew their names. However, one young woman arrived and set up housekeeping in a trailer, re-established the church and begin ministering to her new congregation, without regular salary or support. The Vestry of St. Paul’s, Ivy overwhelmingly voted to contribute $5000 to support this God-sent ministry. In addition, the congregation of St. Paul’s, Ivy has purchased and sent prayer books to devastated churches in the region to help strengthen their faith during the recovery period.

St. Paul’s first mission trip to the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi took place December 26 through December 30, 2006. Six families participated, doing everything from framing interior walls to clearing away flood debris to exterior painting. It was a wonderful experience for both adults and children.

For more information on our ongoing Gulf Relief efforts, contact the church office.

Click here to view a slide show of our Gulf Coast Mission Trip in December 2006.