Gaza: What Can I Do?

In addition to contacting congress, humanitarian aid is and will be desperately needed. You can give to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Here is their situation report:

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is supporting relief efforts as a member of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International alliance. ACT efforts include those of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)'s Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), International Orthodox Christian Charities and other long-time PC(USA) partners. These are initial efforts and will be expanded later as the situation further unfolds.

The PDA-supported efforts have included provision of food — including high-energy biscuits for children — medicine and blankets, as well as the deployment of trauma counselors.

It is also a time to gather and to pray for peace in our world. We will be hosting a Prayers for Peace service, Monday, January 19th at 7 p.m. Join us and invite friends:

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, 119 West F Street, will be hosting an event for the public, Prayers for Peace, on Monday January 19th at 7 p.m. To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama the community is invited to join in prayers for peace and justice for all people and Earth. Prayers will include spoken and silent prayer, formal statements for peace, sacred circle dances, poetry and drumming (bring yours!).

All are welcome to join us in prayer and to further participate by bringing a prayer, poem, or special item to share with our circle. The prayers will be held in Martin Hall at First Presbyterian Church. If you do wish to bring a ritual or prayer, please contact Rebecca Nunley at rebekalu at comcast dot net or John Shuck at johnashuck at embarqmail dot com or call the church at 543-7737.