Newsletter Text (for a congregation that has not used NCC hurricane worship resource yet) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Nearly one year ago, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in the Gulf Coast, bringing the entire region to its knees and exposing gross injustices in the Gulf region and in our ability to respond to disaster of that size. People and institutions of faith rose to the challenge more so than any other group and contributed ___ to relief and recovery in the Gulf Region. Our congregation alone [fundraising totals, volunteer hours, supplies donated, etc.]. We have responded admirably and in God’s image, but there is yet work to be done on the Gulf Coast and in our own communities. We must not allow ourselves to forget people and communities that are still struggling – that continue to be devastated and debilitated a full 12 months after the initial insult. On [insert date] we will depart from our normal order of worship to celebrate our contributions and affirm our commitment to seeing justice delivered to the people of the Gulf Coast, God’s people, no matter how long it takes. In addition to the worship service, we will as a congregation make a renewed commitment to speaking truth to power on issues of environmental justice continuing our support for the Gulf Coast and God’s suffering people. [insert explanation of action (offering, announce intent to send work group, new supplies drive, local involvement…)] In Peace, [Your name]