On Friday, May 19, 2025 an EF3 tornado struck St. Louis County and damaged two UCC church buildings, First Congregational UCC of St. Louis and Pilgrim Congregational UCC. These churches sustained direct impact and serious damage.
Additionally a second storm on the following Monday, May 22, 2025 contained tornadoes that hit Lowry City, Missouri, affecting many members of Valley Center UCC in nearby Deepwater; tornadoes that struck near Salem, Missouri, causing significant tree damage at Shannondale; and rains that further damaged Pilgrim’s building in St. Louis. We are now combining relief efforts and will use funds received to support all of these communities.
Amidst this devastation, we are deeply grateful for the prayers and support from our wider church community. Your generous offers of food, medical aid, cleanup assistance, and more are making a real difference. We are working closely with local churches and agencies to coordinate resources, and our Disaster Response Coordinating Team will continue to assist with long-term recovery efforts. You can contact Rev. Joshua Rau, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at [email protected] with inquiries about how you can participate in the ongoing Conference response efforts.
Financial donations are especially appreciated, as they give us the flexibility to respond where the need is greatest. We have created a dedicated 2025 Tornado Response Fund to support the recovery of affected churches and members. Your contribution helps rebuild not only physical structures but also the vital ministries they support.
Thank you for standing with us in compassion and solidarity as we begin the journey toward healing and restoration.
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