The Helffenstein family

Stephen Moseley asks for our prayers for the Helffenstein family. Erik Helffenstein, 45, was killed Sunday night following individuals suspected of breaking into cars in the neighborhood. This tragic news has been hard on the neighbors, and particularly on Kyla and Quinn and other children. Quinn is good friends with Erik’s son, Sawyer. Thank you for your prayers for the family, the neighbors, and especially our children whose sense of safety has been assailed day after day.

Tree of Life

We remember in our prayers those who were murdered at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and all who love them. We pray for people in this country and around the world who visit houses of worship with fear - Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and followers of other sacred traditions. May God give them and us the courage to resist evil and fear.

David Sanderson

David Sanderson, the father of T.J. McLaughlin’s long-time friend, Andy, and the father-in-law of Katie’s sister, Kristin, passed away on Friday afternoon. Katie wrote, “It comes with some relief after his multi-year battle with ALS and Pick's Disease, but also with enormous sadness. Please hold his wife, Lisa, his son, Andy, daughter-in-law, Kristin, and grandchildren, Sam and Molly in prayer.” T.J. and Katie will travel to be with the family and attend the funeral once arrangements have been made. Thank you for your prayers for all who mourn David’s death.

Jackie's parents


Jackie Halstead asks for prayers for her mom and dad, Shirley and Walter Straker. Jackie wrote, “She has breast cancer and although they got most of it, they found some in her lymph nodes. She'll have to do some chemotherapy. Dad has early onset of Alzheimer's and its distressing for both of them.”

Florence and the aftermath

Thank you for your prayers for the affected communities along the east coast and the first responders and relief workers who are providing immediate relief. To contribute to the relief effort, please consider giving monetary donations to Week of Compassion. It may feel less personal than sending items you’ve lovingly selected, but money is easy to transport and is very efficient! Community organizations can often purchase supplies in bulk and at specially negotiated rates, and they can buy exactly what they need when they need it. Cash doesn’t take up warehouse space, and it can meet a variety of needs. Your dollars could become a meal at a shelter today or a new roof on a damaged house in a few months. Week of Compassion works through a remarkable network of church partner organizations and partnerships that insures that our response to humanitarian needs in the world is efficient, effective and faithful.

Eric Hutton's family

Eric Hutton’s dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last week. His medication won’t allow him to drive for a while. Eric also learned that his uncle, who is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s, is expected to die in the near future. The family is still trying to absorb the news and to cope with the situation and various ripple effects. Thank you for keeping them in your prayers.

Hope Hodnett

Hope Hodnett will be the new Youth Program Coordinator at Safe Haven Family Shelter, beginning next week. Hope will oversee a full-spectrum of supportive programs and services for school-aged children and their families who are experiencing homelessness. This includes managing all components of the children’s program including enrichment activities at the shelter, childcare coordination for families, and coordination with the school system to ensure that children have the educational support they need. Congratulations, Hope, and God bless you in this new chapter of your ministry!

Carolyn Binkley

We received word that our friend Carolyn Binkley was in a car wreck Friday night; she has a crushed ankle, broken leg, and a hand fracture. Carolyn currently has no phone access, but is expected to move to a regular room soon. She is expected to be hospitalized until Friday and then move to rehab. Thank you for your prayers.