35W Bridge Collapse Information

Please Note: Interim Executive Presbyter Sarai Schnucker says that as of today, August 3, the Presbytery office knows of no PTCA pastors or members who are among those injured, missing, or dead as a result of the I-35W bridge collapse. Our prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this tragedy, including crews who are working on the recovery effort.
 

Here are some pieces of information relating the disaster:

• A Statement by Sarai Schnucker, the Interim Executive Presbyter of the Twin Cities Area on the collapse of the 35W Bridge on August 1, 2007.

• A Statement from the Minnesota Council of Churches on the 35W disaster.

• The PCUSA has done the following:

  • A letter of consolation and prayer has been sent from the Executive Director and Stated Clerk’s office to Twin Cities Presbytery and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is also active.  PDA National Response Team member is on the scene and says the following things have been done:

  • A reception center has been established at a nearby Holiday Inn;

  • They have now switched from rescue operations to recovery;

  • Salvation Army is fulfilling their role of providing support to the rescue and recovery workers;

  • The PDA is in touch with the Interim Executive Presbyter, Sarai Schnucker to consult what might be the appropriate role for the PDA in the situation.

• Chris Morton of the Minnesota Council of Churches, said several congregations in the area are hosting services related to 35W bridge collapse.  Here are the following services:

  • Plymouth Congregational Church’s chapel is open all day today and Friday for personal prayer and meditation.  Plymouth is located at 1900 Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis.

  • Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis will keep their sanctuary open until 3:00 pm today and Friday for personal prayer.  A community service will be held at the church Friday at 4:30pm.

  • The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will hold two prayer services today.  The St. Paul service will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul and St. Olaf Catholic Church in downtown Minneapolis.  Both services will take place at noon on Thursday and all are invited to attend.

  • The Minnesota Council of Churches will host a prayer service at 1:30pm today.  All are invited.  MCC also has a more extensive listing of worship services taking place a various places worship Thursday and Friday.

  • Westminster Presbyterian , at the corner of 12th and Marquette in downtown Minneapolis,  will also keep their sanctuary open for prayer on Thursday, August 2 until 6pm.  The sanctuary will also be open for prayer again on Friday from 10am to 4pm.  At noon on Friday there will be a half hour of music and guided reflection for downtown workers and anyone else who would like to be present.

• The Disaster News Network, has a brief report on the tragedy.

• The Twin Cities Chapter of the American Red Cross has setup a page with information.

• The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has created a resource for people of faith encountering disaster called "Light Our Way: Spiritual Care in Times of Disaster," that is available for download. It is a valuable resource for volunteers and first responders.

• The Board of Pensions is willing to assist any member affected by the disaster.  You can reach them at: www.pensions.org .

More information will be made available as the situation develops.

 

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