Praying for Perth

Uniting Church leaders and church agencies are offering prayers and support, as a massive bushfire destroys scores of homes in Perth’s north eastern fringe.

At the time of publication, more than 80 homes had been destroyed by fire. More than 500 firefighters are still battling the blaze, and hundreds of residents have been evacuated from nearby suburbs.

The emergency response has been further complicated by the state’s current COVID-19 lockdown.

Uniting WA is offering help for those who’ve been impacted.

In a message posted to social media, Uniting WA said: Anyone affected can email us at fws@unitingwa.org.au, provide contact information and a form of ID, and our Financial Counsellors will be in touch as soon as possible.

Our financial counsellors may be able to help with:

• Digital Kmart vouchers for essentials
• Digital Coles vouchers for food
• Contacting your creditors/utilities to advocate for you to put your payments on hold, reduce repayments, or other options depending on your circumstances
• Connecting you to Specialised Small Business Financial Counsellors if needed.

To contact the Emergency Relief and Food Access Service, call 1800 979 777.

You can also find a financial counsellor at https://www.financialcounsellingnetwork.org.au/find-a.../ or by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

WA Moderator Susy Thomas and Assembly President Dr Deidre Palmer have both offered prayers for those who have lost homes and for those who are responding to the disaster.

Moderator’s Prayer

Creator God, we come to you in a time of uncertainty, seeking your mercy, healing and hope.

Our homes in Western Australia are experiencing the devastation of fire emergencies and lockdown in response to the pandemic, that has wreaked suffering and death on hundreds of thousands throughout your world.

Sometimes it is difficult to remain calm and still when those around us are faced with a real threat.

We pray for those who have lost their homes or properties. We are deeply conscious of the loss of stock and wildlife, as well as our beautiful native vegetation.

Especially at this time, O God, do we pray for firefighters, all emergency service personnel, police, volunteers, medical staff, government officials and all those on the frontline of pandemic prevention. Grant all strength, wisdom and clear decision-making.

We pray also for the vulnerable in our community, especially the elderly and those in aged care, separated from loved ones.

We pray for our young people, particularly those experiencing the interruption to the start of their new school life adventure.

You, O God, are a very certain help in a time of trouble.

Be with us – and all your people everywhere, in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

President’s Prayer

Gracious and loving God,

We bring before you our communities in Western Australia, who are suffering in the face of the bushfires devastating their homes and environment.

Bring comfort to those who have lost their homes, and those who face an uncertain future.

Give strength to those who are fighting the fires and all emergency personnel offering practical support and care.

We pray for the Uniting Church in WA, the Synod's Disaster Relief and Community Recovery Working Group and all those local churches who are responding to the needs of affected communities. Fill them with your compassion and wisdom, that they may be bearers of your hope and love.

At this time where we face so much disruption, grief and uncertainty in our lives, surround us with love, community and friendship.

Through Christ, our Light and Hope we pray. Amen.

For further updates on this story please follow the Uniting Church WA and Uniting WA Facebook pages.