This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 15 June 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
AS a state of emergency has been declared in parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, people are being urged to pray for those affected by rising flood waters in the Thames Valley. Places including Burghfield, Datchet, Marlow, Goring, Oxford, Wraysbury have been affected as water along the Thames reaches record levels, according to news reports.
Christians are being urged to pray for anyone whose home or business is affected and for the Government to find a solution to the ongoing problem. New flood fundBerkshire Community Foundation have launched the Berkshire Flood Recovery Fund as a response to requests to be able to give to support communities affected by the recent floods.
The Berkshire Flood Recovery Fund will support Berkshire community groups and charities that are helping individuals across the county. Cheque donations by post at the Berkshire Community Foundation office (1650 Arlington Business Park, Theale, RG7 4SA) made payable to Berkshire Community Foundation. Another way of helping people is through the charity Acts435. "We would love to be helping victims of the recent floods and we imagine that there must be a number of specific needs amongst the poorest and most vulnerable affected where cash for a particular item/cost would be a huge blessing. We are prepared to post requests on behalf of the churches working in these areas to strip away all administration from them (so they can focus on the practical support they are giving)," say the organisers. The Revd Colin Gibson, Vicar of Horton and Wraysbury, said that members of his congregation had been doing a "fantastic job" of volunteering, serving tea and coffee and staffing the phones."In general I've been incredibly impressed by people's resilience and good humour," he said.
"They've been working flat out."Many people were anxious, he said, but he is trying to give moral support where he can. The Revd Dave Bull, Rector of Marlow, said that the situation was unprecedented. "Someone from our congregation who has lived here for 50 years says the river has never been so high.
We're flooded all along the river on both sides," he said."People are loving their neighbours.
There's one Close under two feet of water, and the neighbours are looking after each other.
There's an extraordinary community spirit."He said that the churches in the town had organised a prayer meeting on Wednesday evening."People are desperate.
The water going down is the only thing that would help and we don't know when that is going to happen.
It all happened very quickly."It's going to take a long time to recede and there's not much hope in the long range forecast.
"The Ven.
Karen Gorham, Archdeacon of Buckingham, said: "The church is there for the local community.
Anyone concerned can contact their local church to be put in touch with someone who can help."I am so grateful to all those who are assisting at this difficult time."A prayer from the Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Revd Peter MauriceWe commend to your fatherly goodness all who are in any way afflicted or distressed, in mind, body or situation; we especially remember those enduring the flooding and its aftermath.
Comfort and relieve them in their need, give them patience in their sufferings and hardships, and please bring good out of all their afflictions. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen. A prayer by Michael Haslam:Lord of Creation, we are tested, almost beyond endurance, by the rising waters and the rain of tears.
Amidst the fear-full floods, as homes and farms are submerged and villages deserted, be with us; in stewardship of our land; in nurture for our community; in lament for all that is lost.
Bless us we pray, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.