In response to the ongoing wildfires that have brought devastation and loss of life to Los Angeles, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (at the direction of its Outreach Committee) has immediately sent funds to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for response and recovery efforts.

Our clergy have been in contact with Presbyterian churches in the Los Angeles area, including Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church (Pastor Matt Hardin) and First Presbyterian Church in Altadena (Pastor Elizabeth Wang). Tragically, the Pacific Palisades Church burned to the ground. Many members of that congregation have lost their homes.

In response to these tragic circumstances, the Development Committee has authorized a special offering that will stay open until at least the end of January. 100% of your gifts to the LA Fire Relief Fund will go towards assisting these communities in recovery and rebuilding efforts. Please make your gift here.

Finally, we have heard (loudly and clearly and gratefully) from these pastors and their communities about the importance of our spiritual support. To continue that important work, Reverend Natalie Owens-Pike and Reverend Chris Palmer have authored a prayer for your personal use. It is below.

Bless you for your big hearts and generous souls,
Scott Black Johnston
Senior Pastor

A Prayer for Los Angeles

Holy God,

Sometimes the only prayer we can offer is “Help.”

Our hearts break as we watch the loss of so much in and around Los Angeles: For sturdy homes that have vanished, for the places of memories that are forever changed, for futures planned that may not come to pass, for the habitat of plants and wildlife that has been destroyed. Our hearts are breaking, and we know yours breaks too.

We give thanks for the helpers, the first responders, the neighbors who sacrifice now to serve each other. For those who step into harm’s way for the sake of those they don’t know. Keep them safe. Be present, help us to support each other in their example.

When we cannot be near, help us indeed to be close to each other. Holy Spirit, brood over our chaos. Promise us new life, even though right now we can’t see it. Keep our hearts open, even as they break, to find what is ours to do in this moment.

Amen.