### After Hurricane Helene: North Carolina Churches Find Strength in Unity

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, congregants at First Baptist Church Swannanoa in western North Carolina sought solace and support during their Sunday service. For the first time since the storm ravaged their mountain community, worshipers assembled "to cry and pray and process," surrounded by the remnants of their past lives scattered across the debris-filled landscape.

The 11 a.m. service offered a crucial respite from the overwhelming grief, providing an hour for communal worship and mutual encouragement. First Baptist Church extended its sanctuary to members of a nearby destroyed church and offered replacement Bibles to those who had lost theirs in the storm. Melody Dowdy, whose husband is the senior pastor, warmly embraced congregants, expressing hopes of creating a "haven of hope."

More than a week after the hurricane hit, survivors found themselves gathering in faith across various locations, including parking lots and parks, next to ruined sanctuaries, and in churches with intermittent power or water. "There is just so much desperation. Lives have been obliterated," shared Winston Parrish, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville. He emphasized the essential need for the community to come together on Sunday to weep, pray, and process their grief.

Churches across the region have become pivotal in disaster response, transforming into command centers, shelters, and distribution points for emergency supplies. Among those helping was First Baptist Church Swannanoa, which opened its doors to neighbors from Swannanoa Free Will Baptist Church, exemplifying the "Appalachia spirit" of neighborly support and resilience, as described by Sarah Hurlbert, dean of the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville.

Many congregants arrived at the First Baptist Church Swannanoa for Sunday service, seeking comfort amidst the devastation. Beth Mayton, 65, tearfully recounted her distress upon finding her lifelong church, Swannanoa Free Will Baptist, engulfed in mud. Melody Dowdy led prayers alongside other congregants during the service, reinforcing the community’s collective strength and hope.

The devastation extended beyond homes and businesses to churches themselves. In Marion, Sunnyvale Baptist Church was among those battling the aftermath, while worshipers of Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Avery County gathered outdoors in camping chairs, listening to Pastor Cooper Starnes emphasize faith and God's mercy amid calamity.

At St. John Baptist Church in Arden, congregants shared how the disaster had deepened their faith, attributing newfound resilience and gratitude for being safe. Pastor Gwendolyn R. Jones recounted her initial helplessness but expressed relief as the church's power was restored, facilitating the distribution of essential supplies.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville hosted the Cathedral of All Souls’ congregation for their first service since the storm. Scott White, Trinity Episcopal's rector, had offered their space after floodwaters severely damaged All Souls. Sarah Hurlbert reflected on the ordeal, stressing the importance of loving God and supporting neighbors during such challenging times.

Ultimately, the unified response of these faith communities underscores a message of hope and resilience amid the severe trials brought by Hurricane Helene. The strength drawn from their shared faith continues to sustain them as they navigate the recovery process together.