Sunspots
Sunspots are highlights of the many ministries and missions happening on the surface of the Sun – That is, the Synod of the Sun. A region of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with ALOT of dynamic and hopeful ministry happening in the name of Jesus Christ. We are Presbyterians in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Sunspots can be anything from small congregational ministries, regional networks to international missions. They are caused by the interactions with the Holy Spirit. Like the cap on a soda bottle: shake it up, and you can generate a big eruption! Sunspots occur over the 11 presbyteries in the synod with intense Holy Spirit activity, and when that energy is released, solar flares and big impact can erupt from Sunspots. We pray that you will find inspiration, resources, community and connection in the Sun.
Sunspots
Disaster Partnership Conversations - Arkansas Tornado Recovery: One Year Later (Part 2 of a 3-Part Podcast Series)
Our latest Sunspot’s Disaster Partnership Conversation podcast features a three-part series, highlighting the tornado recovery efforts across the Presbytery of Arkansas. On March 31, 2023, a high-end EF3 tornado hit Central Arkansas, damaging areas of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville. In that same storm system, another EF3 tornado swept through Wynne, Arkansas. Five lives were lost as a result of these storms.
In this three part series, you’ll meet two survivors: LuAnne Dugan from Wynne, AR and the Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell from Little Rock. Throughout these episodes, you’ll hear stories of their experiences during and after the tornadoes and given a glimpse into how their communities are doing one year later.
There are certainly some similarities between the recovery progress in Wynne and Little Rock, but you’ll also hear some extra challenges and complexities that a city like Little Rock faces when economic disparities add an additional layer of difficulty to recovery. Both LuAnne and Marie share the wisdom they’ve gained through these experiences, like how to understand your insurance coverage and how to care for yourself, while also caring for others after a traumatic event.
You can continue to support the long term recovery efforts in both Wynne and Little Rock, but giving directly to the Presbytery of Arkansas, and selecting the “PDA-Local Presbytery Committee” option. The presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Subcommittee remain connected to the Long Term Recovery committees in both regions. You can also volunteer directly by serving at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, whose Disaster Assistance Center is an integral source of support before, during, and after disasters.