Yesterday afternoon, a severe weather event ripped through parts of the City of Barrie. Dozens of homes sustained catastrophic damage when a tornado touched down in the Mapleview neighbourhood shortly before 3:00pm. While damage is extensive, we are grateful that there has been no loss of life.
This event holds significant resonance with those who experienced the Barrie Tornado of May 31, 1985. Yesterday’s storm has been a vivid reminder to Barrie residents of the trauma many experienced 36 years ago. We are also mindful of the effect such a powerful storm has on those who are unhoused and without reliable shelter.
The Regional Council has been, and will continue to be, in contact with Communities of Faith from Barrie and the surrounding area and will work with local churches to see how we can offer support. At this time, we ask that you hold those who have been affected in your prayers.
God of Creation,
you set our lives on a planet
where both beauty and danger are found.
Hear our prayers for those who have been overcome
by disastrous storms.
Help heal the pain of those who are injured.
Strengthen with your presence
all who are numb with feelings of overwhelm, distress,
and memories of even worse danger from years ago.
We pray that you might ease the burdens of those affected
with the assurance of your companionship,
always but especially in these moments of chaos and
uncertainty.
Amen.
David Leyton-Brown
President, Shining Waters Regional Council
The United Church of Canada