On Nov. 4-5, messengers and guests at the N.C. Baptist annual meeting will have the opportunity to learn more about how churches and volunteers are partnering on mission together, meeting the needs of communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

As N.C. Baptists across the state make plans to gather at the 2024 annual meeting in Greensboro on Nov. 4-5, we recognize that many come with a heavy burden on their hearts.

Last month, Hurricane Helene devastated communities across western North Carolina and beyond as strong winds, landslides and flooding brought unprecedented damage throughout the Southeast. Many N.C. Baptists who will be in attendance have friends and family who have lost their homes, businesses and even lives as a result of the storm.

At this year’s annual meeting, N.C. Baptists will have the chance to hear further updates about the statewide response to Hurricane Helene. Messengers and guests will learn how churches and volunteers are partnering with Baptists on Mission to bring relief and hope to those who are hurting. Attendees will also have the opportunity to respond, learning ways that they can pray, give and go in response to the storm.

Here are four moments during this year’s annual meeting where N.C. Baptists’ Hurricane Helene response will be in the spotlight. We encourage you to take advantage of these events so that we can partner on mission together to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

N.C. Baptist panel

On Monday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Guilford Exhibit Hall, messengers and guests will have the opportunity to watch a live panel discussion. Featuring Seth Brown, director of the convention relations group for N.C. Baptists, as well as Baptists on Mission’s Director Richard Brunson and Disaster Response Coordinator Tom Beam, the panel discussion will walk attendees through the Helene disaster response and what to expect in the weeks, months and years ahead. 

Baptists on Mission breakout session 

On Monday at 3:30 p.m., N.C. Baptists can attend a breakout session led by Baptists on Mission staff that will enable attendees to learn how they can be on mission together through Baptists on Mission’s ministries. Learn more about our breakout sessions at ncannualmeeting.org/breakouts.

Coats for the City 

Every year, N.C. Baptist churches from across the state partner together to participate in “Coats for the City,” collecting and distributing coats to those in need throughout New York City neighborhoods. This year, N.C. Baptists will also be collecting coats for individuals and families living in western North Carolina. 

N.C. Baptists will have the opportunity to drop off coats for New York City and western North Carolina residents at this year’s annual meeting. Coats will be distributed where the greatest needs exist. To learn more about “Coats for the City,” visit ncbaptist.org/coats.  

Baptists on Mission report

During the final session of this year’s annual meeting, messengers and guests will have the chance to hear from Director Richard Brunson as he shares a report from Baptists on Mission. This report will provide attendees with key information about N.C. Baptists’ Hurricane Helene response and ways N.C. Baptists can continue praying, giving and going to bring the hope of the gospel to western North Carolina. 

For more information about how you and your church can respond in the wake of Helene, visit ncbaptist.org/helene. For more information about this year’s annual meeting, visit ncannualmeeting.org.