Burke County churches extend love and aid in wake of Hurricane Helene

In Christian theology, charity (a translation of the Greek word agape, also meaning “love”) is most eloquently shown in the life, teachings, and death of Jesus Christ.

And in this time of dire need, in the fallout wrought by Hurricane Helene, many Burke County churches are living out their faith by extending the hands of love to others.

Some local churches are serving as collection and distribution centers for water and other supplies. Others are coordinating shipments from their respective denominations, as parishioners across the nation open their hands and hearts to render aid to Burke County and western North Carolina.

Offers of help from local churches run the gamut from free meals for anyone in need to necessities such as water, diapers, and baby formula. Some Burke churches are also opening their doors, allowing the public access to free Wi-Fi and providing outlets for charging electronics.

The Morganton First Church of God is offering free meals for those without power, every day (at least through Thursday, possibly longer). Breakfast begins at 9 each morning and they are also providing an evening meal at 5 p.m. The church is at 675 Summers Road.

Regan Pompeo, pastoral assistant at Morganton’s Mission Church, said the 221 Herron St. location is providing a place to act as a charging station, water (when they can), and lunch. The church is open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3-6 p.m. each day.

“A huge thank you to … the whole community at Mission Church for providing hot coffee (my first cup in days), lunch, water, games, and lots of love and light in a time when it is desperately needed,” Bianca Moses wrote on Facebook. “The church is open 9-12 all week. They’ll be providing a place to charge phones, lunch, hot coffee, and water.

“Thank you for making my mama so happy! She loved her meal,” Moses wrote.

Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church will be serving free sandwich lunches on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at their 960 Malcolm Blvd. location in Rutherford College. They will also have places available for charging devices.

Grace Episcopal Church Interim Rector Rich Biega said the King Street Church has power, water, and internet capability.

“There is good news,” Biega reported on Facebook. “If you need to use the internet, charge your electronic appliances, or just hang out in a lighted environment, don’t hesitate to come here.

“If no one is in the parish hall, come to the rectory, because Betsy and I are both on site,” he added. “Please believe me — this is not an inconvenience for either of us.”

Burkemont Baptist Church, located at 4668 Burkemont Road, Morganton, has emergency kits available, along with toilet paper, hygiene items, diapers, and nonperishable foods.

Thrive Church, 215 Pete Brittain Road in Morganton, served a free community meal on Oct. 1, from 4-8 p.m. The meal included soup, grilled cheese, and a drink, and will be available to anyone in Morganton who needs a warm meal, while supplies last.

The Rock Church at 4806 U.S. 64 in Morganton, is serving free meals from 3-5 p.m. this week. Ashly Brooke Benton wrote on Facebook, “I just want to brag on The Rock Church-Morganton for a minute.

“Today they prepared a hot meal to serve to anyone who was able to make it out to their diner (FOR FREE). Afterward, they delivered the leftovers around town to those who needed it along with bottles of water,” Benton added.