Good Shepherd Sermons & Blogs

First, pray.  Then read and carefully consider the following from our own Diocese of Olympia.

August 3, 2026

Our siblings in in the Diocese of Spokane have shared this message in response to the current wildfire crisis in eastern Washington:

As devastating wildfires continue to impact communities across the Spokane region, burning more than 7,000 acres and destroying hundreds of homes, The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane has established a Disaster Relief Fund to support those affected.

Gifts to this fund will provide direct assistance to individuals, families, and congregations as needs arise. Whether offering emergency aid, helping communities begin the long journey of recovery, or responding to unforeseen needs, your generosity will allow us to act quickly and compassionately where help is needed most. Together, we can remind our neighbors that they are not alone. Thank you for standing with our community during this difficult time. Every gift, no matter the size, is a tangible expression of hope, healing, and God's love. - The Diocese of Spokane

In the Diocese of Olympia, we invite you to give as you are able to support relief efforts. Donations can be made online through this link. Checks can be mailed and made payable to Diocese of Spokane; memo “disaster relief” in memo line.

Diocese of Spokane

245 E 13th Ave.

Spokane, WA 99202

We invite all people and congregations in our diocese to join us in praying for the Diocese of Spokane and for those affected by these devastating fires.

Almighty God, who is our strength and our refuge; be with those who are besieged by fire, guide those who evacuate so that they may find care and comfort in a safe place; protect their homes and their pets, their neighbors and their friends, so that they may return home to a loving community. We ask this in the name of Jesus your son, who abides with you and with the Holy Spirit. – Adapted from The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

Now here are some vetted resources from the Seattle Times:

“Please utilize official sources when you are looking at ways to help,” Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said in a news conference Sunday and these are some of those resources.

The city has set up a fund to accept donations through the city of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund (st.news/HOME). While it typically supports people experiencing homelessness, it is being activated to support community members impacted by wildfires, according to its website.

Several nonprofits are taking donations online. Here are their names and links.

American Red Cross Northwest Region (st.news/redcross) is accepting donations. “Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters,” its website details.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has created “an emergency fund to help support the individuals, and families impacted by the Spokane Complex wildfires in our region,” per its website, with donations for its emergency response team accepted online (st.news/catholic-charities).

SpokAnimal, an animal shelter at 710 N. Napa St., is seeking donations of pet food, blankets and towels. It’s also asking the public for volunteers to foster displaced animals.

The Innovia Foundation, a Spokane-based nonprofit, has created the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund (st.news/wildfire-response-fund) to support “nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by the Spokane Complex wildfires in our region,” per its website.

“Project Beauty Share is urgently collecting new hygiene items for families displaced by the Spokane Complex Fires, as well as firefighters. They can be purchased on Project Beauty Share’s Amazon Wishlist (st.news/project-beauty-amazon).



Last, pray.