Port Clinton churches raise more than $2,000 to aid Indian Lake tornado victims

The churches of the Port Clinton Ministerial Association have raised more than $2,000 to help the residents of Indian Lake with recovery after a tornado devastated their town in March.

All of the $2,040.50 raised by eight local churches will go to Indian Lake tornado recovery and be dispersed through Galilee Lutheran Church near Indian Lake.

The ministerial association churches started the fundraiser during the Community Good Friday Service March 29 at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton. The fundraiser continued for several weeks.

More: Port Clinton church working to support Indian Lake after tornado

"The Apostle Paul reminds us ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.’ This effort shows the power of our unity and compassion,” said the Rev. Jarrod Schaaf of St. John Lutheran Church. “The overwhelming generosity of our community is something to rejoice. Through this collective action, we embody the spirit of community and service, making a real impact to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the disaster."

The ministerial association congregations that participated were St. John Lutheran Church; Firelands Presbyterian Church; Peace Lutheran Church; Grace United Church; Resurrection Lutheran Church; St. Thomas Episcopal Church; Trinity United Methodist Church, and Pleasant Ridge Church (Tiffin).

The churches and their congregations wanted to help Indian Lake because Port Clinton has received generous assistance from other communities during times of disaster. In 2002, a tornado ripped through Port Clinton, destroying homes and businesses. Residents remembered those tough times and wanted to help those in need at Indian Lake.

The ministerial association partnered with the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran Disaster Response on the fundraiser. Galilee Lutheran Church is an ELCA church.

This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Port Clinton churches partner to aid Indian Lake after March tornado