If I were a member of a church within 6 hours driving time from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, this is the notice I would want to receive:

“Regular worship services including Sunday school have been canceled until further notice. We are using our facilities to feed and house people made homeless by Hurricane Katrina and therefore do not have space available for our regular programs. You now have the opportunity to come to church to perform service instead of attend service.

“The attached schedule lists time slots for cooking, serving, and cleaning. Please bring sheets, blankets, and air mattresses to the church today. Volunteers for transportation and laundry are also needed. See you in church!

“Pastoral staff is devoting their time to counseling victims and coordinating our efforts with other relief agencies. A short vespers service for prayer, meditation, and encouragement will be held every evening at 7:00 in a tent that is being set up on the church lawn. Members are invited to these services along with disaster victims who choose to attend.”