St. Matthew volunteers help Tennessee community recover from Hurricane Helene

Medina church team assists with rebuilding and winterizing homes in Carter County, offering faith-driven relief to families still recovering from 2024 storm damage.

Front row, from left: Donna (Carter County resident), Beth Johnson, Melody Costello and David Pohlad. Back row: Bill Knaggs, Bob Maas, Scott Johnson and Pastor Steve Mahaffey.

St. Matthew's

Published November 12, 2025 - 5:12 a.m.

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Members of St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church took part in a disaster relief ministry trip to Carter County, Tennessee, last week (Nov. 2-7). The area of Appalachia was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and faces a long and difficult recovery. Families have been displaced, homes destroyed and vital infrastructure damaged.

St. Matthew’s efforts, through the Carter County Long-Term Recovery Group, included winterizing five temporary trailers and one permanent home just in time for winter temperatures. The crew witnessed normal life upended and families changed forever.

The week served as a powerful testimony of love, thankfulness and faith that will remain in the hearts of those who gave their time and talents over the five days.

St. Matthew is at 400 N. Broadway St. in Medina. Sunday services are held at 8:30 and 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.stmatthewmedina.org.

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