Healing in Community after Hurricane Harvey

The Rothko Chapel community extends its prayers and thoughts to everyone impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We know through personal experiences, as well as those of friends, families and the stories of people unknown, how devastating the storm was and its impact both physically and spiritually. The destruction of property and the loss of so many lives make us mindful of just how powerful these types of weather systems can be and how vulnerable we truly are. At the same time, however, the outpouring of support, both locally and internationally for all those impacted by the storm reminds us of the generosity and love that is embedded in each and every one of us.

The Chapel remains undamaged and is open again, observing our regular schedule. We invite you to come to the Chapel for rest and renewal, and to share company with others who are also dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Even though many neighborhoods and towns are still in the rescue and response management phase, we are acutely aware that the recovery phase will take years. As such, the need for community and spiritual support will be ongoing and we cannot let the memory of the storm and those impacted fade away. Toward these ends, we will offer ongoing and special programs focused on the process of healing and recovering from Hurricane Harvey's impact.

We encourage you to visit and spend time at the Chapel or attend one of our programs. Healing can often be done best in community and we are here to offer our support as we individually and collectively discover new ways to live, work and serve together in the days ahead. 

We will hold space at the Chapel every Wednesday from 12-1pm through the end of October to be in community with one another as we recover. No registration required.

• September 6 -- Twelve Moments: Reflection and Renewal in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey with Cantor Rollin Simmons of Congregation Emanu El

• September 13 -- Crystal Bowl Meditation with Dana Shamas, founder of Bayou Bliss Yoga

• September 20 -- Community dialogue and meditation led by Rev. Lisa Hunt, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

• September 27 -- Danielle Fanfair and Marlon Hall, Awakenings Inc. and Folklore Films

• October 4 -- Twelve Moments: Baha'i Tradition, with Abbas Mahvash of the Bahá'í Community of Houston, and Luke Slott, singer, songwriter and composer from Dublin, Ireland

• October 11 -- Labyrinth Walk led by Jay Stailey, Houston labyrinth facilitator

• October 18 -- Prayer with Imam Fatih Bayar, Houston Blue Mosque & discussion with Fatih Ozcan, Executive Director, Dialogue Institute Southwest

• October 25 -- Sharing Stories with Dr. Leslie Gauna, Ramiro Sala and Marcela Descalzi Brave from Houston Playback Theater 

A relief concert will be held on the Chapel’s annual International Day of Peace Observation on September 21 at 7pm, featuring the Apollo Chamber Players performing music of peace and reconciliation. All proceeds from this event will go towards Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston's efforts to help homebound seniors and refugee families affected by Hurricane Harvey. To learn more and register, click here.

Houston's Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Thursday, November 16th at 7pm, bringing leaders and members of different faiths across the city to offer prayers of thanksgiving and read sacred texts on thankfulness and healing. To learn more, click here.

To learn more about how you can help in your community by making donations or volunteering, click here.