On May 16, 2025, a devastating tornado struck St. Louis, causing widespread destruction across North City. Around the world, natural disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity. The question is: are you and your community prepared for the long-term work of recovery and rebuilding?
We are learning that disaster recovery is not only about what gets done, but also how it is done and with whom. Healing and rebuilding require intentional partnerships, justice-centered practices, and a commitment to the long haul.
Join us for a full day of learning and preparation as we work to decolonize disaster recovery and equip ourselves with the practical tools and strategies needed for sustained recovery and rebuilding.
Winter Hamilton
Rev. Winter Hamilton is a pastor, scholar, and activist who works at the intersection of the local church, the public sphere, and god-talk. Her theological and ecclesial work is mostly influenced by womanist, feminist, queer, postcolonial, process, embodied, and eco theologies.
For over two decades, Rev. Winter has served at multiple congregations of different sizes and contexts, in a variety of roles: Youth Minister, Young Adult Pastor, co-creator of a fresh expression ministry (Shared Streets STL), Pastor of Adult Faith Formation, Pastor of Faith Formation, and Executive Pastor. She was blessed to spend a year serving at the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of the United Methodist Church.
She has been involved in mission and justice work through her childhood and her career and is highly suspicious of mission work rooted in colonial practices, and hesitant of church social justice work that is not rooted in the Gospel. In collaboration with other disciples and with the Holy Spirit, Rev. Winter has spent her career introducing anti-colonial and postmodern theologies into the praxis of church work, one small group and one ministry at a time. She is known for her gifts in writing curriculum, liturgy, and supporting congregations in implementing their ministry visions.
Winter holds an MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological seminary and is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. She currently serves the local church at Grace UMC-St. Louis and at multiple non-profits through her consulting firm. She is one of many on the Spirit of St. Louis Task Force—a Faith-Based Disaster Response & Relief Initiative in partnership with the faith community of St. Louis.
Winter is a native-born St. Louisan, the daughter of two pastors, the spouse of Andy, and the mother of Iva & Milo. Winter has an undying love for underground music, especially punk rock and hip hop. Her personal theological work is in naming the demons of white men’s magic. She is an out member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold
For nearly a decade, Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold has served as the Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response with Week of Compassion--the disaster response ministry for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rooted in the belief that a life of faith is about becoming part of God’s ongoing work in the world, Caroline helps churches in the United States and Canada prepare for and respond to natural, climate, and human-caused disasters. She oversees the disaster recovery grant and volunteer programs for Week of Compassion, which focus on promoting equitable, community-led long-term recovery with particular focus on community resilience and affordable housing.
Caroline is also the author of Wonder Awaits, a children’s book published by Chalice Press, which invites children to notice God’s presence in the world all around; a portion of the proceeds benefit Week of Compassion.
