MISSION NEWS FOR YOUNG ADULTS; INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER UPDATE; NEW BLOGSITE FOR MISSION

YOUNG ADULTS IN MISSION

In the summer of 2011, one of the largest classes of young adult missionaries (25) in recent history were commissioned for service in a joyous celebration at the Interchurch Center in New York City. The newly commissioned missionaries recited a covenant prayer:God, today I join my sense of self and purpose with you and yours. Your work is my work, your deep sacrifice is my sacrifice, your full integration of Christ's path has shaped a way of life for me that now moves to the next level. I will push until I find the "tipping point" where the needs of all people are met and we can rejoice together for life abundant….

If you are 20-30 years old, consider applying to become a US-2 or Mission Intern in 2012.

Get more information and the application.

Photo: Commissioning service of US-2s and Mission Interns
Photo Credit: Cassandra Zampini



INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER NEWS


While recovering from heart surgery, Robin Hurley was swamped with phone calls and prayers from the many Individual Volunteers whom she had met just a few months before. Although Robin and the group trained for only four days, the Individual Volunteers "became part of a family," according to Nancy Eubanks of the Individual Volunteers program.While the number of Individual Volunteers is holding steady at about 70, the goal in 2011 was to make the placement sites sustainable so that Individual Volunteers can work and live together for anywhere from two months to two years and then move on, leaving the resources and the housing with the local community. The trainings include theological grounding, spiritual enrichment, and practical nuts and bolts information. Consider becoming an Individual Volunteer.Photo: Loretta Davidson is a United Methodist individual volunteer in mission in Talanga, Honduras, where she works with children and their families.


NEW BLOGSITE FOR MISSIONARIES AND VOLUNTEERS - MISSION MUSINGS


Launch of the Mission Musings BlogMusing about mission?

Join the hundreds of readers of the Mission Musings blog at gbgm-umc.blogspot.com.Musing about mission? Join the hundreds of readers of the Mission Musings blog at gbgm-umc.blogspot.com. The blog is updated weekly with personal reflections from volunteers, missionaries, and Global Ministries staff. Writers inspire through sharing their struggles and joys as they engage in service and justice ministries in new ways, in new places, and with renewed hope. Join the conversation at the Mission Musings blog.

WHY GO UMVIM?

WHY GO UMVIM?

Why UMVIM?

You may be wondering what UMVIM is and what might it add to our mission experiences for youth and young adults. Well, below is an introduction to what UMVIM offers. We hope you’ll check it out and contact us to engage in our training and certification opportunities. Thanks!

A) The projects are :

Approved by the conference in which they reside,

Vetted by the Conference UMVIM coordinator in conjunction with the Conference Board of Global Ministries ( or alternate committee, task force),

Home grown, usually started by a church or group within the church that sees a need and makes it happenOf the Wesleyan tradition of mission (as much as possible!)

There is a huge list of UM projects in our connection that need our help. Why not help them!?

B) UMVIM Team Leadership Training (TLT) helps ensure that :

Teams will go where invitedTeams will have leaders that are trained in and will convey to their teams aspects of cultural sensitivity, spiritual growth, personal relationshipsTeams will abide by Safe Sanctuary guidelinesTeams will act on the three simple rules of: Do no harm, Do good and Love God.

C) The definition of an UMVIM team is:

“A United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) team is one that serves locally, nationally, or internationally where it is invited, works in a ministry endorsed by the host Methodist church, partner church or agency, or Non-Government Organization (NGO), and serves in cooperation with the local host group. The intent of this guideline insures that the presence of the team will not interfere with the authority and integrity of the church leadership, thereby strengthening and upholding the local church. The team will have an UMVIM trained leader who provides training for the team, insures completion of proper forms and insurance coverage and is in communication with annual conference and jurisdictional UMVIM leadership.”

-Lorna Jost

UMVIM Coordinator

North Central Jurisdiction

CONNECT WITH THIS GREAT UMVIM INFORMATION AND TRAINING AT: www.umvim.info and this blogspot at www.umvimwj.blogspot.com.

YOUNG ADULT MISSIONARY OPPORTUNTIES

STEP OUT!

YOUNG ADULT MISSION OPPORTUNTIES

If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 years old apply to become a young adult missionary!! There are many opportunties and application deadlines are coming up. They are:


1. US-2: Serve within the USA for 2 years. Deadline: February 5, 2012.


2. Mission Interns: One and a half years served outside the USA and one and a half years served inside the USA for a total of 3 yrs. Deadline: February 5, 2012.


3. Global Justice Volunteers: Serve internationally for 2 to 3 months. Deadline: March 5, 2012.


4. Placement Site Application for Mission Intern Program deadline: March 15, 2012.

Have questions and want to find out more info? Check out http://gbgm-umc.org/youth/serve or call 212.870.3620 or email youngadults@gbgm-umc.org.

2011 SPECIAL ADVENT MESSAGE

2011 SPECIAL ADVENT MESSAGE

Mission Volunteers, teams, and individuals…thank you for all the passionate volunteer work you have been part of this year and for allowing God to use you by working with others using your amazing generosity, love, and faithfulness!

As we all know, Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. Therefore allow me to encourage all Mission Volunteers to spend this Advent season to evaluate our 2011 volunteer involvement and prepare our volunteer plans for 2012.

2012 is unpredictable, but we need to remain faithful in our volunteer spirit of giving. Giving is when we first give of ourselves to make a difference in God's mission around the world.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you during this special time of the year.

-Una Jones

Mission Volunteers

Assistant General Secretary

****

Volunteers are important resources in all kinds of mission institutions, in local outreach ministries, in our work with our mission partners, and in our cooperative efforts with the ecumenical community.

The United Methodist Church recognizes the important role of volunteers in enabling the church in mission to the world. During the 1996 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, a structure was approved for GBGM that makes Mission Volunteers one of the six major program areas.

The responsibility of Mission Volunteers Program Area is to provide support and resources for all global mission volunteer programs including linking with the UMVIM program, as well as facilitating all the other ways that volunteers get involved in ministering to others and providing service for mission programs.

WESTERN JURISDICTION MEETS UMVIM TEAM GOAL TO HAITI

WESTERN JURISDICTION (WJ) MEETS OPERATION RESURRECTION 2010 UMVIM TEAM GOAL TO HAITI

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, the leaders of the Western Jurisdiction set up a plan to respond as a jurisdiction to the Haiti recovery efforts. The plan is called "Operation Resurrection 2010" and it made 4 goals for the WJ to meet in order to aid Haiti after the earthquake.

The first goal was for people of the WJ to learn Haiti, its people, history, and culture. The second goal asked that the WJ send $100,000 to UMCOR for Haiti recovery efforts. The third goal was that 25 UMVIM teams from the WJ would serve in Haiti by 2015. The fourth goal asked that the WJ replace the 23,000 Health Kits that had already been shipped out from UMCOR Depot West.

Debbie Irby, the UMVIM Conference Coordinator for the Yellowstone Conference, recently came back from leading an UMVIM team to Haiti which included Bishop Elaine Stanovsky, Bishop to Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Annual Conferences. This team marked the 25th team to Haiti from the WJ!!!! As such, the WJ has met its 25 UMVIM team goal just under two years after the Haiti earthquake, well before its 2015 deadline!

Thank you to all the UMVIM Conference Coordinators who have led teams to Haiti and/or been a part of an UMVIM team to Haiti. Many thanks also to all the men and women who have served in Haiti from the WJ! Finally, thank you to the Bishops and leaders of the WJ for their continued support of mission through UMVIM!

The WJ continues to send teams to Haiti. Contact your UMVIM Conference Coordinator and/or Heather Wilson, UMVIM WJ Jurisidictional Coordinator at umvimwj@hotmail.com to see how too can serve in Haiti on an UMVIM team!

Photo: Volunteers in Haiti from Vashon UMC in WA, courtesy, www.vumcmissiontohaiti.blogspot.com.

NEW PROJECT SITE IN USA; TEAMS FOR SENIORS; TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS UPDATE

NEW UMVIM SITE IN USA - INDIANA

CREATIVE WOMEN OF THE WORLD/HAPI
HAPI (Haitian Artisans for Peace International)

Artisans make embroideries that we assemble into greeting cards and there are other similar assembly jobs. The training is done that day in Ft. Wayne and is easily learned. Most jobs are sit-down jobs except for ironing. There are other simple sewing and warehouse organizational jobs that we may do if there are no cards to assemble when you want to come. Creative Women of the World is the main distributor for HAPI. CWOW is dedicated to providing design and business training and marketing opportunities for women living in extreme poverty around the world so they can use the power of creativity to sustainably support their families. Along with Haiti, we work with artisans in Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Kenya, Mexico as well those living in poverty in the US. Other countries continue to be added. www.CreativeWomenof theWorld.com is our website and should be activated very soon. (ADVANCE #3020490 UMVIM Project # NCJ-INC-1011-01 Updated 10/13/11). Contact Lorelei VerLee, 260/414-7203, 7616 DiSalle Blvd Suite A, Fort Wayne IN 46825


TEAMS FOR SENIORS 2012

Are you 50+? Then check out our "Teams for Seniors 2012" page found at the top of this website. Some of the upcoming places of service in 2012 include: 1) Jamaica; 2) London, Oxford, and Stratford - Upon -Avon, England; 3) Border (US/Mexico) ministries working with migrants.


TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

There are new teams looking for volunteers to such places as Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Holy Land. If you are interested, please check out the "Want to Join A Team?" page found at the top of this website to see the full listing of Future Teams and Teams Needing Volunteers.

YOUNG ADULTS SERVING IN AND/OR FROM THE WESTERN JURISDICTION

YOUNG ADULT MISSIONARIES SERVING IN AND/OR FROM THE WESTERN JURISDICTION

Young adults, ages 20 to 35, have the opportunity to serve as missionaries in a variety of ways through the United Methodist Church. Two of these ways are through the Mission Intern program and the US-2 program.

The Mission Intern program allows young adults to serve for a total of 3 years. They spend one and half years serving at an international location and another year and half serving in the same area of ministry here in the United States.

The US-2 program lets young adults to serve for 2 years at a location in the United States.

Let us keep these young adults in our prayers. To find contact these young adult missionaries and to find out more about ways young adults can serve, contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com. Thank you!

Pictured above Young Adult missionary US-2 Ashley Rosser from Cal-Pac serving in Fargo, ND.

Other Young Adult Missionaries not pictured:

Margorie Hurder from Louisina serving at Crossroads Urban Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Brinna Kolitz from New York serving in Billings, MT

Camille Duhon from Cal-Pac serving in Urbana, IL

Kathryn Monfortte from Illinios Great Rivers serving in Honolulu, HI

Rachel Keller from New York serving in Seattle, WA and Cape Town, South Africa

Christopher Steppe from Virginia serving in Nome, Alaska

Stephanie Kimec from Virginia serving in Echo Park, CA

Rachel DeBose from Cal-Pac serving in Miami, FL

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEAMS; ERT TRAINING IN CAL-PAC

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEAMS

Please check out the "Want to Join A Team?" page on this website to see updated news on teams needing to volunteers and also a listing of future teams.

ERT (EARLY RESPONSE TEAM) TRAINING AT VENTURA FIRST UMC

DECEMBER 3, 2011

Want to become a certified Early Responder? Attend Basic ERT Training at Ventura First UMC on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Early Responders are able to provide a caring Christian presence after a disaster during the relief phase before UMVIM teams are able to go in during the recovery phase. If you are interested and want to register, contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com. To find out more about ERT training visit http://www.umcor.org/.

Photo: ERT responds to tornado damage. Courtesy umcor.org

JOB OPENING - HAITI FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

JOB OPENING & DESCRIPTION - HAITI FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR

UMVIM Haiti Response Plan

Haiti Finance Administrator
General Responsibilities
 Manage team volunteer and matching funds for Haiti UMVIM projects.
 Maintain finance reports for VIM project sites, including allocation of funds, reception of receipts, and project balances.
 Coordinate and oversee reception, inventory and distribution of donated supplies from teams.  Assist Project Coordinator with orientation, team logistics, and debriefing.

Financial Responsibilities
 Be familiar with GBGM Mission Volunteers and general GBGM-related financial procedures.
 Prepare all financial reports needed for GBGM Mission Volunteers and EMH.
 Respond to audit requests.
 Provide ad-hoc financial reporting support to the Project Coordinator as needed.
 Work with US-based Communications & Calendaring Coordinator to assure that project funds for Haiti UMVIM projects are received, accounted for, matched, and properly transferred to Haiti account for the purchase of materials, labor costs, etc.
 Manage all project cash and banking responsibilities, including preparation of bank account reconciliations.
 Receive, inventory, distribute and report all in-kind donations and cash gifts made by UMVIM teams.
 Maintain an audit trail of all revenue and expenditures for all program funds.
 Collect reports/receipts of project fund expenditures by site, ensuring accountability for all project funds advanced to the EMH.
 Maintain "sample budget" for mission teams on web site and note site-to-site variations.
 Provide Individuals and Teams a receipt for team expenses paid to the program.

Hospitality
 Assure that a local greeter/host welcomes team upon arrival at Guest House
 Work with Haiti Response Team to facilitate general orientation with teams upon arrival.
 Assist Project Coordinator, UMVIM Haiti Response Plan with debriefing prior to team/individual departure.

Characteristics
 UMVIM team leader trained with team experience in Haiti.
 CPA or similar education and experience in financial accounting
 Fund accounting knowledge/experience helpful.
 Strong Excel skills and organization skills a must.
 Accounting system knowledge a must (QuickBooks, Quicken, and/or similar programs)
 French and/or Creole language skills.
 Must be able to facilitate teams of volunteers and encourage relationships
 Adaptable to changing situations
 Cordial, gracious, cooperative and helpful
 Ability to be firm, when appropriate
 Ability to offer genuine hospitality

For more information, contact haitivolunteers@yahoo.com
Updated for October, 2011

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN NORTHEAST JURISDICTION FOR FLOOD RECOVERY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FLOOD RECOVERY IN NORTHEAST JURISDICTION

It is beginning to feel like Fall here in the Northeast and there is a lot of opportunities to come and volunteer and watch the leaves change. We are in need of volunteers - some trained in ERT, others experienced in flood recovery, and others with a willing spirit. We ask you to give of your time to come and assist in the recovery efforts. You have been invited.

Here is how to connect with the various areas:

GREATER NJ
CJ Caufield Camp CoordinatorDelanco Camp191 Powell Place Road Tabernacle, NJ 08088-9749609-859-2262cj.caufield@delanco.org www.delanco.org

UPPER NEW YORK -
Greg Forrester
607-756-7799 or cell 607-345-2928umvimnej@twcny.rr.com
Serving locations in Schoharie, Binghamton, Owego, etc.

New York
www.nyac.com
914-615-2226Contact Person: Denise HamiltonContact Email: nyacdisaster@gmail.com

VERMONT
Rev. Bill Elwell -DR coord.
Contact : Eric Covey ericjamescovey@gmail.com
Organization handling volunteers is SerVermont

New England
Dave Stackpole vimnecumc@charter.net
Doug Spanks dougfishboy67@verizon.net
Stacey Bullock sdowdbullock@gmail.com

Susquehanna conf. (center of PA)
Larry Siikanen 570-898-8710 or lsiikanen@susumc.org


PLEASE FIND A WAY TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS IN THIS DISASTER.


Blessings,
Greg Forrester, UMVIM NEJ Coord.

HONDURAS SUMMIT IN OCTOBER 2011

HAVE A PASSION FOR HONDURAS? WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSION & MINISTRY THERE? COME TO THE HONDURAS SUMMIT!

Hola from the 2011 Honduras Summit Planning Team

As if there was not enough reason to attend the 2011 Honduras Summit another BIG reason has just arisen! David and Cindy Ceballos have been reassigned to other mission posts. Register now to come to the beautiful state of Tennessee and meet the new and transitioning Honduras Mission Leadership Team. The Summit has been planned to have a reasonable amount of time available so everyone can have some face time with the emerging leadership team.

The Summit is October 13 through October 15 with Mission 101 and VIM Team Leader Training being presented Wednesday afternoon, October 12, 2011. Fill out the attached Registration Form and send it in.

We are planning on seeing you at the Summit! All are welcome. Please contact Bob and Maxine Schultz at maxbob38@comcast.net for more information and to register.

Photo courtesy kyumc.org - UMVIM team serving in Honduras from Berea UMC, Berea, Kentucky

2011 Honduras Summit Co-Chairs
Donna Henry
Jim Henry
Bob Schultz &
Maxine Schultz

TEXAS WILDFIRES SPECIAL OFFERING

INFORMATION ON TEXAS WILDFIRES SPECIAL OFFERING


Friends,

The central Texas fires have been devastating to several of our communities and church families. The communities of Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and the Steiner housing development in Austin have been particularly devastated. We are deeply grateful for the prayers and other expressions of support. Our churches and pastors are hard at work providing shelter and support for those left homeless. Our God is present in these communities, and renewal will occur.

If persons in your Area would like to make a donation for fire relief, please click on the UMCOR Advance # 901670 link http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=901670&id=3018992


Special Designation: Wildfires 2011

Or they may send a check to:


UMCOR

P.O. Box 9068

New York, NY 10087

On the subject line reference: Advance # 901670 or Wildfires 2011

Sincerely,

Jim



Bishop James E. Dorff or

Administrative Assistant Dalia D. Trevino

San Antonio Area

The United Methodist Church

16400 Huebner Rd.

ERT TEAMS INVITED TO THE NORTHEAST JURISDICTION (NEJ); TEAMS NEEDED IN THE NORTHCENTRAL JURISDICTION (NCJ) FLOOD RECOVERY

Flooding in upstate New York from Hurricane Irene. Photo courtesy www.inhabitat.com.

ERT TEAMS INVITED TO UPPER NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AREAS DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE

Greetings!
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

The Northeastern Jurisdiction is currently requesting trained and equipped ERT teams for the Greater NJ and Upper NY conferences. This is your official invitational to come and serve those affected by flooding following Hurricane Irene. You will be working on mudout and debris removal and possibly sanitizing in some areas.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve.

GREATER NJ - contact:

CJ Caufield Camp CoordinatorDelanco Camp191 Powell Place Road Tabernacle, NJ 08088-9749
609-859-2262
cj.caufield@delanco.org www.delanco.org

UPPER NEW YORK - Middleburgh, Schoharie areas

Greg Forrester
607-756-7799
umvimnej@twcny.rr.com

Blessings, Greg Forrester, UMVIM NEJ Coord.

NEWS FROM THE NEJ: TEAMS NEEDED IN NORTHCENTRAL JURISDICTION (NEJ) FOR FLOOD RECOVERY

TEAMS NEEDED IN THE NORTHWEST DISTRICT
FROM: Catie and John Newman, NW Dist. Disaster Response Coords. 712-899-4067 or 712-874-3247

We are ready for teams who wish to help with flood and flood related clean-up. The water is going down, slowly but surely..... what is left is a slimy, sticky, smelly, dirty mess. The debris piles are overwhelming. At this time in the Northwest District we need teams (one day or longer) who are able to help with sand bag removal and tree cutting and removal. This work will be in and around the greater Sioux City, Iowa area. As we get into the areas where waters have receded we need first to remove the fallen trees (and there are many, many of them), debris that has accumulated and to get rid of the sandbags. This will be heavy, strenuous work. Please bring gloves and protective clothing and a pick-up truck or low trailer.

In the weeks to come we will be needing teams to help clean-out basements and help with the first steps toward drying-out. Set your dates for after September 10, 2011. Housing is available in the traditional UMVIM style (church floors). Meals and showers will be available.Contact Pastor Catie or John Newman to schedule your team, (Please, teams only at this time) 712-874-3247 or 712-899-4067 or johnstruckfarm@wiatel.net

Two Distribution Centers have been created so that Clean-Up Buckets and cleaning supplies can be ready when needed. If you have been collecting Clean-Up Buckets and flood clean up supplies we are ready to receive them. Items that will be especially needed at first will be: bleach, rubber gloves, Ty-Vek suits, face masks, shovels, heavy-duty trash bags, utility knives and cleaning supplies including clean-up buckets.

Two locations are receiving Donations:
Grace UMC 1735 Morningside Ave Sioux City, Iowa 51106 712-276-3452
Mon thru Thur 8:00am - noon, 1:00 -4:00 pm and Fri 8:00 am - noon

And/Or
Salix City Hall/Fire Dept 317 Tipton Salix, Iowa 51052 712-946-5645
Mon thru Fri 8:00 am to 4:40pm

HURRICANE IRENE UPDATE & NEEDS

HURRICANE IRENE UPDATE & NEEDS

From UMVIM Southeast Jurisdiction:
Hurricane Irene Updates:

North Carolina: Right now, they are only requesting ERTs from the North Carolina Conference. To download the ERT packet, please click here. For all updates check their conference website.

Virginia: Currently, we do not have any updates from Virginia- however, please be in prayer and check their website for any updates. We will send out an update later in the week when we know something.

Northeastern Jurisdiction of UMVIM: For updates and how you can help, please check out the UMVIM, NEJ website or email Greg Forrester.

Bahamas: Our office received updates from Abe McIntyre and Cameron King with the following requests- please check out their blog to help!

From Abe: "Many of you have already donated Home Depot e-Gift Cards (Recipient Email: MethodistHabitat@gmail.com) which are wonderful! You can also Donate Funds on-line. We will use these desperately needed funds to efficiently purchase and ship immediately needed materials to families that have to secure their roofs as well as purchase fuel for our airplanes that will be delivering the supplies!"

From Cameron: "IMMEDIATE NEEDS:
We need FXE (Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport) based volunteers to shop for, donate and deliver supplies to FXE airport.Email here to volunteer for this role for this role. Funds to purchase supplies locally at FXE is the best way for us to move goods this weekend. Please Donate Now!

SUPPLIES NEEDED
Tarps for roofs + rope
5 gal buckets (clean, preferrably)
Food (no prep: fruit cups, poptops, etc.)
Candles + matches
Flashlights + batteries
Generators with extension cords/outlets
Linens and Towels
Roofing nails, felt, shingles, tools

If you are willing to provide supplies from your home town and need a plane to pick them up,EMAIL us your list, the weight and volume, your airport, your time table so we can coordinate a plane to pick them up.

Alternatively you can ship supplies to:Bahamas Habitat c/o Banyan FBOT Hangar 115360 NW 20th TerraceFort Lauderdale, FL 33309"

Other Updates: We have heard from our partners in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti--they were not really hurt from the hurricane but thank you all for your prayers and continued support.

Again, please remain in prayer with the people of the areas affected. Our office will send another update as we learn of new information. Thanks!

NICARAGUA CONNECTION; UPCOMING TRAININGS IN WJ; HURRICANE IRENE; WEBSITE FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEER SITES

Hurricane Irene heading towards mainland USA.

NICARAGUA CONNECTION

7 pm April 12 - noon the 14th, 2012 at Seashore United Methodist Assembly in Mississippi.
Gathering of Partners and those interested in partnering with the work of the Nicaraguan Methodist Church

Lodging and meals available at the Assembly
More information soon
For more information contact:
Rev. David Newton
wesleydn@bellsouth.net
228-875-8900

UPCOMING ERT AND UMVIM TEAM LEADER TRAININGS IN WESTERN JURISDICTION

1. PACIFIC NORTHWEST: Team Leader trainings, Sept. 9th in Tri-Cities area and October 15th in the Seattle area. For more information please contact Ronda Cordill at r_cordill@hotmail.com.

2. CAL-NEVADA: 2 ERT (Early Responder) Trainings and 1 UMVIM Team Leader training in fall 2011. For more specific information please contact Phil Bandy at philb@calnevumc.org.

3. YELLOWSTONE: Team Leader Training Sept. 13th. For more info. please contact Debbie Irby at dirby@stpauls-helena.org.

4. DESERT SOUTHWEST: Team Leader training on October 22nd. For more info please contact Kent Heltne at kheltne@cox.net.

HURRICANE IRENE & NEWS FROM UMCOR & MISSION VOLUNTEERS

Below is a letter from Rev. Thomas Hazelwood, Assistant General Secretary for UMCOR Disaster Response, U.S., Caribbean, Latin America:

"Greetings, friends.
As you prepare for Hurricane Irene, a few reminders::
SECURE PERSONAL, CONFERENCE AND CHURCH PROPERTY
RELIEF SUPPLIES: For relief supplies, please contact/coordinate directly with Kathy Kraiza, Director of Sager-Brown. You will want to know type of supplies and estimated number needed; delivery location that has sufficient space for storage; contact person for coordinating delivery; and a distribution plan. If you are designating someone else to coordinate supplies, please make sure this person knows to tell Kathy that they are the designee on behalf of the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator.
Kathy's contact information is: Kathy Kraiza ( director@sagerbrown.org)

EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS: While Early Response Teams are self-sufficient, they do not self-deploy - coordination is still necessary. Please allow the Conference time to make assessments and determine their need. If Early Response Teams are needed outside of the affected Conference, the Conference personnel will notify Paulette West or Greg Forester. Look for information from Paulette or Greg.
Contact information is:
Paulette West (paulette_west@umvim.org))
Greg Forrester (UMVIMNEJ@twcny.rr.com)

CONFERENCE COMMUNICATIONS: Review your Conference plan with key leadership. Get the word out to would-be volunteers about how and when we respond. Consider pre-planning for communications with Conference personnel, clergy and others as to the process for reporting personal safety and damage assessments. Contact clergy in advance of the storm who are located in areas that are most vulnerable to the effects of Irene - be sure they know who to contact after the disaster to check in and report damage. If you have an emergency communications plan, consider if it should be activated, and when. Talk with your Conference communications person to see if you can pre-plan for messaging via the Conference web-site. Communicate in advance of the storm, and post-disaster, with your State VOAD.

READINESS AND RELIEF MINISTRIES: In advance of the storm, and afterwards when safe, check on vulnerable persons associated with your congregations and communities. Consider whether churches on a planned evacuation route can safely serve as hospitality centers for those passing through. Consider what your Conference recommendations are for sheltering. If a church will serve as a shelter, typically it should have an agreement (pre-disaster) with the American Red Cross chapter. When feasible, work in coordination with other voluntary agencies and/or emergency management for relief efforts.

SELF-CARE: Please secure your safety and that of your family first. If evacuation is advised, please comply and relay the same message to congregants. If your family or church is affected, you may need to pass your responsibilities for Conference disaster coordination to someone else so you can meet the needs of those for whom you are directly responsible. Hopefully this is part of your Conference plan. If long term recovery ministries become necessary, you will be needed to provide leadership for an extended period. Pace yourself; ask for help; designate whenever possible.

TRAINING VOLUNTEERS: After a significant disaster, it is not unusual that people want to volunteer and are eager for training. Consider what the response might be and what trainings might best be scheduled. Be ready to train volunteers to serve in a Conference call-center if needed. Think about other "just in time" trainings, such as Care Team and I&R. Interest in Connecting Neighbors for church readiness. UMCOR's training menu and training request form may be found on line.

NEWS FROM MISSION VOLUNTEERS AND UMVIM SITES RE: HURRICANE IRENE FROM THE SOUTHEAST JURISDICTION UMVIM OFFICE

-The Dominican Republic- We have heard from our friends Damon and Kim Bland, Individual Volunteers who have served since June 2009. They are well and only report minimal damage.

-The Bahamas- We have also spoken with our friends at Bahamas Methodist Habitat in Eleuthera-- Below was pulled from their blog:
"Camp Symontte: Everyone is safe.
KP, Vonnia, Ojay, Pauline, Pastor White and roughly 40 others at Camp taking shelter. Minor damage, some shingles from the dorms off.

A quarter of the upstairs BMH office blown off on the west side, even the plywood.
6:00am was really bad. Right now it's kind of calm but the second part is coming pretty soon.

ZNS (National news) stated that Acklins and Crooked Islands have 90% destruction.
Cat Island got a direct hit but no reports from them yet. Eleuthera also received a direct hit but "not too bad". We will know a lot more later this afternoon once we are able to go out into the community."

**To check out their blog with current updates, click here.

WEBSITE FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

UMVIM is working with UMYouth Missions to combine our listings of Youth Volunteer Opportunities. If you are interested in seeing what UMVIM sites are open to Youth please visit http://umyouthmissions.org. Please also check out http://twitter.com/umyouthmissions.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEAM TO CHILE AND COSTA RICA

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEAM TO CHILE

First United Methodist of Tuscaloosa, Alabama is going to Puerto Montt, Chile to build a church and conduct a Bible School. There are spaces available on the team for November 4-13, 2011. For more information contact Dorothy Raymond at rraymond1887@charter.net

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TEAM TO COSTA RICA

Costa Rica - February 18-25, 2012Northridge UMC in Northridge, CA and Tabernacle UMC in Fredericksburg, VA are sending a team to La Bonita de Changuena in Costa Rica. We will be adding a parsonage to the first Protestant church (Methodist) in this mountain community. The church and Sunday school building were completed last year and they consistently have 40 or more people coming to worship. For background information on Costa Rica Mission Projects go to http://www.costaricamissionprojects.com/For information on joining our team, contact Mike Easterly at measterly@socal.rr.com.

US-2 FROM CAL-PAC TO BE COMMISSIONED

CAL-PAC US-2 MISSIONARIES TO BE COMMISSED

It is a privilege to announce that Rachel Michelle deBos from the California Pacific Annual Conference will serve as a US-2 missionary at the South Florida Urban Ministry (she is the daughter of Rev. William DeBos, pastor at Upland UMC.) In addition, Stephanie Kimec from the Virginia Annual Conference will come to Cal-Pac to serve as a US-2 missionary with the Conference Immigration Task Force and Echo Park Shalom Ministry. Both will be commissioned on August 18 at 11am ET. Anyone can join online for a live webcast of the celebratory worship via www.gbgm-umc.org/live.

US-2 missionaries serve in ministries of justice in the US for two-year terms and mission interns serve half of a three-year term outside the US and half in their home country. Click HERE for information about the Global Ministries young adult missionary program and the August 18 commissioning. Please be in prayer with these 26 young people as they answer God's call to sacred mission.

HONDURAS SUMMIT; TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

HONDURAS SUMMIT IN OCTOBER

2010 Honduras Summit, from Bob Schultz:
It is less than two months until the 2011 Honduras Summit (October 12 through 15); Click here for the tentative schedule of activities. Click here for the Registration Form.

It is important to make your room reservation at the Jamison Inn in the near future as the Honduras Summit block price is only good until September 9th; and while you are making that reservation please send in your Summit registration so we will have a better idea of how many participants for which to plan meals and space. Also if you wish to have 'Home Hospitality' let us know so we can make those arrangements.

TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

Haiti Opening, from Jamie Gibson, South Georgia Conference. 3 open spots to serve on a team to Haiti October 23-31. Total cost of trip is $2100. For more information, email Jamie at: jamie720@aol.com


Haiti Openings for 5 teams:
Below is the only information we have--for more information, contact the Team Leader listed.

September 12-19, Tom Lank, Rocky Mountain Conference, tom.lank@gmail.com

October 5-13, Laraine Waughtal, Central TX Conference, revlaraine@yahoo.com

October 8-15, Greg Reis, W. Ohio Conference, greis07@sbcglobal.net

December 3-10, Andrew Jones, N.Texas Conference, andrewmilamjones@hotmail.com

December 5-13, Jeff Jones, N. Illinois Conference
jeffjones312@gmail.com

UMCOR WEST URGENT APPEAL

UMCOR WEST URGENT APPEAL

To: The Annual Conferences of the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church

From: Rev. Brian Diggs, Director of UMCOR West Office and Depot, Salt Lake City, Utah

On May 31, UMCOR West Office and Depot celebrated its second anniversary. During these two years, groups from all over the United States have come to the depot to volunteer for a week at a time to build disaster relief kits. The kits are then sent all over the world to the most vulnerable populations. This spring and summer, UMCOR West has welcomed record numbers of volunteers, our facility will be filled to capacity until the middle of November. In short, this new ministry here, in the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC, is booming beyond expectation.

With this increase in volunteerism comes a unique problem; namely, our supplies for building UMCOR disaster relief kits are quickly disappearing. It should be noted that all of our supplies come from the generosity of ordinary United Methodists in churches across the country. These supplies are collected at local churches and sent to us at UMCOR West. Congregation members may also give to Advance # 901440, which allows both UMCOR West Office and Depot and UMCOR Sager Brown to buy in bulk.

Please consider helping UMCOR West further our efforts by sending completed kits and partial kits to us at UMCOR WEST, 1479 South 700 West, Salt Lake City, UT, 84104 or, by supporting our purchasing of supplies by using the Advance #901440 at advancinghope.org. Currently, we are in need of School Kits, Health Kits, and Layette Kits. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Note: If you are interested in scheduling an UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers In Mission Team) to serve at UMCOR Depot West, contact your UMVIM Annual Conference Coordinator.

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; SPACE OPEN FOR TEAM TO CUBA; ERT SHARE THE NEWS - CAL-PAC & FACEBOOK VIDEO;

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

1) FATHER DYER UMC in Breckenridge, CO will be sending a medical team to San Juan la Laguna this Novemeber 4-12. Needed are a dentist, dental assistant, and nurse. Please contact Theresa Ashton at 970-485-2194 if interested.

2) March 15-30, Vietnam Medical Mission!
I have confirmation that our Volunteers in Mission medical mission to Vietnam is on track. The dates will be between March 15 - 30, depending on flights. The cost will be around $3500, depending on the price of flights and the number of Team members.

Ut and Karen will be our in country missionaries getting everything organized. As soon as they have more details on where we will be working I will pass that along. We need medical as well as non-medical Team members who are willing to give freely of their time and talents to the poor villagers with limited access to basic health care.

MD's, NP's, PT's, EMT's, PA's, nurses, and chiropractors can be very beneficial to this mission. Please let me know if you are interested or if you have any other questions. I hope to here from you soon. Sincerely,Beverly DinnelTeam Leader for VIM Louisiana dinnels@bellsouth.net
985-320-2393

SPACE OPEN FOR TEAM TO CUBA

NEEDED: VIM MISSIONERS TO CUBA
The next VIM mission to Cuba needs more team members. The 10 day mission will be October 17-27, 2011. The cost is $2,200 for food, lodging and transportation. You must have a current passport with an expiration date over 6 months from the mission date. The Methodist Church in Cuba has asked our team to work on a church building in the town of Baquanas in Holguin, Cuba (on the eastern side of the island).

The team will work with church members on general construction and improvements of the church building. If God is calling you to be a part of a mission that will make a difference in your life and in the lives of others, then call Dr. Mark Martin (318)290-1179 or e-mail at drmrmartin@yahoo.com, to sign up for the Cuba VIM team in October. Six additional team members are still needed. The absolute deadline is August 15th.

Contact: Dr. Mark R. Martin, Associate Pastor
Pineville First United Methodist Church
2550 Monroe Hwy., Pineville, LA 71360
(318)640-1050

CAL-PAC CONFERENCE NOW HAS TRAINED EARLY RESPONDERS (ERT)

Cal-Pac had two ERT classes and now has 45 trained folks to respond as Early Responders! The classes were held at Glendale First UMC in Glendale, CA and another was held at Murrieta UMC in Murrieta, CA. The response was overwhelming with both classes reaching the maximum limit. As such, more ERT classes will be scheduled. If you are interested in getting ERT training in your annual conference please contact your UMVIM Conference Coordinator and Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com.

This video on Facebook featuring UMCOR consultant, Barbara Tripp, explains some of what UMCOR-trained Early Response Teams (ERTs) do after a disaster.
Are you among the thousands of people certified by UMCOR to be an ERT? If so, share your video story on UMCOR’s Facebook page.
Support this important aspect of UMCOR’s work by giving to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.

TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS; INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER WANTED TO SERVE IN ORPHANAGE; COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS WEBINAR;

TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

Canterbury UMC is taking a medical team to Panama October 8-16th to serve the Ngobe Indians. The team is in need of any medical personnel, specifically dental or pharmacists. Total cost of trip is $900.00--which will cover flight, food and lodging. Please contact Rachel Estes at rachel.estes@canterburyumc.org before July 31, 2011 if you are interested.

The Rocky Mountain Conference has requested team members for a trip to Haiti, September 12-19. For more information, contact Tom Lank at tom.lank@gmail.com.

The Florida Conference has requested team members for a trip to Haiti, September 3-10. Cost is $1500. For more information, contact Rev. Hollie Tapley at hollie@mumconline.com.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO SERVE IN ORPHANAGE IN MEXICO

If you feel called to work with children then please consider serving as a volunteer in an orphange in Tijuana, Mexico. There is a desperate need for a volunteer to serve as a "house mother" at the orphanage for at least a year. There are 22 children who live at the orphanage and they are boys and girls. Please contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com or Marie Anglin at 714.539.6863 if you are interested.

COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS WEBINAR SERIES

Volunteering in Times of Disaster
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011, 2 PM EDT
Log in as guest 10 minutes prior to the start of the webinar. Login here.

Overview
The Community Preparedness Webinar Series invites you to join us for a webinar discussing volunteering in times of disaster. The webinar will highlight the best practices of volunteer managers and those interested in volunteering during disasters. The webinar will include perspectives from community organizations, and state and local emergency management who have experienced specific challenges, and organizations that are heavily engaged in volunteer management. This webinar will be helpful to those who are interested in becoming volunteers and for volunteer managers seeking practical knowledge.

How to view our webinars

The Community Preparedness Webinar Series is conducted via DHS's HSIN Connect system. You do not need to register in advance, nor do you need a HSIN account in order to view our webinars. Audio for this webinar will be broadcast within HSIN Connect; there will not be a concurrent, phone-based teleconference. Questions and answers will be moderated via text-based chat inside the webinar. In order to ensure that your computer is capable of viewing our webinars and webcasts, we highly recommend that you read the below documents and perform the compatibility test prior to the start of the event. In addition, please ensure your computer's speakers are working prior to the webinar. If for any reason you have trouble accessing the system, please send an email to citizencorps@dhs.gov.
Using HSIN Connect (PDF) Perform Compatibility Test

Additional information about this webinar
This webinar is free to the public and will accommodate the first 500 visitors that enter the site. This webinar will last approximately one hour. In addition to airing live, the webinar will be recorded and viewable at a later date and linked from this web page. The live webinar will offer Closed Captioning and a transcript of the webinar will be posted with the recorded version of the webinar.

TEAM TO HAITI NEEDS VOLUNTEERS; OREGON-IDAHO CONFERENCE HAS NEW UMVIM COORDINATORS

Volunteer serving in Haiti

TEAM TO HAITI NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

A team from First United Methodist Church Colorado Springs has openings on its Haiti team. They will be serving in Haiti September 12 - 19, 2011 with a night stay in Miami on the 11th. If you are interested in joining the team please contact Tom Lank at tom.lank@gmail.com or at 919.428.0461.

OREGON-IDAHO CONFERENCE WELCOMES NEW UMVIM COORDINATORS

Scott and Bev Pressman are the new UMVIM Conference Coordinators for the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. They started July 1, 2011 and UMVIM, WJ is honored to have them serve in this post. Brenda St. Clair resigned from the post and she will be missed! Brenda did a terrific job and she is now helping Bev and Scott during this time of transition. You can reach Bev and Scott Pressman at bspressman@gmail.com.

NEEDS & NEEDS FROM NORTH ALABAMA, NORTH DAKOTA, GULF COAST & HAITI

NEWS & NEEDS FROM ALABAMA, NORTH DAKOTA, GULF COAST & HAITI

North Alabama Disaster Recovery Update:
The North Alabama Conference is seeking to restock our warehouses for our volunteer teams and our rebuilding efforts with disaster recovery supplies. Our distribution centers can receive large amounts of donations of non-perishable items and cleaning supplies, and can coordinate drop-off and delivery.

Please visit our website for a list of needed supplies or for more information: http://www.northalabamaumc.org/pages/detail/1612, or contact Emily Nelms in the North Alabama Conference office at 205-226-7980, or enelms@northalabamaumc.org.

After recent flooding in the Dakotas Conference, UMVIM received this request for volunteers:

The call for any interested persons who would be willing to bring ERT teams to the "north" country is now extended. Minot, ND is very close to Canada - possible day trip over the border for fun! All trained ERT teams are encouraged and welcomed. You just never know who might like to come all that way to the north to see the stars! And it is NOT cold at this time.

At this time, they are requesting the team to be background checked, trained and badged volunteers.

Anyone interested should contact the Dakotas Conference office in Mitchell, SD: 605.996.6552 - 8am-5pm M-F.


MISSISSIPPI MISSION TRIP: SKILLED TEAM WORKERS NEEDED for Gulf Coast Katrina Recovery--February 10, 2010 through February 19, 2010.
The team is in need of skilled construction workers of any type to help rebuild homes in Gulfport, Mississippi. Cost will be minimal to nothing due to the team's fundraising efforts. All tools and materials will be provided. Please contact Emilie Atkinson for more information: ematkinson@verizon.net

Haiti Opportunities:
Team Members needed for a Mission to Haiti at the end of July:
A Team needs additional members for trip July 30-August 6. If you have an interest or know of someone please contact: Jan Sumner: jsumnerrn@aol.com

Team Members needed for a Mission to Haiti at the end of October:
A team from KY is scheduled to go to Haiti Oct 29 - Nov 5 and are seeking additional members. For more information, contact: Adam H. Potter: adam.potter@insightbb.com

Team Members needed for a Mission to Haiti in September:
A unique opportunity is still open for two more volunteers on one team to Haiti. The team will depart on September 19 and return on September 26.
Skilled construction volunteers are needed as well as non-skilled workers who are willing to learn and have new experiences. All will explore and experience the exciting determination of the Haitian people to reclaim their country and way of life. All will grow in their faith and understanding of God's great love for all.
Please contact Larry Norman, Director of LAVIM for details. LduckN@aol.com

ERT (EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS) NEEDED IN MINOT, ND

Flooding in Minot, ND. Photo courtesy, www.wjon.com.

ERT TEAMS NEEDED IN MINOT, ND

Help is needed!

Clean up can begin in homes where the water has receded. If you have a team of volunteers contact Barb Myers at the Dakotas Conference Office at (605) 996-6552 during the week or Lee Gale, (701) 371-7845 on the weekend.
Important reminders for volunteer teams:
1. Volunteers must be badged*
2. Volunteers must were a conference disaster response t-shirt.
3. Volunteers must be self-contained. Housing is not available.
4. Tetanus shots are required for those going into affected areas.
*In order to be badged you must:
• Have background checks completed
• Complete the training by video or in person. Click here for the video and a list of upcoming training dates for ERT teams.
• Be affiliated with a recognized UM conference or organization.
• Have an UMCOR Badge, which signifies UMCOR training.

These rules have been increasingly stressed by the FEMA and VOAD organizations in the US and are strongly recommended by UMCOR. Also remember that each conference has different rules and structure as far as DR training.

FUTURE TEAMS FROM CAL-NEVADA; ERT TRAINING IN CAL-PAC

PRAYER REQUESTS & FUTURE TEAMS FROM CAL-NEVADA

First UMC Bakersfield to Vava'n, Tonga – July 17 - 30
Richard Thompson leads and serves with Jenna Adelaide Hicks, Ofa Thompson, Aaron Thompson, Frederick Cremer III, Mark Thompson, Sue Hope Presccott Kavinoky and Larry Kavinoky of Bakersfield First UMC.

Salinas – First UMC / Univ. of CA. Irvine Team to the Philippines – July 18 – Sept. 17
Mayen Villanueva of Salinas – FUMC leads and serves with Sarah Grabarsky, Brian Sanchez and Joy Anne Nicolas.

Multi - Church Team to Fiji – July 23 – August 16
Jackie Kawashima leads and serves with Edward Bailey, Virginia Bailey, Don Kawashima, Jeffrey Oldham and Mona Otomori of San Jose - Wesley UMC, Virisila Batiratu of Sacramento - Centennial UMC, Elena Bennett of Rancho Cordova UMC, Gary Lee and Janet Lee of San Jose - Westminster Presbyterian and David Orland of Foothill UMC.

Multi - Church Medical Team to Guatemala – July 29 – August 7
Doug McLeod and Betsy McLeod lead and serve with Maribeth Sayre and Sidney Lee of Concord - Concord UMC, Judith Schlager, Wolfgang Schlager and Phil Warner of Carson City - FUMC, Kristin Mejia of Carson City - Catholic Church, Edward Stieglitz of San Diego - Leo Apolistic Church, Iris Fluitt and Georgia Fluitt of Carson City - Lifepoint, Sungho Rech of Mt. Sterling - Mt. Sterling UMC, Kelly Dunham, David Meier, Natilie Hemmerich, Amy Pang, Lilian Taylor and Glenn Taylor of Alamo - San Ramon Valley UMC, and James Morris of Navarre - St Pauls UCC.

Alamo San Ramon Valley UMC Team to S.L.C. Utah UMCOR Depot – July 31 – August 7
Paul Kuelz leads and serves with Laura Ashton, Catherine Cooper, Joanna Donatelli, Sam Hawk, Gentry Higgins, Molly Huff, Alison Kuelz, Jessica Kuelz, Thomas Mannell, Logan Nicco, Haley Pihowich, Sarah Pihowich, Nick Rossi, Kate Steffy and Devon Drake of Alamo
San Ramon Valley UMC.

San Ramon Valley – JulyWarren McGuffin of Alamo - San Ramon Valley UMC leads the Haiti Food Program to feed 150 children a noon meal in the Methodist school in Thomas, Haiti. Steve Elliot of Asbury UMC participates. Consider inviting Warren to speak at your church about this important mission (warren@mcguffincom).

St. Marks Sacramento UMC – July
Bill Borah commits to extended mission volunteer status in Haiti with Methodist Missionaries to help run projects building 40 houses for EMH (the Haiti Methodist Church), building 300 houses that is a partnership between UMCOR and Habitat for Humanity, and other recovery projects in Haiti

Asbury UMC – July
Bruce Campbell leads mission efforts in Haiti to provide composting toilets, starting in July, at the Methodist School in Thomas, Haiti and with the UMCOR 40 house project. Joining Bruce are Alisa Keesey of Give Love, based in Santa Cruz and Chuck Johnston of Asbury UMC.

Central Luzon Annual Conference Methodist Church Philippines – July
Edna Andres starts a mission project here to collect hymnals and other worship materials for Methodist churches in the Philippines.

Hillsdale UMC – July
Beth Cademartori starts her role as Mission Intern to the Cal-Nev Annual Conference focused on the Disaster Ministry for our conference with Norm Harden of Santa Rosa First UMC and Phil Bandy.

Potter Valley UMC – July
Diane Knox leads her congregation to start hosting volunteers coming to their church on painting, carpentry, roofing and other projects and ministries.

La Trinidad UMC – July
Brenda Vaca leads her congregation to start hosting volunteers coming to their church to work on replacing a fence and other projects and ministries.

North Gold Circuit – July
Susan Kopp leads her congregations and the local community to start hosting volunteers coming to the historic mountain UMC churches in Sierra City, Downieville, and North San Juan.

Un-named Mission Volunteers –
JulyPray for those in our fellowship who are not named and who will also this month take their service work out into the world around us. The church has left the building. Praise be to God.

ERT TRAINING IN CAL-PAC

There will be two Early Responder Team (ERT) trainings in Cal-Pac. One August 5, 2011 at Glendale First UMC and another at Murrieta UMC on August 6, 2011. Both will be from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The cost is $15 for the training, training manual and lunch. In addition, there is a $40 fee for the required background check. If you are interested please contact Heather Wilson at 818.333.6730 or umvimwj@hotmail.com to register.

ERT TRAINING IN CAL-PAC; VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO SERVE IN ORPHANGE

INTERESTED IN SERVING AS AN EARLY RESPONSE VOLUNTEER?

Early Response Teams go in before Volunteer In Mission teams when there is a natural disaster here in the United States. In light of the recent storms, flooding, and fires throughout the country there is a need for Early Response volunteer teams (ERTs).

If you are interested in becoming certified as an ERT please come to one of two trainings that will be held in Cal-Pac this August. The first will be at Glendale First UMC in Glendale, CA August 5, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00. Lunch will be provided. The second training will be held at Murrieta UMC in Murrieta, CA from 8:30-3:00. Lunch will be provided. You only need to attend one of these trainings.

To register, please contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com and/or call her at 818-333-6730.

ARE YOU CALLED TO WORK WITH CHILDREN?

A volunteer in needed to serve as a housemother for an orphanage in a residential area of Tijuna, Mexico. There are 12 children that range in age from 1 to 12 years. Ideally, you would be able to serve for a year. The orphanage is only 10 minutes from the Southern California border and close to churches and Playas Tijuna where there are many shops and restaurants. Room and board are provided. If you are interested, please contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com and Marie Anglin at 714-539-6863 or at anglin2007@yahoo.com.