HAPPY THANKSGIVING ; UMC #MATCHNG TUESDAY

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!

 

 

On behalf of the UMVIM WJ office and UMVIM Conference Coordinators, we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!  We are so very grateful for your support and participation in the UMVIM ministry here in the Western Jurisdiction.  To see God working through all of the volunteers is simply amazing.  God is so good.  Thank you!

 

 

 

How Will You Give This Season? Double your impact. Gifts made online through The Advance on UMC #GivingTuesday will be matched dollar for dollar on December 3rd*. On this very special day, give through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church, and extend your generosity through this matching opportunity. Visit www.umcmission.org/give to search the more than 850 missions and ministries that are supported through The Advance. UMVIM WJ is an Advance Special.  As always, 100 percent of your gift will reach the project you designate. Your online gift to mission through The Advance will be matched dollar for dollar!

www.umcmission.org/give



VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN GALENA, ALASKA; UPDATE ON TORNADO RECOVERY IN MIDWEST

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN GALENA, ALASKA

SPRING 2014

 

 

 



 

I met with representatives from FEMA and the State of Alaska on 11.11.13 to discuss plans for the continued recovery in Galena, AK. Below are the notes I took from this meeting.

 

The bottom line is FEMA is going to offer UMVIM invitational travel again next spring to complete the recovery work we began in August 2013. As of this meeting, our task will be to assemble approximately 9 kit houses and repair approximately 20 houses (I say approximately because the numbers seem to change frequently). Samaritan's Purse will assume responsibility for the non-FEMA authorized builds and repairs. 

 

Work will begin June 1, 2014, weather dependent, and FEMA and the State are targeting a completion date of Sept. 1, 2014. We will spend the next couple of  months making detailed plans for work sequencing, project management, supplies procurement, transportation, communication and recruiting volunteers. This response will demand skilled volunteers with experience in building and repairing homes. We will not be able to accommodate those who do not have these skills. 

 

The volunteers will receive round trip airfare to Fairbanks, AK, a charter flight to and from Galena, AK, and housing and food in Galena as part of the invitational travel. All tools, equipment and supplies will be provided by FEMA or the State of Alaska. 

 

The 82 volunteers that made the trip to Galena this summer accomplished a tremendous amount of work under difficult circumstances. Our goal is to make next summer's accomplishments even greater with less stress and better organization. 

 

I encourage you to spread that word and help us recruit the most qualified volunteers possible. There's a lot of work to do in a short period of time.

 

I will be the coordinator again next year. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to let me know.

 

Thank you for your support this summer and I look forward to your help next spring.

 

 

Jim Truitt UMVIM Disaster Response Coordinator
PNW Conference United Methodist Church
23441 147th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
253-630-1268 (H)
253-797-1680 (C)       Facebook.com/umvim.pnwumc
@PNWERT

 

FROM THE NORTH CENTRAL JURISDICTION UMVIM OFFICE

UPDATE ON TORNADO RECOVERY IN THE MIDWEST

 

 

 

The aftermath of the storms in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan is horrendous and the effected area is spread out - adding a different wrinkle to recovery efforts.

 

I just talked to Christy Blickensderfer in Illinois Great Rivers Conference office this morning (Nov 21).

 

• There are a few efforts around the different cities for cleanup - District ERT teams are working in Coal City, Gifford and Brookport by invite.
• The city of Washington, IL has been shut down, closed off - no one allowed in at this time  - they are reeling from the impact and need to set up their VOAD (Volunteers Active in Disaster) committees, system and plan.  They cannot handle volunteers yet.  Lots of conversations are occurring.
• llinois Great Rivers has many folks trained in ERT so the invite may not go out to other conferences, we wait  and see ... perhaps Washington, later.
• Continue to ask church members for health and cleaning kits and prayers and money.

 

The Northern Illinois e-news that just came in this morning has a great layout of four options for giving and information so I am just going to refer you to that.  Visit this webpage.

 

Jim Byerly, DRC for Indiana offers this note:" Indiana has 28 different tornado touchdown locations.  We are still assessing the situation, but as soon as I know more, I will let you know.  We gladly accept prayers, and  I hope to get more information out, probably Monday or Tuesday."

UPDATE ON TYPHOON HAIYAN AND TORNADOES IN THE MIDWEST



UMCOR Philippines volunteers and staff loaded a cargo truck of relief goods which carried rice, oil, salt, brown sugar, beans, sardines, cooking oil, coffee, and water purification tablets for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines on Nov. 8. About 1,500 families, or 7,500 people, benefitted from the relief packages.

A caravan of three UMCOR vehicles carrying the vital supplies journeyed to the northern part of the country and onto the archipelago, through about 10 provinces, to reach survivors in the hard-hit city of Tacloban in Leyte Province. The distribution took place Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Thanks to the generous outpouring of United Methodists, this is just the first of several shipments UMCOR anticipates making to assist the survivors,” said the Rev. Jack Amick, in an UMCOR release. Amick is UMCOR’s assistant general secretary for International Disaster Relief, who traveled with the caravan to distribute supplies.

Typhoon Haiyan destroyed more than 250,000 homes and impacted more than 11 million people across 44 provinces. At least 3,500 people were killed in the super storm known locally as Yolanda.

United Methodists are encouraged to support relief efforts by donating generously to International Disaster Response Advance #982450 where 100 percent of your gift will support disaster survivors in need.

UMVIM Volunteers have not yet been invited to come and serve.  When they are invited, they will be needed for the next several years to help the rebuild efforts.



 

Please pray for those affected by severe weather which spawned an outbreak of tornadoes around several Midwest states on Sunday, Nov. 17. The tornadoes left widespread damage and killed about eight people. Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee were all affected by severe weather, but the most widespread damage occurred in the town of Washington, 140 miles southwest of Chicago, where a powerful EF-4 tornado destroyed or damaged an estimated 250-500 homes, according to news reports. UMCOR has reached out to affected annual conferences to assess immediate needs.


TYPHOON HAIYAN

Typhoon Haiyan

 

 

 

Our prayers and thoughts are lifted up for all in the Philippines who were affected by the recent typhoon. 

 

At this time, UMVIM teams are not requested or encouraged to serve. Teams will be sent for long-term recovery at a later date. 

 

Please continue to be in prayer for the first-responders and all who might have lost loved ones. 

 

Also, please consider making a donation to the International Disaster Response Advance #982450

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND NEWS

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND NEWS



PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR VOLUNTEERS FROM CAL-NEVADA CONFERENCE

Retired Clergy Team to New Orleans, Louisiana (Hurricane Recovery) - November 1 - 9 Nadine Dewitt of Sparks, NV - Sparks UMC, leads and serves with John Sublett of Sparks, NV - Sparks UMC, Joan Wheeler of Colusa UMC, Nancy Schwartz of Bakersfield - FUMC, Mary Stegall of Redding UMC, Carol Olmstead of Placerville UMC, Carl Thomas of Sacramento FUMC, Sandra Roberts  of Turlock UMC, Rejean Idzeroa of Sonoma UMC , Joe Hurd of Philedephia UMCs and Betty Pagett.

Montague UMC Team to Salt Lake City, Utah (UMCOR Depot) - November 2 - 9 Matt Barber of Montague UMC leads and serves with Joe Morgan, Mark Peterson, Terry Barber, Sheila Morgan of Montague UMC, Vickie Maplesden of Yreka UMC and Teddy Walton.

Livermore - Asbury UMC Team to Birmingham, Alabama - November 2 - 9 Roger Everett of Livermore – Asbury UMC leads and serves with Dick Crawford, Sharmyn Crawford, Linda Evans, Tim Evans, Bob Hoffman, Coleman Johnson and Larry Suter of Livermore - Asbury UMC and Joan Pell of Byron UMC.

PUMA Cluster Team to New Orleans, Louisiana (Hurricane Recovery) - November 9 - 16 Pam Kurtz leads and serves with Jameliah Bates, Lagi S Kasiano, Tim Pokrywka, Craig Pokrywka, Steve Coneff, Mary Ata of Hope UMC - South San Francisco, Jordon Robb, Dawn Bradfield, Nailasikau Mateialona, Viliami Mateialona of San Mateo - Hillsdale UMC, Walt Manuofetoa,  Lesieli Fangupo, Ateliana Finau, Sela Wolfgramm, Sioeli Tangimana,Ilaisaane Vea, Mele Latu Taulahi, Tevita Vaikona of San Bruno - First Tongan UMC, Judy Riedy and Foakautuu Mafileo of Crystal Springs UMC, Alifaleti Latu and Ofa Manu of San Carlos - Fale Hufanga UMC.

Elk Grove UMC Team to Salt Lake City, Utah (UMCOR Depot) - November 18 - 22 Kathy LaPoint-Collup of leads and serves with Merrylyn Hebert, Lisa Olsen, Jean Sadler, Faye Corrin, Terry Patterson-Hale, Bonnie McGraw, Owen Mosburg, Ted Spaugy, Victoria Yanes and Ashley Wolfe-Yenowine of Elk Grove UMC, Judy Klein and Joan Cunningham of Linden UMC.

Individual Volunteers
Warren McGuffin of Alamo - San Ramon Valley UMC continues to serve in Haiti.
Viri Batiratu of Centennial UMC continues to serve in partnership with Fiji.

****

 

 



Western Jurisdiction Disaster Academy :

“From Despair to Care!”

Western Jurisdiction Disaster Academy Schedule

March 3-6^th, 2014

 

Please mark you calendars for the first ever Disaster Academy here in the Western Jurisdiction held in Federal Way, WA!  For more information please contact Jim Truitt at umvimdisasterresponse@comcast.net

 

 ***

A big THANK YOU to Jim Truitt, UMVIM Co-Coordinator for Pacific

Northwest Conferencefor his amazing leadership in responding to the flooding in Galena, Alaska in coordinating volunteers to serve in the recovery efforts there!  Jim, along with UMVIM, received recognition of appreciation from FEMA as well.  Thank you to all the volunteers who served!!!!!!

***

 

 



 

 

We are excited to announce news of the Young People in Mission event starting in 2014! Young People in Mission is a camp experience with hands-on mission opportunities for youth and young adults. It is led by a Design Team made up of students in high school and college. The dates for 2014 have been set for June 29-July 3 and the event will be held at Lake Junaluska.  For more information please visit www.umvim.org.

 

***

 

 



Trip to the Holy Land: April 27-May 9, 2014. $3500 which includes airfare, transportation, accommodations, guide, meals. For more information, please email Rev. Kristen Brown at encounter@methodist-jer.org. 
 

 

***

 

 



 

 

Raise the Roof Project: June 22-28, 2014, June 29-July 5, 2014. For students who have completed grades 8-12. Home Repair Ministry in Mobile, AL. $230 per person. For more information, email Jan Bailey at thertrproject@gmail.com.

***

Announcing 
www.BuzzKills.net
Cal-Pac's Imagine No Malaria Site!

We are so pleased to present the newest resource for the California-Pacific Conference: our own Imagine No Malaria website.
Take a moment this morning to read stories from our conference, browse our resources, and learn what kinds of fundraisers, programs and events are happening throughout this region.

 

 

VOLUNTEERS TO COLORADO UPDATE

VOLUNTEER TO COLORADO UPDATE AND NEWS

 

 

The RMC is ready for ERTs now. The sooner the better. After the end of October, the response will transition to recovery and ERTs will no longer be needed.

The RMC can handle multiple ERTs at the same time. They have housing and job assignments for several teams at once.

The housing is in UMC church facilities or homes of parishioners. You need to bring your own cots and/or air mattresses, towels, etc.

There are cooking facilities in the churches but you need to provide your own food and prepare it.

A few of the churches have showers and those that don't are making arrangements with close-by facilities to allow you to take showers.

There are no charges associated with your response. You are more than welcome to make a contribution to the RMC Disaster Response Fund.

At this point it would be best if you did not bring a trailer. Pickups, especially 4 X 4s, would be more efficient and effective. Many of the roads and streets are still in poor shape and tough to navigate pulling a trailer. The first snow of the season is expected tonight. Snow tires would be a plus. Use your own judgement about church vans.

Some of the areas are still without power, water and sewer. There are port-a-potties in these area. If you can bring a generator, that would be to your advantage. The days are definitely getting shorter and darkness falls quickly.

Your job assignment will probably not be determined until just before your arrival. The number and location changes daily.

Once you select a date of arrival and let the RMC know, they will tell you where your housing is and the general location of your work assignment.

Most of the work will be muck out and clean out. Tool selection should be based on these tasks. The RMC does not have a store house of tools available.

The RMC is in the process of hiring a full time volunteer coordinator and project manager. They hope to have both of them on staff next week.

Please contact Nancy Boswell if you would like to serve as an ERT team to Colorado.  Her email is Nboswell@q.com.


Jim Truitt
UMVIM Disaster Response Coordinator
PNW Conference United Methodist Church
23441 147th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98042
253-630-1268 (H)253-797-1680 (C)
umvimdisasterresponse@comcast.net



ERT TEAMS INVITED TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE TO HELP WITH FLOOD RELIEF

 

ERT TRAINED TEAMS INVITED TO COLORADO FOR FLOOD RELIEF

 

 

Gary Haddock, the Rocky Mountain Conference Disaster Response Coordinator has officially requested that ERT trained teams be sent to Colorado to help with flood relief.  If you are an ERT trained team volunteer, please send an email to RMCResponse@rmcumc.com and please put "Attn: Nancy" in your email.  Please stay tuned to this website for further information.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE WEST; COLORADO UPDATE ; FUTURE TEAMS

CHURCH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE WEST

NOVEMBER 13-16, 2013

 

On behalf of the Western Jurisdiction Congregational Development/New Church Starts Committee, this is an open invitation to attend the New Church Leadership Institute West, November 13-16, 2013 at Lake Merritt UMC in Oakland, CA.  The online registration is now open at https://calnev-reg.brtapp.com/NewChurchLeadershipInitiative.  Registration is $250 through November 4.  The preferred hotel for lodging is Oakland Marriot City Center for the discounted rate of $119 per night through October 23.  For more information please contact Rev. Bener Agtarap at (916)374-1581 or at benera@calnevumc.org.  Or you may contact Laddie Perez-Galang at mamcita@pacbell.net. 

 

 

 

COLORADO UPDATE

 

To date, there has not yet been an invitation by the Rocky Mountain Conference for Early Response Team volunteers (ERT) or any other volunteers at this time.  Assessment is taking place and the conference is not yet prepared to receive volunteers from outside Colorado.  Many United Methodist Church properties were damaged by the flooding.  They will need help getting rebuilt so that they can in turn assist their communities.  For now, volunteers are being asked to not self-deploy from outside the state in response to this emergency.  Colorado VOAD indicated that regional volunteers are providing hospitality to families displaced by the disaster and that conditions are not yet ready for additional volunteers to come.

 

For now, you may make a cash donation to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.  This is the most effective and immediate way you can support relief and recovery efforts following a disaster.  Please put this offering in you local church offering plate.  You may also assemble cleaning buckets and other relief kits.  Please visit www.umcor.org for information on how to assemble these buckets and kits.

 

 

FUTURE TEAMS

 

 

Cambodia February 7-18, 2014 - Interested in serving in Cambodia?  The Oregon-Idaho Conference has received an invitation from Cambodia to send UMVIM teams there.  The team is limited to twelve members.  You do not need to be a United Methodist to participate.  The estimated cost is $2600.  This will include airfare, meals, housing, project fees, insurance and noted sightseeing.  This team will be led by Dee Poujade.  You may contact Dee at traveling.mimi@gmail.com or at 503-310-5577 for this amazing opportunity.

 

 

 

Kenya July 3-15, 2014 to work in Maua at the Maua Methodist Hospital and Meru to work in with schools and outreach programs.  Please contact one of the following team leaders for more information.  They are Louise and Jamie Kienzie at 541-620-0989 or kienzle.louise@gmail.com.  You may also contact Rev. Kate Conolly at revkat1@mac.com or t 503-559-8354 and Martin and Kathy Kannen at kmdannen@centurytel.net.  

 



 



 



WESTERN JURISDICTION DISASTER ACADEMY AND UPCOMING TRAININGS

 

WESTERN JURISDICTION DISASTER ACADEMY AND UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS

 

 

 

The first Disaster Academy to be held in the Western Jurisdiction will be held March 3-6, 2014 in Federal Way, WA.  This is a time where classes will be offered for those interested in how to put their faith in to action as they help respond to emergencies often due to natural disasters such as fires, floods, and earthquakes.  Trainers from UMCOR will teach some of the courses as well as others who have served as UMVIMers (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) volunteers.

 

If you are interested in more information and registration for the event, please stay tuned to this website.  You may also contact Jim Truitt at umvimdisasterresponse@comcast.net.

 

 

 

TRAINING EVENTS

 

 

The Pacific Northwest Conference will be holding two ERT (Early Response Team) training events.  One will be held October 26, 2013 at Bellevue First UMC in Bellevue, WA.  The second will be held November 9, 2014 at Salmon Creek UMC in Vancouver, WA.  Both trainings will be from 8:30 - 4:30.  If you are interested, please contact Jim Truitt at umvimdisasterresponse@comcast.net.

 

 

ERT Teams come in before UMVIM teams in response to disaster recovery work and persons who are interested in serving on an ERT team must receive ERT training and take and pass a test at the end of the training.

 

 



 

 



UPDATES AND NEWS ON COLORADO FLOODING RESPONSE; VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, TRAININGS AND OTHER VOLUNTEER NEWS

UPDATE AND NEWS ON COLORADO FLOODING RESPONSE

 

 

Currently, the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference where Colorado is located, has not yet officially requested or invited ERT (Early Response) teams or UMVIM volunteer teams yet to come in to the conference to respond to the flooding.  Right now, agencies in Colorado have started the debris/muckout and cleanup efforts in some areas but mostly assessment the damage and needs is still ongoing.  ERT teams in Colorado are beginning to organize so that when the invite comes they can be ready to respond.

 

Below is news from the COVOAD (Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster):

 

 

Thanks to all of the agencies that are ready to start the debris/muckout

and cleanup efforts.  If you have registered with Crisis Cleanup you

should be able to start canvasing and signing up clients.  Before going

into the disaster affected neighborhoods you need to check in with the ICP

or the EOC.  We are trying to reach out to the EOC's with a list of valid

debris agencies to ensure your entry.  Boulder County is NOT ready to

receive clean up help.  When the county is ready they will send a request to the state.  That request will come to COVOAD and at that time we can let you know that it is time to start working Boulder County.   All of the groups that will be going into the affected areas including American Red Cross and The Salvation Army should also register with CrisisCleanup. This will allow you to do client intake for cleanup while in the field.  211 operators will be available for crisis cleanup client intake so if you have no way to get the information entered you can tell the client to call 211.  

 

We will be present in all of the disaster assistance centers to do

intake as well.  Thank you for your cooperation in this massive cleanup

effort!

 

- Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (COVOAD)

Phone: 202-656-8623 (20C-OLO-VOAD)

Email: coloradovoad@gmail.com

Web: coloradovoad.org

Twitter: @covoad

Photo courtesy www.nydailynews.com

 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, TEAM LEADER TRAINING EVENTS AND OTHER VOLUNTEER NEWS

 

Team Leader Training: Aldersgate UMC in Tustin, CA on September 21, 2013.  Contact Jennifer Demaree at thedemarees@gmail.com for more information.

 

 

Team to Haiti:  November 5-13, 2013.  The team is seeking three additional team members to serve in putting a roof on a church. Cost is $1500 per person. For more information, please email Craig Parker at wmscraig@aol.com.

 

 

Sandy Relief in Greater New Jersey Conference: They need volunteers for the last two weeks in October to serve with recovery efforts.  For more information, please see their website at http://afuturewithhope.org/ or email Lisa Park at lisapark@futurewithhope.org.

 

 

Chile Gathering: September 2014 at Mt. Hermon Christian Conference Center near Santa Cruz, CA.  Learn, fellowship, and celebrate mission service in Chile from former missionaries to Chile, Beryl and Stan Moore and others.  For more information and registration please email Beryl and Stan Moore at berylstan@aol.com

 

Elk Grove UMC Volunteers in Crisfield, Maryland

From Cal-Nevada Conference

 

 

 

In the picture, shown left to right: Kathy La Point-Collup, Steve Collup, Giles; Mary Popish, Bruce and  Bonnie McKinnie, Jean and Lyn Hawkins and Patsy Hopkins.

 

An Elk Grove United Methodist Church Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team just returned from Crisfield, Maryland as Disaster Response Team Volunteers.

 

Crisfield, a small fishing community (population 2,700) on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, suffered a huge tidal surge when Hurricane Sandy hit shore last October and until recently, was largely overlooked. Through the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference Disaster Response Ministry, a center has been set up in Crisfield to help the residents with local recovery efforts.

 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has helped with funding and consulting. Volunteer housing has been set up in two local United Methodist Churches (bunk beds, showers, kitchen, etc.) to make it easy for teams to find housing. Materials and tools are provided for the volunteer teams--financial donations, of course, are always welcome. A Construction Supervisor is on hand to assist and oversee volunteer teams.

 

The Elk Grove team was involved with re-roofing, dry walling, taping and mudding at one home while most members of the family were living elsewhere until the home was safe and secure again. They also finished up minor projects in two others homes where families had recently moved back in. "It was a wonderful time sharing the love of God through the physical work of re-building a home," noted the Rev. Kathy La Point-Collup, pastor of Elk Grove UMC.

 

However, there are 300 homes that still need assistance. Volunteer teams are needed for demolition, framing, flooring, roofing, dry walling, mudding, painting and much more.

 

To learn more about volunteering in Crisfield, please contact Anika Jackson, volunteer coordinator at umcorteamcrisfield@comcast.net and indicate your interest in volunteering.

 

 

 

    

 

 

 



COLORADO FLOODS - UMVIM UPDATE

COLORADO FLOODS

How You Can Help

As most of you know there is major flooding in Colorado. Some news reports have called it a "1,000 year flood".  It is still too soon to know what kind of support will be needed.

Recently, the website http://www.helpcoloradonow.org/ has been activated and is being published as a place for the public to get information as a way to volunteer.  In addition, the website, http://www.crisiscleanup.org will be used as the tool to arrange teams to assist homeowners with cleanup and debris needs.  Please be patient as we need to wait until the various emergency management organizations have completed their work in assessments before the crisiscleanup.org site is operational.

In addition, there are now 919 flood kits at the UMCOR Depot in Salt Lake City which can be sent out.  There are also about 35,000 kits available at Sager Brown.  It has been reported that there are already 14 pallets of flood buckets available in Colorado Springs which can alleviate immediate needs.

This website will be updated as more news is received so that you might know how best to respond and help.  In addition, please check out the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief) at www.umcor.org for further information.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER MISSION NEWS

MEDICAL MISSION VOLUNTEERS

 



The Knock is a newsletter for those interested in serving on medical mission teams.  Please click on this link to view The Knock, Summer 2013.  http://umvim.org/send-a-team/medical/

 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES, EVENTS & UPDATES

Interested in serving in Haiti?  There will be an upcoming mission team to Guedon, Haiti to build a church there November 5-13, 2013.  The cost is $1500 and includes, air and ground transportation, housing and insurance.  If you are interested in joining this team please contact Craig Parker at wmscraig@aol.com.


WESTERN JURISDICTION DISASTER ACADEMY will be held in Washington March 14-17, 2014. Mark your calendars. More information on registration will coming soon....


CHILE GATHERING  will be held in Santa Cruz, CA at the Mt. Hermon Christian Conference Center September 5-7, 2014, http:/mounthermon.org.  For more information please contact Stan and Beryl Moore at berylstan@aol.com. 


INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING JULY 2014, mark your calendars for this event which will be held in Pacific Palisades, CA.  If you are interested in serving as a long term volunteer (2 months to 2 years) then you might called to serve as an Individual Volunteer.  For more information please contact Malcolm Frazier for an application at mfrazier@umcmission.org.  More details about the trainings to come...


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE IN GALENA, ALASKA as a result of the Yukon flooding.  For more information please contact Jim Truitt at jftruitt@comcast.net.


JOB OPENING AT BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES in New York - Executive Secretary of Missionary Selection & Accompaniment is a full-time position and currently open for all those that might be interested.  For more information please visit www.umcmission.org.



HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY teams still wanted and needed in Crisfield, Maryland.  You can connect with the new coordinator Anika Jackson at umcorteamcrisfield@comcast.net or at 443-859-4447.


FUTURE TEAMS FROM CAL-NEVADA - PLEASE LIFT THEM UP IN PRAYER AS THEY GO TO SERVE...


San Jose – Wesley UMC Team to Navuniyaro, Fiji  – July 25 – August 5 Jackie Kawashima of San Jose – Wesley UMC leads and serves with Don Kawashima, David Brown of San Jose - Wesley UMC  Virisila Batiratu of Sacramento - Centennial UMC  Gary Lee and Janet Lee of San Jose - Westminster Presbyterian, David Orland of Foothill UMC, Mona Otomori, Alena Vunakece, Amy Morimoto, Susan Turner, James Higuchi, Jean Plummer and Ernie Murata

Korean UMC of Santa Clara Team to Camalu, Mexico  – July 17 – August 3
Pyong Cho of Korean UMC of Santa Clara leads his church’s team of volunteers.

Berkeley - Epworth UMC Team to Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua  – August 1 - 16
Lloyd Elliott leads and serves with Annette Cayot of Berkeley – Epworth UMC.

Elk Grove UMC Team to Crisfield, Maryland (Sandy Recovery)  – August 27 – September 4
Kathy LaPoint-Collup leads and serves with Bonnie McKinnie, Bruce McKinnie, Lyn Hawkins, Jean Hawkins, Giles Popish,
Patsy Hopkins, Mary Popish and Steve Collup of Elk Grove - Elk Grove UMC.

Susanville UMC Team to Salt Lake City, Utah (UMCOR DEPOT) – August 29 – September 1
Jeannie Long leads and serves with Heather Blevins, John Blevins, Chet Long, Angela Tinsley, Ed Hafner, Judie Lindeman, Jacqueline Meadows, Matthew Long and Damion Long of Susanville UMC.

FUTURE TEAMS; VIDEO FROM CRISFIELD, MARYLAND - HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY

FUTURE TEAMS OPEN TO VOLUNTEERS

The Cal-Nevada Conference has several future teams available for you to join. Please find them below.  In addition, they will be listed on this website's "Future Teams" page.  For more information about how to join the team and/or find out more information about their mission service, please connect with UMVIM Conference Coordinator for Cal-Nevada, Phil Bandy at philb@calnevumc.org.

STRUMICA, MACEDONIA - (June 20 - July 2, 2013) - San Jose - St. Paul’s UMC

OCEAN, NEW JERSEY / Sandy Recovery - (June 23-28, 2013) - Sacramento - FUMC

TONGA & FIJI / International Connectional- (July 1-12, 2013) - Palo Alto UMC

KENYA / Youth & International Connectional (July 7-29, 2013) - Eureka - FUMC

CAMBODIA / Youth & Vacational Bible School - (July 17 - 30, 2013) - Escolan UMC

NAVUNIYARO, FIJI / Construction - (July 25 - August 5, 2013) - San Jose - Wesley UMC

NEUVA GUINEA, NICARAGUA - (August 1 - 16, 2013) - Berkeley - Epworth UMC

CRISFIELD, MARYLAND / Sandy Recovery - (August 27 - Sept. 6, 2013) - Elk Grove UMC

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH / Kit & Relationship Building - (Sept. 2 - 6, 2013) - Los Gatos UMC

SHASTA, CALIFORNIA / Shasta Camp - (September 8 -20, 2013) - CARE-A-VANers

WILSEYVILLE, CALIFORNIA / Camp Lodestar - (Sept. 16 - 20, 2013) - Livermore - Asbury UMC

OCEAN GROVE, NEW JERSEY / Sandy Recovery - (October 5 - 19, 2013) - Santa Rosa - FUMC

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH / Kit & Relationship Building - (October 14 - 18, 2013) - Galt UMC

ISTAMBUL, TURKEY / Educational - (October 14 - 24, 2013) - Davis UMC

THOMAS, HAITI / Educational & Construction - (Oct. 22 - 31, 2013) - Livermore - Asbury UMC

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA / Katrina Recovery - (Nov. 1 - 9,2013) - Retired Clergy Association

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH / Kit & Relationship Building - (Nov. 18 - 22, 2013) - Elk Grove UMC

KUMI, UGANDA  / Construction & Connectional - (Feb. 9 - 23, 2014) - Oakland - Chinese CUMC

CAMBODIA  / Opthomology - (February, 2014) - Sponsoring Church & Team Leader to be named

VIDEO FROM CRISFIELD, MD - HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY

I am sending this to all who have inquired about coming to Crisfield, those who have already served here, and those who are on the calendar and are still anticipating the trip.

This is a video I created and we just showed it publicly for the first time at our Pen-Del Annual Conference last week.   It is heartfelt to me and has been so to others also, so I thought I would share it with you as well.  The link is below.  

 For those who have already been here, this will be a reflection of the work you have done and a reminder of the impact you have already made on lives here in this little community.

For those who are yet to come,  you can see that there is still a great need here.  We are committed to at least 2 years but will not leave until the last family is back in a safe home.

For those planning trips, this may help to motivate people to want to be part of this wonderful outreach of Christian presence.

For those who cannot come, you might use it as a means of inspiring a campaign to help with funding this immense project.

I trust that however you use the film, the result will be to God's glory, as it is Him we are representing in this mission field.

Blessings to all of you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbuQ_5TpnL4&feature=youtu.be

Blessings and Shalom!
Shirley Secrest

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24–26).

umcorteamcrisfield@comcast.net
Peninsula-Delaware Conference
Disaster Response Team  

443 859-4447

ERT NEWS FROM OKLAHOMA; TEAMS NEEDED IN URUGUAY; PASSING OF MADAME DEPESTRE; FLOODS AND FIRES IN CO, TX, & MEXICO; RECOVERY TRAINING; UMCOR JOB OPENING

ERT TEAM FROM CAL PAC TO OKLAHOMA 

An Early Response Team (ERT) from Southern California left a week ago to go and serve in Oklahoma and surrounding areas until June 28th.  In addition to their team they also had a trailor of tools and other items that will aid in their service! The team is led by Doug and Judy Lewis of Ontario First UMC in Ontario, CA.  To hear about their experience serving as ERT short-term volunteers please email them at dfjklewis@aol.com.  Or call them at 909-621-9076. If you are interested in serving in Oklahoma please contact Doug and Judy Lewis for contact information and details. 

Volunteers Needed for Team to Uruguay

September 28-October 6. The team will be focusing on the Friendship House and Church in Montevideo. This is a special needs school for teens and older adults. They will be painting, installing tile on the floors and ceiling and other work around the school and church. If you would like more information, please contact Rev. Dara Austin atfaithworks2035@whiteschapelumc.com. 

STRONG MISSIONS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER TEAMS

Strong Missions, an Advance with the UMC and listed on the UMVIM project listing, still has plenty of room for individuals and teams this year-especially in the fall and early winter months, as well into next year. We really need help to complete the project list for this year. We're working in two churches building space to feed and educate children. Also, for those with a green thumb, you'll have the opportunity to dig your hands into some of the most fertile soil in the world. We need help preparing the new garden that will directly provide food for the children's feeding programs, and you'll also be able to visit such programs during your trip with us. There are also some home improvement jobs to get to if we have enough teams sign up. We need you! We hope to see you, and serve at your side.  For more information please contact Rebecca Rusnack at freiburgerose@hotmail.com.

UMCOR RESPONDS TO FLOODS AND FIRES IN COLORADO, TEXAS, AND MEXICO

UMCOR is providing the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference with emergency assistance to respond to the Black Forest Fire which charred hundreds of homes and acreage. Rocky Mountain will use funding to work with families affected by the fires near Colorado Springs. 

The Black Forest Fire, just recently contained, blazed through 16,000 acres, destroyed nearly 500 homes and claimed two lives, according to news reports. UMCOR’s US Disaster Response Executive, Gregg Forrester is in communication with Gary Haddock, disaster relief coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Conference, to assess future needs and support. 

UMCOR is also responding to recent flooding in Texas with two emergency grants to the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. The grants will aid affected communities in the San Antonio area and residents affected by flooding in Eagle Pass.

In San Antonio, floodwaters deluged numerous roads, killed two women, and forced more than 235 rescues by emergency workers. Nearly 10 inches of rainfall was reported in a matter of hours by the city airport.

Piedras Negras, Mexico, a border town located three hours west of San Antonio, also was affected by flooding. UMCOR is in talks with Bishop Raul García, Eastern Conference of the Methodist Church of Mexico, to secure assistance there.

Your gifts to US Disaster Response, Advance #901670 can aid fire and flood survivors in their recovery, and help UMCOR to respond to needs as they occur. 

Photo: Cleaning buckets, by Mike Dubose of UMNS.

PASSING OF MADAME DEPESTRE

UMCOR extends its deepest condolences to families and loved ones of Madame Anne Ruth Depestre, who passed away on Friday, June 21. Madame Depestre was the manager of the Methodist Guesthouse in Petionville, Haiti, and wife of Rev. Marco Depestre of the Methodist Church in Haiti (Eglise Méthodiste d'Haïti). The Rev. Jim Gulley, UMCOR consultant, is attending Madame Depestre’s memorial service in Haiti this week on behalf of UMCOR and Global Ministries. 

As manager of the Methodist guesthouse, Madame Depestre was central in facilitating arriving volunteer groups or visiting staff who were coordinating or implementing recovery efforts in Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake. You are welcome to sign the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission online guest book to share your condolences. 

Photo: Madame Depestre from website www.umvimhaiti.org.

LONG TERM RECOVERY BASICS TRAINING 

On July 9-10, at 2 p.m. EST, the Emergency Response Specialists of Church World Service will present Long Term Recovery Basics. This series will cover a wide range of topics designed to help you and your community rebuild and recover after a disaster. This presentation is in response to requests from those who have been affected by recent summer storms.

Each webinar session will be approximately 75 minutes long, with a 15-minute break between sessions. 

Register for the series by clicking here:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/744781514

The sessions are:

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

2:00-3:45 pm Part 1

4:00-5:30 pm Part 2

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

2:00-3:45 pm Part 3

4:00-5:30 pm Part 4

Among those who will find this series of interest are:

- Clergy and lay leaders from houses of worship in disaster affected communities.

- Persons serving on local Long Term Recovery Groups.

- Disaster Case Managers and the staff of organizations who may provide disaster case management.

- Local, state, and federal Voluntary Agency Liaisons.

- Emergency Managers.

- Anyone concerned for those affected by recent disasters.

- Anyone planning to mitigate the hazards in their community before a disaster strikes.

Best, 

Kuulei

Ku'ulei Funn 

Emergency Response Specialist 

Church World Service 

808-226-6432 

Honolulu, Hawai'i

kfunn@churchworldservice.org

visit www.churchworldservice.org

JOB OPENING WITH UMCOR NEW YORK OFFICE

UMCOR is seeking a program manager to be based in its New York City headquarters. This professional would guide and oversee UMCOR field offices in their program development, monitoring and reporting of activities, strategic development, and exit/transition planning. 

Please visit UMCOR’s Careers page on our website for more details.