United Methodist Volunteers in Mission - Western Jurisdiction (UMVIM WJ)

GREETINGS IN 2012 FROM UMVIM WJ

2012-01-11T16:56:00.001-08:00

GREETINGS & HAPPY NEW YEAR IN 2012!

Dear Friends in Mission:

What a joy to greet a new year! I want to thank you all on behalf of UMVIM WJ for your support and efforts in this mission ministry. God continues to work through each of you as UMVIM mission trips continue to inspire, uplift, and challenge.

Please check out the "Want to Join A Team/Future Teams" Page because there are several teams to Gulport, MS, Haiti, Mexico, and many others that would love to have you join their team. Also on this page find out about the Native American Ministries in the Dakotas that would love to welcome you.

In addition, more information has been added to our "Training Events" page with ERT trainings, Disaster Academies, Team Leader Trainings, and forums that are there to help deepen your mission experience.

As always, our Youth Listing page continues to grow and if you are a Young Adult there are amazing mission opportunities for you and the application deadlines are coming up in February and March.

Thank you again. It is an honor to serve Christ through service to you.

Your Servant,

Heather Wilson
UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinator
Western Jurisdiction

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

2011-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-27T13:21:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T10:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

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;

2011-08-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

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;

2011-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T13:34:00.001-07:00

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.

TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS; MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN JOPLIN

2011-06-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

Nicaragua, Oct 13-22, 2011. Our next medical trip needs both medical people and helpers. Cost of trip $1500.00. Contact: Teresa Miller - rbkids@yahoo.com, W MI.

UMVIM trip to San Jose, Costa Rica to the Biblical University ofLatin America February 20 - March 5, 2012 Leaders: Donna and Glenn Waltman of Oregon-Idaho Conference. The project is to work on completion of apartments to be rented so theuniversity can build student family housing with the income.

The UBL is a combined mission of the GBGM and the Presbyterian Church in America.Started in 1923 to provide church training for local people, it hasexpanded to include people of all faiths in Latin America. Studentsstudy at satellite locations all over Central and South America and cometo the university for their last year of study.Cost: approximately $1400 plus airfare. Contact the Waltmans at dgwaltman@juno.com or call 503-622-3226

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN JOPLIN

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin, Mo., needs medical volunteers now to serve at the clinic the church has been operating at Martin Luther School since the devastating May 22 tornado.
Maggie Karner, director of Life and Health Ministries with LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC), shared the following information about volunteer needs at Immanuel, which is providing food, water, clothing and medical care to the battered community. Because the church (www.immanueljoplin.com) depends on volunteer medical professionals, Rev. Gregory Mech, Immanuel's pastor, and church leaders issued an urgent appeal for doctors and nurses licensed in Missouri or NCLA (Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators) licensed compact state nurses.

Doctors in the areas of primary, family and general practice medicine and nurses licensed in Missouri who can donate even a day or two can play a crucial role in keeping the medical clinic open and available to the community. The clinic is administering tetanus shots, doing wound care and addressing respiratory distress caused by airborne debris from tornado rubble.

The Nurse Licensure Compact allows a registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical/ vocational nurse (LPN/VN) to have one multi-state license in a primary state of residency (the home state) and to practice in other compact states (remote states), while subject to each state's practice laws and discipline, Karner said. For more information go to https://www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm. Physicians and advanced practice registered nurses are not included in the Nurse Licensure Compact. It is not recommended that physicians practice outside their specialty area without additional and specific liability insurance.

Medical professionals interested in donating their time at Immanuel are asked to register with Lutheran Church Charities, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization in Addison, Ill., which is coordinating volunteers. Please visit www.LutheranChurchCharities.org to register and specifically note whether you are a doctor or nurse. Or call Lutheran Church Charities at 866-455-6466.

INFORMATION FROM UMVIM OFFICE IN MISSOURI

2011-05-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

INFORMATION FROM UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION (UMVIM) OFFICE IN MISSOURI

Those interested in serving inthe future should go to our website at www.umocm.com. Click on JoplinDisaster Relief at the top of the page and then click on Future VIM Teams inthe links bar of that page. Fill out that form and you will receive regularupdates from me regarding the work being done in Joplin as well as volunteeropportunities as they become available. Thank you again.

Blessings,
Audrey Phelps
Missouri Volunteers in MissionOffice of Creative Ministries

UPDATE ON STORM DAMAGE IN OKLAHOMA AND JOPLIN; PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE NEWS

2011-05-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

HOW TO RESPOND TO THE STORMS IN OKLAHOMA AND JOPLIN, MO

We have received many requests for information from people who want to respond to the tornado affected areas in Oklahoma and Joplin, MO. At this time we have been requested to not send any volunteers into these areas. During the initial phases of emergency recovery a surge of volunteers can cause more harm than good. As things progress we will keep you updated on the ways you can serve through OK VIM.

Currently, there is a need for teams to serve in Tushka, OK which was hit by a tornado on May 14th. The recovery continues and the need is great: 149 homes were destroyed, 47 have major damage and 33 have minor damage. If you are a certified team leader and are ready to put together a team to serve in Tushka please contact Richard Norman at 405-530-2032, RNorman@okumc.org for more information.

JOPLIN, MO

From Bishop Schnase of the Missouri Conference
Subject: Schnase Note on Joplin Tornado
Dear Colleagues,

I give God thanks for every one of you for your many kind emails, voice messages, phone calls, and expressions of concern following the devastating tornado that destroyed much of Joplin, MO. Among those killed were several United Methodists, and every United Methodist Church in the area has members who have lost their homes. All our pastors and church staff are safe. We lost two church buildings, including St. Paul United Methodist Church (a large, strong, vibrant congregation with an average attendance of close to 1000), and we lost the District Superintendent’s Office. Several other churches and parsonages received more limited damage. The hospital and five of the seven schools in Joplin were nearly completely destroyed.

The Missouri Conference Disaster Response team has been active and effective from the earliest hours, and many of our churches have sent trained First Responder teams. Tom Hazelwood from UMCOR was on the ground in Joplin within 24 hours. Many of you have generously offered funds directly to the Missouri Conference and others have expressed your intention of supporting the UMCOR Spring Storms appeal. All of your gifts are appreciated. In addition many have expressed their active interest in sending VIM teams to the area. Please refrain from doing so during the immediate days ahead since only highly trained and professional teams are on-site at this time. However, we shall covet your help during the weeks and months to come.

The city of Joplin was named after Rev. Harris Joplin, an early Methodist preacher who settled there in 1839. For years, he hosted people in his home and led them in worship, prayer, and singing. His ministry was one of hospitality in the truest sense, and he used his own humble dwelling as a tool for ministry. As far as I know, the building he used no longer exists, but the church community he founded provided the seeds from which dozens of area congregations have sprouted. All of us who are Missouri United Methodists are to some degree the fruit of his ministry.

Tornadoes and hurricanes and floods and fires can take away our beloved and sacred places in a moment’s time, but the love of God that binds us to another is not nearly so vulnerable. God’s persistent and persevering love causes us to reach out to help a neighbor and to embrace strangers and to assist one another in the rebuilding of lives. The church is not the pile of lumber and bricks left after the destroying winds and rains; the church is the gathering of people standing above the rubble unified by the spirit of Christ to love and serve others. The church is the people counseling one another through unfathomable grief and loss. The church is people risking lives for their neighbors and opening their homes to strangers. The church is people across the state and nation and world praying and giving and preparing to offer their best and highest in service to help rebuild lives. The church is alive and vigorous and redeeming. It is grace in every gesture and love in every action. The church is the body of Christ doing the things Jesus did in Jesus’ name today.

Thanks to you, United Methodists will rebuild in Joplin. On behalf of others of our colleagues whose areas have been affected by tornados and floods, I strongly encourage you to lift up the UMCOR Spring Storms appeal. Funds at UMCOR are extraordinarily low right now, and this severely limits our capacity to act quickly and effectively during times of tragedy. Your help is appreciated.

Yours in Christ,
Robert Schnase,
Missouri Conference

HOW YOU CAN HELP

From the office of Creative Ministries-Missouri Conference
Dear Friends,

You have indicated your desire to serve those affected by recent disasters in the state of Missouri via our online form. Our conference is so very grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement we have received in the wake of the tornado in Joplin. Thank you.

While we are in the coordination phase of this disaster you can expect to receive updates in this format. As volunteer opportunities become available I will share them with you in an email like this. Here are some things for you to know now:

We are currently arranging the utilization of trained Early Response Teams (ERT's). ERT's are individuals or groups who have been through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Basic Training course, have completed their Annual Conference Background Check procedures and have received an UMCOR ERT badge. In the early phases of disaster it is important for us to utilize teams with the knowledge of extreme disaster scenarios, debris removal policies (for insurance companies, FEMA, SEMA, etc.), and with a good understanding of what it means to provide appropriate spiritual and emotional support to disaster survivors. The ERT Basic course equips volunteers to enter a disaster scenario with a solid understanding of these areas. If you are interested in attending an ERT Basic training course contact your local Volunteers in Mission or Disaster Coordinator via your Jurisdictional Coordinator.

If you are not part of an ERT there are still things you can do now to serve the people of Joplin. In Missouri, through the Festival of Sharing, we are collecting Emergency Clean Up Buckets and Personal Hygiene Packs. Contents of the buckets and packs as well as drop off sites within the state of Missouri can be found on our website. Emergency Clean Up Buckets can also be donated through UMCOR distribution centers. These kits are needed now and will be for future disasters as well. Monetary donations are especially useful at this time as they can be used for immediate and long term needs. You can make online donations via the Missouri Conference Office of Creative Ministries website at www.umocm.com or through UMCOR's Spring Storm fund.

Joplin, Missouri has been overwhelmed by the generous donations of materials goods, but is struggling with the amount of unaffiliated donations that are being dropped off all the time. Please keep this in mind as you plan your future response to the Joplin disaster.

Thank-you all again for your generous support. Please keep the people of Joplin in your prayers as they work to rebuild their lives.

Blessings,

Audrey Phelps
Missouri Conference
Volunteers in Mission

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE NEWS

Please visit our UMVIM Disaster Response Facebook page, Facebook.com/umvim.pnwumc, to find links to the latest information on the tornadoes in the mid and south west.

We are not planning to send ERTs to Missouri at the present time. I am trying to make contact with the Disaster Response team in the Missouri Conference to determine how we can best support them.

You do not have to be a member of Facebook to read the entries. You do have to be a member to make a comment or send me a message from Facebook.

Jim Truitt
UMVIM Disaster Response Coordinator
PNW Conference United Methodist Church
253-6301268 (H)
253-797-1680 (C)
jftruitt@comcast.net
Facebook.com/umvim.pnwumc

TORNADO HITS UM CHURCHES IN JOPLIN

2011-05-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Joplin Tornado Hits UM Churches

Several UM churches in Joplin, Mo., were scrambling to provide shelter Monday morning for church members and others whose homes were damaged by a tornado on May 22 at 6:00 p.m. At least two churches also suffered extensive damage. The Rev. Christopher Sloan, pastor of Christ’s Community United Methodist Church, serves as a fire department chaplain and had helped set up an emergency medical services response center after the tornado struck. His church, which had power but no water, was open as a shelter and was receiving supplies and volunteers.

A disaster-response team from the Missouri Annual Conference is expected to use the church as its headquarters for tornado response, he said. Sloan confirmed that the sanctuary of another church, St. Paul’s UMC, was destroyed by the tornado, although the rest of the structure remained standing. The conference also reported that St. James UMC was destroyed and the Southwest District office next to it damaged. Members of a church youth group at Byers Avenue UMC, which had minor damage, rode out the tornado in a Sunday school room. The Joplin Globe reported 89 deaths as a result of the tornado. A major hospital, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, took a direct hit from the tornado and has since been vacated. Two firehouses were destroyed.

In a May 23 statement, Missouri Bishop Robert Schnase invited United Methodists “to respond prayerfully, courageously and generously” to the Joplin disaster. “Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who grieve the loss of loved ones and who have suffered the destruction of homes and businesses following Sunday’s devastating tornado in Joplin.” At least 14 UM annual conferences have been affected by tornados or storms this spring. UMs are also responding to deadly tornadoes that touched down over the weekend in Kansas and Minnesota. The twisters left at least one person dead in northern Minneapolis and killed another in Reading, a town of about 250 people in eastern Kansas. Winds ripped off the roof of Reading UMC, and the building may be a total loss.

Make donations online to help UMCOR respond to “Spring Storms 2011.”
—Linda Bloom, UMNS

UMVIM TEAMS & STORMS IN THE SOUTH AND MIDWEST - HOW TO HELP

2011-05-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

A cross is all that is left standing of a church in Joplin, MO after the recent storm that hit the city on Sunday. Photo courtesy www.cnn.com.

UMVIM TEAMS SERVING THOSE IN THE MIDWEST AND SOUTH

Due to all the tornadoes and devastation in the Midwest and the South there is a need to begin now to get ready to go and serve in these areas. The need for volunteers will be lasting over these next few years. Currently, only trained Early Responders are going in on behalf of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. However, volunteers will no doubt be needed in time.

If you want to lead an UMVIM team please continue to monitor this site upcoming team leader trainings. In addition, if you want to simply join a future UMVIM team, please note that such postings will also be on this site. In addition, you can connect with your annual conference UMVIM Conference Coordinator listed on the right-hand side of your screen.

The UMVIM WJ office encourages all those who want to help to visit the following websites of annual conferences that have been hit by storms. They are the best places to find out what needs these conferences have. More information will come in on this website as it is received. Thank you all for your service and prayers!

Holston:
Call center: 865-309-9530 and 865-309-9563,
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm
Click here for more information: http://www.holston.org/about/communications/the-call/volEEE/num16/conference-response/

North Alabama:
Call center: 855-862-8657
Monday through Friday, 7am-9pm
Saturday, 10am-4pm
Sunday, 1pm-5pm
Click here for more information: http://www.northalabamaumc.org/pages/detail/1608

North Georgia:
Call center: 678-533-1443
Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
Click here for more information: http://www.ngumc.org/

In addition, you can donate to the Spring Storms Relief by clicking here: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ and clicking on US Spring Storms.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED; ERT TRAINING IN WASHINGTON; MISSION OPPORTUNITIES; HOW TO HELP ALABAMA & STORM RAVAGED AREAS

2011-05-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Victims of tornado in Alabama. Photo courtesy, www.m.ibtimes.com.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Boca, Costa Rica
January 23 - February 6, 2012
Team Leader: Rev. Roger Sailors
Medical and Building Team
For more information, email: prs.rrs.2@juno.com

Haiti
August 16-24, 2011
Team Leader: Lisa Pierce
Block construction and relational ministry
Cost is between $1700-$1900 (depending on airline tickets)
Fore more information, email: lisa@arm-al.org

Limon, Honduras
September 13-24, 2011
Team Leader: Keith Kehler
Need: Doctors, PA or ARNP only
Cost: $250 plus airfare, plus hotels, plus food
For more information, email: kkehler@tampabay.rr.com

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING IN WASHINGTON

If you are interested in becoming part of an emergency response team, you are welcome to a training June 22, 2011 at Kennewick First United Methodist Church. The event will be held from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more information please contact Jim Truitt at jftruitt@comcast.net.

MISSION OPPORTUNTIES FROM THE DESERT SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE

Our United Methodist Missionaries to Costa Rica, Becky Harrell and to Chile, John Elmore have opportunities for mission teams to work in their General Board of Global Missionaries projects in both Costa Rica with the Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana building student housing, and in Chile, working at the El Vergel Agricultural School which is part of the Chilean Methodist Church.

You can contact Becky Harrell directly at beckyincostarica@yahoo.com for Costa Rica or John Elmore at JElmore56@yahoo.com . Both are missionaries with the UM GBGM.

HOW TO HELP ALABAMA AND OTHER STORM RAVAGED AREAS

Here is a listing of contacts for those annual conference that have suffered lots of damage as result of the Spring storms, flooding, and tornadoes.

North Georgia:
Call center: 678-533-1443
Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
Click here for more information: http://www.ngumc.org/

You can donate to the Spring Storms Relief by clicking here: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ and clicking on US Spring Storms.

UPDATE FOR ALABAMA NEEDS; NEEDS FOR NORTH CAROLINA DUE TO STORM DAMAGE; FUTURE TEAMS

2011-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

UPDATE FOR NEEDS IN ALABAMA & SURROUNDING AREAS

North Alabama:
-For the latest information from the North Alabama Conference Disaster Response to April 27 storms please visit www.northalabamaumc.org/storms2011-Also the North Alabama Conference Disaster Response Center is now open.
The toll free number is 855-862-8657.

Alabama West Florida:
-Suspending requests for teams into the Alabama-West Florida Conference for the time being- Are in serious assessment and rolling into recovery, but don't have final framework in place-
-Will be ready to receive outside teams in a couple of weeks.
-Watch for an email requesting help at that time.

North Georgia:
-For the latest information regarding their response, please check: http://www.ngumc.org/ with current updates.

Mississippi:
-For updates from Rev. David Newton and guidelines for teams, please click here: http://www.mississippi-umc.org/pages/detail/1185

To Donate:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

NEEDS FOR NORTH CAROLINA FROM STORM DAMAGE

Please visit the North Carolina response website for updates.

All twelve districts in the NC Conference suffered some storm damage and in five districts there are areas of extreme damage. Volunteer Emergency Response Teams are needed in several areas. These are the first responders who have been trained and certified for such initial response.

The NC Conference has activated a disaster response coordination center at the MERCI Ministry Center. We immediately need volunteers to help with the telephones and coordination effort. If you have an Early Response Team and would like to help, contact the MERCI Center Storm Response, 888-440-9167 or 919-739-9167.

Also contact the MERCI Center if you have an UMVIM team who would like to volunteer once we move from the initial response phase to the long-term recovery phase. Please leave your contact information, your skill levels, your equipment capacity, and any other information you wish to tell us. We will contact you and direct you to the area requesting the team. We will have a form listed on our website for this information in the next day or two.

MERCI Center Storm Response has Immediate Needs listed on their website.

FUTURE TEAMS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

CARE-A-VANERS Team to S.L.C. Utah UMCOR Depot – April 30 – May 14
Rod Castor leads and serves with Gloria Castor of Sunnyvale - Trinity UMC, Ina Tanner, Marv Tanner, Elaine Hill and Gene Hill of Campbell - Campbell UMC, Susie Caudle and Lynn Caudle of Grass Valley - Sierra Pines UMC, Jeanne Murchie and Jim Murchie of Manteca - St. Paul's UMC.

Los Altos / Palo Alto Team to Haiti – May 8 - 16
Leslie Carmichael leads and serves with Angela Eglen, Mike Polanski and Katie Polanski of Los Altos - Los Altos UMC and David Carmen of Palo Alto - First UMC.

HAITI: Aug 5-13, 2011. Team leader Don Henry of Burlington, IA, 319-752-2357, is seeking three adult Christian US citizens to serve on a 10-person work team in Haiti as part of the UMVIM Haiti Response Plan.Costs: $1,650.00 per person (many congregations help with funds). One extra person with medical skills would be very welcomed! Deadline: extended to May 13.

HUNGARY, Kurtospuszta: July 15-24, 2011. From Central UMC, Lenoir City, TN. We have a mission team going to Hungary and our focus will be working with the Roma by providing a Vacation Bible School camp in the morning, English lessons in the afternoon, and evangelism in the evening. There are also plans to build a 300 meter long fence around the property. We are looking for 8-20 volunteers. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Linda M. Carty at or 434-594-4938. The cost is $1,950 per person. The cost includes, air fare, insurance, food, local transportation and accommodations.

LIBERIA, GANTA Hospital: January 2012. In conjunction with the Bishop's 3Cs Mission (East Ohio) a medical mission trip is being planned to Ganta Hospital in Liberia for late January 2012. The exact dates are pending, but plan for a 10-14 day trip costing about $3,000. It will be led by Laurie Joyce, R.N., Rev. Dr. Tom Joyce and Dr. Brent Burkey. We are working with the administrator and physicians at Ganta Hospital outlining specific training projects for the staff and community outreach clinics.

LIBERIA, Camphor Mission Opportunities: 2012. Brochure attached. Contact Mentor UMC UMVIM Coordinators for an application. Also with East Ohio's Bishop's 3Cs Mission.

SENEGAL - Senegal Mission Initiative: January 12-22, 2012. Senegal is located on the most western part of Africa and is the size of South Dakota. The Senegal Mission is an initiative of the General Board of Global Ministries and is in need of volunteers. The teams will be general and will aid in repairs to the conference center, construction of a fence and revival services in a new area, work with the mission's prison ministry and health teams as well as meeting women helped by the micro-finance program. Cultural events include a trip to Goree Island and Bandia Game Reserve. Team size is 10 members and we are welcoming all who are interested in a great spiritual experience in a country known for its welcome of strangers. Known for its dynamic culture, friendly people, warm climate and its nickname "Africa for Beginners", Senegal is a secular state with 96% being Muslim. It is ideally located less than 6 ½ hours from New York and offers everything that makes Africa unique in a safe, friendly and comfortable environment. We will work alongside Senegalese with a goal of empowering the already established church leadership. French is the official language but translators are available. For more information contact Karen Ujereh, 504-782-7773 (cell). Karen is the Mission Interpreter in Residence (MIIR) for the North Central Jurisdiction. Brochure attached.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN ALASKA; PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE ERT TRAINING & UPDATE

2011-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN ALASKA

VBS VIM Team Needed in Nome for Summer 2011

Nome Community UMC is in search of a team to lead VBS this summer in Nome. The possible dates are the evenings of Sunday, June 12 through Thursday, June 16 or Sunday, July 31 through Thursday, August 4. The team planning to come to Nome is unable to come after all this summer. Nome Community UMC would still like to host VBS this summer. We had 55 kids register for VBS in 2009 and 72 kids register in 2010. In order to keep this vital program going, we need your help to lead VBS and teach this many kids. We are looking for a minimum of 4 people on the team. Six or more people would be ideal. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity. If you are interested in bringing a team, please contact Pastor Julie Yoder Elmore at church@cumcnome.org or by calling her cell at (907) 304-2105.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONFERENCE ERT TRAINING & UPDATE

On June 22, 2011 there will be an ERT Training Course led by UMVIM Conference Co-Coordinator Jim Truitt. So far, the Pacific Northwest Conference has 70 members trained as ERTs (Emergency Responders). If you are interested in becoming an ERT please contact Jim Truitt at jftruitt@comcast.net.

NEWS FROM UMCOR ON TORNADO RESPONSE

2011-05-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Tornado damage in Alabama. Photo courtesy blog.al.com.

NEWS FROM UMCOR (UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF) ON TORNADO RESPONSE

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” So simple. So powerful. So much at the heart of who we are as United Methodists. Does it make you wonder... who is my neighbor?
In Alabama and across the US South, survivors of this year’s historic spring storm season are still reeling. After the latest of these super storms raged through the region on April 27, killing hundreds and injuring many more, countless families now find themselves homeless and in need of care.

Your faithful giving enables UMCOR to be the hands and feet of Jesus to respond with compassion to storm-affected families. It is only with your commitment that we are able to help families recover, rebuild and restore lives back to normal.
Can you show your love to your neighbor with a donation to UMCOR?

Disasters start like any day... you, me, our neighbors... we live, we work, we play. Then the unexpected... the water rises, the winds swirl, the flames leap and before we know it... everything’s gone.

Who is there for you? Who is there for your neighbors? UMCOR: The United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Your donation today to UMCOR’s Spring Storms 2011 joins with thousands around the country – your neighbors – to relieve the suffering of those who started their days just like you and me... and never expected it to end so very differently. And better yet... when you make your gift to UMCOR, all of it, 100% of the funds go to disaster service – none to administrative expenses.

-Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Deputy General Secretary, UMCOR

EARLY RESPONDERS REQUESTED FOR ALABAMA

2011-04-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Devastation from tornado in Alabama.

Request for Trained Early Responders

from Rev. Matt Lacey
North Alabama Conference

North Alabama invites UMCOR Emergency Response Trained [ERT}. If you have been ERT trained, here are the criteria which we are asking you to follow:

Team leaders MUST have a valid UMCOR ERT badge in the last 3 years. Team members must have a valid conference or UMCOR ERT badge in the last 5 years. To volunteer, please visit this site to register.

We are taking these criteria very seriously due to the nature of the damage of these massive storms. Please remember that we are a connectional system, and are going through the proper channels to insure everyone's safety and well-being

If your church wants to give an offering, please give through UMCOR's website by clicking here, or making a check out to the North Alabama Conference labeled with the Advance number 3021326.

I encourage you to follow the conference website, or find North Alabama missions on Facebook at www.facebook.com/missionsnal

This is a trying time for many, and we are called to, with God at our side, help to heal a hurting world. We will release any further information as we receive it. God Bless.

Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy, North Alabama Conferencemlacey@northalabamaumc.org

MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: ORPHAN EMPOWERMENT PROJECT & HOME REPAIR MINISTRY

2011-04-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Farai Mashonganyika, Field Officer Zimbabwe (far right) Farai oversees our work in Zimbabwe. This includes delivery of food, medical care, and clothing supplies and coordination for visiting work teams. Farai is married and has three children.

MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES: ORPHAN EMPOWERMENT PROJECT & HOME REPAIR MINISTRY REQUESTING VOLUNTEERS

ZOE Ministry is a General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) Advance whose ministry focuses on working with orphans in Africa. ZOE Ministry has a handful of slots open on two upcoming mission trips to Rwanda: June 20-29 and August 21-30

The trips will cost approximately $3,200 and will introduce missioners to ZOE's remarkable orphan empowerment project. This project equips orphans to live self-reliant, faith-filled lives within three years, thus breaking the cycles of poverty and dependency. To learn more about this ministry please visit www.zoeministry.org. For more information on the upcoming trips please e-mail info@zoeministry.org

Operation Inasmuch of Mitchell County, NC is an interdenominational home repair ministry led by area United Methodists and is now accepting applications for spring, summer and fall mission teams. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Spruce Pine, North Carolina, the ministry provides assistance to needy, elderly and handicapped residents. Dormitory style housing is provided for teams of up to 50 members. The housing units have a fully furnished kitchen. Teams must furnish their own linens and towels. Adult and youth teams are encouraged to apply. Teams may come for a weekend, a week or longer. For more information contact Neil Brown, 828-766-5922 or brownneil@bellsouth.net

UMVIM TRAINING

2011-04-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

UMVIM TRAINING IN IDAHO - ALL ARE WELCOME

Faith in Action! United Methodist Volunteers in Mission training Who:

· Anyone wanting information and preparation for serving on a domestic or international mission team with the United Methodist Church

· Anyone planning to lead or assist a youth or adult mission team, either internationally or in the USA

When: Saturday; May 14, 2011 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Boise First United Methodist Church Cathedral of the Rockies 717 N. 11th, Boise 83702

For more information and registration, contact Scott and Bev Pressman, bspressman@gmail.com

SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN COSTA RICA AND THE SOUTHERN USA

2011-04-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN COSTA RICA AND SOUTHERN USA

1.Rice and Beans Ministries, Costa Rica, from Fred Curry:

The first team is May 3 to May 10th . food and prayer ministry , vbs, light construction , we always have medical opportunities. The second team is may 14 to may 21st ..food and prayer ministry , vbs, light construction , we always have medical opportunities.

For airfare purposes we can be flexible on the enter dates. Just contact me for more info.

Third we need more people for our Base Camp July 9th to July 16th or 17th ... we will be working with 3000 to 4000 children in 28 communities in 4 days... we will visit 400 to 500 or more families in food ministry... contact me for more info.. we need 30 more from the usa for this week.. we have participants from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, USA and Panama ... we are inviting people from Mexico and Guatemala as well ... also here is the newest promo video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cU46DYXakA Fred Curry: fred@rabmin.org www.riceandbeansministries.com 2. Tennessee Home Repair/Flood Recovery, from Todd Fitch: I have up to 10 spots open. Minimum age 14. Individual Youths must have chaperone. I could really use one or two who are comfortable leading a home repair team of 4-5 mixed-age volunteers.

Cost is $175 plus road food and (shared) gas. Dates of travel: July 10-15, 2011

- Leaving from Christiansburg VA 10 July. Working somewhere within 1 hour of Nashville, TBD by UMCOR TN Conference. Won't know specifics until June. - Type of Work TBD by UMCOR TN Conference. Won't know specifics until June. Most likely Home Repair and/or Flood Recovery. They will try to match jobs to our mix of skills. I'm accepting volunteers until May 15. Todd Fitch: todd.fitch@comcast.net

3. Slidell Louisiana, from Henry Jarrett

I have some open spots on the work team I am leading to Louisiana July 24-31st. My church-Fairmont United Methodist Church is going to Slidell Louisiana and work with the Epworth Project which is helping build and rehab homes in the greater New Orleans area. Their website is www.epworthproject.com. Team members can ages 11 and up and there is no skill required. We do have about 5 spots open and I am asking each team member to contribute $350 to cover roundtrip airfare, insurance and ground transportation. I would need to know something by May 1st of possible. They can contact me at 919-606-5674 or by email at jarretth@bellsouth.net or my personal mailing address PO Box 18311 Raleigh NC 27619-8311.

SERVE IN EL SALVADOR; FUTURE TEAMS; TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

2011-04-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

SALVADORE MISSION PROJECTS

Looking for a place to serve? Check out Salvadore Mission Projects (SMP). It is the perfect destination for your workteam. You can find all the information you need to schedule a team at our website, www.salvadoranmissionprojects.com. While you are their please sign up for our 12 for 12 sup-port program. Your help is needed and will be greatly appreciated.

FUTURE TEAMS

Davis UMC Educational Team to Turkey – March 24 – April 6 Linda Deos and James Cramer lead and serve with Helen Roland, Eva Brock, Rosa Washington-Olson, Marcus Clark, Margo Clark, Elaine Ginosar and Alice Lakin of Davis UMC.

California – Nevada Conference Team to Haiti – March 27 – April 7 Suellen Rowlison leads and serves with Sara Munday, Carol Olmstead, Robert Olmstead, LeRoy Peters, John Prock and John Roberts of Placerville - Federated Community UMC, Julie Hastings and William Coye of Fullerton – FUMC and Manoj Kumar.

Los Altos / Palo Alto UMC Team to Camp Lodestar in Wilseyville, CA. – April 1 - 3 Leslie Carmichael leads and serves with Megan Alvey, Christopher Arnesen, Jacquelyn Chang, Jarrett Fishpaw, Meredith Forney, Emily Grendon, Andrew Kittle, John Larson, Kaitlin Medeiros, Patricia Parfett, Jessica Prudence, Allen Sourvignier, Brent Taylor, Hal Taylor, Derek Webb and Samuel Yun of Los Altos -Los Altos UMC and David Carmen of Palo Alto - FUMC.

Central Delta Area Team to Haiti – April 6 - 15 Bruce Burr leads and serves with John Curry, John Gabby and Jacy Franceschi of Dixon UMC, Patti Bartlebaugh and Lisa Shay of Brentwood UMC, Bob Buckner of Montegue UMC, Hope Harvey of Davis UMC, Lavonda Williams Ristow of Woodland UMC and Larry Gilbert of Alamo - San Ramon Valley UMC.

Los Gatos UMC Team to Colonet, Mexico – April 8 - 15 Larry Loper leads and serves with Cynthia Loper, Julia Loper, Gregory Loper, Justine Kwan, Tom Waldrop, Linda Waldrop, Susanna Waldrop, Kenneth Kasper, Bryan Mekechuk, Nikolas Mekechuk, Ryan Reyna, Jacob Ley, John Lynch and Amy Loofbourow of Los Gatos UMC.

Multi-Church Team to Slidell, Louisiana – April 9 - 23 Joe Hoffman of Dutch Flat UMC leads and serves with David Orland of Rancho Cordova UMC, Beth Murphy of Colfax UMC. Barbara Smith, Frank Sweeney, Sherrill Sweeney, Pat Kaiser, Carl Swain, Barbie Swain, Haley Hobbs, Sally Flores, Joel Pineda, Sandra Lashly, Kelsey Bartolomei and Noelle Gauldin of Pioneer UMC of Auburn.

Livermore – Asbury Team to Slidell, Louisiana – April 10 - 16 Roger Everett leads and serves with Dick Crawford, Sharmyn Crawford, Bobbie Johnson, Coleman Johnson, Art Molvik, John Van Scyoc and Philip Woolworth of Livermore - Asbury UMC, Alex Coffing and Ruth Coffing of Minneapolis, MN.

Irvine, CA. – University UMC Youth Team to Florin UMC (Sacramento) – April 17 - 23 Sarah Heath and Bob Theemling co-lead and serve with Ted Watkins, Jack Lucas, Jason Jackson, Jeff Moretti, Trent Williams, Kim Sciutto, Brittany Abel, Brooke Abel, Kate Jensen, Kelsey Heflin, Alex Wong and Andrew Reyes of Irvine, CA - University UMC.

TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS

Haiti – 5/8/2011 – 5/16/2011Leslie Carmichael (of Los Altos UMC) 650-941-0260 carm-lee@pacbell.net

Haiti – 6/5/2011 – 6/13/2011Hal Taylor (of Los Altos UMC) 650-967-5531 hitaylor@sbcglobal.net Haiti – 6/15/2011 – 6/24/2011Bruce Burr (of Dixon UMC) 530-383-3820 grumpyburr@sbcglobal.net

Bulembu, Swaziland -- 8/9/2011 – 8/24/2011Team Leader = Becky Perry (of Boulder Creek UMC) 831-338-4998 perry95006@yahoo.com More Info GO TO: http://www.cnumc.org/volunteeropportunities/detail/79

TO VIEW THE FULL LIST OF PLANNED TEAMS FROM THE CAL-NEV CONFERENCE AND TEAM LEADER CONTACT INFORMATION GO TO: http://www.cnumc.org/volunteeropportunities

FUNDRAISER FOR JAPAN; NEWS FROM JAPAN VIA UMCOR; FUTURE TEAMS FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN

2011-03-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday worship at Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, courtesy sjumc.com.

FUNDRAISER FOR JAPAN RELIEF

Fundraising Concert for Japan Relief March 26, Saturday 3:30 pm Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, 6929 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823
Cost: $15 suggested donation(Children and Youth under 18 years old $10 suggested donation)

Performers:Ms. Miwako Isano - International Opera Singer (Performing - Pie Jesu, Japanese Folk Songs; Akatonbo,Hamabe No Uta, Nara Yama) Ms. Mari Jacobson - Award winning pianistRev. Nobu Hanaoka - Former SJUMC pastorSakura Chorus—Japanese Women Chorus Group

Please join us to support the victims and survivors!We are sending teams to Japan!
To support Mission Teams to Japan, Make a check payable to SJUMC (memo line Mission Trips)

To support humanitarian needs in Japan, make a check payable to SJUMC (memo line UMCOR) or online http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

Would you like to help the fundraising events? Would you like to be a part of the mission team to Japan? Please send an email to JapanRelief@sacjumc.com (with your name, phone number, email address) or call the office.

UPDATE FROM UMCOR'S REV. CYNTHIA HARVEY ON JAPAN

Dear Friends,

I join you in lifting up the people of Japan in prayer during this time of crisis. We grieve with them and stand with them in solidarity. Once again, I am struck by the extravagant generosity of United Methodists who are supporting UMCOR’s efforts to bring healing and hope to Japan. We have received thousands of phone calls, emails, Facebook posts, and donations from people whose hearts are aching for the people of Japan and who are looking for meaningful ways to respond. Many churches in our connection are collecting offerings to raise money for UMCOR. I want to share with you how we are responding on your behalf to the great needs.

UMCOR’s Response: On Friday, March 11, the General Board of Global Ministries reached out to missionaries and partners in Japan to confirm their safety and ask how we can help. The Wesley Center, affiliated with United Methodist Women, is offering shelter to those who are displaced. UMCOR set up an Advance account for the Pacific Emergency. Once we understood better what the scope of the disaster was, we changed the name to “Japan Emergency” and updated the description:“

UMCOR is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. With these partners, UMCOR is meeting the most basic humanitarian needs in northern Japan such as providing clean drinking water, food, cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel for heating.”

We are honoring the request of the Japanese government who has asked that outside groups not come to Japan. UMCOR staff generally does not go into disaster areas as first responders and we are working through trusted partners who have existing networks on the ground in the affected areas. We have sent an emergency grant to church partner, United Church of Christ in Japan. They are using the funds to distribute food, clean water, clothing, and heating fuel. Local churches are being used as distribution sites to provide basic necessities to survivors. UMCOR also sent an emergency grant to GlobalMedic, a trusted partner and first responder, to provide relief to affected survivors in the form of medical care, and access to clean drinking water, supplies, and food.

We anticipate working with our partners to direct your gifts to earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan as needs and plans for response are identified. All grant requests go through a rigorous approval process and require a reporting of how the funds are used. It is important to us that we are good stewards of your gifts. We are always accountable for how UMCOR funds are used. Two independent charity watch groups, Charity Navigator and American Institute of Philanthropy, have affirmed UMCOR’s trustworthiness by recognizing us with the highest ratings.

Volunteers: While our hearts may feel that we must do something besides “just” writing a check, please keep in mind John Wesley’s appeal to do no harm. The situation in Japan is not conducive to sending volunteers. It is important to allow the well established government organizations to organize the response, particularly while they are in the crucial rescue phase.

Relief Supplies: Many supplies are available in Japan and sending funds directly to our partners supports the local economy while ensuring that they are getting exactly what they need. I am always sad when I visit Haiti and other disaster affected areas and see the unopened boxes of clothes, medicine, and equipment that go unused because well meaning people have misdirected their good will. A practical example was pointed out to me by a physician in Haiti, who explained that it is important to purchase medicine in the country because the directions for use will be in the native language. An additional concern is that sending an unsolicited shipment into the disaster area runs the risk of hampering relief efforts, clogging runways, and creating an added burden to the system because there is no efficient way to distribute the shipment. Please consider your local thrift store for these kinds of thoughtful donations.

Kit Ministry: We are fortunate that because of faithful giving throughout the year, the UMCOR depots are well stocked with health kits. Through authorized channels and a coordinated effort with the Japanese authorities, when the time is appropriate, UMCOR is prepared to send thousands of health kits to Japan in response to this emergency. Because we have a surplus of health kits our priority is keeping our depots stocked with other kits such as cleaning buckets, layette and school kits. We welcome your contributions so that we can send them where they are most needed around the world.

I am reminded daily of the suffering of people in places like Cote d’Ivoire, Armenia, and here in the United States where springs storms and flooding are creating new challenges. The relief supplies you lovingly assemble and collect are a blessing to the people who receive them.Continued prayers: UMCOR is committed to standing with the people of Japan into the recovery phase.

We will continue working through our church and relief partners to provide shelter, food, and clean water to survivors of this crisis. Regular updates can be found in the UMCOR Hotline, on our website, and on Facebook. Please continue to hold the people of Japan in your prayers. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love into the world by our United Methodist Church.

Grace and peace,
The Reverend Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Deputy General Secretary

FUTURE TEAMS FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Arizona/Mexico Border Trip- August 25-28th. We will go through Border Links, an educational group in the Tucson area. An info meeting will be held on this trip April 11th at 7pm at St. Andrew. All are welcome.

Puerto Vallarta- November 6-12th. We will be working with the non-profit "Compassion for the Family" to build a domestic violence shelter in San Poncho, Mexico just outside Puerto Vallarta. An info meeting will be held on March 28th at 7pm at St. Andrew. All are welcome.

Please contact Erin Swyers at 303-994-5643 or erin_swyers@hotmail.com, if you have any questions or interested in joining a team!

JAPAN, VOLUNTEERS, & RELIEF SUPPLIES

2011-03-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Woman sits among the ruins in Japan. Photo, courtesy kansascity.com.

NEWS FROM UMCOR ON JAPAN, VOLUNTEERS, & RELIEF SUPPLIES

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is serving as the denomination's conduit for financial contributions. A request for an offering on March 20 is being made by the denomination's Council of Bishops. To give, click here: Pacific Emergency Advance number is 3021317. One hundred percent of every Advance gift goes to the designated cause.

"Our emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation in Japan will involve our long-term mission partners with whom many of our missionaries and other mission personnel already work," said Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries, of which UMCOR is a part. "Japan is a highly developed nation, and we will depend heavily on our partners to help us focus our resources in areas of greatest need."

Volunteers
The situation in Japan at present is not conducive to relief volunteers coming in from other countries. Neither UMCOR nor the General Board of Global Ministries facilitates volunteers in disaster zones unless they are requested by local partners or government agencies. No such requests have been received to date from Japan.

Relief Supplies
The situation in Japan following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami remains volatile because of uncertainty about radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors.

UMCOR welcomes layette and school kits but is uncertain whether or where such items will be permitted to enter Japan. Any kits received will be distributed where they are most needed in the world.

The Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, UMCOR's top executive, urged prayers for those affected by the disaster. "Once again, in the wake of disaster and in the face of widespread need, we rely on the ever-expansive generosity of United Methodists and all people of goodwill to help us respond to those whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down," she said.

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE:HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW; SUMMER MISSION OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE; UMVIM SITE IN NEED OF ENGLISH TEACHER

2011-03-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Damage from earthquake in Japan. Photo courtesy, www.news.com.au.

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE - HOW YOU CAN HELP VIA THE UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF (UMCOR)

Following the earthquake in Japan and its tsunami, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has established Advance #3021317 to receive gifts to bring aid to people injured and displaced by this truly seismic event. Please make your check our to your local church. Then in the "memo" line write this Advance # and then put the check in the offering plate during Sunday worship services. For more information on how you can also give your donation online, go to http://www.umcor.org/.

NEWS FROM BISHOP MARY ANN SWENSON OF THE CAL-PAC CONFERENCE ON JAPAN:

We also have two missionaries from Cal-Pac in Japan: Claudia Genung-Yamamoto, and Toshimasa Yamamoto. Claudia reports that she and her sons felt the quake but were not injured or dramatically effected. Toshi is in Hong Kong for a conference is also OK. We give thanks for this good news.

But there is injury and damage that calls for our compassion: included below is a press release from Donald Hayashi on behalf of the National Federation of Asian American United Methodists. Don’s roots are in (northern) California, and is a friend to many of us in the west; I invite you to read his encouragement for prayers and support.

Now as we enter this season of Lent, we are called to be mindful of the cycle of dark and light, death and life. May we truly feel the humility of our mortality, and the hope of Christ everlasting.

Bishop Mary Ann

MISSION OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

General Board of Global Ministries offers a wonderful opportunity for young people (18-25) to live out their faith by interning and volunteering in social justice positions around the world and in the United States. Applications for this summer are due March 31. See: http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=5973 for more information.

UMVIM SITE IN NEED OF ENGLISH TEACHER

McCurdy is in dire need of a Secondary English Teacher for the rest of the year. The position is half a day. If the person would like to work all day, that can be arranged! I know that the right person is out there, and that you will lead them to us..

We offer free lodging, and for this position, perhaps a meal stipend can be arranged. They would have to be certified, and we need this person yesterday.

If they are married, they can bring a spouse, as we need help all over the campus.

Please call me ASAP on the cell to let me know if there is even a slight possibility of getting someone right away.

Bless you, bless you, bless you!

Vickie Luviano
Vickie Luviano
Assistant Director of Church Relations & VIM Coordinator
McCurdy School
261 McCurdy Road
Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 753-7221, ext. 268
(505) 753-7830
(505)927-3683

OPENINGS FOR HAITI TEAM; TEAM LEADER TRAININGS

2011-02-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

OPENINGS FOR TEAM TO HAITI IN APRIL

Bill Graf is heading a team to Haiti April 25 - May 2, 2011. There are a few openings available on this team, so if you are interested in serving in Haiti, this may be the team for you! If interested, contact Bill at billgraf2@earthlink.net or at 303-238-3978.

UMVIM TEAM LEADER TRAININGS

(Saturday, March 5, 2011)
9 - 11 a.m.: Volunteer Training11:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Team Leader TrainingJones Memorial UMC1975 Post StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115 Trainers: Ken & Paula Blackshear

(Saturday, March 12, 2011)8:30 - 4:30 p.m. Volunteer & Team Leader Training
Susanville UMC60 S. Lassen Street
Susanville, CA. 96130Trainer: Phil Bandy

To register for a Team Leader training please contact the CA-NV Conference UMVIM Office at (916) 374-1584 or umvim@calnevumc.org with your contact information and the information of anyone else who will be joining you at the training. The training cost of $40 includes your official GBGM Team Leader Manual and officially reserves your spot for the training.

Please make your check payable to the 'California-Nevada Annual Conference.' Please include 'Team Leader Manual' and the names of those you are paying for on the memo line.

Mail to:UMVIM / CA-NV Conference OfficeP.O. Box 980250West Sacramento, CA. 95758-0250

If you would like to host a future training at your church please let us know!

Eddie Frutchey
Administrative AssistantCalifornia-Nevada Annual ConferenceUnited Methodist Volunteers in MissionMail: P.O. Box 980250 West Sacramento CA. 95798-0250Office: (916) 374-1584 Fax: (916) 372-5544email: eddief@calnevumc.org or umvim@calnevumc.orgCal-Nev U.M.V.I.M. website: www.cnumcvim.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICARAGUA

2011-02-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

Mother and child in Nicaragua, courtesy www.american-pictures.com.

Nicaragua Connection

Interested in learning more about Nicaragua? Then you are invited to attend this upcoming event!

April 28, 2011 - April 30, 2011
Christ United Methodist Church
44 Highland Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102

WPA Nicaragua Partnership will be sponsoring a "Nicaragua Connection" at Christ UM Church in Bethel Park (Pittsburgh area), PA. The group is endeavoring to get the word out to anyone who MIGHT be interested and would appreciate your help in passing this information on to other persons who may be interested.

Please click the link below for more information about this event.
WPA Brochure

If you have questions, contact Rich Schall at rschall.mschall@gmail.com

YAKIMA INDIAN RESERVATION SEEKS TO REBUILD

2011-02-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

YAKAMA NATION SEEKS REBUILD AFTER FIRE

The Yakama Nation is seeking help and support to aid the survivors of a wildfire that destroyed 20 homes, burned parts of several more, and displaced over one hundred people from the small town of White Swan, Wash., in the heart of the reservation in central Washington state.

In an open letter dated Wednesday, Feb. 16, Yakama Tribal Council Chairman Harry Smiskin wrote of the need for outside assistance from the United States and other governments to help in the care for the displaced and the immediate cleanup in White Swan.

The Yakama Nation has been in a state of emergency since the fire began in the afternoon on Saturday, Feb. 12. The Yakama Nation estimates the cost of rebuilding is at least $4 million, and with other emerging environmental concerns, that sum will only increase.

"We are grateful for the miracle that everyone got out alive, including the people who ran into the street on bare feet as their homes went up in flames, and the babies, the elders and three people with profound disabilities who all survived because the community pulled together,” Chairman Smiskin said. “We cannot overlook that blessing as we turn to the difficult work ahead of getting people securely housed for as long as it takes to clean up and rebuild a beautiful White Swan."

A chimney fire is believed to have started in one home and quickly spread by wind and 50-mph gusts that carried the fire from house to house, down a dry, wooded creek bed and then to more distant homes. The vibrant town of White Swan is devastated by the damage to a total of 24 homes, including some multi-family residences, and destruction of other property including cars, bicycles and all personal belongings, for many. Now members of this tight-knit Yakama community are scattered across the large reservation, some staying with family and others housed in motels.

Few of those whose houses burned could afford homeowner’s insurance, and few have savings to fall back upon, making recovery of families and housing in this tribe of 10,000 even more challenging, said Chairman Smiskin. In his letter, Chairman Smiskin states a request for the following kinds of help:

Skilled volunteers who can assist in cleanup, including certified asbestos remediation experts, heavy equipment operators and home builders; Donations of money, clothes, food and other household goods, including diapers and supplies for babies and children; Temporary housing for displaced people, and assistance with rebuilding the destroyed houses, a responsibility that the Yakama Nation has undertaken for the victims of the fire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to bring 10 or 12 trailers to the reservation, which is about half the number of the Yakama Nation’s 22 displaced households. It and other governments, including Washington state, have committed to building strong and lasting relationships with Yakama, and now in the face of disaster the Yakama Nation calls on these relations for help.

Chairman Smiskin states: “These are lands that the United State government holds in trust for Indian people and we hope that the Federal government in the form of the U.S. Congress and the various agencies will respond as they have to other disasters. We believe that more homes have been destroyed by this fire than on any Indian reservation in the history of this country.”

Complicating the cleanup, many of the homes were built in the era when asbestos was commonly used in insulation, drywall and floors. Now, Chairman Smiskin said, “the mere potential presence of asbestos among the ashes and debris now littering White Swan presents a serious, time-consuming and expensive environmental dilemma.”

In the immediate term, the Nation is worried about getting safe housing and collecting money, food, clothing and other essentials for those who lost their homes or are displaced until cleanup and repair can occur. One of the most pressing needs is for diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, clothing, bedding and other baby supplies. The Indian Health Service opened after the weekend fire to replace medicines for survivors, but it will take far more to help the displaced people for the months or years that it takes to rebuild White Swan.

While the Yakama Nation, its people and its neighbors have responded over the past few days with open hands and hearts, the needs in the short term and the long term are great. The Yakama Nation looks to the United States to uphold its trust responsibility, and to the generosity of the American people to support those affected by this disaster on Yakama lands.

In addition to the local businesses and centers that are accepting donations, the Yakama Nation has set up the following ways for people across the country to contribute to the community’s recovery:

The White Swan Fire Relief Fund at Bank of America, with donations accepted at branches nationwide.

Donations also can be made at the Toppenish Armory, 326 S. Division St., Toppenish, WA 98948.

Donations can be mailed to Yakama Nation CFO Henry Roy, P.O. Box 151, Toppenish, WA 98948.

For more information please contact:
Colleen Reimer, Yakama Nation Tribal Administrative Director
colleen@yakama.com
509.388.3300 (cell)
509.865.5121 ext. 6004 (office)

OPENINGS FOR SPRING HAITI TEAM FROM COLORADO

2011-02-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

TEAM FROM COLORADO HAS OPENINGS FOR HAITI TEAM IN SPRING

A team from Evergreen UMC in Colorado will be serving in Haiti April 25 - May 2. Currently there are several openings available for volunteers to serve on this team. If you are interested, please contact the team leader Bill Graf at billgraf2@earthlink.net or at 303-238-3978.

TEAM TO HAITI NEEDS 2 VOLUNTEERS; FUTURE TEAMS

2011-02-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

TEAM TO HAITI FROM CALIFORNIA NEEDS 2 VOLUNTEERS

A team from Hollywood UMC needs 2 more volunteers for its team to Haiti April 12-19, 2011. The team will be lead by Michael Kelley. If you want to serve in Haiti, this is a great opportunity! Contact Michael Kelley at michael.w.kelley@gmail.com.

FUTURE TEAMS FROM THE CAL-NEVADA CONFERENCE

Lafayette UMC to Costa Rica – February 4 – March 6
Joseph Darrell of Lafayette UMC leads a team of eight to Costa Rica. He serves with Lari Sawdon, Judith Garvens, Dale Newcomb, Judith Stillman, John Horner, Donna Partlow and Virginia Leavitt.

Alameda – Rising Hope UMC to Phenom Phen - Cambodia – February 11 – 21
Stephen Lee of Alameda – Rising Hope UMC leads a construction / educational team back to Cambodia. A list of volunteers was not available at the time of posting.

Agricultural Team to Guatemala – February 13 - 24
Claudia Parrish of Oakdale – Community UMC leads a team of eight to Costa Rica. She serves with Arline Seals, Mildred Wharff, Tim Gravatt, Gina Gravatt, Presley Gravatt, Kiley Gravatt, Jace Gravatt and Sabrina Richardson of Oakdale – Community UMC and Kimberly Ross of San Ramon - Grace UMC.

Los Altos UMC Team to Nicaragua – February 19 - 28
Lynne McCoy & Debbie Weatherspoon of Los Altos UMC o-lead this medical team of eight to Nicaragua. They serve with Mark Bollwinkel, Dana Stern, Elizabeth Bollwinkel, Dale Weatherspoon, Wesley Weatherspoon and Justus Weatherspoon of Los Altos UMC.

The 1st 2011 Cal-Nev Conference Team to Haiti – February 24 – March 1
Warren McGuffin of Alamo – San Ramon Valley UMC leads and serves with Alison Berry, Jerry Ricker, Brad Stribling and Terry Sherman of Alamo - San Ramon Valley UMC. Linda Prendergast and Robert Prendergast of Pinole UMC. Fred Skeen of Grass Valley - Sierra Pines UMC. Bill Borah of Sacramento - St. Mark's UMC. and Melinda Floyd of St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, NY.

Haiti -- 4/6/2011 – 4/15/2011
Team Leader = Bruce Burr (of Dixon UMC) 530-383-3820 grumpyburr@sbcglobal.net Bulembu, Swaziland -- 8/9/2011 – 8/24/2011Team Leader = Becky Perry (of Boulder Creek UMC) 831-338-4998 perry95006@yahoo.com More Info GO TO: http://www.cnumc.org/volunteeropportunities/detail/79

TO VIEW THE FULL LIST OF PLANNED TEAMS FROM THE CAL-NEV CONFERENCE AND TEAM LEADER CONTACT INFORMATION GO TO:
http://www.cnumc.org/volunteeropportunities

Other teams bound for Haiti from the Cal-Nev Conference in 2011.

East Bay Area Team, Feb 14-23, 2011John Warren McGuffin, team leader -- FULL --

Pacific Northwest Conference team, Feb 28-March 8thPhilip Bandy, team leader

East Bay Area Team, Mar 9 – 18, 2011Stephen Elliott, team leader (was Phil Bandy)

California Nevada Conference Team, Mar 27- Apr 7, 2011Suellen Rowlison, R.N., team leader

Central Delta Area Team, April 6-15 2011Burr Bruce, team leader

South Bay Area Team, May 8-16, 2011Leslie Carmichael, team leader

South Bay Area Team, June 5-13, 2011 Hal Taylor, team leader

California Nevada Conference Teachers and Students Team, date for June 15-24, 2011Bruce Burr, team leader

California Nevada Conference Team, August 3-12, 2011Jennifer Murdock, team leader

Fresno Area Team, late November 18-28, 2011Jay Rosenlieb, team leader

URGENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEER TO HAITI; UMVIM INSURANCE NOW ONLINE; INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER POSITION OPEN IN HAITI

2011-01-26T20:09:00.000-08:00

Volunteers in Haiti, courtesy laumc.org.

URGENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEER FOR HAITI TEAM

UMVIM team to Haiti (March 28 – April 7, 2011) requires at least one additional member by February 1st . A minimum number of members is required for Haiti teams – help this team get there!

If you can join this team please immediately contact Suellen @ (530) 897-0226 or suellen@garlic.com

If you cannot join – reach out to all your friends and family and help find that person who has already been called but doesn’t know yet how to connect until you do that. Then direct them to Suellen.

UMVIM VOLUNTEERS CAN NOW APPLY ONLINE FOR INSURANCE

The UMVIM trip insurance application process is going on-line. Details are coming soon. Effective January 1, 2011 the insurance has gone up in cost from $0.75 to $0.80 per person/per day and from $0.50 to $0.55 for Individual Volunteers.

Please take note of this change for your trip budgets. Please check out the link below for more information go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/mission-teams-umvim/insurance-application-form/

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER POSITION OPEN IN HAITI

The Individual Volunteer Position is: https://jobs-umcor.icims.com/jobs/1301/job?mode=view Housing, travel and stipend is provided. For more information please contact Landon Taylor at ltaylor@gbgm-umc.org.

TEAM LEADER TRAINING EVENTS IN THE PNW CONFERENCE; HAITI TEAMS BEING FORMED IN PNW CONFERENCE; INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING

2011-01-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

TRAINING EVENTS IN THE PNW CONFERENCE

There are three Volunteer in Missions Team Leader Trainings being held this winter. These are 6 hour classes (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) with lunch served. The training includes: an Overview of UMVIM and how connections are made; what an UMVIM team is and the responsibilities of the team leader; how to plan a trip, and how to put together a team (team orientation and paperwork). The Team Leader Training Manual has been updated so if you took the training several years ago, you might find this helpful. Other new elements include safe sanctuary for teams, team spirituality, and cultural awareness.

Trainings scheduled to date are:

January 29, 2010 at Manito UMC in Spokane
February 12, 2010 at First UMC Vancouver
February 19, 2010 at Bothell UMC in Seattle.
All trainings will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost will be $10 for the training materials.

To register for the training or if you have questions please contact Ronda Cordill, Annual Conference Co-Coordinator for UMVIM at r_cordill@hotmail.com or (509) 235-5466 (home) or (509) 993-6753 (cell).

Early Response Disaster Training (ERT):

On February 12, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. there will be an Early Response Disaster Training for those who are interested in serving in local disasters in the clean up phase of the disaster. To register or if you have questions contract Jim Truitt, ERT Coordinator at jftruitt@comcast.net) or 253-630-1268

HAITI TEAM BEING FORMED IN PNW CONFERENCE

The first PNW Team to Haiti will be a joint team with Oregon-Idaho Conference and leaves January 31st. Two other teams (Vashon UMC and Marysville UMC) will serve in Haiti at the end of February.

Future teams are looking for more members and other teams are being formed for 2012. Genie Fairhart (Snoqualmie UMC) is the Team Leader for the April 2011Team and David Zaske (Federal Way UMC) is the Team Leader for an October 2011Team.

If you are interested in joining either team contact Genie at geniefairhart@centurytel.net, David at zaske@wesleyresident.org. For questions or more information contact Ronda at r_cordill@hotmail.com or (509) 993-6753.

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Those interested in serving as Individual Volunteers there will be a training event February 13-16th in Pacific Palisades, CA. Please contact Landon Taylor to register at ltaylor@gbgm-umc.org.

FUTURE TEAMS; TEAMS NEEDING VOLUNTEERS; BASIC EARLY RESPONSE TRAINING; INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING

2011-01-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

Two Individual Volunteers, photo courtesy missionvoluneers.org.

FUTURE TEAMS JANUARY 2011 FROM CAL-NEVADA

Solidarity Task Force to the Philippines – January 2 -16
Laddie Perez-Galang of Lake Park UMC serves with Nicole Harris, Monico Luis Jr., Jeanelle Ablola, Lindsey Kerr and Adonis Galang.

Elk Grove UMC to the UMCOR West Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah – January 3 - 7
Mary Popish leads a returning team to the depot and serves with Giles Popish, Martin Popish, Kaitlyn Daley, Sidney Antonsen, Abria Deutsch, Kristin Emmons, Joe Rokoyawa, Mataiasi Ahokava, Hulita Fakalata, Delilah Fakalata, Janet Ma, Lesieli Taumoefolian and Curtis Azeveto of Elk Grove - Elk Grove UMC.

Connectional Team to the Mumbai, India – January 8 - 17
Mary Philip of Davis UMC will lead a team back to Mumbai to continue work there. A list of those serving with her was not available at the time of posting.

Multi Church Hurricane Recovery Team to the Dulac, Louisiana – January 22 - 29
Ken Blackshear leads a team of 28 volunteers to Dulac. He serves with Paula Blackshear, Joan Brady, Dan Dionne, Kris Flanders, Todd Flanders, Leo Fredrickson, Louise Fredrickson, Marie Granskaw, Michelle Montgomery, Sue Peacock, Steve Peacock, Herb Pierce, Sally Pierce, David Samelson, Bev Strubinger, Ken Stumpf, Chris Thomas and Connie Wilson of Eureka - First UMC, Haati Nai and Henele Nai of Salinas UMC, Zach Boyd, Gail Brotherhood, Carol Layton, George Layton, Kerry McKinney and Rob Wyckoff of Crescent City UMC.

Los Altos UMC Hurricane Recovery Team to Gulfport, Mississippi – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5
Bob Lee and Hal Taylor lead a team back to Gulfport. They serve with Angela Eglen, Carol Woronow, Dana Kreitter, Dick Roy, Jenny Madlem, Lissa Sheldon, Tom Wehman and Yvonne Murray of Los Altos - Los Altos UMC and Bruce Barsi of Saint Nicholas Catholic Church.

Wesley UMC – San Jose Team to Cancun, Mexico – January 30 – February 6
Jackie Kawashima leads and serves with Don Kawashima, Jody Kamachi, Kelvin Kamachi, Laura Kinoshita, Dennis Kinoshita, Hector Acuna, Beverly Acuna, Barbara Hiura, and Warren Shimonishi and Mona Otomori of San Jose - Wesley UMC

Medical / Dental Team to the Philippines – January 30 – February 3
Paul Cabotaje leads and serves with Virgie Cabotaje and Leah Estrella of Stockton - St. Paul's UMC, Monika Bautista, Lance Mitchell Choy, Rev. Anne Lau Choy of Fremont - St. Paul's UMC, Estan Cueto of Vallejo - Wayside UMC, Norma Florendo of Atwater - Atwater UMC, Ben Silva-Netto and Marlyn Silva-Netto of Union Theological Seminary - Cavite, Philippines.

FUTURE TEAMS NEEDEDING VOLUNTEERS

Gulfport, Mississippi – Hurricane Recovery -- 1/30/2011 – 2/5/2011Team Leader = Bob Lee (of Los Altos UMC) 650-468-1612 genrlrel@pacbell.net

Haiti -- 4/6/2011 – 4/15/2011 Room for 4 more volunteers!Team Leader = Bruce Burr (of Dixon UMC) 530-383-3820 http://www.cnumc.org/site/link/BKHMFBHFIBPAFCOKGHHFKNGJIEBOIOECJPGEIBOFFIMAOHGLDFOIIPJFMBLMHIJGFDIGIDLAHJONELOKGHEBNAHFJACOFDAPFMCBEN The next team meeting is on January 8th @ Dixon UMC. Call Bruce for details.

Bulembu, Swaziland -- 8/9/2011 – 8/24/2011Team Leader = Becky Perry (of Boulder Creek UMC) 831-338-4998 perry95006@yahoo.com

More Info GO TO: http://www.cnumc.org/volunteeropportunities/detail/79

BASIC EARLY RESPONSE TRAINING FEB. 12TH

Pacific Northwest Conference will be hosting a training for Early Responders. All are welcome. Basic Early Response Team Training Feb. 12, 20108:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.First UMC Vancouver401 E. 33rd StVancouver, WA 98663Contact: Jim Truitt @ jftruitt@comcast.net or 253-630-1268

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING & RETREAT

The Western Jurisdiction will hold a training for those persons interested in serving as Individual Volunteers Feb. 13-16th at the Aldersgate Retreat Center in Pacific Palisades, CA. Please contact Nancy Eubanks at nteubanks@gmail.com or Landon Taylor at ltaylor@gbgm-umc.org for more information and to register.

HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER EVENT; COORDINATOR NEEDED IN NICARAGUA; UMVIM NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

2010-10-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Leon Cathedral in Leon, Nicargua. Read below to read how you might become an Individual Volunteer to serve in Leon.

HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER EVENT

Greetings!

This is to announce the next meeting of the UM Joint Commission/Hands Across the Border on November 5th & 6th in El Centro and Mexicali. Passports are a plus for crossing back to the US, but if you have a government issued ID (with a photo) along with a certified copy of your birth certificate, our experience is that it has been a 100% successful method for crossing the border.

The meeting will start out at 7:15 p.m. on Friday the 5th of January at the El Centro United Methodist Church at the corner of 8th and Olive in El Centro. Take Interstate 8 east from San Diego. In El Centrop, take the Imperial Avenue offramp and head north for any blocks until you reach Olive Ave. Turn right and go to 8th St. (about four blocks). The church is on the corner.

We will meet on Friday night for desert, a devotional, a brief meeting and fellowship. The brave among us can sleep in their sleeping bags on the floor of the church. The rest can stay in one of the many local motels.

On Saturday morning, we'll meet for breakfast at 7:00 a.m back at the church. From there we will have transportation for those of you requesting it that will take you to the Stephen O. Parrish Center at the Santo Nino Church in a neighborhood of Mexicali. We will participate (hopefully) with members of the Light of the Canyon UMC in Anaheim Hills in a work project. We will also have a brief business meeting, have lunch and receive an update from the pastors in Mexico about what is happening in their churches. The bus or van will return to El Centro. We expect to leave Santo Nino around 2:30. From there we will proceed to the border and then back to the church in El Centro. We will ask for your voluntary donation to cover the cost of transportation and food. This plan is subject to change based upon how many responses we receive. In any case, transportation across the border WILL be available.

The Stephen O. Parrish Center is working to provide medical and dental services to the surrounding community. It also provides social services and training to the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to see how churches on both sides of the border cooperate to help our neighbors. Those attending will return with great stories to share with their congregations. I sincerely hope that you will attend.

Should you have any questions, just give me a call. My number is (909)234-3835.

Blessings,

Murray Hawkins, President
UM Joint Commission/Hands Across the Border
murray@mexicomissionproject.org

COORDINATOR NEEDED IN NICARAGUA

Immediate Need - Team Coordinator Needed for El Ayudante, Leon Nicaragua

El Ayudante in Leon, Nicaragua (www.nicamissions.com) has an immediate need for an Individual Volunteer (or a married couple) to coordinate our mission teams in Leon and handle other administrative responsibilities. This role involves overseeing and working closely with mission teams as they serve in Leon, while overseeing the staff and other logistics of the ministry (team houses, transportation of teams in country, etc.) . A one year commitment would be preferred. Conversational Spanish is preferred, but not necessary. Housing, some meals, a vehicle and a stipend will be provided by the ministry. Requirements: A love of God and people, organizational and administrative skills, people skills, a team player, a multi-tasker and experience in short-term international missions.

If interested, email Daphne Moses: daphne@northsidemethodist.org.

Daphne MosesMemphis Conference UMVIM CoordinatorAssociate Pastor Northside UMC2571 N. Highland, Jackson, Tn 38305731-668-0617

UMVIM NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

TEAMS NEEDING MEMBERS

RUSSIA: A West Michigan team will be working July 18-July 29, 2011 and are looking for individuals to travel and sponsor the work. Approximate total cost: $3,000 per person. January 2011 is the date for commitment. Contact is Jody Pratt, / 269-792-0481.ST. KITTS: Tired of hot, sultry temperatures? Looking forward to Iowa's winter months? Got a plan for volunteer work in January/February 2011? Consider travel to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts where a United Methodist volunteer team will work on repairs at the Dieppe Bay Methodist Manse, paint at Challengers Methodist Church Hall and hold VBS for church/neighborhood kids. Trip dates are Jan. 29 to Feb. 12, 2011. Only 12 seats available with cost of $1,450. Contact Beverly Nolte, 515 266 4186, for more information and application form. All construction skills welcome with plenty of meaningful work available. Enjoy Caribbean hospitality while working for the Lord.

CHILE: There is still have room on all three of the trips to Temuco, CHILE this winter. Teams will repair the sanctuary of the Second Methodist Church, which was rendered unusable by the earthquake. Dates in 2011: Nov 6 - 21; Jan 8 - 23; Feb 5 - 20. Contact Don Herringa, 920-854-5572, 11393 Mink River Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.
UMCOR Sager Brown: June 4 - 12, 2011 - Baldwin, LA. Travel will be on a Ludolph motor coach. Former teams have involved males and females from age 12 to 80+. Sager Brown has reserved dorm style rooms for thirty people. Three or more people of same sex may be housed together. Total cost is $800 per person plus at least $50 project money. This covers ALL transportation, lodging and meals for the nine days. Down-payment must be received by January 10, 2010. Contact Gladys McCracken , 123 West Hwy 14 Bypass, Brookings, SD 57006-4215, 605-692-5985.

HAITI, Jeremie. An UMVIM team from the Detroit Conf., Oct.12 -20, 2010, has an unexpected opening. If you are interested in joining the team to work on some much-needed high school rooms, contact Pat Grainger or Keith Thomas or call Curtis Bartz (313) 278-4849. HAITI, Feb 9 - 17, 2011. Contact Rev. Don Dexheimer , Rockford District, NIC Conference (815-623-2292 X 103 ). We will partner with the Methodist Church of Haiti to rebuild facilities damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. The work we do, construction, medical, and VBS, will be determined by the skills of the team members. We are looking for team members who are willing to make a commitment to return to Haiti later with their own team. the need to multiply leadership is great.

HAITI: Mar 30-April 7, 2011. Mission Discovery, team leader training offered while on the trip. For young adult leaders who will commit to returning to an international location with a young adult team within 2-3 years. Team Leader: Lorna Jost, 605-692-3390. Write for an application.

HOLY LAND TRIPS & THE BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

Dear Friends,

Educational Opportunities (EO), the travel agency that brings the largest number of UM's to the Holy Land targets UM pastors and churches, offering good travel rates for visitors (before you read the fine print!) and many free trips for clergy and their families. For many years they have worked to take UMVIM teams to different parts of the world. Unfortunately, for tours to the Holy Land, they work very closely with certain Israeli Jews who do not want visitors to hear about or be exposed to "the other side of the coin." This violates our resolutions and our faith. Please encourage your UMVIM teams to comply with our UM resolutions on Holy Land Tours (below). Since this is the Holy Land, we do not conduct your "typical" UMVIM trip here. We split the time between the service project, building relationships with the indigenous Christian population, and visits to our partner projects and the holy sites. Preparation for the trip that involves required reading and a commitment to action upon their return are key components in these trips. I am happy to coordinate UMVIM trips with EO, however, they MUST be in compliance with the standards and guidelines our denomination has so carefully laid out. I encourage you to continue to be in touch with me prior to sending a team so that we can place them well, and ensure their visit meets the recommendations outlined by our denomination. Together we can make sure the visits are educational, enlightening and spiritually renewing, not just an act of charity. With appreciation, Janet Lahr LewisUnited Methodist Liaison in Israel and PalestinePO Box 1463191146 JerusalemIsrael-PalestineWk: +972 2 277 0047Mobile: +972 (0)54 669 7736Emails: jlahrlewis@yahoo.com, jllewis@annadwa.org

Please read: Resolution 292: Holy Land Tours From the Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2008, pp. 767-769. Copyright © 2008, The United Methodist Publishing House, used by permission.

UMCOR DEPOT WEST NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

2010-10-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

UMCOR WEST DEPOT IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS

WINTER VOLUNTEERS are needed in the UMCOR West Depot, Salt Lake City, Utah. Since its opening just over a year ago, UMCOR West Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah, has welcomed groups of volunteers from across the western United States, sent out a shipment of relief supplies to Haiti, and hosted disaster preparedness training. One of two UMCOR relief supply depots and one of six depots in the UMCOR Relief Supply Network, UMCOR West is looking for volunteers to fill out its winter calendar.

If your church is interested in sending volunteers on a winter trip to UMCOR West, please contact the depot to set up a reservation.
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/umcorwest/Find out more about UMCOR's Relief Supply ministry here. Read the fall Relief Supply Newsletter. Your gift to Material Resource Ministry, UMCOR Advance #901440, supports this important work

TEAM TO HAITI NEEDS VOLUNTEERS; JOB OPENINGS IN HAITI; NEWS FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN; TEAM LEADER TRAINING IN CAL-PAC; NEWS FROM THE ADVANCE

2010-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

TEAM IN SOUTHEAST JURISDICTION TO HAITI NEEDS MEMBERS

Haiti Openings:10-Day Trip: There are six openings on a ten member team November 29, 2010 - December 8, 2010. The cost is $1450 plus $350 from each member's church. The work will be heavy manual labor. Please contact Jamie Gibson at Jamie720@aol.com or call 478.742.1382 for more information.

HAITI JOB OPENINGS

6-Month Commitments: The positions of Haiti Volunteer Financial/Hospitality Coordinator and Haiti Volunteer Management Coordinator have been re-posted. Mike Willis-Haiti Volunteer Management Coordinator and Doug Nagle-Financial/Hospitality Coordinator will have completed their six month rotation in November. Resumes and applications are now being accepted.

If you are interested or know of someone who would qualify for either of these positions; send a letter of introduction and resume to Susan Meister haitivolunteers@yahoo.com .

Susan will continue scheduling teams and maintaining the website http://www.umvimhaiti.org/

NOTE: These positions will be GBGM consultants and report to GBGM-Mission Relations. They are funded through UMCOR with the approval of the governing body of the General Board of Global Ministries.

Job Descriptions:
Haiti Volunteer Financial/Hospitality Coordinator
Haiti Volunteer Management Coordinator

NEWS FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Interfaith Fellowship and Tree Planting, Sunday, October 10, 2010, 1-5 pm, Sand Creek Regional Greenway, Denver - join a group of Jews, Christians and Muslims for a great Fall day of fellowship and tree planting to beautify a trail. You can donate a tree or shrub in memory or honor of someone. Great for families. Contact Betsy Keyack, bkeyack@att.net, 303-346-7057. See flier at http://www.coloradoipl.org/programs/peace-forest/.

Liberia, November 4-15, 2010. Continuation of health-related mission to Liberia called "Liberia Connect" sponsored by Trinity UMC, Denver. Contact Cheryl Townson, Cheryl.Townson@uhc.com.

Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations, South Dakota, June 4-11, 2011. Annual trip that is highly recommended as a memorable experience with Native Americans. Contact Bob Henman, bobh@mesanetworks.net.

Ubuntu Explorers - this is a wonderful relationship-building program sponsored by United Methodist Women. Groups go on mission trips all over the world. There is a trip to Brazil in November 2010. See web site http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/programs/ubuntu. There will be more trips in 2011.

UMVIM TEAM LEADER TRAINING IN CAL-PAC

There will be an UMVIM Team Leader Training at Pasadena First UMC in Pasadena, CA October 2nd from 9:30-2:00. There will be a light lunch provided and there is a $15 fee per person for food and materials. Please make checks out to "UMVIM WJ" and send to Heather Wilson at 11707 Terra Bella St., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342. For more information please email Heather at umvimwj@hotmail.com.

NEWS FROM THE ADVANCE FOR CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH

10-Fold Unfolded – A Participant’s Guide
10 projects. 10 days. 10-Fold Unfolded

From October 10th through 19th you will be able to learn about projects of the General Board of Global Ministries around the world supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church,
during an online event unlike anything you have experienced before. It’s called 10-Fold. Through live webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and other media at 10-Fold.org, you will see and hear about amazing efforts that are
changing people’s lives.

Here is the daily schedule of projects that will be featured at 10-Fold.org:

October 10: Haiti Recovery – 3,000 humanitarians helping a country rebuild itself

October 11: Children’s Health and Wholeness – Transforming communities so that children can live healthy
and whole lives

October 12: Missionaries in the US – Dedicated men and women living their faith through remarkable service

October 13: Missionaries Around the World – Growing a global force for faith and hope in over 60 countries

October 14: Training Church Leaders – Training the thousands called to devote their lives to Christ and the Church

October 15: Church Planting Worldwide – From Asia to Latin America, introducing the United Methodists
and sharing the gospel through word and deed

October 16: Justice for Our Neighbors – Church-based teams helping refugee-seekers and immigrants
navigate their way as they start their lives in the United States

October 17: Clean Water and Sanitation – Helping families in Africa and South America gain access to
safe water and sanitation facilities

October 18: Healthcare in Africa – Combating disease in 22 hospitals and clinics across Africa

October 19: Sustainable Agriculture – Training farmers so rural families and communities can thrive

Because of the unpredictability of planning a global event online, this is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change.

10-Fold Unfolded – A Participant’s Guide to 10-Fold Live Events Online

To give you a real feel for these projects, you will be able to participate in events that are happening live around the world and hear from the people who are directly involved, on the ground. You can:

See missionaries about to be commissioned into the field. You’ll hear them talk about their call to ministry,
hopes, and prayer requests.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration with sustainable farm-grown ingredients, designed to educate (and perhaps
inspire the chef in all of us).

Chat with a Vietnamese woman starting United Methodist congregations there, talk to a doctor in a UM
hospital in Africa, and hear from a missionary from Ghana telling his personal stories — all via live Webcam.

And you will also be able to participate:
Haiti Toolkit Day will be a live webcast that will take you to four youth groups around the country as they assemble school kits that will be sent to Haiti to aid in the recovery process. An expert will be there to answer questions; discuss the need, use, and distribution of kits; and provide instructions on how you can assemble
kits and send them to the relief effort.

10 Days. 100,000 People. Help Us Spread the Word

10-Fold is about multiplying ministry and mobilizing passionate people to stand up and be counted for the causes they believe in.
From October 10th through the 19th, $1.00 will be donated for every person that signs up as an advocate for a project on 10-Fold.org, up to $10,000 for each project.
So we need your help to spread the word. Tell friends, family, and fellow church members about 10-Fold and how they can participate online to help secure support for these projects.

Here are a few easy ways you can get the word out about 10-Fold.

Tell your Friends on Facebook

Become a Facebook Fan and encourage your Friends to join you. And don’t forget to RSVP to the 10-Fold Event
on Facebook.

As October approaches, you will get 10-Fold updates on Facebook. Please share them with your friends.
[http://www.facebook.com/GlobalMinistries]
[http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126405637388518&index=1]

Follow 10-Fold on Twitter and be sure to tweet about the event to your followers.

Stay up to the minute on the conversation by following 10-Fold on Twitter. And when you participate, use #10Fold so you can be part of and follow the worldwide conversation.
[http://twitter.com/ConnectnMission]

And here is a blurb for bloggers, website posts, and Church newsletters. Or send it in an email to everyone you think would be interested.

Mark your calendar and spread the word! From October 10th through the 19th, there is going to be a 10-day online event that will mobilize passionate people to stand up and be counted for causes they believe in, and you will have a front row seat. It’s called 10-Fold.

Each day will feature a different mission project of the General Board of Global Ministries supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church. Through live webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and other media, you will learn about these amazing ministries that are changing people’s lives.
And by visiting 10-Fold.org daily and registering your interest, you’ll be able help secure tangible support for each project. It’s easy. With one click, you can trigger a $1.00 donation each day of 10-Fold, up $10,000 for each project.

Be a part of a movement that multiplies God’s work, be counted, and help create an effect that is 10-Fold in good works. And when you spread the word, be sure to include a link to the 10-Fold video on YouTube. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enb3SV7Dl14]

10-Fold. Ways You Can Participate
10-Fold is an online event unlike any you have ever attended. Here is what you need to know to be a part of this
global gathering:

10-Fold will be happening online at 10-Fold.org from October 10th through October 19th, 2010.

By going to 10-Fold.org daily and registering interest in a project with one easy click, you will trigger a
$1.00 donation. Up to $10,000 will be donated per project.

Each day will feature a different project supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The
United Methodist Church.

Daily activities will include live online events, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, times still to be determined.

There will be downloadable podcasts, fact sheets, and videos for each project.

Children’s resource packets will be available for the projects, so all ages can participate. You can participate on your own at home or in your office, with family and friends, or with a group. Church groups of all ages can come together and use the 10-Fold activities to start a conversation. And when you do come to
10-Fold.org, take a few minutes to register interest in the featured project and spend time learning about the important work that is being done around the world.
Join us starting on October 10th and help create a movement that is 10-Fold in good works.

And don’t forget, go to 10-Fold.org, sign-up to receive email updates as October approaches, and spread the word!

HAITI TEAM FROM ATLANTA NEEDS 2 MORE VOLUNTEERS

2010-08-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

TEAM TO HAITI FROM ATLANTA LOOKING FOR 2 MORE VOLUNTEERS

There are 2 open spots on a team to Haiti. The trip will be October 23-November 1 and will fly in and out of Atlanta. The cost is $1200 per person.For more information, please contact: Anne Forgey abforgey@knology.net256- 539-7367FUMC Huntsville, AlabamaNorth Alabama Conference

NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY; NEWS FROM THE ADVANCE FOR CHRIST & HIS CHURCH; STORIES FROM HAITI - CAL-NEVADA'S PHIL BANDY; TEAMS TO HAITI FROM THE WJ

2010-08-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

UMVIMer and Haitian boy, brought together in the love of Christ.

UMVIM NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

NORTHEAST JURISDICTION- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Costa Rica, Carillos:
2/9/11-2/20/11. Twelve-day Costa Rican UMVIM trip to help children and families gain the basic resources necessary for a healthy life. Ministry based in the Central Valley of Costa Rica and includes excellent accommodations. Spend five days on building projects and one day being the hands and hearts of Christ working with poverty stricken children at a feeding center in Los Guidos. Two-night excursion to Monte Verde; see a volcano, a cloud-rain forest, explore local shops and cuisine. Cost $1525, air travel from Chicago included. Deposit of $250 due 10/1/10. Balance due 11/1/10. For more information or to register contact Deb Bollig at Mauston UMC (Wisconsin Conference) 608-847-5964.

Haiti, Jeremie: 10/12/10-10/20/2010. Contact: Pat Grainger. A team from southern Michigan (Detroit Conference) will be working in Jeremie. We will be working at the Jean Wesly school and staying with Rev. Jean Lesly Dorcely, Jeremie Circuit superintendent. Team leaders are Pat Grainger and Keith Thomas. Curtis Bartz is our Haiti Michigan Coordinator.

Haiti, project TBA:12/27/10 - 1/3/2011. E'glise Methodist d'Haiti Earthquake Recovery. Team leader and contact: Karissa Ouren, Lake Harriet UMC, Minnesota Conference.

Nicaragua, Jalapa: 10/18/10-10/29/10. Contact Jon, 612-819-8877. Medical team, Interfaith Service to Latin America (ISLA) based in Minnesota Conference, needs members. Those with medical and construction experience preferred but all backgrounds welcome.

Nicaragua, Managua: 6/11/11-6/19/11. An UMVIM team will be working with the Fundacion El Samaritano, a ministry that our West Ohio UMVIM teams began working with annually in 1997. There may be some construction work. There will be interaction with students at two Christian schools and certainly ministry to women and children in public hospitals through giving of layettes, health kits and toys. We will visit community families and also do a number of Bible schools using hand puppets at various locations including at some Methodist Evangelical Churches of Nicaragua. Cost ~$1200. For more information and/or an application form contact team leader Jack Reif, 513-831-5550.

WESTERN JURISDICTION - TEAM LEADER TRAINING

UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) Training October 2nd
If are interested in serving as a United Methodist Volunteer in Mission (short-term mission volunteer) and/or leading an UMVIM team then this training is for you! Receive materials about insurance, cultural sensitivity, what to bring, how to pack, etc. that will make your mission trip a rewarding one for your team and those you serve. There will be a brief session during the training highlighting areas such as Haiti, Mexico, & Pakistan.

The training will begin at 9:30, October 2, 2010 at Pasadena First UMC. There is a $15.00 fee for participants that will cover your materials and food during our time together. Please register with Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com or at 818-333-6730.

SOUTHEAST JURISDICTION - TEAMS NEEDED IN TENNESSEE

There is immediate need of both Early Response Teams to respond to the new flooding last week and Rebuild teams to address the growing list of active construction projects.Wayne, Wilson, Sumner, Macon, Jackson, Putnam, and Overton counties saw the most flood damage from recent storms. St. Mark's UMC has been working with Marvin Champion in Wayne county with a dozen homes flooded, several of them severally.

Friendship UMC quickly made flood buckets from our storage unit there available, in partnership with Cookeville 1st UMC who was mobilized as a Red Cross Shelter. Russ Cain is recruiting callers in the Cookeville District to help follow up on 50 potentially flood homes. They are working on assessments and collecting reports from other areas. It is unlikely this event will be large enough to warrant FEMA assistance, so even small numbers of survivors will mean enormous long term needs.While they have 40+ teams scheduled later in Sept. and Oct., they have a growing list of projects needing construction teams over the next couple of weeks and only a handful of teams. If you are close by and can put together a team, even if it is small and can only work a weekend, please contact Jason Brock ASAP at DisasterResponse@tnumc.com or 615-695-2765.

September Haiti Team Slots Open Up

Due to two unexpected last minute UMVIM team cancellations for the September 21-30 time period, the Haiti Response Project is in urgent need of at least one UMVIM team to fill these slots in order to continue work on priority projects. If you are able to help field or find a team to go to Haiti on this short notice, please let me right away. While a ten member team would be ideal, a smaller team is okay (at least five persons). Contact Susan Meister, US-Haiti Volunteer Coordinator

Medical Teams requested in Haiti

Haiti, Mizak: Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI), Advance Special #3020490, is seeking an UMVIM Medical Outreach team for October or November 2010 and again for the same time period in 2011. Responsibilities would include clinic days and home visits to community shut-ins. Work alongside Haitian health care workers and nurse. Project funds would be used by team to purchase and deliver medications and medical treatments in Haiti. If interested, please contact Valerie Mossman-Celestin, 616-446-9558.

NEWS FROM THE ADVANCE FOR CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH

10 projects in 10 days.

From October 10th through 19th you will be able to learn about Global Ministries' projects around the world supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church, during an online event unlike anything you have experienced before. It's called 10-Fold.

Through live webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and other media, you will see and hear about amazing projects that are changing people's lives.To get more details, download the 10-Fold Participant's Guide that includes:Tips so you can get the most out of 10-FoldWays you can help spread the word to family, friends, and fellow church members and information about how you can trigger a $1.00 donation with one click when you visit 10-Fold.org daily and register your interest for a project. Up to $10,000 is available for each project. Check the website, www.10-Fold.org starting on October 10, 2010, for this online global gathering and to download the 10-Fold Participant's Guide.

STORIES FROM HAITI: NEWS FROM PHIL BANDY ON HIS TRIP TO HAITI

So Why Football?

The small group of visitors that had traveled to Haiti in May, 2010 were witness to the
aftermath of the quake there. I was there. We traveled to the village of Mellier, right
over the epi-center, where we spent a week living in tents among the locals clearing
rubble. There were kids everywhere. They were interested in us, but more interested in their football. It was a shabby thing with all but one of the white panels gone and sported a funny set of threads that made it hairy. The older boys were playing with it in the empty lot under the Mango trees next door. The younger kids played soccer nearby using a rounded chunk of concrete. Time for the balls we brought!

The first ball we pumped up and handed over disappeared - we never saw it “in play”.
But the second one we gave out did not disappear. Our interpreter spelled out the ball
was for everyone but had to be brought back when done. We quickly pumped up 2 more balls and put them in use too. What a site to see a match of just the girls and another with Jst the little kids and another with the older boys on three different lots at the same time. A the balls came back that day and every day after that. We turned these 3 balls and 4 ore new ones over to the school teacher when we left (school met weekdays under the trees,the older kids meet in the Unicef tent).

Other visitors have noted the importance of soccer in Haiti:
Blog: UMCOR Blog
Post: Be there. Be hope. The Football Factor
Link: http://mediagbgmumcorg.blogspot.com/2010/07/be-there-be-hope-footballfactor.html

I am headed back to Haiti September 1, 2010 taking 9 fellow California volunteers who each are to return with their own team of 10 people next year. We are the Volunteers in Mission of the United Methodist Church. We have had over 100 teams to date like mine visit Haiti with a projected number of 900 teams over the next 5 years.

We travel from all over the US and the world to rebuild schools.
My team carried soccer balls there in our suitcases and passed out just a few balls.
Another 6 teams of volunteers followed us back to the same village since then and I
suspect they too brought a few balls. With over a thousand kids in that village, that still leaves a lot of kids without a ball of their own when we move on to the next village. We will travel to over 50 villages in our plan. If only one ball per volunteer gets passed out, that is 9,000 balls that go directly into the hands of the kids (about 1 in 50 kids that we will meet).

I can imagine that each of these balls will create a smile at a time when it is very much
needed. I suspect each ball will each be a focus of friends playing together for years to
come. I hope each kid may remember at some point that somebody came there to say
they cared about them and gave them this ball as a symbol of that. I hope that they kick each and every one of those balls until all the panels fall off.
I cannot imagine a better use of some rubber and leather.

Philip Bandy
Interim Director Volunteers in Mission
California-Nevada Conference
United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 980250
1276 Halyard Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0250
Office: (916) 374-1582
Mobile: (925) 808-8138
Fax: (916) 372-5544
http://www.cnumcvim.org/

TEAMS TO HAITI FROM THE WJ - WESTERN JURISDICTION

Phil Bandy, will be leading a team to Haiti Sept. 1, 2010. Please keep him and the team in prayer. Phil is the UMVIM Conference Coordinator for Cal-Nevada Conference.

Brenda St. Clair will be leading a team to Haiti in January 2011. Brenda is the UMVIM Conference Coordinator for Oregon-Idaho Conference.

MISSION TEAM TO MEXICO; URGENT REQUEST FOR TEAMS TO HAITI IN SEPTEMBER

2010-08-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Volunteer in Agua Prieta, Mexico from Central UMC, AZ.

MISSION TEAM SET TO SERVE IN AGUA PRIETA, MEXICO

Glen E. Allen, Executive Director of FaithWorks in Flagstaff AZ, is leading a medical mission trip to Agua Prieta, Mexico November 11-14. Check out details at faithworks4us.org. This is an ecumenical group and they sponsor a mission trip every month. For more information about serving in Agua Prieta, Mexico please contact Chris Spencer or Ken, UMVIM Conference Coordinators for the Desert Annual Conference, at chrisspencer@npgcable.com and kenth@eaccountable.com.

TEAM NEEDED IN HAITI - URGENT REQUEST

Due to two unexpected last minute UMVIM team cancellations for the September 21-30 time period, the Haiti Response Project is in urgent need of at least one UMVIM team to fill these slots in order to continue work on priority projects. If you are able to help field or find a team to go to Haiti on this short notice, please let Susan Meister know right away. While a ten member team would be ideal, a smaller team is okay (at least five persons).Susan MeisterUS-Haiti Volunteer Coordinatorhaitivolunteers@yahoo.com

TEAM LEADER TRAINING; UMVIM HAITI UPDATE

2010-08-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Team to Haiti, read what UMVIM teams are doing in Haiti towards its recovery....

TEAM LEADER TRAINING IN CAL-PAC

If you are interested in leading an UMVIM team, you are invited to come to the Team Leader training at Pasadena First UMC, October 2nd. It will be from 9:30-1:00. There is a registration fee of $15.00. Please contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@hotmail.com to register.

UMVIM HAITI UPDATE

What UMVIM teams are doing for the Eglise Methodiste d’Haiti (EMH) earthquake priority projects can only be considered second and third and fourth mile giving! Each team of ten persons is asked to raise $3500 in project money which is then matched with $3500 from the money given to UMCOR for Haiti. Each team member is assessed $350 in project funds and all the trip costs associated with the teams …food, lodging, interpreters, transportation, etc... or $1400. This comes to an ~$1750 cost per team member, differences lying in the plane fare. At least half of this is spent while in Haiti, thus adding to their weakened economy. And UMVIM’ers donate 8 days of their time! And they work! And all the while they smile and thank God for the opportunity to serve!

SUSAN MEISTER, US-Haiti Volunteer Coordinator, has summarized the first 3 months of UMVIM activity for EMH earthquake projects. From May through July, 26 teams of 235 volunteers from around the country and one Caribbean team have donated their time and money to work on EMH earthquake priority projects. This comes to a combined volunteer donation of $411,250 for their efforts! Add the $80,500 incentive grant and the UMVIM Program has contributed $491,750 for EMH recovery through July!

All this does not include the many teams that continue to work on ongoing EMH projects across Haiti not affected by the earthquake area, and therefore not eligible for matching grants.

Between Feb. and July, at least 12 of these teams from the North Central Jurisdiction have served in Haiti. There are 2 more such teams ready to serve through 2010 and there are two Individual Volunteers scheduled to serve starting this fall.

We continue to give thanks for the dedication of these many men and women willing to serve through the UMVIM program in Haiti. The effort of each UMVIM team is of great importance to the overall recovery of the Eglise Methodiste d’Haiti (EMH).

UBUNTU WOMEN'S TEAM GOING TO BRAZIL - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

2010-08-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

UBUNTU WOMEN'S TEAM GOING TO BRAZIL

Applications are now being accepted for the Ubuntu, Brazil Journey, scheduled for November 9-21, 2010 and there are 8 openings for United Methodist Women across the church. The trip is led by Jeanie Blankenbaker, former Assistant General Secretary of Mission Volunteers. The Ubuntu Journeys are supported by the Women's Division of The United Methodist Church and Global Ministries.

The objective of the journey is to build missional bridges between US and Brazilian Methodist women:

strengthening women's organizational capacity to be in mission with women, children and youth

creating an educational space for shared learning and leadership

exchanging of skills that enhance women's capability to provide for their families

witnessing the love of God for children and youth to grow into a life free of violence
l

earning the strength of people in the midst of economic and social disparities

Ubuntu Explorers will visit two State capitals and small cities and outskirts neighborhoods where the Methodist or ecumenical organizations have a mission presence. The journey will start at the Northeast Coast-Fortaleza, in the state of Ceara and end in the Southeast city of Guarapari, in the state of Espirito Santo.
The participants will have the opportunity to meet with Methodist women leaders at all levels-local, district and national. In Fortaleza, they will share leadership at a District women's training, while in Guarapari they will share their UMW experience at the National Assembly of the Brazilian Methodist Women Confederation.

Explorers will visit:

Local units, community and ecumenical organizations dealing with women's needs and rights

Play and have fun with children at the Shade and Fresh Water program-an after-school community program with children and youth at risk

Worship at Methodist churches on Sunday

Contribute to strengthen the mission capacity of Methodist women organization, which carries a legacy of the nineteenth century missionary movement

In all locations, the team will interact with local Methodist women and visit projects supported by the Women's Division and GBGM.

Cost is $3,500 exclusive of USA domestic airfare. For team member application forms and additional information you may contact Jeanie Blankenbaker at jbumvimny@aol.com or (843) 342-7092.

JOINT COMMISSION/HANDS ACROSS BORDER MEETINGS

2010-08-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

MEETING OF THE JOINT COMMISSION/HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER

Greetings:

The next meeting of the United Methodist Joint Commission for Church Extension/Hands Across the Border will be held at Campo Nuevo Amanecer east of Tecate on September 10 - 11, 2010. We will begin with dinner at 6:00 on the 10th and adjourn after lunch on the 11th.

In addition to our usual business meeting, we will be discussing how to be in ministry to Latinos on both sides of the border. From Cal-Pac, our facilitator will be Emilio Muller, director of Latino Ministries. One of the pastors from Mexico will discuss the issues from the point of view of the Methodist Church in Mexico.

This is a great opportunity to learn from each other! It is no secret that the efforts of our denomination in California to be in ministry to Hispanics falls far short of reaching that exceedingly large group. We tend to think of ministry to Latinos in terms of a ministry in Spanish. Statistically, the bilingual and monolingual English components of the demographic are quite large. This is a chance to learn how to reach all of these groups.

In Mexico, many churches are small and struggling. We will be exploring how churches, on both sides of the border can grow their congregations.

Join us for this two day event. Mark down the dates on your calendars. More information will be forthcoming.

Blessings,

Murray Hawkins, President
UM Joint Commission/Hands Across the Campus
(909) 440-8586
murray@mexicomissionproject.org

CARE TEAMS TO GULF; HAITI JOB OPENINGS; FUTURE TEAMS; FLOODING IN PAKISTAN; UMVIM NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

2010-08-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Flooding in Pakistan. See what you can do to help. Photo courtesy, nydailynews.com.

CARE TEAMS TO GULF - OIL SPILL DISASTER

UMCOR and the Louisiana Annual Conference trained 128 clergy and laity to serve on Care Teams that will be sent to communities on the Louisiana coast that have been affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We expect to be sending teams for several months,” said Candy McCammon, Care Team supervisor for the conference. Teams will be sent to the British Petroleum compound to meet with oil spill response workers, and to community centers and local congregations to talk with those affected by the disaster.

Your gift to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670, helps UMCOR respond to this and other natural or human-caused disasters in the United States.

HAITI JOB OPENINGS

UMCOR has posted several employment opportunities to its website to help the organization advance its relief and development work in Haiti. Positions are open for a Livelihoods Coordinator; Shelter and Reconstruction Coordinator; and a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Coordinator.
For more information, please visit UMCOR’s Job and Volunteer Opportunities website.

FUTURE TEAMS

Carson City UMC Team to Guatemala: July 29 – August 8
Anita Shaul leads a team to Guatemala. She will serve with Warren Shaul, Day Williams, Robin Williams, Abby Williams, Nathanial Williams, Brenda Keller, Sharon Urban, Ben Swanson, Christina Reid, Madison Reid, Robert Jennings-Teats Tobin Volberding, Hope Hutchins, Brian Hutchins, Kristin Schlager, Brianna McCord, Nick Schlager and Hillary Schlager of First UMC - Carson City Maurine Williams of American Baptist Fellowship and Frank Cruz.

Concord UMC Team to Guatemala: July 30 – August 8
Doug and Betsy McLeod lead a team to Guatemala. They will serve with Rebecca Jensen, Michelle Kop, Susan Pintar, Suzanne Hargis and Silvy Puthukkeril of Concord UMC, Alison Berry, Alice Impraim and Wolf Meier of Alamo – San Ramon Valley UMC and Will Valdriz, UCBerkeley student.

Multi Church International Team to Fiji: August 12 - 26
Virisila Batiratu of Sacramento - Centennial UMC leads a team Fiji to continue construction work on a local school. She will serve with David Orland of Foothill - Federated Church, Nancy O'Bryon of Sacramento - St. Joseph Catholic Church and Don Kawashima of San Jose - Wesley UMC.

Kit & Relationship Building Team to Salt Lake City, Utah Supply Depot: August 15 - 20 Steve Elliott leads a kit building team to the UMCOR West Depot. He serves with, Kim Risedorph, Gabe Elliott, Becca Elliott, Coleman Johnson, Bobbie Johnson, Silvia Moon, Louise Nelson, Robert Smith and Carolee Smith of Livermore - Asbury UMC, Cynthia DeLand, Wendy Kenley, Doug Huey and Mary Ellen Huey of Lynnewood UMC, Donna Lindquist and Ginger McGuffin of Alamo - San Ramon Valley UMC.

FLOODING IN PAKISTAN

At least 1,200 people have died and 2 million have been displaced from their homes by the most severe flooding on record in northwest Pakistan . Tens of thousands of people remained isolated on rooftops awaiting rescue on Monday, as floodwaters destroyed bridges and roads, according to news reports.

Government buildings, businesses, thousands of acres of crops, and at least 29,500 homes have been completely destroyed by the floods that followed on the heels of extremely heavy monsoon rains that particularly affected Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
Additional rain is expected this week, which could provoke more flooding and increase fears of the spread of waterborne illnesses such as cholera. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is reaching out to partners in Pakistan, including Church World Service, Muslim Aid, and the Peshawar Diocese of the Church of Pakistan, and preparing an initial grant to assist in relief efforts.

“We are praying for the people who have lost loved ones, are left without homes and livelihoods, and for those who are trapped and waiting for food and clean water,” said the Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, UMCOR’s top executive. “UMCOR is committed to addressing their needs and especially reaching out to those who are most vulnerable.”

Please support UMCOR’s response to the crisis in Pakistan with your gift to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450. Please write Pakistan Emergency on the memo line of your check.

UMVIM NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

From the NorthCentral Jurisdiction:

MEXICO medical team needs pharmacist: Can you put the word out that we are desperate for a pharmacists for our Oct. 7, 2010 medical team to Nuevo Progreso. This is one of the safest border towns in Mexico. We have a pretty complete team EXCEPT for pharmacy. Help! More info, contact Rev. Jo Powers, 419 376 6017.

The next Russia Initiative Consultation will be held at the St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, April 7-9, 2011. The Crowne Plaza Hotel at 2945 Northwest Expressway will accommodate our participants at a special room rate of $95 per night, breakfast included. Bishop Hans Växby will deliver his address in the opening afternoon plenary on April 7. Thomas Kemper, the new general secretary of Global Ministries, will address the gathering in the morning plenary on April 8. Please protect the dates and plan to attend. The Eurasia Roadmap to 2015 will be the theme of the consultation. We are scheduling these major consultations every two years now, and it is important for us to come together and discern the future directions of the mission.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WORK IN MEXICO

2010-07-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WORK IN MEXICO

Greetings –

The United Methodist Joint Commission sponsors annual work teams to Baja to work on local churches and homes in the surrounding communities. We count on volunteer help and donations. This summer has been what can charitably be called a challenge, both in identified needs and in obtaining the means to meet them. I’d like to enlist your help. Any help, of any kind, will go a long way to help us reach our goals.

I just got back from my pre-trip to the San Quintin Valley where we looked at a number of projects that we will work on this summer. There are four houses to re-roof. There is a house to build from the pad up – it burned down a few months back and the family is living with friends in a neighboring town. These are all in the village of Jaramillo, a town of about 175 houses.

We desperately need people to help us with these projects. Even a small group is a big help. The cost is $255.00 per person. This covers the cost of food, insurance (UMVIM), program, and some of the construction materials. However, money is never a reason for someone to stay home!

In addition to people, we do need funds to purchase what the participant fees do not cover. Generally, this is about a half of the cost of materials and runs between $4,000 and $5,000. We need your prayers, too. We are gone between July 25 and Aug. 14. Please keep us in your prayers from now until we return.

Just down the highway a ways is Camalu, a much bigger town. They suffered quite a bit of damage from the floods last winter. One home is still uninhabitable. It has a partial concrete floor and the rest is filled with dry mud. The walls are not weather tight. The kitchen has been stolen. It needs a lot of work to make it livable.

The next project in Camalu is the home of an elderly couple. She is as delightful as she is tiny! He has severe arthritis and is wheelchair bound. Their daughter who took care of them died, leaving them with her children to raise. Their house needs a lot of work to be weather tight. She complains about how cold it gets in winter. That means insulating and dry walling.

The last house is also in Camalu. It is very small, just over 100 sq. ft. The man who lives there has severe back problems and has to raise himself with a sling that he has rigged. Then somebody places a board behind him so that he can sit up and watch TV all day. His attitude is wonderful. However, his house has a dirt floor, no windows and the interior walls are made of cardboard boxes. It needs to be made larger and windows installed so that he can see more light inside. He also needs a new mattress, perhaps one with a waterproof cover.

I hope that you can talk to a few people who will join with us to make this happen.

Blessings,

Murray Hawkins, President
UM Joint Commission/Hands Across the Border
Mexico Mission Project
(909)793-5171
murray@mexicomissionproject.org

TEAM LEADER TRAININGS IN CAL-NEV CONFERENCE; LOSS OF BISHOP DEW; HONDURAS SUMMIT 2010

2010-07-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bishop Bill Dew died last week. He will be missed. Please read more about him below....

UPCOMING TEAM LEADER TRAINING IN CAL-NEV CONFERENCE

Saturday, July 31, 2010 - 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Central United Methodist Church3700 Pacific AvenueStockton, CA 95204

To register for a training please contact the CA-NV Conference UMVIM Office at (916) 374-1584 or umvim@calnevumc.org with your contact information and the information of anyone else who will be joining you at the training. The training cost of $40 includes your official GBGM Team Leader Manual and officially reserves your spot for the training.

Make your check payable to the 'California-Nevada Annual Conference.' Please include 'Team Leader Manual' and the names of those you are paying for on the memo line.

Mail to:UMVIM / CA-NV Conference OfficeP.O. Box 980250West Sacramento, CA. 95758-0250

If it is within a week of the scheduled training, please bring your check with you instead of mailing it.

If you would like to host a future training at your church please let us know!

Eddie Frutchey
Administrative Assistant
California-Nevada Annual Conference
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
Mail: P.O. Box 980250 West Sacramento CA. 95798-0250
Office: (916) 374-1584 Fax: (916) 372-5544
email: eddief@calnevumc.org or umvim@calnevumc.org
Cal-Nev U.M.V.I.M. website: www.cnumcvim.org

LOSS OF BISHOP DEW

SACRAMENTO, CA July 15, 2010—The California-Nevada Annual Conference today is mourning the loss of Bishop William W. ("Bill") Dew, Jr., who died Wednesday morning after collapsing at his home in Elk Grove.
Bishop Dew leaves his wife of 52 years, Mitzie Eggers Dew, who was his college sweetheart; three children: the Rev. Linda Dew-Hiersoux, pastor of Central United Methodist Church and at The Table (both in Sacramento), William Waldo Dew, III, and Marilyn Jane Dew (along with their spouses); and six grandchildren.

"Bishop Dew was an outstanding pastor, leader, colleague, and friend," said California-Nevada resident bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. "He helped all of those he worked with to act on the possibilities God gives us. In a sermon I fondly remember, he reminded us, 'You can't think your way into new ways of acting, but you can act your way into new ways of thinking.'

"I will miss my friend."

Bill Dew was born in Newport, Kentucky on December 14, 1935 and attended Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where he earned an A.B. degree, before attending Drew Theological Seminary. He served a student charge in the New York Conference and graduated from Drew with a Divinity Degree. Elected a probationary member of the Kentucky Annual Conference, he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Raymond Archer, who was serving the faculty at Drew. Dew transferred to the California-Nevada Annual Conference and was ordained an elder by Bishop Donald H. Tippett.

The Rev. Dew served churches in Springville, Lindsay, and Clovis; Epworth UMC in Berkeley; and San Ramon Valley UMC in Alamo, California. He served as a District Superintendent of the Central District, 1979-84.

While in Berkeley, Rev. Dew taught the required course in Polity and Doctrine for United Methodist students who attended Pacific School of Religion.

He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Rust College in 1991 and an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Union College in 1992.

The Western Jurisdictional Conference elected him to the episcopacy in 1988, and he was assigned to the Portland Area. Bishop Dew served the Portland Area from 1988 to 1996. He then served the Phoenix Area from 1996 to his retirement in 2004.

California-Nevada Board of Pensions Executive Secretary Grady Knowles, who frequently has cited Bishop Dew's mentorship, said today, "Bill Dew was a wonderful pastor and a profound preacher, but also a great colleague and friend. He saw the Church clearly and loved it anyway. The United Methodist experiment, both locally and much more broadly, has been deeply enriched by his great mind and his even greater heart for all those '...subtle, sneaky reasons we were born a human being and not a chair..'"

Bishop Dew's memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 7 at 11 a.m., at Central UMC. Bishop Bruce Blake will officiate.

HONDURAS SUMMIT 2010

On October 6 – 9, 2010 the 2010 Honduras Summit will be held in Alton, IL (near St. Louis, MO) and ALL those with a heart for the work going on within the Mission Initiative of Honduras are being invited to join us and share in the vision of the Mission, to engage in the process of building a sustainable foundation, and to celebrate our successes over the last several years – a Fiesta for sure!

But at this time, I also want to extend a personal invitation to those of you who are just beginning to feel the “tug on your heart” from God about the thought of Missions, those of you who are brand new to a Team, and those of you who have been somewhat fearful of the thought of International Missions (in general, not just to Honduras) and all of those UNKNOWNS. The 2010 Honduras Summit has been designed with YOU in mind. The entire afternoon of our first day, entitled Missions 101, has been designed to dispel your fears of the concept of International Missions, to explain what VIM (Volunteers in Mission) is all about, how to go about engaging your church and putting a Team together, and what you yourself need to do to prepare to serve Christ in this “life-changing” arena. Of course, we hope by the end of the day you will at least consider joining us in one of our favorite mission initiatives – Honduras.

The local organizing committee has been working diligently to “roll out the red carpet” to all of our guests…Plenary sessions organized, Small group discussions planned, Daily worship being prepared, An opening night Fiesta Celebration in the works, Fellowship opportunities for old-timers and first-timers available all week long, Transportation service being made ready, and did I mention the Food??? But none of this works without YOU! Invite a friend, clear your schedule, and make plans to join us for the 2010 Honduras Summit in Alton, IL. I promise you won’t regret it!!!

En Cristo,

Greg Gelzinnis & The 2010 Honduras Summit Team

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN PHILIPPINES - THREE NEW PROJECTS

2010-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Volunteers Needed for Three New Projects

Santor UMC:
Santor UMC in Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines requests three (3) VIM teams to assist the local church in continuing the construction of a 2-story edifice which will serve as a worship sanctuary and multi-purpose center for the church and community.

Buliclic UMC:
Buliclic UMC in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, Philippines requests one (1) VIM team. It is also requesting financial support to assist the local church in purchasing much-needed construction materials to supplement the funds that they have already raised. The VIM team can participate in the project at any point since four (4) full-time workers have been tasked to finish the project. VIM team members have opportunities to fellowship with Buliclic UMC members, where they are welcome to share their gospel witness and personal testimony. They can also visit Palali UMC and San Pedro UMC, both daughter churches of Buliclic UMC, that are within a short distance.

Salcedo Central UMC:
Salcedo Central UMC in Salcedo, Ilocos Sur will begin the installation of the roof and ceiling of their worship sanctuary in January 2011. This church is requesting one (1) VIM team to participate in this project and to provide financial assistance to purchase much-needed construction materials to supplement funds the congregation has already raised. VIM team participation can occur at any point in the project as full-time workers have been tasked to complete the project. VIM team members have opportunities to fellowship with Salcedo Central UMC members, where they are welcome to share their gospel witness and personal testimony. They can also visit Balidbid UMC and Kaliwakiw UMC, both daughter churches of Salcedo UMC, that are within a short distance.

If you are interested, please send all emails to: projects@umvim.org or umvimwj@hotmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WORK TEAM TO GEORGIA; MEDICAL TEAM TO HONDURAS NEEDS MEMBERS; INTERNSHIP IN APPALACHIA

2010-07-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TRIP TO SERVE IN GEORGIA

Volunteers Needed for DeKalb County, GA Trip Trinity UMC of Sarasota, Florida will send a work team to DeKalb County, GA, August 1 thru 7. Volunteers are needed for the entire 7 days. Individuals may also volunteer for Aug 1-4 and 4-7 if the full week is not possible. The team will be doing restoration work in homes. Contact Hank Lunsford, Trinity UMC, Sarasota, Florida for more information (941) 342-4477 (work) or (941) 366-5637 (home).

Wisconsin Medical Team to Honduras looking for members
February 26 - March 6, 2011

Leaders: Chuck Garrigues, 414 708-5074 & Jay McDowell, 414 750-4238, Sponsored by: Our Lord's UM Church, 5000 S Sunnyslope Rd, New Berlin, WI 53151-7418. We are especially seeking doctors, However, medical professionals & helping hands of all varieties are welcome. We also teach sewing & conduct VBS for children & youth.

Appalachian Immersion Internship with Good WorksSept 2010 - April / May 2011

Intern applications are sought for our Appalachian Immersion Intership which begins this September. This 9-12 month opportunity is for anyone, 18 or older who desires to grow in their relationship with Christ and in their relationships with people who are vulnerable, and who are struggling with poverty. We are located in Athens, OH, West Ohio Conference.Do you know someone who has a desire to love and serve the poor and who might benefit from living in an intentional Christian community for a year? The AI internship seeks to create a discipleship training experience where there is a balance of action, education and relationships with people in need.

Housing, food and a stipend provided.
Visit our website and click on "Internships." Call or email us to start the application !· Web: www.good-works.net · Contact: Keith Wasserman , 740.594.9000 · Good Works, Inc. PO Box 4, Athens, OH 45701

UGANDA BLAST INJURES UNITED METHODISTS; VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TRIP TO ZAMBIA; TEAM NEWS FOR HAITI TEAM FROM CAL-NEVADA

2010-07-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Pastor Peter Mutabazi (right) was killed in the blast. At left is his wife, Alice. Photo courtesy of Christ Community Church.

UGANDA BLAST INJURES UNITED METHODISTS; ONE DEATH

Six United Methodists from Pennsylvania were injured and a Ugandan pastor killed July 11 as they gathered with others to watch the World Cup final match at an Ethiopian restaurant in Kampala, Uganda.

At least 74 people were killed and 71 injured in the bombings at that restaurant and the Kyadondo Rugby Club. A Somali militia, al-Shabab, is suspected of being behind the terrorist attacks, according to news reports.

The church members were part of a 14-member team from Christ Community Church in Selinsgrove, Pa., a city bordering the Susquehanna River 50 miles north of Harrisburg. Eight of the team members already had returned home after completing work at a mission project in Uganda.

On July 12, the team reported the death of Pastor Peter Mutabazi on its website. “Please pray for his wife Alice, 5 children, Bwaise Pentecostal Church and the LifeCare School,” the posting said. “We deeply mourn this loss.”
After learning about the bombings, more than 75 church members came to the sanctuary to pray, said the Rev. Kathleen Kind, pastor of the 500-member congregation.

Another vigil was planned at 7:30 p.m. July 12. “It will be a very informal opportunity to be in prayer,” she said.

The pastor said the news about the bombings came as a “huge shock” to the congregation, which was concerned about everyone affected there. But, she added, “we believe in a God who hears our prayers and is faithful.”

Kris Sledge (left) and Thomas Kramer lead team devotionals in June. Sledge was among those injured in the blast.Photo by Sue Heintzelman.
Kind was not certain when the six involved in the bombing would come home. “We’re honestly still waiting on confirmation on our folks being medevaced,” she explained.

It was hoped the team members would be airlifted to a trauma center in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The most severely injured, she reported, were two youth, Kris Sledge and Emily Kerstetter, who was traveling with her grandmother, Joanne Kerstetter.
Sledge was being treated for facial burns and a deep blast wound and shrapnel to his leg. “I remember blacking out, hearing people screaming and running,” Sledge told The Associated Press. “I love the place here, but I’m wondering why this happened and who did this ... At this point, we’re just glad to be alive.”

Emily Kerstetter also suffered a leg wound. “We’re waiting to hear what happens next with her,” Kind said.

Two other team members, Pam Kramer and her son, Thomas, had leg injuries. Lori Ssebulime, the team leader, was shaken but not seriously injured, according to the team’s website.

Ssebulime founded the Uganda mission project, Kind said, with work teams sent from the congregation every other year. The church helped support the ministry of Mutabazi and Bwaise Pentecostal Church, located in one of the biggest slums in Kampala. “They really function as a sister congregation to us,” she added.
Bwaise church started a school in 2006 and currently has 200 students. “Our vision is to educate the disadvantaged children and to disciple them for Christ to be exemplary citizens and productive leaders in their communities,” Mutabazi wrote.

Pastor Peter Mutabazi was killed in the blast.

The team from Christ Community Church had arrived in Uganda on June 18 to engage in evangelism and help construct a fence around the school and church property. They also spent some time in Kenya before part of the group left July 7. The remaining team members had expected to depart on July 13.

Kind expressed appreciation for the calls and assistance the church had received from others in the United Methodist Susquehanna Annual (regional) Conference, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
“Thank God for the connection,” she said.

"Our hearts and prayers go to the victims of this violent act," said Harrisburg Area Bishop Jane Allen Middleton. "We keep the members of the work team organized by Christ Community UMC in Selinsgrove in our prayers, as well as their families and the people of Uganda. May all be held in God's loving arms during this tragedy."

*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service writer based in New York.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TRIP TO ZAMBIA

Volunteers Needed for Trip to ZambiaTrinity UMC of Birmingham, AL and SIFAT will be taking a construction team to Zambia October 27, 2010-November 10, 2010. They will be building a new Methodist office and SIFAT training center in Lusaka. Volunteers are needed for this trip. If you would like to go or have any questions regarding the trip, please contact Rev. Dave Barnhart dbarnhart@trinitybirmingham.com(205) 879-1737.

CAL-NEVADA TEAM TO HAITI - INFORMATION FROM PHIL BANDY

Haiti Response UMVIM TEAM
California-Nevada Conference
Traveling Sept 1-11

Team Update No. 2:
July 11, 2010

September Haiti Team:

This is team letter number 2. The first was dated July 5th

Air travel plans
By this time you should each have your ticket to Haiti. We are to all arrive in Haiti on the same flight and depart on the same flight. Your flight should include the following:

September 2nd - Ft. Lauderdale to Port Au Prince 6:50am - 7:45amAmerican Flight #807September 10th - Port Au Prince to Ft. Lauderdale 8:50am - 12:00pm American Flight 1988

Please send your detailed flight itinerary to me and to Steve Elliot so we will know what time and gate you arrive in Ft. Lauderdale. We need to coordinate getting everyone on a shuttle to the motel.

Next meeting
Our next team meeting is July 17th at the San Ramon UMC (SRVUMC) in Alamo, 9:00 to 12:00. Several people cannot make this meeting on the 17th, so we will hold a meeting on July 13th in the evening 7:00 – 9:00 at the same place for those who cannot make the 17th. That address is:
902 Danville Blvd.
Alamo, CA 94507

Agenda: Next Team Meeting
Haiti update
Collecting forms and checks
Things to bring to Haiti
Taking the online cultural sensitivity tests
Review of the project timeline

Things to bring with you to the next team meeting
Bring your $350 check payable to the California-Nevada Annual Conference, note this is for September Haiti UMVIM trip. (or you can mail them to me @ 21 Spring Lane, Danville, CA 94526) The final check will be collected a few weeks before we go.
Forms: (most forms here - http://cnumc.org/pages/detail/1232 )
· Bring all your forms that need a notary to the next team meeting as we plan to have a notary there.
· Complete the Cal-Nev Conference Registration or the Registration Affirmation if we have a previously notarized Conference Registration for you.
· GBGM insurance form.
· Background Check Release form and Volunteer Disclosure forms should be completed if you do not have a current one for the Conference (last 2 years). These are attached to this email.
· Safe Sanctuary certificate are also required.
· Bring photo copy of front page (photo page) of your passport.

Philip Bandy
Director of Volunteers in Mission
California-Nevada Conference
United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 980250
1276 Halyard Drive, West Sacramento CA. 95691
Office: (916) 374-1582
Mobile: (925) 808-8138
Fax: (916) 372-5544
www.cnumcvim.org

TEAMS WANTED IN PHILIPPINES

2010-06-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Tagaytay City, Philippines,courtesy agnet.org.

VOLUNTEER TEAMS REQUESTED IN PHILIPPINES

New Project in Ilocos Sur, PhilippinesBishop Rodolfo A. Juan of the Philippines Central Conference has requested a construction team to rebuild the sanctuary of the 77-year old UMC congregation of Pagangpang. He is envisioning a larger church building with a balcony to safely and comfortably accommodate the growing number of worshipers. The team will also have opportunities for fellowship with members of the congregation.

This is a new project relationship that UMVIM is hoping to strengthen and Bishop Juan is hoping to have a team as soon as possible. Please respond to umvimwj@hotmail.com if you are interested in leading a team.

TEAMS FROM THE WJ TO HAITI - SCHEDULE & CONTACT INFO; TEAM TO FIJI NEEDS VOLUNTEERS; TEAMS NEEDED IN TENNESSEE

2010-06-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Teams needed in Tennessee, read below for more info...photo courtesy, cbsnews.com.

UPCOMING TEAMS TO HAITI - CONTACT INFO & SCHEDULE

We have an UMVIM team headed to Haiti, actually eleven teams! The first team leaves September 1st. The members of this team and the details of the other teams are described below. Please contact the team leaders for each team directly to get on that specific team.

I want to thank everyone that came to the program June 22nd at the San Ramon Valley UMC. We had a nice turnout. The pictures and other information I shared are all online on the CN Conference Ning web site. Those of you who are not already members of Ning will receive an invitation to join so you too can directly access the information. We will try to keep all the detailed information on Ning since this site is more private. General information will go on UMVIM Facebook and the most formal information will go on the Conference web site.

California Nevada Conference Team, September 1-11, 2010

Stephen Elliott
Burr Bruce
Leslie Carmichael
Mark Cordes
John Warren McGuffin
Jennifer Murdock
Jay Rosenlieb
Suellen Rowlison, R.N.
Janet Steele
Philip Bandy, team leader
Bob Borah, alternate
Yvonne Murray, alternate

East Bay / South Bay Area Team, January 26 - February 3, 2011

Stephen Elliott, team leader

East Bay / North Bay Area Team, Feb 14-23, 2011

John Warren McGuffin, team leader

California Nevada Conference Team, Mar 9 – 18, 2011

Philip Bandy, team leader

San Francisco Area Team, date for early April 2011 pending

Mark Cordes, team leader

California Nevada Conference Teachers and Students Team, date for mid June 2011 pending

Philip Bandy, team leader

Central Delta Area Team, 2011 date pending

Burr Bruce, team leader

South Bay Area Team, 2011 date pending

Leslie Carmichael, team leader

Sierra and Nevada Area Team, 2011 date pending

Jennifer Murdock, team leader

Fresno Area Team, late November 2011 date pending

Jay Rosenlieb, team leader

Chico Area Medical Team, 2011 date pending

Suellen Rowlison, R.N., team leader

Contact information:

SAE612@msn.com
Stephen
Elliott
925-362-8697

grumpyburr@sbcglobal.net
Burr
Bruce
530-406-1769

carm-lee@pacbell.net
Leslie
Carmichael
650-941-0260

rev.mark.cordes@gmail.com
Mark
Cordes
415-412-4301

warren@mcguffin.com
John Warren
McGuffin
925-828-8090

Murdockjennifer101@gmail.com
Jennifer
Murdock

jrosenli@kleinlaw.com
Jay
Rosenlieb
661-706-2500

suellen@garlic.com
Suellen
Rowlison
530-897-0226

jrsbeliever@aol.com
Janet
Steele
650-380-4459

philb@calnevumc.org
Philip
Bandy
925-808-8138

TEAM TO FIJI LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Ni sa Bula! The third United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team to Fiji is on the calendar and is looking for volunteers! August 12-26, 2010.
The Fiji Methodist Conference has invited us to the village of Navuniyaro. Opportunities are available for construction and connectional outreach ministries. We want to invite volunteers to join us in using our unique talents to create our outreach pattern.

The project has been ongoing for the last 9 years and has progressed as funds have become available. The Methodist Church / Multi-Purpose Hall we will be working on will be used as an Evacuation Center, Kindergarten, Women’s Project and Village Council Meeting Center.

It will benefit about 600 people in 100 households in the village of Navuniyaro and the community of Luth, Naitasiri.

The Fiji Team’s next team meeting will be at on Sunday, July 4th at 11:30am @ Centennial UMC
Address: 5401 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95822

If you are interested in joining us on the team and would like more information please call the team’s leader Virisila Batiratu @ 916 256-9599 or email her at vsbyou@yahoo.com If you would like to donate funds to this team you can do so through Viri as well. The team plans to raise at least $3500 to cover materials they will need to do the work and supplies for the team.

Thank you, Virisila Batiratu

TEAMS NEEDED IN TENNESSEE

Recent flooding in Dyer County in Northwest Tennessee has devastated the lives of hundreds of people. Areas hardest hit are comprised of uninsured older homes in a low income area. The result of this combination is the need to demolish and rebuild most of these homes. The victims cannot afford to rebuild their homes as they have merely the money they have received from FEMA. Skilled volunteer teams are needed to defray some of the costs for these families. Teams are also encouraged to bring funds to assist if at all possible. Housing is being provided by Dyersburg First United Methodist Church. The facility can accommodate up to 60 people. A kitchen, 3 laundry units, and 12 showers are available. Please contact Rev. Robert Craig at Dyersburg FUMC (731.285.6454) to register a team.

2010-06-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

OPENINGS ON TEAM GOING TO HAITI FROM ALABAMA-WEST FLORIDA CONFERENCE

There are openings on a scheduled August 17-25, 2010 UMVIM Team to Haiti, coordinated by the Alabama-West Florida Conference. The team will be lead by Rev. John Fox, Auburn UMC, Auburn, Alabama, who has extended experience in Haiti. If you know of someone, particularly a potential team leader, who is looking for a team, please have them contact Glenn Glover ASAP.

The cost will be $655 per person plus airfare (currently $595 from Atlanta to Port au Prince), plus we ask that your church provide $350 towards the required $3500 project costs required for each team. UMCOR is matching the $3500 donation, so that $7000 will actually be available for use in Haiti. The team plans to purchase individual airline tickets (as opposed to group tickets). Once the team is set and the airline schedule is determined, you will be responsible for purchasing your airline ticket to match the airline schedule for the AWF team, if possible (AWF team will fly from Atlanta to Miami to Port au Prince -- hopefully on the same day).

If not possible, or substantially cheaper, you must plan to arrive in/depart from Haiti on the same day as the AWF team to accommodate transportation in Haiti. Some flight schedules require an overnight stay in Miami or if we leave early, you may want to overnight in Atlanta. Please email Glenn Glover at umvim@awfumc.org if you are interested in participating or have questions. Once an open slot is confirmed, I will email you an application form to complete A $500 deposit will be required with the application.

TEAMS NEEDED IN LOUSIANA; DISASTER RESPONSE RECOVERY TEAMS NEEDED; TWO TEAMS NEEDING MEMBERS

2010-06-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

Team members needed to Haiti. Please read below and read for updates for teams forming from the WJ. If interested in joining a team going in 2011, contact Heather Wilson at umvimwj@Hotmail.com.

TEAMS NEEDED IN LOUSIANA

Louisina VIM is still scheduling teams to do VBS or youth sports camps in the communities effected most by the oil spill. We presently have two slots available for July 12-16. Teams are invited to use materials from their own congregations VBS to effect greater stewardship of this material. All teaching materials, craft supplies and VBS snacks and team meal supplies need to be carried in by the team due to the increased population in these areas as well as demand on local supplies and distance to markets. Each location can house up to 20 volunteers. LAVIM suggests a gift to the hosting church to cover utilities and housekeeping. Teams should bring their own bed rolls or linens and towels. Showers are provided as well as kitchens for teams to prepare their own meals. Youth are welcomed on these teams. Please contact Larry Norman, LAVIM, 225.346.1646 or LduckN@aol.com if you wish to schedule.

DISASTER RESPONSE RECOVERY VOLUNTEER TEAMS NEEDED

Iowa - Flood recovery in Eastern Iowa is still going strong in Oakville and with Block by Block in Cedar Rapids and is NOT closing down! Oakville has brought back 177 residents with a goal of bringing back 300 - that's inspiring. They have a vision to rehab 25 homes in 5 years. For volunteer information, contact Tanya Lantz at 319-759-7685. Cedar Rapids, Block by Block program is also working hard to rehab flood affected homes. We currently have 19 blocks signed on for a total of 253 homes, approximately 85 are currently being worked on. Volunteers are STILL NEEDED! Our greatest need is for semi-skilled or skilled volunteers this fall. Registration for volunteering can be found at www.stormrecovery.org or www.blockbyblockcr.org.

New York - Gowanda and Silver Creek flood recovery - a flash flood in July 2009 devastated two villages south of Buffalo NY. They are in the rebuilding phase and need additional teams. Contact the Tri-County Disaster Recovery office at 716-254-1783 or 717-766-1533. Housing is available.

Oklahoma - From Rev. Richard W. Norman, Disaster Response Coordinator: In May2010 Oklahoma was struck again with devastating storms. These storms included tornados which damaged or destroyed over 1400 homes and businesses. These tornados were followed a week later by a record setting hail storm which packed hail ranging from pea size hail, which stripped siding from houses like shredded paper, to softball size hail which broke thru roofs and ceilings. In addition homes had thousands of broken windows and many people were caught stranded on the roadway in their cars while the record hail totally damaged their car around them. FEMA has set up five Disaster Recovery Centers so far and the information for the Long Term Recovery efforts are just now beginning to come to our office. The early numbers are indicate this recovery will take some time to help victims affected by those storms as they rebuild their lives. Volunteers are will be needed to help with this effort in the coming months during Long Term Recovery. Volunteers should be 18 years of age or older. Housing may be available upon request. Contact Persons: Richard Norman, 405-530-2032 or Lori Foster, 405-530-2070.

Tennessee - From Jason Brock, Disaster Response Coordinator: Currently we are in transition from cleanup to rebuilding, expecting to need teams from late summer through the next 18 months to 2 years. Across 28 declared counties, we are expecting upwards of 2,400 long term recovery cases, many involving construction. We are currently putting together our team info packet, team size, age restrictions, forms, etc. for rebuild teams. However, interested churches can go ahead and make an initial inquiry to DisasterResponse@tnumc.com and we'll provide them an initial registration form. We will post periodic information at TNUMCRelief.blogspot.com and will soon have an email newsletter available. Our disaster phone line is 615-695-2765. All disaster communications should be sent to DisasterResponse@tnumc.com so copies of correspondence are shared among the Conference Disaster Response Team.

Texas Annual Conference - Needs lots of long term recovery teams in July, Aug. and Sept., 2010 for Galveston/Houston - Verronda Flanagan, 832-370-3099. Director of recovery, Eddie Hilliard, 713-417-7536.

TWO TEAMS TO HAITI LOOKING FOR MEMBERS

Deirdre Garvey / Pat Toschak team to Haiti July 26-Aug 1 has room for several more future team leaders if they are willing to return to Haiti with their own team within a year. Contact Deirdre Garvey with your interest. 651-779-2700.

I currently have openings on a scheduled August 17-25, 2010 UMVIM Team to Haiti, coordinated by the Alabama-West Florida Conference. The team will be lead by Rev. John Fox, Auburn UMC, Auburn, Alabama, who has extended experience in Haiti. If you know of someone, particularly a potential team leader, who is looking for a team, please contact Glenn Glover ASAP.

Operation Resurrection 2010 - Responding to the Haiti Earthquake

2010-06-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

NEWS FROM TENNESSEE RE FLOODING

2010-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

NEWS FROM TENNESSEE

A note from Tennessee Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Jason Brock:Currently we are in transition from cleanup to rebuilding, expecting to need teams from late summer through the next 18 months to 2 years. Across 28 declared counties, we are expecting upwards of 2,400 long term recovery cases, many involving construction. We are currently putting together our team info packet, team size, age restrictions, forms, etc. for rebuild teams.

However, interested churches can go ahead and make an initial inquiry to DisasterResponse@tnumc.com and we'll provide them an initial registration form to get on our calendar.

We will post periodic information at http://tnumcrelief.blogspot.com/ and will soon have an email newsletter available. Our disaster phone line is 615-695-2765. All disaster communications should be sent to our DisasterResponse@tnumc.com email address so copies of correspondence are shared among the Conference Disaster Response Team.

HAITI EVENT IN CAL-NEVADA CONFERENCE; UMVIM NEWS FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE; FUTURE TEAMS & PRAYER REQUESTS

2010-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RESPONDS TO HAITI EVENT<

Time: June 22, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm
Location: San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church
Organized By: Philip Bandy

Event Description:
Program is open to the public and specifically highlights the current and future volunteer response teams from the Methodist church headed to Haiti. Phil Bandy, Director of Volunteers in Mission, reports on his recent trip to Haiti, presents a briefing to the next wave of teams going to Haiti, and provides a venue for the public to learn about these important relief programs. All individuals who have already signed up as volunteers to serve in Haiti and anyone interested in what is happening in Haiti are invited to attend. Team leaders for teams headed to Haiti are also present to accept volunteers to their teams and provide additional information.

If you have signed up to go to Haiti on the September team, please be here for this event; the first orientation session. Everyone is invited to stay through this part of the program and hear all the details as this team prepares to go to Haiti.

See more details and RSVP on UMC California Volunteers:
http://caumvim.ning.com/events/event/show?id=5316321%3AEvent%3A674&xgi=60XyHgKp8HK7Ot&xg_source=msg_invite_event

UMVIM NEWS FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

1) UMVIM Team Leader Training - for those who would like to lead a mission team or learn more about Volunteers in Mission. Wednesday, June 16, 1:30 - 4:30 pm, Hope UMC, Englewood, CO. To register contact Betsy Keyack, bkeyack@att.net. This would be a good opportunity for those coming to Annual Conference early.

2) MEXICO - Volunteer teams are needed in San Luis Rio Colorado to replace a roof destroyed due to a recent earthquake. Details are still being worked out. Contact Betsy Keyack for more information.

3) HAITI - A Conference team led by Rev. Jon Laughlin recently returned from Haiti. They worked along-side Haitian people on construction projects and delivered supplies. The weather was hot and the scene was emotionally difficult but the team felt they made a difference. Jon has room on a team leaving October 30, 2010 and has tentative plans for a team in February 2011. Contact Jon at pastorjon@bresnan.net.

4) GUATEMALA - Hurricane Agatha recently caused devastating mudslides in some of our UMVIM destination villages. In addition to significant loss of houses and crops, 109 have been killed and 27, 560 people have been affected. Stay tuned for more information about future mission volunteer needs. To view regular updates go to http://puravidaguatemala.wordpress.com/

5) LAITY WORKSHOP - if you are attending Annual Conference, we invite you to attend the Laity Workshop on UMVIM, the ADVANCE and Missionary Covenant Relationships on Friday June 18 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm in the Longs Peak Room.

6) WARREN VILLAGE needs adult volunteers to help supervise field trips for children on July 2 and 30 and August 13. Call Sarah at 303-320-5032. Blessings,Betsy Keyack (bkeyack@att.net) and Ann Fort (annfort8269@comcast.net)Co-coordinators, UM Volunteers in Mission, Rocky Mountain Conference.

FUTURE TEAMS & PRAYERS REQUESTS

Individual Volunteer to Hope School – Bethlehem, Palestine: March through June
Yvonne Turner of Grass Valley - Sierra Pines UMC will be serving as a teacher at the Hope School in Ramallah, Palestine.

First UMC of Lodi Team to Kings Beach, CA: May 30 – June 5
Kathy Baldauf will lead the first UMVIM team from the Cal-Nev Conference to Kings Beach, CA. Serving with her are Henry Geiszler, James Schultz, Phyllis Geiszler, Bill Davidson, George Bonadurer, Carol Bonadurer, Jim Naylor and Dolly Naylor of Lodi - First UMC.

First UMC of Santa Rosa to Nikiski, Alaska: June 1 - 13
Cassandra Lawrence leads and serves with Melissa Perry, Joseph Major, Jacob Wilbur, Travis LaBrucherie and Alicia De Toffoli of Santa Rosa - First UMC.

Rancho Cordova UMC Team to SLC, Utah UMCOR Supply Depot: June 12 - 19
Alice Haas of Rancho Cordova UMC leads a kit building team to the UMCOR Supply Depot. Serving with her are RaeAnn Travis, Florence E. Harmor, Thelma Coppin, Marolyn Tullis, Fay Kerekes, Carol Good and Susan Walker.

Multi-Church Team to Slidell, Louisiana: June 19 - 25
Viki Inouye leads and serves with Daniel Ishida, Alex Iwagaki, Jordan Jones, Connor Longmire, Courtney Nakashima, Kyle Nakashima, Ryan Osada, Justine Urauchi, Stacey Urauchi, Mari Yanai, Keith Inouye, Shelley Nakashima and Kristin Yasukawa of San Jose - Wesley UMC , Mason Matsubara, Andrea Wong, Brett Wong, Natalie Wong and Laurie Wong of Clovis - United Japanese Christian Church.

San Ramon Valley UMC Youth Team to Mexico: June 19 - 26
Michael Stephenson of Alamo – San Ramon Valley UMC leads a youth team to Mexico. A list of volunteers was not available at the time of posting.

Japanese UMC - Sacramento Team to New Orleans, Lousiana: June 20 - 26
Motoe Yamada leads a youth team to Louisiana to continue hurricane recovery work. She serves with Shelli, Kashiwagi, Kevin Kato, Katie Nakashima, Austin Takechi, Mitchell Takechi, Sue Teranishi, Bret Williamson, Carol Williamson, James Williamson and Krista Williamson of Sacramento - Japanese UMC.

NEWS FROM HAITI; TORNADO RELIEF IN MISSISSIPPI; WANT TO SERVE IN HAITI? TEAM FORMING TO SERVE IN SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Volunteer in Haiti serving in the town of Mellier.

NEWS FROM HAITI

Team members returning from Haiti are reporting on their experiences in profound and moving ways. Some of their stories can be found at Haiti Response Plan. In addition, churches and conferences are reporting on team experiences through their own web sites.

If your team has a story that you would like to share, please send the link to the US-based Calendaring Coordinator and we will be happy include it.

To find out more about the Haiti Response Plan, go to the web site or send an email to me, the US-based Calendaring Consultant. Thank you to Sandy Rowland Binotto, West Virginia Conference, for the photos in this week's newsletter.

In His Service,
Susan Meister
Haiti Response Plan, Mission VolunteersGeneral Board of Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church

TORNADO RELIEF IN MISSISSPPI

For more information, and to help, visit http://www.mississippi-umc.org/pages/detail/1090.A message from Rev. Wayne Napier, Mississippi Disaster Response Coordinator Thank you to all the United Methodist who are responding in so many ways to this latest disaster.

We are often told in our connectional church United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is US -- each and every church and church member volunteering their time, their skills, their money, their prayers. Thank you.

There is much work to be done. Here is our priority list for this week:Debris removal for Holmes and Yazoo counties and Yazoo City needs teams and also heavy equipment.Corinth needs muck-out work. We have assisted the state VOAD as well as the Long-Term Recovery committee in Yazoo City and other areas with logistics as well as critical materials and supplies.

We will continue to call for volunteers for immediate needs. You may watch this update for the latest.As we are continuing to respond to the response phase we are at the same time making steps to transition seamlessly to the recovery phase.Please continue to help in "every way you can, as often as you can." We are the church together.God bless,Wayne

To Give: Donations to 2010 Tornado Recovery can be sent to MS Conference at P.O. Box 1147, Jackson, MS 39215-1147, clearly marked for: 2010 Tornado Recovery.You may also give through UMCOR Advance #901670

To Help: Calls are now being accepted by calling 866-647-7486 or alternatively 601-354-0515 ext. 21.Or email: tornadorelief@mississippi-umc.org

TEAM FORMING TO SERVE IN HAITI - LEAD BY PHIL BANDY, UMVIM COORDINATOR FOR CAL-NEVADA

Dear Volunteer,

Come join me in Haiti.

We have all been waiting patiently for the news we can go help Haiti and the time is now. I have just returned from Haiti and now I am inviting you to consider joining me for the next trip to Haiti.

Date for this trip is September 1-11th, 2010.

Please let my know if this date is possible for you. There will be many more times in the future to serve in Haiti but this is the first one. Haiti can handle only a limited number of volunteers at one time so to assure we do more good than harm we are adhering to a strict scheduling system. I cannot assure you a spot on this first team but I need to know very quickly those who might go at this time. Please respond by June 2nd.

The estimated cost for this trip is $1600, housing will be rustic, the weather will be hot, the food will be great, and the poeple will be fantastic.

Phil Bandy, 916-374-1582, philb@calnevumc.org