ROMA UMVIM MISSION EXPERIENCE
For the next two years, the UMW/GBGM geographic study emphasis for Mission u (formerly called School of Mission) is The Roma of Europe. Almost everyone I’ve told about our upcoming trip to Eastern Europe and the study of the Roma has a negative story to share about “gypsies” – either from their own experience or a friend’s. I’m pondering my own attitude – how do I react to a culture and value system that is so different from mine. How do I hold on to my belief that each person is a beloved child of God, no matter how different that person is from me?
Purpose
The purpose of this seminar trip is to gather information about the single largest minority group in Europe, the Roma, often called “gypsies”. People in other ethnic groups have seen the Roma as thieves, beggars, and fortune tellers. Their women have been involuntarily sterilized and their children forcibly removed from them “for the children’s own good.” Up to two and a half million of them were exterminated during Hitler’s reign of terror.
What Diane Miller is working on…
Travel of 14-16 days … April 18-May 8
10 people max
3 countries (could stretch to 4) – Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovakia
Simple accommodations – in church guest rooms if the space is available and inexpensive hotels.
We will connect with as many projects and people as possible to give us a sense of the Roma culture and situation in different countries and settings – through In Mission Together, Church World Service, those involved with women’s ministries.
§ A price of $3500 will cover airfare, train fair, in-country transportation, room and board, translators, insurance.
Expect to set dates week of Feb 18. Preliminary payment of $100 due March 1. Final payment of $3400 due April 1. If trip costs are less, money will be refunded at the end of the trip.
We will probably fly in to Vienna (Austria).
Questions or to sign-on – Contact Diane Miller ASAP.
Diane Miller
Mission/VIM Coordinator
Western Pennsylvania Conference
United Methodist Church
140 Boone's Way
Kennerdell, PA 16374
HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF - TEAMS WANTED IN MARYLAND
ERT teams still NEEDED in Crisfield MD for Hurricane Sandy relief
Some additional homes needing ERT cleanup have recently been identified in Crisfield, MD.
Our Pen-Del conference Disaster Response team is requesting ERT teams to assist in this newly identified need.. These are in addition to the rebuilding teams that are responding.
To volunteer your ERT certified team - please email: umcorteamcrisfield@comcast.net
Thank you for your continued response and willingness to serve!!
Blessings, Greg
Gregory A. Forrester
UMVIM NEJ coordinator
32 N. Church St
Cortland, NY 13045
607-756-7799 office
607-756-7957 fax
TEAMS WANTING VOLUNTEERS
VIM Trip to the Holy Land- September 21-October 4, 2013. Cost $3300 from JFK. Visit Holy Sites, Worship with a local Christian congregation, visit and serve Methodist projects and partner organizations. For more information please email Elias@grace-tours.com or Admin@methodist-jer.org.
