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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.