In recent months we’ve witnessed multiple disasters that have left physical, emotional and spiritual devastation. As we pray for the survivors of these disasters, let us pray for God to show us how we can help. Both the District and Conference have communicated how our United Methodist Churches can help:
Assisting our neighbors not only takes prayers and compassion, it takes financial resources. None of these disasters are big enough for us to request UMCOR dollars. It will take the response of our local congregations for us to extend the love and care of Christ to our neighbors within our communities. Your gifts to the West Ohio Conference Disaster Relief Fund will allow us to work alongside families and congregations seeking to recover from disasters. You can give online at westohioumc.org or by check. If you give by check please make the check payable to HPCUMC, (with Disaster relief in the memo line.) Clearly mark your envelope for disaster relief and place in the offering plate.
Collect Flood Buckets to replenish the UMCOR supply for the next round of floods whenever and wherever they happen: http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/Cleaning
Volunteer to help. Pam Follmer of the Monroe UMC is our Ohio River Valley District Disaster Response Coordinator. Pam has been in contact with the TriState COAD. They work with the Red Cross and other agencies dealing with active disasters. They have contacted Pam regarding the need to tear out drywall for homes of elderly and disabled folks affected in the region. They will be sending names and addresses to Pam to coordinate teams of volunteers to assist. If you (or a group from your congregation) would like to be on a team to address these needs, please contact Pam at 513-539-8691 or pfollmer@cinci.rr.com
Refer persons in need affected by the flood or storms. If you know of someone who has not yet been contacted by a community organization that is active in disasters, please contact Pam Follmer, ORV Disaster Response Coordinator (pfollmer@cinci.rr.com) and with the permission of the person affected, share that information with Pam.
As we walk this journey with our brothers and sisters most affected by the disaster they’ve faced, may they come to know of God’s love and presence.
In Christ,
Pastor Doug