Click here for the latest news on the United Methodist Church's response to the Haiti Earthquake!  Click here to donate to Haiti relief through the United Methodist Church's UMCOR website! Effective 2/1/10, any donation for Haiti made through LUMC will go towards advancing our own programs and relief efforts in Haiti, unless the donation is specifically earmarked in the memo line for UMCOR Advance #418325, Haiti Emergency Relief. |
Haiti Earthquake Response
CLARIFICATION
ON HEALTH KITS!
Donations for Haiti earthquake relief deductible on 2009 tax return
Letter from Rev. Gesner Paul, President of the Methodist Church of Haiti
Haiti Emergency Volunteer information
NCNYC Update from Haiti and UMCOR (1/20/2010)
UMC Update on response to the Haiti Earthquake (1/20/2010)
UMC Update on response to the Haiti Earthquake (1/15/2010)
Bishop Matthew’s response to the Haitian Earthquake (1/13/2010)
UMC links for further information on the church's response
and relief efforts
Donations for Haiti earthquake relief deductible on 2009 tax return
Letter from Rev. Gesner Paul, President of the Methodist Church of Haiti
Haiti Emergency Volunteer information
NCNYC Update from Haiti and UMCOR (1/20/2010)
UMC Update on response to the Haiti Earthquake (1/20/2010)
UMC Update on response to the Haiti Earthquake (1/15/2010)
Bishop Matthew’s response to the Haitian Earthquake (1/13/2010)
UMC links for further information on the church's response
and relief efforts
- Up-to-date news
- Health kits needed
- Donations
- Ministry Resources
- After Disaster: How to talk to our children
CLARIFICATION ON HEALTH KITS!!! - NCNYC 1/25/10
This is the word that we have received from Greg Forrester regarding the money aspects of putting the Health Kits together:
No monies should be placed in the kits but should be sent separately to the conference office for forwarding to UMCOR. The confusion came when toothpaste started arriving with expiration dates on it and so a change had to be made. The listing on the UMCOR bulletin insert (which states $1.50) is for kits sent directly to UMCOR Sager Brown, not those that are necessarily processed at our other HUB locations. All kits are reprocessed at the HUBs or Mission Central regardless.
Suggested /requested donations should be sent separately to the conference office (PREFERRED): Checks should be made out and sent to NCNY Conference, P.O. Box 1515, Cicero, NY 13039-1515. Please designate money purpose in the memo line of the check (e.g. Health kit shipping and/or toothpaste). We will see that the money will be sent on to UMCOR.
$1 donation per kit for shipping
$1 donation per kit for toothpaste
For a sample of the contents of the Health Kits and for drop off locations, go to http://ncnyumc.org/Haiti/healthkits.html. The Hands of Hope Hub (Cortland First UMC - If you are located in the Central Lakes District, Cortland First would also be your drop off point) is our Conference’s main collection point and they will be coordinating with each drop off point to set a date for pick up in each district. At this time, please take all donations to the drop off point(s) within your district.
Donations for Haiti earthquake relief deductible on 2009 tax return
People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.
The new law only applies to cash (as opposed to property) contributions. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.
For more information, visit the IRS website at:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=218678,00.html
Methodist Church of Haiti
expresses thanksgiving from the Church in Haiti for the response UMCOR
is leading after the devastation of the earthquake.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez, Interim, General Secretary, Board of Global Ministries and Bishop Janice R. Huie, Chairperson of Health & Relief, UMCOR are sharing a letter they recently received from the Rev. Gesner Paul, President of the Methodist Church of Haiti. It expresses thanksgiving from the Church in Haiti for the response UMCOR is leading after the devastation of the earthquake.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez, Interim, General Secretary, Board of Global Ministries and Bishop Janice R. Huie, Chairperson of Health & Relief, UMCOR are sharing a letter they recently received from the Rev. Gesner Paul, President of the Methodist Church of Haiti. It expresses thanksgiving from the Church in Haiti for the response UMCOR is leading after the devastation of the earthquake.
"We urge you to share this letter with your local churches and volunteer networks" Bishops Martinez and Huie note. "The letter is helpful in clarifying both the need for volunteers in the future and the wisdom of responding at the most appropriate time."
"We invite you to continue your prayerful support and encouragement for the people of Haiti as we continue planning for the most effective response by the United Methodist Church."
President Paul's letter follows:
Jan. 28, 2010
On behalf of the Methodist Church in Haiti and the Haitian people, we thank you. Thank you all for your outpouring of love, support and Christian brotherhood in our great hour of need. Haiti has suffered a great tragedy, and to rebuild, recover and strengthen, it will take us all.
You have kept us in your prayers and we are grateful. You have sent donations through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We thank you for your generosity. You have expressed your selfless interest in volunteering your time to come to Haiti to help with the recovery effort and we look forward to welcoming you.
In the coming days and weeks, the Methodist Church in Haiti will complete an assessment of the damage and communities impacted by the earthquake, and will prioritize areas for relief and rehabilitation in partnership with UMCOR. Teams of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission will be integral in the long-term recovery of the church and communities in Haiti, and opportunities will soon be available to come and help in meaningful ways.
In the short-term, the immediate needs of providing emergency aid of food, water, shelter and medical care are being addressed by UMCOR and a host of national and international relief organizations and technical specialists. Soon, the work of clearing debris in preparation for rebuilding will be done by teams of locals in cash-for-work programs led by these same aid groups and local community groups, including the Methodist Church in Haiti. The participation of international volunteers is welcome after this initial emergency phase is complete, at which time the Methodist Church in Haiti will work closely with UMCOR and UMVIM to identify rehabilitation projects which match the needs prioritized in the country.
With great appreciation for the outpouring of support and offers to come in person to help volunteer in Haiti as quickly as possible, the Methodist Church in Haiti, in partnership with UMCOR, requests that volunteer teams consider delaying their arrival into Haiti in light of the following:
- The Methodist Church in Haiti and UMCOR are still undertaking assessments and evaluations in the 6 circuits most impacted by the earthquake, to determine the extent of the damage in church communities and beyond. Suitable projects and assignments for volunteer teams wishing to contribute to the recovery effort will not be identified until this process is complete.
- The Methodist Guest House is currently being assessed for structural integrity, and will undergo some rehabilitation and reconstruction of the security wall before being brought to full capacity and security to host teams of volunteers.
- Commercial flights into Haiti are currently suspended and all travel into Haiti must be done via the neighboring Dominican Republic. Once in Haiti, transportation and logistics are further complicated due to the influx of international aid groups and the reality of debris and closed roads.
- The emergency relief and debris removal phase may last at least another one or two months, depending on the severity of the impact to the communities. Volunteers wishing to work on the programs identified as priority by the Methodist Church in Haiti and UMCOR can begin to schedule trips for late March and April, once this initial emergency response and recovery phase is completed.
- Volunteer teams with pre-existing travel plans to Haiti are urged to reconsider the timing and nature of their trip, in order to allow for re-assessment and prioritization of earthquake recovery programs.
Please continue to communicate with us, your interest in volunteering for the recovery effort and we will connect you with recovery projects and rehabilitation programs as soon as possible.
We thank you again for standing by us in this time of great need, and look forward to working in Christian partnership to build a better Haiti.
Blessings,
Rev. Gesner Paul
President, Eglise Méthodiste d’Haiti
Haiti Emergency Volunteer information - NCNYC 1/22/2010
A great many United Methodists are
indicating a willingness to serve as
relief or rebuilding volunteers in Haiti.
In response to this outpouring, Global Ministries has prepared an information site on the internet. It is at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/haiti
A letter on volunteers from Bishop Martinez, interim general secretary, to members of the Council of Bishops is linked to the site.
Please note that the bishop requests that groups and individuals not set out on their own for Haiti at this time. Reasons are given.
Please refer persons asking about volunteer opportunities to the site above.
In response to this outpouring, Global Ministries has prepared an information site on the internet. It is at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/haiti
A letter on volunteers from Bishop Martinez, interim general secretary, to members of the Council of Bishops is linked to the site.
Please note that the bishop requests that groups and individuals not set out on their own for Haiti at this time. Reasons are given.
Please refer persons asking about volunteer opportunities to the site above.
NCNYC Update from Haiti and UMCOR 1/20/2010
The Rev. Gesner Paul, President of
The Methodist Church in Haiti writes to the Friends of Haiti and the
Methodist Church in Haiti. He writes of the conditions there and says,
“We wish to thank you for your concern and prayers expressed on
the occasion of this big shock that has struck our country on Tuesday,
January 12, 2010. We thank you for standing near us at this time
of severe difficulty and continue to count on your support by any means
as we try to recover from this very traumatic disaster.”
He also writes, “We thank God that the lives of the three Americans ministers from GBGM/UMCOR: Rev Sam Dixon, Rev James Gulley and Rev Clinton Rabb, have also been spared, and that they have been removed from rubble of Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince, two days after the earthquake.
Since then, we received word from UMCOR that The Rev. Sam Dixon, top executive of UMCOR, did not survive, though rescue workers tried to free him. He died of injuries received after being buried in the rubble of a collapsed hotel following the earthquake.
On Sunday, we received word that The Rev. Clinton Rabb, Mission Executive, died on January 17, 2010, in a Florida hospital of injuries caused when he was trapped for 55 hours in the ruins of a hotel destroyed by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.
To read both these stories, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/ and click on Global Ministries’ programs & news.
The Rev. James Gulley did survive the earthquake. The three were in Haiti for meetings and contacts aimed at improving health services in the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is mobilizing resources and working with its partners to begin direct relief operations in Haiti. UMCOR has a four star rating from Charity Navigator and is one of the only organizations working in Haiti to have an A Plus rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. Please list UMCOR as a financially responsible and accountable relief organization on any lists you may be promoting for financial support. 100% of all gifts will support relief efforts in Haiti. You may use the following URL: www.umcorhaiti.org.
He also writes, “We thank God that the lives of the three Americans ministers from GBGM/UMCOR: Rev Sam Dixon, Rev James Gulley and Rev Clinton Rabb, have also been spared, and that they have been removed from rubble of Montana Hotel in Port-au-Prince, two days after the earthquake.
Since then, we received word from UMCOR that The Rev. Sam Dixon, top executive of UMCOR, did not survive, though rescue workers tried to free him. He died of injuries received after being buried in the rubble of a collapsed hotel following the earthquake.
On Sunday, we received word that The Rev. Clinton Rabb, Mission Executive, died on January 17, 2010, in a Florida hospital of injuries caused when he was trapped for 55 hours in the ruins of a hotel destroyed by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.
To read both these stories, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/ and click on Global Ministries’ programs & news.
The Rev. James Gulley did survive the earthquake. The three were in Haiti for meetings and contacts aimed at improving health services in the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is mobilizing resources and working with its partners to begin direct relief operations in Haiti. UMCOR has a four star rating from Charity Navigator and is one of the only organizations working in Haiti to have an A Plus rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. Please list UMCOR as a financially responsible and accountable relief organization on any lists you may be promoting for financial support. 100% of all gifts will support relief efforts in Haiti. You may use the following URL: www.umcorhaiti.org.
After Disaster: How to talk to our children
"God
is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."- Psalm 46.1
During this time of so much suffering in our midst, how do we help children who are witnessing disaster to feel secure? How do we let our children know that God is in the midst of those who are suffering as a result of the earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010?
The resources below offered through the United Methodist Committee on Relief [UMCOR] and First Steps Spirituality Center led by the Rev. Dr. Leanne Hensley Hadley, offer a way for adults to talk to children, know the expected signs of response to disaster, and provide comfort as the children heal.
Go to http://blogs.gbod.org/younger_children/ to find some resources to help young children cope and understand.
During this time of so much suffering in our midst, how do we help children who are witnessing disaster to feel secure? How do we let our children know that God is in the midst of those who are suffering as a result of the earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010?
The resources below offered through the United Methodist Committee on Relief [UMCOR] and First Steps Spirituality Center led by the Rev. Dr. Leanne Hensley Hadley, offer a way for adults to talk to children, know the expected signs of response to disaster, and provide comfort as the children heal.
Go to http://blogs.gbod.org/younger_children/ to find some resources to help young children cope and understand.
UMC Update 1/20/2010
Dear United Methodist Friends:
United Methodist Communications continues to provide breaking news and resources related to the Haiti earthquake at http://bit.ly/8bMwBr. Updates include:
Music Video
A United Methodist composer has offered a song "to inspire people in the midst of all the hopelessness and despair." The music video includes images from Haiti. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/5R720H)
Survivor Stories
“We were entrapped – five of us in that one eight-by-eight foot section,” said the Rev. Jim Gulley, who was in Haiti doing work for The United Methodist Church when the earthquake struck. Watch and read stories from Gulley, humanitarian official Dr. Sarla Chand, and Gary and Kay Walla. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/8bMwBr)
U.S. Haitian Congregation
Members of First Haitian United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Md., gathered for worship on Sunday. Many members have lost family and friends who live in Haiti. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/5gzhFW)
Giving
UMCOR continues to receive gifts online. Checks can be made to UMCOR with "Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency" in the memo line. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/5fJN6o)
Coverage and Resources
United Methodist News Service will send a reporter and photographer to Haiti on Wednesday.
Continue to check the UMC Web site (http://bit.ly/8bMwBr) and Facebook (http://bit.ly/7sTqYN) for news as well as worship and communications resources.
United Methodist Communications continues to provide breaking news and resources related to the Haiti earthquake at http://bit.ly/8bMwBr. Updates include:
Music Video
A United Methodist composer has offered a song "to inspire people in the midst of all the hopelessness and despair." The music video includes images from Haiti. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/5R720H)
Survivor Stories
“We were entrapped – five of us in that one eight-by-eight foot section,” said the Rev. Jim Gulley, who was in Haiti doing work for The United Methodist Church when the earthquake struck. Watch and read stories from Gulley, humanitarian official Dr. Sarla Chand, and Gary and Kay Walla. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/8bMwBr)
U.S. Haitian Congregation
Members of First Haitian United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Md., gathered for worship on Sunday. Many members have lost family and friends who live in Haiti. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/5gzhFW)
Giving
UMCOR continues to receive gifts online. Checks can be made to UMCOR with "Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency" in the memo line. Continue >> (http://bit.ly/5fJN6o)
Coverage and Resources
United Methodist News Service will send a reporter and photographer to Haiti on Wednesday.
Continue to check the UMC Web site (http://bit.ly/8bMwBr) and Facebook (http://bit.ly/7sTqYN) for news as well as worship and communications resources.
UMC Update 1/15/2010
Dear United Methodist Friends:
United Methodist Communications announces the airing of a Haiti-themed television ad, the availability of related resources, the creation of an online prayer wall, and suggestions for the Human Relations Day offering.
Television Ad
Responding to the earthquake in Haiti, The United Methodist Church will air specially produced television spots on CNN Headline News starting today and continuing through Monday, Jan. 18. Watch the clip here (http://bit.ly/73q9HO).
Worship and Advertising Resources
United Methodist Communications is providing a variety of earthquake-related advertising and worship resources for annual conferences and local churches to use to localize relief efforts. Complementing the television spots airing on CNN Headline News, the resources include downloadable versions of two different bulletin inserts, a bulletin cover, a PowerPoint presentation of worship slides and a worship version of the :15 television spot. In addition, customizable newspaper print ads are available for downloading, along with all the other resources here (http://bit.ly/6d35Dh), or under the "Additional Resources" section at http://www.umc.org/haiti. The section also links to worship resources from GBOD.
Online Prayer Wall
United Methodists everywhere are invited to share a prayer for those affected by the Haiti earthquake. Visit the Facebook group for 10thousanddoors.org (http://bit.ly/6oJb5U) to lift up your praise or concern on the wall.
Human Relations Day and Haiti Relief
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer encourages United Methodists not to let Haiti relief support and the annual Human Relations Day offering compete. Continue reading here: (http://bit.ly/56Z8Je)
United Methodist Communications announces the airing of a Haiti-themed television ad, the availability of related resources, the creation of an online prayer wall, and suggestions for the Human Relations Day offering.
Television Ad
Responding to the earthquake in Haiti, The United Methodist Church will air specially produced television spots on CNN Headline News starting today and continuing through Monday, Jan. 18. Watch the clip here (http://bit.ly/73q9HO).
Worship and Advertising Resources
United Methodist Communications is providing a variety of earthquake-related advertising and worship resources for annual conferences and local churches to use to localize relief efforts. Complementing the television spots airing on CNN Headline News, the resources include downloadable versions of two different bulletin inserts, a bulletin cover, a PowerPoint presentation of worship slides and a worship version of the :15 television spot. In addition, customizable newspaper print ads are available for downloading, along with all the other resources here (http://bit.ly/6d35Dh), or under the "Additional Resources" section at http://www.umc.org/haiti. The section also links to worship resources from GBOD.
Online Prayer Wall
United Methodists everywhere are invited to share a prayer for those affected by the Haiti earthquake. Visit the Facebook group for 10thousanddoors.org (http://bit.ly/6oJb5U) to lift up your praise or concern on the wall.
Human Relations Day and Haiti Relief
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer encourages United Methodists not to let Haiti relief support and the annual Human Relations Day offering compete. Continue reading here: (http://bit.ly/56Z8Je)
Stay
Informed!
Visit http://www.umc.org/haiti and http://www.facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch
for continuously updated information.
for continuously updated information.
United Methodist Communications Information on
Haiti
United Methodist Communications is working to provide timely and relevant information about how The United Methodist Church is responding to the tragic earthquake in Haiti and how United Methodists can support these efforts. United Methodists have had a long-standing relationship with Haiti through the Methodist Church of Haiti.
The United Methodist News Service has already posted stories on the tragedy and will have ongoing coverage about United Methodist mission teams that are in Haiti, response efforts by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and what local churches are doing to provide aid. Stay tuned to http://www.umc.org/haiti for more information.
Volunteers and Health Kits
According to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), there will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild once the initial crisis is past, but it is not safe or possible for volunteers to go to Haiti at the present. The Haitian government has set a timeline of March 13 before any volunteers will be allowed into the country, other than those in international organizations such as the UN or US Defense Department. However, UMCOR's two relief supply warehouses are asking United Methodists to provide health kits that will be sent to Haiti.
A list of local drop points for Health Kits and bulk supplies is included at the end of the page. Our nearest drop point is The Hands of Hope HUB located at First UMC, Cortland, 734 Route 222, Cortland, NY 13045.
Kits can also be mailed to one of the UMCOR relief depots - click here for the addresses of the depots and tips on packing boxes. The weight of the boxes should not exceed 66 pounds.
Donations
We are grateful that donations continue to come in online. Donors may also contribute by placing a check in the offering plate at a local church or by mailing it to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Checks should indicate "Advance #418325" in the memo line. 100% of gifts to UMCOR through the Advance support the designated project.
Ministry Resources
Following the Asian tsunami, United Methodist Communications produced a video and study guide titled "God, Why?" to help people cope with the spiritual and emotional impact of disasters. The resource, available from EcuFilm by clicking here, explores why such tragedies happen and God's role in them. The study guide provides a basis for group study and discussion.
During this time of pain and suffering, let us take comfort in the promise of Psalm 46:1, NRSV: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Bishop Matthew's response to the Haitian Earthquake
January 13, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the New York West Area,
A devastating earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12 causing widespread destruction.
Centered in Port-au-Prince it has affected millions of people and thousands are feared dead. This island nation is among the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. It is also a place where United Methodists have served missionally for years, a place where we have strong and historic relationships. Some of those relationships have been forged through the UMVIM mission teams deployed through the Wyoming Conference, one of the Conferences uniting with the North Central New York, Troy, and Western New York Annual Conferences this July to form the Upper New York Area.
Many government buildings, schools and hospitals are damaged or completely destroyed. In the next few days we will watch as the United States sends rescue and then recovery resources to assist in the aftermath of this event.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is assessing the needs and preparing to respond. UMCOR asks for prayers for all who are affected by the disaster. Our United Methodist resources can also be part of this immediate and long term work. Our churches and our members can play a significant role in helping these brothers and sisters in their time of need. Utilizing existing relationships we will be able to quickly mobilize aid to directly assist communities in both the early and long-term recovery from this destruction.
Please consider receiving a special offering, tithing an upcoming fund-raiser, or hosting an event in the coming weeks where the proceeds can be dedicated to Haiti Rescue and Recovery. Gifts for relief efforts can be sent to the Annual Conference office with the notation for Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance # 418325. Each Conference Office will immediately forward all donations to the UMCOR recovery program set up to provide relief. Our disaster response teams are in conversations with UMCOR regarding other possible responses we might offer including sending disaster response teams to Haiti. We will keep you informed as opportunities develop.
Our United Methodist Church is uniquely situated to put every dollar donated directly into the communities of need. The administrative expenses of these missional efforts have already been covered by our offerings through the One Great Hour of Sharing. Because of our faithfulness we can guarantee that 100% of what we receive will be sent to Haiti and its residents.
Please lift up our neighbors in Haiti and those involved in relief efforts in your prayers this Sunday. And may God help us fulfill the Great Commandment in all we do.
Grace and Peace,
Marcus Matthews,
Resident Bishop
Stephen Deckard
NCNY Dir of Connectional Ministry
Lawrence Lundgren
WNY Dir of Connectional Ministry
Carl Chamberlain
WNY Disaster Response Coordinator
Sylvia Reimer
NCNY Disaster Response Coordinator
United Methodist Communications is working to provide timely and relevant information about how The United Methodist Church is responding to the tragic earthquake in Haiti and how United Methodists can support these efforts. United Methodists have had a long-standing relationship with Haiti through the Methodist Church of Haiti.
The United Methodist News Service has already posted stories on the tragedy and will have ongoing coverage about United Methodist mission teams that are in Haiti, response efforts by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and what local churches are doing to provide aid. Stay tuned to http://www.umc.org/haiti for more information.
Volunteers and Health Kits
According to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), there will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild once the initial crisis is past, but it is not safe or possible for volunteers to go to Haiti at the present. The Haitian government has set a timeline of March 13 before any volunteers will be allowed into the country, other than those in international organizations such as the UN or US Defense Department. However, UMCOR's two relief supply warehouses are asking United Methodists to provide health kits that will be sent to Haiti.
A list of local drop points for Health Kits and bulk supplies is included at the end of the page. Our nearest drop point is The Hands of Hope HUB located at First UMC, Cortland, 734 Route 222, Cortland, NY 13045.
Kits can also be mailed to one of the UMCOR relief depots - click here for the addresses of the depots and tips on packing boxes. The weight of the boxes should not exceed 66 pounds.
Donations
We are grateful that donations continue to come in online. Donors may also contribute by placing a check in the offering plate at a local church or by mailing it to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Checks should indicate "Advance #418325" in the memo line. 100% of gifts to UMCOR through the Advance support the designated project.
Ministry Resources
Following the Asian tsunami, United Methodist Communications produced a video and study guide titled "God, Why?" to help people cope with the spiritual and emotional impact of disasters. The resource, available from EcuFilm by clicking here, explores why such tragedies happen and God's role in them. The study guide provides a basis for group study and discussion.
During this time of pain and suffering, let us take comfort in the promise of Psalm 46:1, NRSV: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Bishop Matthew's response to the Haitian Earthquake
January 13, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the New York West Area,
A devastating earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12 causing widespread destruction.
Centered in Port-au-Prince it has affected millions of people and thousands are feared dead. This island nation is among the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. It is also a place where United Methodists have served missionally for years, a place where we have strong and historic relationships. Some of those relationships have been forged through the UMVIM mission teams deployed through the Wyoming Conference, one of the Conferences uniting with the North Central New York, Troy, and Western New York Annual Conferences this July to form the Upper New York Area.
Many government buildings, schools and hospitals are damaged or completely destroyed. In the next few days we will watch as the United States sends rescue and then recovery resources to assist in the aftermath of this event.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is assessing the needs and preparing to respond. UMCOR asks for prayers for all who are affected by the disaster. Our United Methodist resources can also be part of this immediate and long term work. Our churches and our members can play a significant role in helping these brothers and sisters in their time of need. Utilizing existing relationships we will be able to quickly mobilize aid to directly assist communities in both the early and long-term recovery from this destruction.
Please consider receiving a special offering, tithing an upcoming fund-raiser, or hosting an event in the coming weeks where the proceeds can be dedicated to Haiti Rescue and Recovery. Gifts for relief efforts can be sent to the Annual Conference office with the notation for Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance # 418325. Each Conference Office will immediately forward all donations to the UMCOR recovery program set up to provide relief. Our disaster response teams are in conversations with UMCOR regarding other possible responses we might offer including sending disaster response teams to Haiti. We will keep you informed as opportunities develop.
Our United Methodist Church is uniquely situated to put every dollar donated directly into the communities of need. The administrative expenses of these missional efforts have already been covered by our offerings through the One Great Hour of Sharing. Because of our faithfulness we can guarantee that 100% of what we receive will be sent to Haiti and its residents.
Please lift up our neighbors in Haiti and those involved in relief efforts in your prayers this Sunday. And may God help us fulfill the Great Commandment in all we do.
Grace and Peace,
Marcus Matthews,
Resident Bishop
Stephen Deckard
NCNY Dir of Connectional Ministry
Lawrence Lundgren
WNY Dir of Connectional Ministry
Carl Chamberlain
WNY Disaster Response Coordinator
Sylvia Reimer
NCNY Disaster Response Coordinator
Questions?
Contact the Church Office at
(607) 533-4070.
Contact the Church Office at
(607) 533-4070.