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Disaster Response - Current Responses
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Posted 03.11.2010
North Alabama Conference Controller Johnny Frazier reports, “Thru February 28 we have sent $226,515 cash donations and gifts from the North Alabama Conference office for UMCOR relief efforts to Haiti. These have been gifts from churches and individuals who sent their donations through the Conference Treasurer’s Office. This would, of course, not include any direct donations or gifts by churches or individuals to UMCOR or the GBGM nor the many health kits and other supplies donated for this relief effort.”
Thank you North Alabama!
Chile Earthquake
Posted Mon. 03.08, 2010
Here is an update from GBGM MIssionary John Elmore:
I was going to write this newsletter informing you of all the good work that was done by VIM teams over the last eight months. Due to the recent Earthquake. I think this will be better.
Earthquake Chile
Friends, Thank you for all your letters and prayers…First off Cristina and I are fine. The area we are in is about two hours west of the main earthquake activity. The City of Angol where we live and work was hit with a 8.9. Many building were damaged beyond repair. Most of the buildings that suffered the most structural damage were buildings made of adobe. Also a lot of very old brick buildings.
El Vergel Agricultural School, where I presently work, suffered damage as well. The Hostal, which is the original farmhouse that is still used by the school as a Kind of Hotel, was severely damaged. The teams that will come this year will be working on this building. The other damage that was significant was to the School Church, which is another old, beautiful building. The Social Hall where a lot of you worked this past year also will need some work.
A lot of this work will need to be done to the outside as well as the inside. Here in Chile it is approaching fall. Very soon it will start raining. For that reason it is urgent to fix the outside of these buildings. When the groups start coming in July, we can work on the inside.
As I am writing this letter March 6,2010 six days after the earthquake. We have had at least three shakes per day. Everyone keeps expecting a bigger one. It makes it hard to work, but everyone is doing their part in continuing their lives and repairing damages where they can. The accessibility to Internet for me here has been sparse. The first few days after the first Quake, we had no electricity or communication with the outside. We had no water. Things are slowly on the repair. Yesterday I was able to go to the hardware store, and purchase some supplies. Today after a 6.8 Quake this morning they are only permitting one person in the store at a time. So it is not over here. I believe it is going to be a while before things return to normal.
Children’s Home
Here in Angol The Methodist Church supports a Children’s home. It is a Place where kids from age 6months to eighteen years old, come to live. They are sent there by the courts, due to problems in their homes, sexual abuse, alcoholism drugs or the parents just can’t afford to have them. A few members of my church and I spend a lot of time with them, having cookouts, and taking them to parks. We try to give them the love and attention they so desperately need. A few of us from the church go there every week and do a devotional with them. We take our guitars and sing with them.Over the last eight months every VIM group that has come to work at El Vergel Agricultural School Have had the experience of being with the Kids in there home. They have made a huge impression on these kids. All the groups have donated something to the Home, new furniture for the area where when the parents come to visit so they can visit comfortable. A refrigerator, Metal lockers with locks so that the older kids can have there own things. One group from Alabama had five ladies over there every day, painting beautiful murals on the walls, and also painting other walls. The place looks and feels completely different than the way it did when I first visited. Now the bad news.
The buildings walls are adobe. During the early Sunday morning hours of the 28th of February, the kids got out of their beds and were rushed outside into the yard. They could not return to there temporary home that night or even now. Their house, there home has been condemned. Early on Sunday morning the kids were taken along with some mattresses to Our Church building. That is where they are now and probably will be there until we can find them a new home. Over the last week we moved all their things from the home into the Church. I spent the last two days with the group that was with me, putting together bunk beds, and sorting clothes, turning the upstairs classrooms into dorm rooms.
The decision by the Board is to try and build them a new home. We are working on finding a piece of land somewhere in town. It is possible that the owners of the Old home that has been condemned will sell us the property; we could possibly build something new in the same location.
Reflection
When I talk to churches and VIM groups that come and work with me. I remind them that the physical work that is done is secondary. The most important work is that the relationships in Christ that are developed. The relationship between you and God that is strengthened. The relationship between two different cultures. I don’t want to say that the work is not important,. But the relationships in Christ are eternal. Buildings fall down, and we have just seen a prime example, of what a five-minute earth shake will do here in Chile as well in Haiti. So while we dig foundations, and footings and raise walls of a new building. Maybe God is building something stronger and everlasting in us.
Out of the rubble and when the dust settles, the presence of God is seen, through the helping hands of many that come to the immediate rescue in prayer.Request
If you would like to help financially with either of these projects,The repair work on the Agricultural School, which would include work on The Hostel- The Church – and the Social Hall/ Gymnasium.
Funds to help us build a new Children’s home. Just a note- the department from where the children come through and are monitored, has offered to help also with some construction funds for the rebuilding.
This is the advance Number
General Construction in Chile # 3020485
Write on the check where you want these funds to go.
1. El vergel Agricutural School
or
2. Childrens Transitional Home
Posted: Wed, 03.03.2010
Below is a message from the Methodist Bishop in Chile:
METHODIST CHURCH OF CHILE REPORT ON SITUATION ORIGINATED BY EARTHQUAKE
A fraternal greeting in the grace and peace of our Lord. Jesus Christ, special way to the Methodist brotherhood in the districts " William Taylor”, Concepción and the South, that undergo the rigor of the recent earthquake that has affected these regions of our country. Our solidarity and pray by the congregations, like also by thousands of our compatriots who are living this reality. We also express our affection and gratitude to the foreigners that have made us feel their concern, pray and support in these circumstances
Just yesterday Sunday and today Monday, after unfruitful efforts to obtain some telephone communication, we subsequent to have a partial vision of the situation the earthquake. Luckyly, until the moment, one has not inquired into damages or injuries to the methodist brotherhood integrity of. Nevertheless, the infrastructure of temples, pastoral houses, institutions or houses of the members of our Church, like also its equipment and furniture of houses, have been awfully damaged, especially in the churches of the districts “William Taylor”, Concepción and the South (seventh, eighth and ninth region of our country).
In some places, like for example: Church of Camilo Olavarría, has been necessary to evacuate the pastoral house by severe damages in its infrastructure and in other cities also the damages to pastoral houses have been considerable. The temples of Angol, Second of Temuco, Chillán, Los Angeles, First of Santiago, have serious damages in their infrastructure, other cases the damages are little smaller, but also of taken care of much. (Concepción, Temuco, Temple, and, the agriculture boarding school of El Vergel) In several properties of the Church, as much in Santiago as in province, the peripheral walls with the neighbors have collapsed
There are churches of which we do not have information some until the moment: Talcahuano, Chiguayante, Coelemu, among others, by mainly not to have been possible to establish some kind of communication.
In most of the cases not yet there is provision of the basic services: potable water, electrical energy, cellular telephone or. The food shortage is let feel with severity, like also the lack of fuels. In the central offices of theMethodist Church in Santiago, street Sergeant 1041, has been stated significant damages in its infrastructure, in addition, the potable water provisions and electricity not yet have been restored.
In the middle of this circunstance, we make a call express our brotherly solidarity throughg the prayers and helps by means of love offerings that allow us to accompany this difficult moment that many of our brotherhood are lived.
We express to each of them, next to its families, the love and communion of the Church, in the certainty that will receive the strength necessary to face this circunstance.
“But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
Brotherly in Jesus Christ.
Mario Martinez Tapia
Bishop Methodist Church of Chile
Posted: Tuesday 03.02.2010, 9 am
I spoke with John Elmore, GBGM missionary to Chile affiliated with the North Alabama Conference by phone this morning. John and his wife are currently fine. However, the earthquake has caused a children's home in Angol to become uninhabitable and he believes that a new structure will have to be built. No children were hurt in the quake. Currently John is housing the children in his church. John said the biggest need right now was prayer and for churches to donate funds to help repair the damage. You can write a check either to the North Alabama Conference, or to The Advance using Advance number 3020485; please mark in the memo line "Angol, Chile - John Elmore". Or you can donate online using that same Advance number by clicking here (again, during checkout make sure you write "Angol, Chile".
-Matt
Posted: Saturday, 02.27.2010, 9:00pm
UMCOR has now set up a site in order to receive aid. Visit at: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/newsroom/releases/archives2010/earthquakeinchile/
-Matt
Posted: Saturday, 02.27.2010, 4:30pm
I have received word that John Elmore, a North Alabama Conference affiliated missionary with GBGM is safe at home with his wife. Telephone and internet service is sporadic, and I will gather and share more information when I can.
-Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy
Posted: Saturday, 02.27.2010, 6:00am
This is a message from Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy, North Alabama Conference UMC:
Early this morning in Chile, a 8.8 earthquake struck the Southern half of the country. Reports at this time indicate around 100 deaths, and authorities on the ground are learning more about the situation. The North Alabama Conference currently has a missionary, John Elmore, stationed in Angol, Chile, which is in the South of the country. While I had not received word from John Elmore yet as to his safety, his station is 2 hours from the epicenter and 60 miles from a 6.0 aftershock. I am continually trying to reach John, and hopefully will receive word soon.
We have not accessed the needs of the area yet, and churches are asked to keep track through the conference webpage, or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Just almost 2 months ago, a massive earthquake struck Haiti. Many are now fearful of the damage in Chile, as the earthquake there was larger in magnitude. However, if there is any good news (and that is a relative term) Chile's infrastructure was far more equipped to deal with this situation than Haiti. However, it is clear that there will be a great loss of life and spirit to those in the country. We ask all churches to pray fervently for all those affected by this, and any, disaster.
If you have any questions, please contact me at mlacey@northalabamaumc.org
Posted 02.24.2010
North Alabama continues to send relief supplies to Haiti
A 40 foot container packed with disaster relief supplies left Decatur at the end of last week and will arrive in Haiti on March 2.
The supplies include items donated by North Alabama United Methodists and others who have heard about the church’s work there and wish to help the people of Haiti. Items include tents, medical supplies, health kits and the fourth water treatment system sent by United Methodists. (This will make the 11th water treatment system sent by people from the North Alabama area.)
This loaded container is the second shipment to leave the Decatur Disaster Warehouse going directly to Haiti. (A private plane delivered supplies last month.) Other supplies donated by North Alabama United Methodists have been packed by volunteers at the Decatur Disaster Warehouse and shipped to the main UMCOR warehouse, the Sagar Brown Depot in Louisiana, to be forwarded to Haiti with other supplies collected by United Methodists across the United States.
Rev. Ray Crump, the Director of the Decatur Warehouse notes volunteers are in the planning stages to send a second container in the next couple of months. Earlier Ray said the response to the Haiti Disaster is the largest he has seen in 50 years of ministry.
The wider community is also taking note of the United Methodist’s response. Many local media outlets have covered the collections and shipments from the Decatur Disaster Warehouse.Click here to see a story by WAAY in Huntsville from the day this latest container was packed to be shipped.
United Methodist Response continues
Below is the latest update from UMVIM, SEJ regarding the Haiti Response
United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM), SEJ the short-term mission agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, announced that UMVIM, SEJ Executive Director Paulette West is traveling to Haiti with UMCOR and UMVIM officials in order to attend the annual conference of the Methodist Church of Haiti and to meet with church leadership. While there, Paulette will be having discussions with leaders on the ground as we identify projects and areas in which volunteers can safely and effectively serve.
At UMVIM, SEJ, we are intentional about working with local church leadership as we assess needs and readiness for volunteers. As soon as the Methodist Church of Haiti invites in volunteer teems, we stand ready to facilitate these teams. Please know that the United Methodist Church is already at work in Haiti, supported by your generous gifts to UMCOR. As part of UMCOR's work in Haiti, some of the debris-clearing and recovery work that could be done by volunteers will actually be done by Haitians in a pay-for-work program. In a country with near-universal unemployment, this pay-for-work program is vital, and we believe it to be a faithful part of our work there.
Once this initial work is completed, there will be many, many opportunities for UMVIM volunteers to serve in Haiti. We continue to work with annual conference UMVIM coordinators to disseminate information about the need for volunteers, and we will have more specific information following next week's assessment trip.
To register your interest in traveling to Haiti, please visit http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/HaitiVolunteer
Posted 02.12.2010
The following is a notice from Rev. Ray Crump, Director of the Disaster Resonse Warehouse in Decatur:
We have decided to close the Disaster Warehouse until next Thursday, due to weather. If our volunteers get sick, we will lose them and could be unable to keep it open. Our concern is that there is no heat in the warehouse and one day it is not expected to get above freezing. Those of you who have been at the warehouse, know what I am talking about. We will continue to operate by appointment only, just through next Thursday. So call these numbers if you have items you would like to bring to the warehouse and someone can meet you there, (256) 341-9961 or (256) 642-1759.
Please pass this along to your church family, as many of them may be serving as volunteers. Thanks and have a great weekend!
Posted 01.28.2010
Please note: Due to the inclement weather forecast, The United Methodist Disaster Warehouse in Decatur will close on Friday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. for the weekend. The Warehouse will reopen on Monday morning at 9 a.m.
Today, volunteers from the Warehouse are networking with the Tennessee Conference and will be sending an eighteen wheeler full of health kits to the main UMCOR Sagar Brown Depot in Louisiana next week.
There is still a need for health kits. The warehouse is also collecting these specific items: rice, dry beans, baby formula and diaper rash ointment. All items may be delivered to a drop off location (see below) or directly to the Warehouse in Decatur. Please call to schedule a delivery time at the Warehouse (256) 341-9961.
Director for the Disaster Warehouse Rev. Ray Crump says, “Thanks, to every United Methodist for your time spent volunteering, your contributions, and especially your help at the warehouse. For those who have not been to the warehouse, come see what God's church is doing. Wear warm clothes and bring a camera. You will be blessed!”
Posted 01.20.2010
Drivers Needed for Health Kits delivery: Anyone who is willing to volunteer for a one-time or on a reoccurring basis to take health kits to the North Alabama Conference warehouse in Decatur from the United Methodist Center in Birmingham please contact Director of Mission and Advocacy Rev. Matt Lacey at mlacey@northalabamaumc.org or call (205) 202-1879. Donations are coming in and we need to have all the supplies in one location to be shipped when needed.
Posted 01.19.2010
A message from Rev. Matt Lacey, North Alabama Conference Director of Mission and Advocacy
We in North Alabama grieve the loss of Sam Dixon of UMCOR and Clint Rabb of GBGM Mission Volunteers. I have served with Rev. Rabb for several years on the UMVIM board, and with Sam through UMCOR, and know these losses will be felt instantly across the denomination. Though the loss of these lives and many, many others are tragic, we must continue to believe in a God who continues to move and work, and a God who grieves when we grieve and knows our pain. Continue to pray for their families as well as the families of those whom we may not know personally, and every single Haitian who has been affected.
I have received many phone calls and emails about North Alabama’s disaster response effort, and continue to be moved by the outpouring of support from our churches large and small.
I urge you to continue to pray, support, and give. At this time the best way to help is to donate money through UMCOR. While most people feel this is the most impersonal way to give, it helps in any number of ways, including stimulating the local Haitian economy.
Health kits are, and will continue to be for many months, needed and will continue to be collected either at the United Methodist Center in Birmingham, the disaster response warehouse in Decatur, and at Anniston First UMC.
I have also received some phone calls about volunteering in Haiti. While some trained staff are on the ground at this time, please do not send volunteers into the disaster area. If you know of anyone from North Alabama that is currently on the ground, or is planning to go, please let me know immediately. We estimate that it will be mid-March at the earliest before mission teams will be sent.
This week, as we remember the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we must remind ourselves of the importance of our service. As Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Posted 01.17.2010
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is mobilizing resources and working with it's partners to begin direct relief operations in Haiti. UMCOR continues to receive gifts online which have totaled more than $1 million so far.
100% of all gifts to UMCOR will support relief efforts 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+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Mark your donations “Haiti Emergency Advance #418325." Give online at www.umcorhaiti.org
UMVIM, SEJ now collecting contact information for those interested in traveling to Haiti to assist in disaster recovery
At the request of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), UMVIM, SEJ (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction) is collecting contact information for individuals interested in traveling to Haiti to assist in disaster recovery and humanitarian aid. Interested missioners can visit www.umvim.org/haiti and enter their contact information into the form on that page. This list of contacts will be activated as soon as UMVIM has news about scheduling a mission trip to Haiti.
At the current time, it is unsafe for UMVIM mission teams to enter Haiti. UMVIM anticipates it being mid-March before the situation will have settled enough to be able to support mission teams.
While the desire to offer immediate help is universal among Christians, prayerful waiting is the most faithful witness missioners can offer at this time. Those wishing to give immediate assistance should continue to contribute to UMCOR.
For continuing information about the situation in Haiti and UMVIM, SEJ's response, visit www.umvim.org/haiti
For Updates and Information
Subscribe to North Alabama's Disaster Response eNewsletter at http://northalabamaumc.org/site/stayconnected
You will also find breaking news and information appears at http://www.umc.org/haiti and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch
Posted 01.15.2010
A bulletin insert about UMCOR's work in Haiti and how to help is now available. Click here to download a pdf file http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/media/cbi-
Posted 01.14.2010
Health Kits
The North Alabama Conference has shipped 3000 Health Kits to Haiti. We need to replenish our supply so more kits may be shipped to Haiti and other areas of disaster as needed
Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Please remember for Heath Kits to be shipped internationally, they must comply to the standards described in the instructions.
Click here for Health Kit Instructions: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/
Click here for a downloadable and printable PDF file of Health Kit instructions: http://na.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/sbdhealthkitv02_XZ7YUB4B.pdf
To save money on shipping, you may bring your church's health kits to one of the drop of locations within the North Alabama Conference. They will then be taken to the Conference Warehouse so they can be shipped in bulk.
Drop off Locations:
The North Alabama Conference Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur, AL
2342 Breckenridge Avenue, Building R, Decatur, AL 35603
Call to schedule a delivery time: (256) 341-9961
United Methodist Center in Birmingham
898 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, AL 35204
First United Methodist Church in Anniston
1400 Noble Street
Anniston, AL 36201
256-236-5605
Process to schedule a mission team to Haiti
The Southeastern Jurisdiction Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM, SEJ) is now collecting information from those who are interested in traveling to Haiti to assist in the recovery effort.
Any volunteers wanting to go to Haiti first should go to www.umvim.org and click on Haiti News, and fill out the form. (The direct link to the form is: http://www.umvim.org/newsite/umvim/web-content/Pages/about/haiti.html )
Once the disaster area is ready to accept volunteer team information about scheduling a mission trip to Haiti will be sent to the people on that list with the details from UMVIM, SEJ
Posted 01.13.2010
North Alabama Conference Director of
He also notes things your congregation can do to help:
Health Kits
Rev. Ray Crump has reported that The North Alabama Conference Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur, AL has already planned to ship out 3,000 health kits to those in need in Haiti, but that stock will need to be replenished so more can go out as they are needed. If you church has UMCOR health kits, or wishes to make health kits, please click this link for instructions. (Here is a downloadable PDF file of the kit contents.) Then contact the Decatur Warehouse at (256) 341-9961 or Rev. Matt Lacey at mlacey@northalabamaumc.org when completed for delivery instructions.
The Disaster Response warehouse may also need volunteers to assemble or collect kits. If you church is interested in volunteering at the warehouse in
Rev. Lacey says, "It is being reported that there are no functioning hospitals currently in Port au Prince—these health kits maybe one glimmer of hope to save lives in Haiti."
Financial Donations to UMCOR
You can also donate directly to those affected through UMCOR. Mark your donations “Haiti Emergency Advance #418325."
You may give
By Offering - For local church and Annual Conference credit, put your gift in the offering plate on Sunday.
By Check - Make your check to UMCOR and send to: UMCOR,
By Credit Card - Call toll-free (800) 554-8583 or Give online by clicking here.
Biship Will Willimon says, "Patsy and I had life-changing experiences on mission trips to Haiti. Our hearts go out to our Haitian brothers and sisters. I am thrilled that our North Alabama Conference mission and disaster response ministry is prepared for this crisis and is responding immediately. I ask all of our churches to do what they can to particiapte in this effort."
Willimon also notes the strength of the United Methodist connection during times of disaster and that North Alabama's own Paulette West is helping coordinate the Southeastern Jurisdiction's reponse efforts through her role as Executive Director of SEJ United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
No Volunteer Teams Needed at this Time
Churches are asked NOT to send volunteers to
Rev. Lacey also noted that the State Department has a number for Americans seeking info about family in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Matt Lacey at mlacey@northalabamaumc.org.
Flooding
Posted 09.22.2009
As flood waters cover parts of the Southeast, the United Methodist Church is in action responding to this natural disaster. The North Alabama Conference is part of this response effort.
On Tuesday, September 21, the Northwest District Disaster Warehouse received a request from the North Georgia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator requesting 400 Flood Buckets.
Northwest District Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Ray Crump says, “On Wednesday, September 23, we shipped 211 Flood /cleaning buckets to the North Georgia Annual Conference. We partnered with the TN Annual Conference, who added another 100 buckets and both conferences sent all that were really to ship. Trussville First UMC is to meet the truck on Interstate 20 as they go from Birmingham to Atlanta and add more buckets.”
“This is every Flood bucket we had. Please urge all churches to immediately start collecting items for flood buckets, Crump adds”
Your congregation can contribute to this response by collecting items for additional Flood Buckets and Health Kits. You can then deliver the kits to one of two North Alabama Conference area locations. The North Alabama Disaster Response team is working with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) to make sure the supplies are delivered where they should go. Delivering them to a local warehouse or drop-off spot will save your congregation the expense of shipping them to the Sagar Brown Warehouse in Louisiana. Plus, it will also keep the needed supplies closer to the effected areas.
Location 1 is the Northwest District Warehouse near Decatur. Click here for information about both the Northwest District area warehouse. This warehouse is staffed by volunteers. So make sure you call before you plan your trip to the warehouse. Call (256) 341-9961 to set up your drop off time.
Location 2 is the United Methodist Center in Birmingham. Click here for directions to the Center. Conference Director of Mission and Advocacy Rev. Matt Lacey will accept these donations, so please contact Matt to coordinate your drop off time. You may call him at (205) 226-7962 or 800-239-7950.
Below are the Flood Bucket (also called a Cleaning Bucket) and Health Kit supply lists.
Cleaning Bucket Kit Items
Value: $55 per bucket.
- 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid
- Bleach (two 1-quart or one 82 oz. bottle. Do not include bleach if you are shipping the bucket through the US Postal Service, UPS or FedEx)
- 5 scouring pads
- 7 Sponges
- 1 scrub brush
- 18 cleaning towels (reusable wipes)
- Liquid laundry detergent (two 25 oz. or one 50 oz. bottle)
- 1 household cleaner, 12-16 oz. bottle
- Disinfectant dish soap, 16-28 oz. bottle
- 50 clothes pins
- Clothes line (two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.)
- 5 dust masks
- 2 pair latex gloves
- 1 pair work gloves
- 24-bag roll of heavy-duty trash bags, 33-45 gallon (remove roll from box before placing in bucket)
- 1 Insect repellant spray, 6-14 oz. can (If aerosol, cans must have protective caps. See Special Requirements below.)
- 1 Air freshener, 8 or 9 oz. can
Click here to download a PDF file of the Flood Bucket contents you can print and copy to share with your congregation this weekend.
Health Kit Items
Value: $12 per kit
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
- 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels)
- 1 washcloth
- 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
- 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
- 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
- 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
- 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
- $1.00 to purchase toothpaste (NOTE: UMCOR Sager Brown is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.)
Click here to download a PDF file of the Health Kit contents you can print and copy to share with your congregation this weekend.
H1N1 Flu / Swine Flu
Posted May 4, 2009
North Alabama Conference Director of Mission and Advocacy Paulette West reports "According to the CDC website, Alabama has 4 confirmed cases of H1N1 Swine Flu as of May 4, 11:00 a.m."
Remember both UMCOR Emergency Services and UMCOR Health are working to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Please check www.umcor.org
Here is an article from UMCOR:
UMCOR Health Suggests ways to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu
April 30, 2009—With the recent cases of North American influenza, also known as swine flu, reported by the media, The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is taking steps to put the illness in perspective and asked parish nurses in its network to encourage common sense measures. UMCOR is continuing to monitor the situation and is prepared to take appropriate action should the flu reach pandemic levels.
With the Swine Flu affecting those in Mexico more than other countries, UMCOR is in conversation with the Methodist Church in Mexico about how their needs can best be met.
What is Swine Flu?
Also known as North American influenza, swine flu is a respiratory disease usually found in pigs caused by a flu virus. People do not usually get swine flu but it does happen. Swine flu is being passed from person to person just like the seasonal flu is passed by cough, sneezing, and touching something with flu virus and then touching your mouth or nose. Transmission has nothing to do with eating pork.
The symptoms of swine flu in people include fever, head and body aches, cough, sore throat, chills and vomiting and/or diarrhea. UMCOR Health consultant, Sharon Hinton suggests, "Seek medical attention if a fever is higher than 100° and one or more of the other symptoms presents itself." There are prescription medicines that can treat swine flu. These are only offered if you are diagnosed with swine flu. There is no vaccine to prevent swine flu available.
How do United Methodist Congregations Respond?
According to UMCOR Health executive, Patricia Magyar, "as with any illness, educate congregations regarding prevention including washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if ill."
Visit www.cdc.gov for handouts and updates.
Additional resources for faith based and community organizations are available online here: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/faithcomchecklist.html
Information provided from CDC website and information sent to parish nurses by Sharon Hinton, UMCOR Health consultant.
Weather Damage 2009
Posted April 22, 2009
God's Grace
by Tanya Raines, Executive Dirctor of Upper Sand Mountain Parish
There is so much to be thankful for on Sand Mountain. In the face of our second tornado in less than 14 months, spirits are still high and people are committed to recovery. God's Grace is easy to find as well. The picture to the right shows the home of Ms. Ramirez and her 4 children. Yes, it is upside down! It was turned over and caught on the trailer next door. If it had not done this it could have been smashed to pieces, like the photo below of a neighbor’s home. That trailer holding Ms. Ramirez's home was to me God's hand. You see she was at home with her 4 children on Friday when the storm hit, and they were all able to walk away from the upside down trailer with only one small cut to the little girls arm. This is not a picture of damage, but a picture of God's Grace on Sand Mountain.
An informational meeting was help Tuesday night to help families move from relief efforts to long term recovery. The pace is slowing, but the needs are becoming more clearly defined. If you are interested in volunteering in rebuilding and repairing efforts in the Sylvania/ Powell area or Section/ Macedonia area, please contact Tayna Rains at Upper Sand Mountain Parish, (256) 638-2126. Donations can also be made to USMP, P.O. Box 267, Sylvania, AL 35988 with it marked to go for 2009 Storm Relief.
Posted April 13, 2009
Help Needed on Sand Moutain
Help is needed for recovery from the recent Storm Damage on Sand Mountain.
More than 190 homes have been damaged.
Immediate need is tomorrow and later support is needed for damage assessment to support the DeKalb EMA in gaining FEMA aid and supporting residents in this hard hit area.
Damage assessment work is going into the damaged area finding the home / property owner, getting necessary information such as insurance info, cell phone numbers, help desired, your assessment on what teams could do and assessment of damage. Information you will need, forms and directions will be provided.
General help is needed to repair fences, clear debris etc. All work can be done by full ERT teams or individuals. You will be teamed up with others if large team effort is required. Make sure to wear your Green Shirts.
Meet at the Upper Sand Mountain Parrish in Sylvania, Al (about 4 miles north on 75 out of Rainsville, Al) about 8 AM for registration and assignment.
The contact is Tonya Rains 256 – 638-2126
If you will need overnight housing contact Tonya, Below is information I have:
ERT people are needed for 1-5 days periods Cell phones are spotty, and ATT's tower is down and not working in two counties. If you have a CB radio this will be helpful for ERT assessment teams We will stay at a church that has been converted to a home and has showers and bedrooms. You will need air mattress, linens including towels, etc. Take snacks, but meals will be provided at Trinity UMC about 1 mile from where we will be staying. GPS's will be a great help. Five RV spots are available.
The Decatur Disaster Warehouse is making a shipment today of cleaning supplies, health kits etc. so keep them in your church mission plans for replenishment.
From Tanya Raines, Executive Dirctor of Upper Sand Mountain Parish...
On Good Friday more than 100 people gathered in our storm safe room at the
Early estimates indicate that as many as 190 homes have been affected by the tornado. There is also an additional 25 homes in the Section and
To this point USMP has provided short term shelter for those families who have no place to stay, food and clothing assistance, and clean up and rebuilding supplies. If you are interested in volunteering with the recovery efforts please contact Tayna Rains, USMP Director at (256)638-2126 or at usmp@farmerstel.com Donations to assist with recovery efforts can also be made to USMP at
As flood waters cover parts of the Southeast, the United Methodist Church is in action responding to this natural disaster. The North Alabama Conference is part of this response effort.
On Tuesday, September 21, the Northwest District Disaster Warehouse received a request from the North Georgia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator requesting 400 Flood Buckets.
Northwest District Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Ray Crump says, “On Wednesday, September 23, we shipped 211 Flood /cleaning buckets to the North Georgia Annual Conference. We partnered with the TN Annual Conference, who added another 100 buckets and both conferences sent all that were really to ship. Trussville First UMC is to meet the truck on Interstate 20 as they go from Birmingham to Atlanta and add more buckets.”
“This is every Flood bucket we had. Please urge all churches to immediately start collecting items for flood buckets, Crump adds”
Your congregation can contribute to this response by collecting items for additional Flood Buckets and Health Kits. You can then deliver the kits to one of two North Alabama Conference area locations. The North Alabama Disaster Response team is working with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) to make sure the supplies are delivered where they should go. Delivering them to a local warehouse or drop-off spot will save your congregation the expense of shipping them to the Sagar Brown Warehouse in Louisiana. Plus, it will also keep the needed supplies closer to the effected areas.
Location 1 is the Northwest District Warehouse near Decatur. Click here for information about both the Northwest District area warehouse. This warehouse is staffed by volunteers. So make sure you call before you plan your trip to the warehouse. Call (256) 341-9961 to set up your drop off time.
Location 2 is the United Methodist Center in Birmingham. Click here for directions to the Center. Conference Director of Mission and Advocacy Rev. Matt Lacey will accept these donations, so please contact Matt to coordinate your drop off time. You may call him at (205) 226-7962 or 800-239-7950.
Below are the Flood Bucket (also called a Cleaning Bucket) and Health Kit supply lists.
Cleaning Bucket Kit Items
Value: $55 per bucket.
- 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid
- Bleach (two 1-quart or one 82 oz. bottle. Do not include bleach if you are shipping the bucket through the US Postal Service, UPS or FedEx)
- 5 scouring pads
- 7 Sponges
- 1 scrub brush
- 18 cleaning towels (reusable wipes)
- Liquid laundry detergent (two 25 oz. or one 50 oz. bottle)
- 1 household cleaner, 12-16 oz. bottle
- Disinfectant dish soap, 16-28 oz. bottle
- 50 clothes pins
- Clothes line (two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.)
- 5 dust masks
- 2 pair latex gloves
- 1 pair work gloves
- 24-bag roll of heavy-duty trash bags, 33-45 gallon (remove roll from box before placing in bucket)
- 1 Insect repellant spray, 6-14 oz. can (If aerosol, cans must have protective caps. See Special Requirements below.)
- 1 Air freshener, 8 or 9 oz. can
Click here to download a PDF file of the Flood Bucket contents you can print and copy to share with your congregation this weekend.
Health Kit Items
Value: $12 per kit
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
- 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels)
- 1 washcloth
- 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
- 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
- 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
- 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
- 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
- $1.00 to purchase toothpaste (NOTE: UMCOR Sager Brown is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.)
Click here to download a PDF file of the Health Kit contents you can print and copy to share with your congregation this weekend.