Dear United Methodist Friends,
United Methodist Communications continues to provide news coverage of the situation in Haiti, including how the church is responding, at http://www.umc.org/haiti. We also want you to know of other resources available for churches and members who want to help.
Volunteers and Health Kits
According to UMCOR (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=ovLYL8MRLmK3LnI&s=cfLLKSPsHcLNLVOzEpE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF) (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. However, UMCOR’s two relief supply warehouses are asking United Methodists to provide health kits that will be sent to Haiti. Instructions for assembling and shipping health kits are available here (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=krKQJWOCIaLMIbI&s=cfLLKSPsHcLNLVOzEpE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF).
Donations
We are grateful that donations continue to come in online (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=jgLOITNyHaINKaJ&s=cfLLKSPsHcLNLVOzEpE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF).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. United Methodist Communications is creating a special bulletin insert for churches’ use, which will be available Friday at www.umc.org/haiti.
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 (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=khKQJWOCIeLMI7I&s=cfLLKSPsHcLNLVOzEpE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF), 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.”
United Methodist Communications
810 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
UPDATE 1/16/10:
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.
