Putting Love into Action
Our world has been through so much in the past year. COVID, wild fires, hurricanes, wind storms, tornadoes. These events grab the headlines for a short time. But when the news coverage moves on to other stories, the needs remain.
“UMCOR” (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) is one of the many reasons I am proud to be a United Methodist. When the news has moved on, UMCOR remains to bring the love of Christ to people in need.
UMCOR describes its work this way:
When disasters happen, it is local churches that provide the first response to their communities. This basic understanding – that disaster response is local – forms the foundation for UMCOR’s U.S. disaster training and response efforts.
When responding to a disaster in the United States, UMCOR works with the conference disaster response ministries to provide the following:
- Financial assistance - emergency grants may be sent when a bishop of the affected conference contacts UMCOR;
- Expertise - UMCOR's disaster-response experience and knowledge are made available to those in need;
- Networking - connections with volunteers, experts, local government and other organizations can help communities recover from disaster.
You can read more about UMCOR’s relief efforts at https://www.umcmission.org/umcor/serve/us-disaster-response.
Have you felt a tug in your heart wondering how you can help people in need this year? One excellent way might be through a special gift to UMCOR. Our Missions Committee invites you to make a special gift to SUMC, designated for “UMCOR Relief.” The Committee then will add to the special contributions out of the Missions budget and send these gifts on their way to put our love into action.
Please send your gifts by October 4th. Thank you for responding in the name of Christ to people in need.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Tom
