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| Outreach Newsletter |
April 2008 |
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Dear Michelle,
 A disabled gentleman climbed slowly up a ladder. "I love my roof. It is the most beautiful roof in the world! I want to live on my roof." Not many moments later, it was followed by: "It sure is hot up here. How do you fella's stand it?" And then . . . "I don't have much to offer you, but I do have one thing." Slowly, he descended the ladder. When he returned he held in his hand a plate of toasted English muffins, the last of his stores from his pantry. He sat and enjoyed the food and conversation with the volunteer workers.
This was a reconstruction of a roof damaged in the 2004 hurricanes in Volusia County. The homeowner was a disabled individual on a fixed income. The date? Summer 2007. This is an example of what Long-Term Recovery organizations do.
An employee of VIND (Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster) noticed a house with a blue tarp, then a case manager visited. The client was unable to pay for the reconstruction work that was needed. The case was presented to the VIND Rebuild Committee, members of which include the VIND staff, local pastors, representatives from Volusia County government and other local agencies. The case was heard. "All in favor?" Unanimous approval was given to do the work.
VIND staff then organized pulling the permit, ordered materials, rented a dumpster and scheduled volunteers. The shingles on the roof were donated by a local construction company. A local citizen had read about the work in the newspaper and donated electric tools from his garage. Other needs for the rebuild efforts were purchased at a discount from local businesses with funds donated to VIND.
Now, a disabled individual can put away the rainwater buckets to which he had become accustomed inside his home. The out-of-state volunteers replaced moldy ceilings and installed a light fixture in the hole from which it had been removed because it filled with water after every rain. The home and its owner have a feeling of wholeness again.
The end of the story: During the munching of English muffins on the roof, the client said, "I've been listening to you fella's sing and talk up here all day. I've always been a tough guy, but I think I get this Jesus thing." WOW!! (This story was condensed from an interview done by Tita Parham with Mary-Ann Luther, VIND Program Coordinator)
After a tornado or hurricane, communities are inundated with volunteers. Everyone wants to help immediately. United Methodists are known for staying involved for the long term work even after everyone else has gone home. VIND has 51 current cases of homes that still need repair from the 2004 hurricanes and the 2006 and 2007 tornados. Of those cases, VIND has worked to secure 8 new mobile homes for families. These families will need assistance for the 2-3 months they will have to be in temporary housing as their old mobile homes are taken away and the new ones installed.
What can your church do to help these neighbors in our District? To volunteer or schedule a team for the rebuilding work, contact: Pam Garrison at 1-800-282-8011 ext. 149 [email]
The mobile home families need rent assistance for 2-3 months and help in moving and storing their household goods during their transition: To discuss these issues, contact: Mary Ann Luther at 386-255-5510 [email].
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Downloads Available!
Leadership Network is a great resource for creative ideas for your church's ministry. Among their new titles for free downloading @ [website]
What's Behind the Movement - The Significance of Recovery Ministry in Today's Church
How Externally Focused Churches Minister to Children -The Power of Serving Kids In Your Community
Genesis of Generosity - First Steps in Creating a Culture of Generosity
Also get information on the Externally Focused Church Conference @ [website] |
Summer Mission Interns Needed!
We are hoping to work with two mission interns in our District this summer. They will be assigned to churches working with day camp and other children's programs. Please help us advertise this opportunity.
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College students and recent high school graduates are being sought to work in ministry with children at day- and overnight-camps this summer as a mission intern.
You: willing to share your gifts for nine weeks, June 8 through Aug. 8, at various settings throughout Florida; possessing an aptitude to work with children and youth; having an enthusiasm for sharing your Christian faith; willing to be placed in groups of two to five to work in United Methodist outreach agencies or with summer camp ministries at the Life Enrichment Center and Riverside Retreat.
Us: we are a partnership of the Florida Conference's Outreach Ministries, Camp and Retreat Ministries, Campus Ministries, and Justice and Spirituality Ministries; we provide weekly stipend, room and board, and training.
For an application or further information e-mail the Rev. David Berkey at dberkey@flumc.org or download a copy of the application from the conference's Web site [application]. You can also call for an application at 800-282-8011, Ext. 140.
The deadline to apply is April 15 |
Looking for a way to get involved?
OneNow is bringing local and national non-profits organizations together to raise awareness about issues of poverty and homelessness and to encourage volunteer initiatives. Come on over for live entertainment, speakers, food and exhibits by many area non-profit groups.
Saturday, May 17
Lake Eola - Orlando
Nikki Byron @ 765-744-6320
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UMCOR SAGER BROWN: KIT SUPPLIES LOW
UMCOR's relief supply warehouse, UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., is requesting your help to provide bedding, sewing and layette kits that are urgently needed for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Sager Brown's kit ministry has been on the decline over the last year. Even when there are no large natural disasters, kits are still needed.
Sager Brown is especially requesting donations to build about 33,000 layette kits, 64,000 sewing kits and approximately 1,000 bedding kits to meet upcoming needs for 2008. Donations for all kits are needed to prepare for uncertain times and future relief efforts. The Sager Brown Depot will accept complete kits as well as bulk items.
Please visit UMCOR's Relief Supplies web page to learn about the specific kit contents, the estimated value, the cost for processing and shipping, as well as shipping instructions.By donating kit supplies or giving financial gifts to purchase these supplies, you make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Please give generously to Material Resources, UMCOR Advance #901440.  |
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Message
Lee Schneider
District Disaster Coordinator
Our new Coordinator has a new email address
Contact him at:
::EMAIL::
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2008 CITRUS HARVEST
FOR THE HUNGRY . . . BIG SUCCESS!
While the citrus season is nearing its end, there are still some groves and back yard trees to be picked. If you would like to help pick the remainder of the trees (they are fully loaded and ripe for the picking!)
Contact the Director of the Florida office of The Society of St. Andrew, Barbara Sayles
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| TRAINING & CONFERENCES |
Plant the Seeds that give kids a . . . Faith that Grows
April 12, 2008 8:00 am - 3:00 pm lunch provided
Peace UMC 13502 Town Loop Blvd., Orlando 32837
- Discover 7 ways to draw children into the Bible
- Take home 21 use-them-today ideas for ministry
- Master 8 no-fail ways to connect with today's kids and get them growing in Christ.
Registration $65/individual, $49/2-4 people, $39/5 or more
Sponsored by: Children's Ministry Magazine
Contact Julie @ 321-689-6899 ::WEBSITE::
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| GAMES OF THE WORLD WORKSHOP |
Sunday, May 4 with Mike Spiller, LTDF (Liscensed to Deliver Fun!)
Riverside Retreat, 7305 CR 78, LaBelle from 2:00-5:00 pm
Highly recommended for Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leaders
Training will focus on Native American Indian Games and games from around the world.
863-675-0334 ::EMAIL::
$30 per person includes all training and light snacks |
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