We watched with aching hearts the news coming from New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
What was done
When the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) issued an urgent call for bottled water, blankets, and health kits, our church became a collection center for our community in gathering these urgently needed supplies. The people of our community have responded in amazing ways to make a difference in the lives of the people along the Gulf Coast. In just one week, the donations we received included:
|
4,456 |
health kits |
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1,212 |
blankets |
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More than 8,000 |
bottles of water |
|
More than $50,000 |
cash and checks |
|
On Tuesday, September 13, a fully-loaded 53' truck pulled out of our parking lot to head south and take these donations to the Sager Brown facility in Baldwin, Louisiana. In addition, a second truck loaded with roughly 25,000 bottles of water donated by a water company will be heading to Sager Brown.
Financial donations for hurricane relief continue to come in. As of Tuesday, September 13, we had received a total of more than $60,000 in cash and checks for the UMCOR hurricane relief effort. In addition, we had already received $2,500 to support hurricane survivors who are being sheltered in Pontiac.
In addition to the individual prayers of many in our congregation, we have held several services which focussed on this difficult time.
Sunday, September 4. Rev. Lynn Hasley's sermon Knee Deep in Prayer focussed on prayer in the midst of the crisis.
Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00pm. All the clergy led a prayer service for hurricane victims and relief efforts.
Sunday, September 11. Dr. John E Harnish's sermon Abraham and Sarah: Backing into the Future discussed the importance of trusting God to be faithful as we move into the future.
Tuesday, September 13. There was a short service of blessing for the donated health kits, the blankets, the water, and the truck's driver before the donations were shipped to Louisana.
What's next?
Prayer
We ask that you continue to pray for those directly affected by this disaster and for those assisting in recovery work.
Donations
We are no longer accepting donations of blankets, health kits, or water. But you can continue to contribute money for the hurricane victims.
You can make a donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). They have an excellent record of rapid response to disaster, and they have been on the ground working since Day 1 of this hurricane relief effort. Because the UMCOR administrative expenses are paid for through other channels, 100% of the money you donate to UMCOR will go directly to hurricane relief. You can make such a contribution in either of two ways:
- Make a donation via check through our church, which will quickly put the donation to work. Make your check payable to First United Methodist Church and note on the memo line "Hurricane relief" or "UMCOR'. Mail the check to the church at the address at the bottom of this web page.
- Make an donation directly to UMCOR via their website at www.methodistrelief.org or by calling 1-800-554-8583.
You can also make a donation to support those displaced by the hurricane who are moving to Pontiac. To make such a donation, make your check payable to First United Methodist Church and note on the memo line "Hurricane - Pontiac". Mail the check to the church at the address at the bottom of this web page.