FROM THE PASTOR - OCTOBER 2005

A few days after Hurricane Katrina hit the south, Barbara Wood asked me if I knew of an organization that was helping where she could be sure that the money wouldn’t go to pay some executive’s salary. I was pleased to tell her about UMCOR; the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Because we help pay for the salaries of UMCOR’s staff through our Mission Shares (in 2004 our church paid 100% of our mission shares, and are committed to doing the same this year), every single dime that UMCOR raises for hurricane relief goes directly to aid the victims.

Through local United Methodist churches and trained disaster workers, UMCOR provides immediate relief. UMCOR will bring its years of experience, capable volunteers and creativity to the rebuilding of communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

As the media focuses on the major metropolitan areas affected by Katrina, UMCOR will be focusing on its mission to seek out the people left most vulnerable by the storm who often live in outlying rural areas. They seek to help people who might be otherwise overlooked.

UMCOR's main focus in any disaster is the long-term rebuilding process. Recovery from some devastating storms may take up to five years-well after the media have stopped paying attention. But through UMCOR, we will still be there.

Please give generously to UMCOR’s Hurricanes 2005 Global Advance #982523. Your tax deductable gift may be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday, or sent directly to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Checks should be written to UMCOR. You can also make a credit card donation by calling 1-800-554-8583 or online at www.methodistrelief.org.

I am issuing a challenge. Susan and I have been saving up for a very special trip as part of our 25th anniversary (coming up in May). We have dipped into that savings account because we believe this situation calls for sacrifice. Each of us will be giving $250 to UMCOR, Susan through her church and me through ours. My challenge is this: Match my gift. I already have one family committed to doing this, I hope others will follow suit.

In addition to financial help, we can also provide relief supplies and volunteer our efforts. We are collecting flood buckets, relief kits and bedding packs. The contents of these buckets, kits and packs can be found on page 3 of this issue of The Oasis.

Thank you for your willingness to be living examples of God's love and to provide a source of hope for so many experiencing seemingly hopeless situations. 

                                                                                                         Pastor Tony