The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) works with disaster coordinators and Early Response Teams (ERTs) in annual conferences to assist local churches in responding to tornadoes, hurricanes, storms, and other ongoing situations in the United States and around the world.
In the first weeks of March storms and tornadoes have caused deaths and widespread destruction across the Midwest. You can assist families and communities recover by supporting UMCOR, which operates a relief supply depot and collaborates with affiliate warehouses across the U.S. to swiftly bring relief supply kits to those impacted by disaster.
Remember, when disasters strike, we should each 1) do no harm and 2) do good.
Do No Harm:
Do Good:
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation is a podcast highlighting ministries across the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church that are transforming lives locally, nationally, and globally. Produced twice-a-month by EOC Communications, each podcast episode focuses on one of the core values of the #BeUMC campaign: Disciple Making; Belonging & Inclusion; Influence, Connection & Impact; and Experience of God through The United Methodist Church.
Episode 78 "Belonging & Inclusion: The Humble Co Op" features a conversation with Pastor Jeff and Michelle Chapin, who founded and lead the arts- and connections-based EOC Advance Special outreach ministry based in Dresden (South Forest District).
“Since we began in 2019, we’ve organically grown into community gardens, a bi-weekly community potluck, and we do outreach, host homeschool co-ops, art classes, and we have a 40-foot school bus we converted into a classroom and we take that to farmer’s markets and festivals teaching free art classes and hosting free book drives,” said Michelle.
“We’ve been put in touch with the recovery community as well through the churches and that’s been an area that we didn’t realize was a big need in this community. And it’s really been amazing to see how that’s flourished over the last year and a half,” Pastor Jeff said.
Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.
As we witness the widening conflict across the Middle East, our hearts are heavy. In times such as these, we turn first to prayer. Scripture reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
We are not powerless in moments of turmoil. We are called to pray – for peace, for protection, and for the preservation of every life precious to God. I invite you to join in prayer:
Beloved, let us remain awake in prayer – in our congregations, in our homes, and in the quiet of our hearts. May Christ, our Peace, guard the nations and steady our spirits.
God of mercy and compassion, you are the source of life and the guardian of every soul. We grieve the violence unfolding in our world. We tremble for families living under the threat of war.
Protect every life, O God. Shield the innocent.
Restrain the powerful. Transform the policies of nations, so that they reflect your justice, mercy, and peace. Grant wisdom to leaders. Turn them toward diplomacy instead of destruction, toward courage in reconciliation instead of pride in power.
Make us instruments of your peace. Keep our hearts free from hatred. Teach us to love beyond borders and beyond fear. Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
MESSAGES FROM OUR EPISCOPAL LEADER: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is resident bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area consisting of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church. View Bishop Jung’s Soul Food messages to Ohio laity and clergy.
OHIO EPISCOPAL AREA TASK TEAM:
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung formed the task team of East and West Ohio clergy and laity to actively listen, discuss, and discern about forming a new, unified Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. Learn more about the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team.
UMC STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN: GCFA, Discipleship Ministries and UM Communications have collaborated to educate and resource churches about the positive impact apportionments make on how we minister to those in need. Learn about apportionments and the United In Impact campaign.
EOC STANDS AGAINST RACISM: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, the Cabinet, Executive staff, and East Ohio laity and clergy are committed to stand against racism. Visit the Stand Against Racism resource page for small group studies, videos, podcasts, books, and more to learn how you can stand against racism.
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