Disaster Ministries Update - How to Help

Lesli Remaly, Minister for Disaster Response & Recovery

Event: Major Flooding and Severe Weather from Missouri to Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, July 2022

What Happened and Where: 

Record-breaking floods have devastated communities from central and eastern Missouri to eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Kentucky has already received a federal disaster declaration; affected persons should register via 800-621-3362 or https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

Impact to the UCC: 

UCC Global H.O.P.E. Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery Lesli Remaly is actively monitoring the flooding response. In Kentucky and West Virginia there was no impact to UCC church structures; however, some congregants have family who were affected. The flash flooding in St. Louis/St. Charles, MO, impacted one church building via flooding and mud in the fellowship hall and a couple of classrooms. A few clergy sustained flood damage to their homes.

UCC in Early Response:

Global H.O.P.E. is raising awareness of the needs and offering solidarity grant support. Already, 3 requests have been received through Rev. Greg Denk, Indiana Kentucky Conference Disaster Coordinator (CDC). Rev. Denk is also distributing cleanup buckets in affected communities. CDCs in all three impacted conferences continue to monitor emerging needs and engage in coordination calls through their state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

UCC in Long-Term Recovery:

Recovery from these severe storms will take years. Community centered and locally led Long-Term Recovery Groups will be formed to assist with emotional and spiritual care needs and coordinate the longer process of repairing and rebuilding homes. Long-term funding will be necessary as the United Church of Christ is a leader in helping communities organize for recovery, repair, and rebuild. Volunteers will also be needed for many years, and churches should consider organizing teams to help, bringing hope and healing to devastated communities.

How to Help (click on the links for more information):

How-you-can-help-Disaster-Survivors-2022

Join the Willing to Respond Network of Churches

Assemble CWS Kits and Clean Up Buckets*

Donate Emergency Funds - Designate to Emergency USA

Sign up to Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities - UCC Ministry Opportunities

Connect for news and updates:

News - United Church of Christ

Disaster Ministries - United Church of Christ

Follow One Great Hour of Sharing on Facebook

Follow OGHS on Twitter

*If assembling CWS Clean Up Buckets, please deliver to Church of the Brethren Warehouse in Elgin. This will help get them where they are most needed when the time comes. The information is below. Call in advance to schedule your delivery.

• Delivery times: Monday-Friday, from 9-12 and 1:30-4
• Manager: Salvadore Camperos
• Phone: 847-429-4341
• Address: 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 (at the intersection of IL Route 25 and I-90)

Email Roger Dart, Conference Disaster Coordinator, with questions.

Global Ministries Mission Dash 5K

August 1 - 31

This August, Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is hosting its very first Mission Dash, and you are invited to join us! Walk, roll, run, jog, advocate, or spiritually sprint wherever you are! You may choose to do the dash with your neighbors, friends, family, church, or on your own. The cost is $25 per person, and each registrant will receive a collapsible water bottle and magnet. You are encouraged to do the 5K anytime between August 1 and August 31, 2022. Learn more and register here.

August Recess Toolkit

In August, Members of Congress will be in their home states and communities for their in-district work period, giving community members a critical opportunity to make their voices heard directly to our national leaders. “August Recess” is a great time to engage policy makers.

Church World Service invites everyone who cares about access to affordable, safe, and stable housing to take action this August. The National Low Income Housing Coalition created a new August Recess Toolkit that provides advocacy tips, talking points, factsheets, and information on needed legislation. This toolkit can be used to help schedule in-person meetings with Members of Congress and educate them around “Housing First” principles and meaningful solutions.

Building An Endowment

August 10, 6:30 PM CST

An endowment can provide support to a congregation and its wider mission. But where do you start? This webinar will provide ideas and policies for creating and growing an endowment for your congregation.

Register online here.

Capital Campaign Services 

Have a Capital Campaign in your church's future? Check out this FREE resource from the UCC’s Church, Building & Loan Fund and learn how to make the most of your campaign.

Learn more here.

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FAITHFUL FRIDAYS is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister; Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: [email protected].