UMCOR - Hurricane Disaster Response
UMCOR - Hurricane Disaster Response
TO: All Clergy, Lay Leaders, & Administrative Council Leaders
FROM: Thomas J. Bickerton, Resident Bishop
RE: Hurricane Disaster Response
Dear Friends,
On Friday, October 12, I was involved in a meeting of the UMCOR Board of Directors in Atlanta, GA. During that meeting, an UMCOR Unit Director began speaking about the urgent needs that have emerged around the recent round of hurricanes and typhoons that have taken place across the world. In her report, she used the phrase, the “new normal.”
The “new normal” simply means that the cycle of major disasters that have once again ravaged certain parts of the world are something that we must prepare for and respond to on an annual basis. A recent typhoon in the Philippines, as well as the devastating effects of hurricanes Florence and Michael, have left thousands without homes, power, healthcare, and resources.
Our UMCOR disaster coordinators are working rapidly to assess the damage and set in motion the level of response that people have come to expect and depend upon from our United Methodist connection. This response is being done simultaneously with ongoing efforts to re-build places like Puerto Rico as well as the US and British Virgin Islands.
Once again, I am reaching out to you in an appeal to provide financial support for our relief efforts. I am asking each of our congregations to receive a special offering for UMCOR on Sunday, November 4th. The proceeds of these offerings should be sent to our Conference Treasurer’s Office at NYAC, Attention Accounts Receivable, 20 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606 so that they can be sent as a whole to UMCOR.
It has become very evident that disasters and disaster response will always be with us. Today we sit in places of comfort that are not directly affected by the recent disasters. It is out of that comfort that we find ourselves in a place where we can respond. Our offerings and support can be the intercession that our sisters and brothers need as they attempt to re-build their lives.
Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to a tremendous response from our United Methodist connection here in New York.
The Journey Continues, . . .
Grace & Peace,
Thomas J. Bickerton
Resident Bishop
