Super Storm "Sandy" Response

Super Storm "Sandy" Response

November 20, 2012

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

First and foremost, let me express my sincere thanks for your prompt and significant response to the devastating effects of Super Storm "Sandy." Once again the connection of our church is a wonderful gift in the midst of tragedy and loss.

I am writing to provide you with an update and make an additional appeal for your consideration. Our United Methodist Committee on Relief has done their initial assessment of the situation and has determined that the recovery from this disaster will take approximately 3-4 years to complete. This means that our response will be ongoing as we provide a helping hand to those in need.

At a recent meeting of the Northeastern Jurisdictional College of Bishops, we determined that the focus of our efforts will be centered on the New Jersey Annual Conference. The devastation there is significant and, after nearly a month, is still being assessed. Yet, we know already that there are critical needs that must be addressed.

For that reason, we are initiating a special offering for the New Jersey Annual Conference from their sister Annual Conferences in the Northeastern Jurisdiction. This offering will be put together into one gift from the Annual Conferences of the Northeastern Jurisdiction and presented directly to the New Jersey Annual Conference. When a disaster of this magnitude strikes, UMCOR suggests that an Annual Conference set up their own special fund in addition to gifts provided to the ADVANCE. This offering will be sent from the NEJ Annual Conferences to that fund.

I am asking that each church in our Annual Conference collect a special offering on either December 2 or 9 for "New Jersey Hurricane Relief." These offerings are to be sent directly to our Annual Conference Center.

Thank you once again for your spirit and your willingness to respond to our sisters and brothers in need. My prayer is that we will come together to provide a truly significant offering as a demonstration of our support.

I look forward to partnering with you in the months ahead to provide a significant and compassionate response.

All my prayers,

Bishop Martin D. McLee 

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