Please note that the deadline is July 15^th for tickets to the retirement celebration for Bishop Joel & Raquel Martinez.  We know that you will want to encourage participation within your districts.  Considering the ‘gas crunch’ traveling by bus could be an option to consider.  For tickets, contact Cynthia Bedford, Conference Event Registrar by phone, 830-408-4500, ext. 527 or email cynthiab@umcswtx.org.  Tickets are $15 per person. 

 San Antonio Episcopal Area
United Methodist Church Presents

“La Gran Merienda”

Honoring

Bishop Joel and Raquel Martínez

Saturday, August 9, 2008
Alzafar Shrine Center
901 North Loop 1604
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch Catered by La Fonda Oak Hills

Iowa wants you

The UMC Iowa Conference says it is ready to receive volunteers for  cleanup work. The work to be done is cleanup from the floods, and to some degree, tornadoes. Volunteers are expected to work at least three days; five is better; longer is better yet.

The work will be flood cleanup: hauling debris, shoveling muck out of houses, ripping out soggy wallboard, etc. It will be hot, humid, stinky, messy physical labor. The good news is nobody expects you to kill yourself. If you run out of steam after four hours, then your workday can end at four hours.

Individual volunteers are fine, but groups are better, if only for moral support. If you have an established group, or we can glue enough people together to make one, that works. ERT and UMVIM teams are ideal.

Teams MUST coordinate with the receiving UMC church (I can facilitate that) so they know how many they have coming in when and for how long, and so you know what accommodations to expect.

In general, expect to be self-sufficient...you pay your own transportation and expenses, take your own air mattress or foam pad, take your own food, etc. Amenities in the flood zone range from near-normal down to near-nothing. If you're prepared to go under those conditions, then any luxuries, like air conditioning, will be a pleasant surprise.

We can provide a list of supplies and equipment you will want or need, and supplies that are generally needed but in short supply in the flood zone.

Here are some of the communities and their needs and offerings:

Marion -- Has a list of 234 homes and 4 UMC churches in need of cleanup. They're trying to place volunteers in private homes or in churches and similar facilities.

Waverly -- Local volunteers are running out of steam and need relief cleaning out private homes. Hotel rooms are available, restaurants are open, and the Red Cross is feeding. Volunteers may be housed at the University of Northern Iowa.

Waterloo -- Free accommodations in the churches, with showers, but bring your own bedding. Scheduling people beginning next week, next month, next fall.

Cedar Falls -- University of Northern Iowa houses volunteers, or at Prairie Lake Church. Prairie Lake Church also feeds.

Coralville -- Coralville UMC is housing volunteers and providing some cleaning supplies and equipment. Local volunteers are overwhelmed by demand.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

1. Individual volunteers either plan to go on your own, or find some friends to go with you, or contact me and I'll try to connect you with others going from this area. Groups (ERT, UMVIM, sewing circle) contact me or your District or Conference coordinator, and we'll connect you with the right people at the receiving end, and help you meet the requirements for an incoming volunteer.

2. Decide when you'd like to go and let me know, along with a location preference if you have one. I'll connect you with the local "traffic cops" so they'll be ready for you when you arrive.

3. Assemble your kits...not just personal needs but cleanup tools and supplies. I'll provide you a list if you need one. Your church or community may pitch in and help fund your kit, and maybe travel and expenses, too.

George Barnette
Disaster Response Coordinator
Kerrville District
830-868-0808
george@bnpr.com
 

SAN ANGELO DISTRICT

LAY SPEAKER TRAINING
August 16, 2008
8:30 am—3:00 pm
Lakeview UMC
263 E. 40TH
SAN ANGELO, TEXAS

BRING:  Bible, Notebook, Writing Instruments, Money for course

Pre-Registration information: Contact Gini
at the District Office 325/486-1500