September 12, 2017

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,   Once again, we have seen the incredible destruction a powerful hurricane can bring.  Our prayers are will the people of the Caribbean, Florida and the other places along Irma's storm path.  Just as with Harvey, we know recovery from this latest storm will take years. Likewise, we know we are called and equipped to play a part in this work.  Your prayers, your love and your giving are vitally needed now.    Here's how you can help:   1. Invite your congregation to take up a special collection in the next few weeks.  If you've already done this for victims of Hurricane Harvey, I ask you to do this again for Irma's victims.  If you've yet to take a collection, combine the two and ask people to be doubly generous.  The need is great.  Announce to your people which Sunday you will do this and ask them to be especially generous. You may forward these funds to the Conference Office with a single check, made out to Upper New York Conference with FUND # 482 - "2017 Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief" on the memo line.   2. Assemble Cleaning Kits (Flood Buckets) and bring these to the Mission Central Hub at the United Methodist Center.  We have committed to filling at least one tractor trailer (around 430 buckets).  Let's exceed our expectations and fill several!  Click here for instructions.   As with Harvey effected areas, Volunteers in Mission (VIM) will be needed to help with the Irma recovery, but this will be down the road.   The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will let us know when teams can be sent.   Finally, what I said in the wake of Hurricane Harvey remains just as true after Irma:  God does not abandon, but stands with us amid the wreckage and will enable the people to recover.  We are invited  to embody God's loving presence and power in this work.  And so, I ask you to offer your prayers, your dollars, and your time.   Thank you in advance for your generous spirits.  I am grateful for your ministry and your willingness to be the hands and feet of Christ in all opportunities!   Grace and peace,       Bishop Mark J. Webb

 

The Endwell United Methodist Church mission team is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for Red Bird Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky.  The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three missionary United Methodist conferences in the United States.  It is the most comprehensive mission effort of the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person (spiritual, physical, social and economic).

 

Last year our team drove two-26 foot trucks to the Red Bird Mission.  Because of your generosity, one truck was filled with over 3,000 shoeboxes and the other with clothes, books, school and cleaning supplies. We have begun to collect shoeboxes with the goal of having everything ready by November 22, 2017.  We plan on transporting all items the first week of December.

 

This year we are asking churches that want to participate in this project to help us by dropping off all filled shoeboxes to the following two locations:  the Upper New York Conference Center at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool or to the Endwell United Methodist Church located at 3301 Watson Blvd. in Endwell.  Drop off dates will be November 1st-17th.  If needed, arrangements can be made to have a pickup of items by contacting Dave Alexander at 607-743-8955 or by email to [email protected]

 

There are two different styles of shoe boxes: adult and children.  All items should be put in clear plastic shoebox sized storage containers with lids.  Please do not wrap the boxes.  Please include $1 for each shoebox in a separate envelope to help with shipping costs.

Items needed for the adult shoe boxes (please mark for a man or woman) include a comb/brush, shampoo, hand lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, chap stick, full size bath soap, wash cloth, disposable razors, shaving cream, nail care supplies, mittens, scarf, hat, socks, and work gloves.

Items for the children's shoe boxes (please mark for a boy or girl) include two or three toy items, two or three school items, bar soap, children's toothbrush, children's toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, wash cloth, comb/brush, chap stick, mittens, hat, socks, and small flashlight.

Most of these items can be purchased at a local Dollar Store

Christian bookmarks, wrist bands, and other spiritual items are also appreciated.

There is also a great need for sheets and blankets for children beds

 

If any Church would like a power point presentation we can send you one or make a presentation to your group.

 

Blessings,

Dave Alexander, lay person

Endwell United Methodist Church