Disaster Relief Aid - 2017
Page Contents
Hurricane Maria - September 2017
Earthquake in Mexico - September 2017
Hurricane Relief Aid - Fall of 2017
Hurricane Irma - September 2017
Hurricane Harvey - August 2017
South Sudan - March 2017
Hurricane Matthew Housing Volunteers - March 2017
Ottawa Tornado - March 2017
UCC Disaster Support Recovery Initiative - March 2017
Hurricane Matthew - February 2017
Hurricane Maria
September 2017
Written by Carol Fouke-Mpoyo
Hurricane Maria caused an estimated $20 billion in damage. It wiped out 80 percent of crop values, a blow to the island’s economy that also left its 3.4 million U.S. citizen residents food insecure.
Maria knocked out all electricity on the entire island, disrupted water supply, crippled communications systems, damaged roads and littered the island with debris. The storm killed 10 people in this U.S. Commonwealth.
"We stand ready to support our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and call on all our churches to continue to pray and give financially for what will be a long road ahead," said Zach Wolgemuth, UCC Disaster Ministries Executive.
Click on this Hurricane Maria link to learn about the latest UCC updates in regard to relief aid efforts in Puerto Rico.
Earthquake in Mexico
September 2017
On Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Mexico experienced a deadly 7.1 earthquake. Your prayers are invited and encouraged. Below are links to UCC Disaster Ministries Website for latest in our UCC relief aid efforts.
Links
Deadly Earthquake Hits Mexico - September 20, 2017 UCC article
Providing Aid
The UCC has not yet set up a specific fund to send relief aid. At this time we can however send support through our general international relief aid fund. You can send aid through the United Church of Christ by: (1) using the pew envelope; (2) making a donation payable to “St. Paul’s UCC” and sending it 301 West Penn Ave, Robesonia, PA 19551; and/or (3) clicking on the green “Online Giving” button on our website to make a secure electronic online donation using the "Special Mission" field and designate your gift as "UCC International Emergency Relief Fund."
Hurricane Relief Aid
Fall 2017
Thank you to all who have expressed such great compassion in wanting to help provide relief aid following the recent hurricanes. How you can help:
(1) PRAY
Please continue to keep victims, families, responders, and leaders in your prayers.
(2) PROVIDING FUNDS
We, as the United Church of Christ, are engaged in providing immediate relief aid and have already begun planning and initiating long-term recovery aid. You can send aid through the United Church of Christ by: (1) using the pew envelope; (2) making a donation payable to “St. Paul’s UCC” and sending it 301 West Penn Ave, Robesonia, PA 19551; and/or (3) clicking on the green “Online Giving” button on our website to make a secure electronic online donation (credit card or electronic funds transfer).
On the pew envelope, check memo line, or online website description field, you can mark your donation as one of the following:
"Hurricane Relief Aid" - Provides relief for 2017 hurricanes where needed most
“Hurricane Harvey” - Provides relief aid in Texas
“Hurricane Irma” - Provides relief aid in Florida
“Carribean Initiative” - Provides relief aid in the Carribean islands
“Emergency USA” - provides disaster relief aid throughout the USA.
(3) CLEAN UP KITS
The United Church of Christ is partnering with Church World Service (CWS) to provide relief clean up kits following the hurricane. CWS provides a specific list of what is to be included in a five gallon bucket, in order all recipient families receive the same kit with the items most needed up for clean up recovery. If you are interested in helping to put together clean up kits, please contact the Mission Committee and/or see the links for more information on our website.
For more information...
Additional information can be found: (a) in the articles below, (b) by clicking on this UCC Disaster Ministries link or this Fall 2017 UCC Hurricane Relief Response link; or (3) contacting the leadership of our Mission Committee.
Hurricane Irma - Disaster Relief Aid
September 2017
Hurricane Relief - International and USA (Irma, Jose)
September 13, 2017
Click on this Hurricane Relief - International and USA (Irma, Jose) link to read this September 13, 2017 relief aid article from the UCC.
UCC Sends $10,000 to Haiti for Cholera & Malnutrition Prevention
September 13, 2017
Click on this UCC sends $10K to Haiti for cholera & malnutrition prevention to learn more about the recent efforts in which the UCC is engaged to help the people of Haiti.
Hurricane Irma Slams Caribbean Islands as a Category 5 Storm
September 6, 2017
Hurricane Irma hit islands in the Caribbean with record force early on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Its 185-mph winds have impacted people in Guadalupe, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba. A direct hit on south Florida is possible.
People in the Caribbean have taken shelter. Flooding and electricity outages are widespread. As Global Ministries partner churches are affected or responding, UCC Disaster Ministries is there – now and for the long term. Hurricane Irma hits just as Global Ministries has begun an 18-month focus on long-term partnerships in the region, the Caribbean Initiative.
You can help support the Caribbean Initiative by: (1) clicking on this green online giving link, use the “Special Mission” field, and type “Caribbean Initiative;” or (2) make a gift payable to “St. Paul’s UCC” marked “Caribbean Initiative” and place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office at 301 West Penn Ave, Robesonia, PA 19551.
In the United States, the ongoing team of UCC Disaster Coordinators is active with local, state-wide, and national disaster networks and communication with their local UCC churches. UCC Disaster Ministries is there – now and for the long term.
More Information
For the latest updates regarding the UCC's Hurricane Irma disaster response, click on this Hurricane Irma - UCC Relief Aid link.
Hurricane Harvey - Disaster Relief Aid
August 28, 2017
Adapted from an UCC article written by Zach Wolgemuth
Hurricane Harvey made landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday, August 25 as a Category 4 hurricane with 130 miles per hour winds. The storm is causing widespread flooding and significant damage across southern Texas and Louisiana as the slow moving storm drops several feet of water throughout the region. UCC Disaster Ministries continues to monitor the situation and maintain contact with the South Central Conference and partners as well as federal and state agencies.
By the Numbers:
✺ Category 4 hurricane at landfall (first since 2004)
✺ 130mph winds
✺ 8 Million people within area of impact
✺ Nearly 300,000 without power
✺ 49 inches of rain in some regions and it's still raining
✺ Red Cross preparing to shelter 20,000-30,000
✺ 500,000 homes already affected
UCC Disaster Ministries is already gearing up for our long-term recovery work in the region and your contributions for Harvey survivors means providing community support for holistic recovery, repairing house and home for families and children and restoring dignity for the most vulnerable who have lost everything in the wake of this catastrophic event.
How You Can Help Provide Relief Aid
PRAYER
God of mercy and God of grace, strengthen us during this time of turmoil, loss, and grief. Help us to lean on you. Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Help us to provide a helping hand to all who need it. Help us to lend our hearts to the broken hearted. God in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
(Suggested prayer is from the UCC Disaster Ministries)
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
You can help support Harvey relief and recovery efforts by: (1) clicking on this green online giving link, use the “Special Mission” field, and type “Hurricane Harvey Relief Aid;” or (2) make a gift payable to “St. Paul’s UCC” marked “Hurricane Harvey Relief Aid” and place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office at 301 West Penn Ave, Robesonia, PA 19551.
CLEAN UP KITS
You can assemble CWS Clean-up Kits. The UCC has matching grants available. For more information, click on this CWS Clean-Up Kits link.
More Information
You can click on this Hurricane Harvey Bulletin Insert link for more information found in our Sunday worship bulletin.
If there are specific in-kind needs of which the UCC becomes aware, and as updates on needs and our relief efforts become available, the UCC Disaster Ministries will post them on the following web page: http://www.ucc.org/disaster_hurricane_harvey
Additional UCC articles and information:
Hurricane Harvey September Update - Sept 28, 2017
Hurricane Harvey prompts UCC emergency appeal for long term recovery - Aug 28, 2017
UCC sends famine assistance to South Sudan, aids other African countries
March 28, 2017
The United Church of Christ is sending an initial $85,000 in aid to South Sudan and three other African counties to help people combating a crisis fueled by war, severe drought, and massive food shortages, with famine declared in some areas.
"Famine is not a word that is used lightly or that simply means a shortage of food. This crisis, this emergency demands our immediate attention and response," said Zach Wolgemuth, executive director, UCC Disaster Ministries. "The funding that we've received from our generous donors has allowed us to respond quickly and undoubtedly save lives."
To read the full UCC News Story, click on this UCC sends famine assistance to South Sudan and other African countries link.
To help provide assistance, you can make a donation payable to "St. Paul's UCC" designated as "African Famine Assistance" to St. Paul's UCC; 301 West Penn Ave; Robesonia, PA 19551. You can also make a secure online donation by clicking on this Online Giving link, enter an amount in the "Special Mission" line, and type "African Famine Assistance" in the line next to the amount.
St. Augustine UCC church housing Hurricane Matthew recovery volunteers
March 22, 2017
Thanks to a willing spirit and the determination to make it happen, the United Church of Christ of St. Augustine, Florida, housed its first Hurricane Matthew recovery work team last week and is ready to host additional teams over the course of the next year or two, until work is complete. The first work team was organized by Granville, Ill., United Church of Christ.
To read the full article, click on this St. Augustine UCC church housing Hurricane Matthew recovery volunteers link.
Click on this Help Support Hurricane Matthew Relief Assistance link to learn how you can help with the relief efforts.
UCC Disaster Ministries supports Ottawa, Ill., church's tornado response
March 16, 2017
Open Table UCC in Ottawa, Ill., doesn't wear its name lightly. "Feeding is something we do," said moderator-elect Heather Francis. "We talk about both spiritual and literal nourishment here." So it's no surprise that, after a tornado struck Naplate and Ottawa, Ill., February 28 – killing two, damaging more than 210 homes and knocking out almost everyone's power – Open Table UCC stepped up promptly to meet affected residents' need to eat.
To read the full article, click on this Disaster Ministries supports Ottawa, Ill., church's tornado response link.
UCC Disaster Recovery Support Initiative Launches
March 01, 2017
When a natural or technological disaster strikes a community, beginning the process of long-term recovery quickly is essential. Yet, it can be a daunting task for local leaders who may not have experience in disaster recovery and may have suffered damage and loss themselves. The ecumenical Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI) is working to help communities shorten the time between the immediate disaster response and long-term recovery.
To read the full article, click on this UCC Disaster Recovery Support Initiative link.
UCC Disaster Ministries' support continues for Haiti's Hurricane Matthew recovery
February 09, 2017
Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 was the worst storm to strike Haiti since 1964. It killed up to 1,000, displaced more than 140,000 and left 1.4 million in need of humanitarian assistance. It wiped out crops and destroyed or damaged homes and schools.
UCC Disaster Ministries is funding recovery work that includes seed distribution, repair and reconstruction of homes and schools, and distribution of water purification tablets to help stem the spread of cholera.
To read the full article, click on this UCC Disaster Ministries in Haiti link.
Click on this Help Support Hurricane Matthew Relief Assistance link to learn how you can help with the relief efforts.
UCC sends famine assistance to South Sudan, aids other African countries
March 28, 2017
The United Church of Christ is sending an initial $85,000 in aid to South Sudan and three other African counties to help people combating a crisis fueled by war, severe drought and massive food shortages, with famine declared in some areas.
"Famine is not a word that is used lightly or that simply means a shortage of food. This crisis, this emergency demands our immediate attention and response," said Zach Wolgemuth, executive director, UCC Disaster Ministries. "The funding that we've received from our generous donors has allowed us to respond quickly and undoubtedly save lives."
To read the full UCC News Story, click on this UCC sends famine assistance to South Sudan and other African countries link.
To help provide assistance, you can make a donation payable to "St. Paul's UCC" designated as "African Famine Assistance" to St. Paul's UCC; 301 West Penn Ave; Robesonia, PA 19551. You can also make a secure online donation by clicking on this Online Giving link, enter an amount in the "Special Mission" line, and type "African Famine Assistance" in the line next to the amount.
St. Augustine UCC church housing Hurricane Matthew recovery volunteers
March 22, 2017
Thanks to a willing spirit and the determination to make it happen, the United Church of Christ of St. Augustine, Florida, housed its first Hurricane Matthew recovery work team last week, and is ready to host additional teams over the course of the next year or two, until work is complete. The first work team was organized by Granville, Ill., United Church of Christ.
To read the full article, click on this St. Augustine UCC church housing Hurricane Matthew recovery volunteers link.
Click on this Help Support Hurricane Matthew Relief Assistance link to learn how you can help with the relief efforts.
UCC Disaster Ministries supports Ottawa, Ill., church's tornado response
March 16, 2017
Open Table UCC in Ottawa, Ill., doesn't wear its name lightly. "Feeding is something we do," said moderator-elect Heather Francis. "We talk about both spiritual and literal nourishment here." So it's no surprise that, after a tornado struck Naplate and Ottawa, Ill., February 28 – killing two, damaging more than 210 homes and knocking out almost everyone's power – Open Table UCC stepped up promptly to meet affected residents' need to eat.
To read the full article, click on this Disaster Ministries supports Ottawa, Ill., church's tornado response link.
UCC Disaster Recovery Support Initiative Launches
March 01, 2017
When a natural or technological disaster strikes a community, beginning the process of long-term recovery quickly is essential. Yet, it can be a daunting task for local leaders who may not have experience in disaster recovery and may have suffered damage and loss themselves. The ecumenical Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI) is working to help communities shorten the time between the immediate disaster response and long-term recovery.
To read the full article, click on this UCC Disaster Recovery Support Initiative link.
UCC Disaster Ministries' support continues for Haiti's Hurricane Matthew recovery
February 09, 2017
Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 was the worst storm to strike Haiti since 1964. It killed up to 1,000, displaced more than 140,000 and left 1.4 million in need of humanitarian assistance. It wiped out crops and destroyed or damaged homes and schools.
UCC Disaster Ministries is funding recovery work that includes seed distribution, repair and reconstruction of homes and schools, and distribution of water purification tablets to help stem the spread of cholera.
To read the full article, click on this UCC Disaster Ministries in Haiti link.
Click on this Help Support Hurricane Matthew Relief Assistance link to learn how you can help with the relief efforts.
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