Call to Action Reflects Core Value

United Methodist volunteers in Louisiana prepare flood buckets with cleaning
supplies to be delivered to victims of Hurricane Harvey flooding.

Hurricane Harvey has left passed through Texas and Louisiana leaving extensive damage. The coastal damage caused by winds and a storm surge has been eclipsed by the unprecedented flooding that has displaced over 30,000 people and left thousands of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.

As news and pictures of the destruction were being broadcast this week, I began to receive emails and phone calls from congregation members. They asked the same question, "Will we be having an UMCOR offering on Sunday?" I have responded, "Of course we will. That's who we are."

Service is a core value at Brighton First. Many congregation members serve in church-sponsored missions and outreach, as well as community service. When people are in trouble, the faith community of Brighton First seeks ways to help. As news of the unprecedented destruction in Texas and Louisiana came in, congregation members began seeking ways to reach out through the United Methodist connection.

UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is the emergency relief agency of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR was established to offer emergency aid to those experiencing disaster, both displaced persons and refugees. UMCOR not only helps in the immediate aftermath of disaster, but works long-term with survivors, creating sustainable paths to recovery. Because United Methodist congregations give annually to support the administrative costs of UMCOR, when disaster happens, all designated gifts go directly to support those in need.

As I write this blog entry, UMCOR is already responding in Texas, offering grant money to support shelters that have been established at 20 United Methodist Churches. They are also working to deploy specially trained, volunteer Early Response Teams from across the nation. Cleaning and hygiene kits that are stored at an UMCOR warehouse in Louisiana are on route to flood victims.

UMCOR will be present in the days, weeks and months ahead in Texas and Louisiana. The relief and assistance offered represents the heart of compassion and service of the congregations of the United Methodist Church. And the sources for this service are local United Methodist congregations like Brighton First, where faithful disciples respond with action when people are in need.

To give to UMCOR, you can go directly to the UMCOR web site or give through Brighton First.