DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
SHAWNEE VALLEY FALL MISSION CALL RAISES OVER $3,000 FOR DISTRICT EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS
At a recent Leadership Team meeting, approval was given to purchase a trailer to be used within the District to support areas suffering from disasters such as flooding or tornadoes. Many people within our district have been trained through UMCOR and UMVIM to respond to disasters in the earliest stages. These teams are responsible for securing homes, cleaning out damaged items and providing a caring, Christian presence in the face of disaster.
Roberta Eddy, District Administrative Assistant, felt compelled to begin an awareness campaign in our District after she responded to flooded areas in Jackson and realized that there was not any coordinated effort in the Shawnee Valley District. Through her leadership efforts, the district now has its own trailer that is being stocked with the necessary tools and cleaning items needed to respond in our area. The trailer will be available to District team members as necessary to respond to disasters within the 9-county District and other areas as needed.
At the 2011 Annual Church Conference, churches were asked to donate to the cause. Over $3,100 has been collected so far for the District ERT Mission. These funds will be used to purchase tools and supplies and whatever is necessary for a team to respond. Christ UMC, in Jackson, has taken on this mission as a part of their church-wide Bible Study. They set up a 'tool shower' at area hardware and home improvement stores and members purchased the suggested items to stock the trailer. A similar 'tool and supply shower' was on display at the Church Conference, with people selecting cards with specific items to purchase. There are still plenty of items needed and a list is provided HERE (ERT Trailer Supply List).
To become a trained Early Response Team Volunteer or to host a training at your church, contact Roberta Eddy at reddy@wocumc.org.

Important Dates for the Shawnee Valley District
DECEMBER 2 & 3, 2011 - CLERGY RETREAT, CAMP FRANCIS ASBURY, RIO GRANDE, OHIO
VIETNAM MOTORBIKE MISSION TRIP - FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 12, 2012
MAY 19, 2012 - 5TH ANNUAL RALLY IN THE VALLEY
JUNE 10 - 14, 2012 - WEST OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE, LAKESIDE, OHIO
VIETNAM YOUTH & ADULT MISSION TRIP - JUNE 19 - JULY 3, 2012
NOVEMBER 3, 2012 - CHANGING OUR VALLEY CHARGE CONFERENCE, LOCATION TBA
Contact the District Office
for information on any of these events.