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March 8, 2005
One Great Hour of Sharing: Thanks for Being There
One Great Hour of Sharing is a church-wide campaign of The United Methodist Church to raise awareness of human need - to show mercy and compassion. Heartfelt thanks to all who became UMCOR's partner in the annual offering March 6. UMCOR receives no apportionments from the general church. The gifts from this offering support UMCOR's administrative expenses. For our generous donors, that means that 100 percent of the gifts you designate to UMCOR projects through the Advance can go directly to the programs you choose, with no deductions for UMCOR's rent, heat, light, or staff salaries. Churches may receive the One Great Hour of Sharing offering at any time during the year. Through your giving, you enable UMCOR to respond quickly and effectively to relieve human suffering. Thank you for your generosity and compassion to others.
United States: UMCOR Poised to Deliver Relief in California
UMCOR officials are determining response in regions of the California-Pacific Annual Conference where mudslides have devastated several communities. Last year's wildfires burned away brush and ground cover. Bare hillsides gave way under 36 inches of rain earlier this year. Dozens of homes sited below unstable hillsides in an 8-county area have been evacuated. You can assist with disaster response and recovery in the US through your generous contributions to UMCOR Advance #901670, Domestic Disaster Response.
United States: Hurricane Recovery Seeks Volunteers
If you're planning a mission trip this spring or summer, consider helping to speed roof replacements all over Florida and other regions devastated by last year's multiple hurricanes. Thousands of volunteers are needed to do the "heavy lifting" of rebuilding roofs, walls, and interiors for homes in the Southeast. Much work remains in areas of Alabama as well. UMCOR's volunteer hotline will act as a clearinghouse for the many sites that need volunteers. To find out where the needs are greatest and obtain a local contact, please call toll free, 1-800-918-3100. Or let your generous contributions go for you - please give to UMCOR Advance #982410, Hurricanes 2004.
South Asia: Quick Impact Programs Are Top Priority
In Sri Lanka, UMCOR's initial priority is a quick-impact program that will provide income opportunities and also clear debris from the beaches at Kalkudah. The Methodist Church in Sri Lanka is an invaluable partner as aid plans unfold and government officials determine policy on construction standards, zoning, and costs. In another development, an UMCOR grant will restore nets, boats, and other essential tools for a newly formed fishing society, or association, of 16 coastal villages. Please consider a gift to UMCOR Advance #274305, South Asia Emergency - and please pray for the people of all the nations devastated by the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami.
Iran: Children's Social Centers to Receive UMCOR Support
In Bam, leveled by a 2003 earthquake, long-term recovery continues. UMCOR has sent additional aid for social centers, where staff can assist young children with overcoming their terrifying memories of the earthquake. UMCOR officials are also determining actions in response to the most recent quake that affected several nearby cities. You can assist in a meaningful way through your gifts to UMCOR Advance #624315, Iran Earthquake.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out
more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them.
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Featured Photos
United Methodist Committee on Relief
United Methodist churches participated in the One Great Hour of Sharing for UMCOR on Sunday March 6, 2005. The theme was "Be There." UMCOR says to all those who gave, "Thanks for Being There!"
Volunteers are needed to help with roof replacements all over Florida and other regions devastated by last year's multiple hurricanes. Credit: Tom Hazelwood/UMCOR, September 9, 2004.
This Iranian girl survived the December 26, 2004 earthquake in Bam. UMCOR has sent additional aid to assist young children with overcoming their terrifying memories of the disaster. Chris Herlinger/CWS, January 2004.
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