The One Great Hour of Sharing and UMCOR:
Be There, Be Hope.

On behalf of the United Methodist Church, UMCOR brings hope and aid when a catastrophe strikes.

We rush to disaster areas all over the world with aid.

And, along with food, clothing, shelter, and medical help, we stay to assist survivors rebuild lives. That’s what United Methodists do in response to God’s love.

From helping soldiers reintegrate into their communities as productive citizens to feeding schoolchildren to establishing medical clinics in remote villages, we are hope for millions in over 80 of the poorest countries in the world.

HERE’S WHY YOUR GIFT IS SO IMPORTANT

“The One Great Hour of Sharing offering on March 26, 2006, is absolutely essential to UMCOR,” says the Rev. Paul Dirdak, the agency’s chief executive. “UMCOR receives no World Service funds or any other apportionments. Through their gifts to the offering, United Methodists can assure that when catastrophes cause suffering, your church, impelled by Jesus’ love and compassion, will be in the lead to ease the pain.”

YOUR GIFTS WORK THREE WAYS

Keeping the Lights On

Gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing underwrite UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” so that 100 percent of every dollar you donate to a specific UMCOR project can be spent on that project and not on home office administrative costs.

Fill-in Fundraising

UMCOR is a good steward of God’s gifts. Offering gifts over and above those used to cover administrative costs are channeled where they’re most needed—to assist the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest. Donations to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering also assist UMCOR programs that have not been fully funded through designated Advance gifts.

Answering Jesus’ Call

United Methodists’ donations often become the springboard for additional funding.

Jesus promised to be with us always, “to the very end of the age.” And Jesus extends this call to us to “be there” as well—to be the hands and heart of the church wherever people are suffering. Your gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing, channeled through United Methodist Committee on Relief, enable the church to answer that call. Here’s just one example out of hundreds.

ORDER RESOURCES TODAY
Attractive materials are available—many in English, Spanish, or Korean.

DVD—“Be There with UMCOR.” Hear and see vignettes and real-life settings where UMCOR is your heart and hands in the world. On the same menu, “We Change the World,” music and images produced ecumenically

Leaflet, combined with an offering envelope. Insert in every bulletin the day of the offering
Mini-poster. Decorate a bulletin board or church schoolroom
Refrigerator magnet. Hand out to the entire congregation, church school, and visitors
Coin Bank. Encourage children to get involved in mission!
DVD—“Be There with UMCOR.” Hear and see vignettes and real-life settings where UMCOR is your heart and hands in the world. On the same menu, “We Change the World,” music and images produced ecumenically
Worship Guide. Suggestions for hymns, litany, and prayers for One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday

Three Ways to Order FREE Resources!

One Great Hour of Sharing is usually celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. But you can receive the offering at any time during the church year. Encourage your church to participate generously in the offering. Order materials today that show your church in service and humanitarian action through UMCOR.

By phone: 1-888-346-3862

By fax: 1-615-742-5499

By check:
                        Customer Service Team
                        UM Communications
                        P.O. Box 320
                        Nashville, TN 37202-9907

In their distress they cried to Yahweh, who delivered them from their woes; who sent out a word to heal them, and delivered them from destruction.—Psalm 107:19-20, The Psalms in Inclusive Language

Restoring Hope with Dignity

Sunil (not his real name) is a member of a fishing society in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. When the 2004 tsunami struck, Sunil and other fisherfolk watched their livelihoods wash out with the tides. Their nets, boats, homes—even the beach itself—disappeared in the churning water.

On this unseasonably cool, rainy day Sunil is working with members of his fishing society in a project sponsored by the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka. They are clearing the beach of debris that could easily tear their nets when they resume fishing.

Food to Eat

UMCOR and MCSL paid the now-unemployed fisherfolk for their work to help them earn an income. Sunil is happy to help. “Today I have something to eat,” he says. “Today I have money.” UMCOR and MCSL encourage people like Sunil to get back on their feet by providing nets, boats, oars, and advocacy so they can regain their livelihoods and live with dignity.

The One Great Hour of Sharing and UMCOR: Be There, Be Hope.

Three Ways to Order FREE Resources!

The One Great Hour of Sharing and UMCOR:
Be There, Be Hope.