UMCOR Sunday is March 11, 2018
On March 11 we will be taking a special offering during worship. Envelopes will be provided. This
offering goes to support the ongoing work of UMCOR—for training (for example, Early Response Team
training), for warehousing supplies to be ready when disaster strikes, to have funds available
immediately rather than waiting for funds to arrive.
When disaster strikes around the globe—like the 2017 hurricane and fire seasons—so many
watching the drama unfold feel entirely helpless. How could any one person make a difference in the
wake of such widespread devastation? As responders around the globe scramble to help survivors, the
United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is prepared to act.
Don’t be fooled by the word committee. The response of UMCOR isn’t something “they” do, it’s
something “we” do.
When You Give You Equip Christ’s Body to Serve in His Name
That’s because your generous giving to UMCOR Sunday (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing) is
what allows UMCOR to act as the arms and legs of Christ’s church, moving toward the most vulnerable in
their darkest days. Convinced that all people have God-given worth and dignity—without regard to race,
religion or gender—together we are assisting those impacted by crisis or chronic need.
Because you give, the United Methodist Church’s compassionate response to human suffering continues
today. UMCOR will be able to offer aid in Jesus’ name to those who suffer because United Methodists
give through UMCOR Sunday. In fact, it’s your generous giving that allows us to respond when disaster
strikes.
When we meet the needs of those who suffer, we actually minister to Jesus, who said: “I was
hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you
welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in
prison and you visited me.” (Mt. 25:35-36, CEB)
As we respond, we recognize Jesus in those who are reeling in the wake of disaster. Our own
ERTs have been called to action with the flooding in Watseka, Aroma Park and Cissna Park right in our
own neighborhood. This offering helped provide the training and credentials for those persons so they
can be available when a community requests our help.
Please give generously to this offering so we can all be part of responding in times of crisis.