UMCOR Early Response Team Training Sessions
Written: 9/1/2009
By Jim Rodgers
Two UMCOR Disaster Early Response Team (ERT) training classes will soon be held in the West Ohio Conference. The ERT teams respond to natural disasters to provide a caring Christian presence and to assist the survivors with debris removal, tarping roofs to prevent further damage from wind and rain to the home, "de-mucking"of homes after flooding, and mold mitigation. These training events need our participation in order to help others, so please pass this information along to your congregations. Also if your congregation would be interested in hosting a class, please let Jim Rodgers (WOC Disaster Response Coordinator) or Dee Stickley-Miner (West Ohio Conference UMVIM Coordinator) know and we will help set up a training class for them.
Lorna Jost (North Central Jurisdiction UMVIM Coordinator) has requested that every district have a District Disaster Response Coordinator. As of this time we only know of The Foothills District that has filled this position. It is suggested that the District Disaster Response Coordinator position not be filled by a pastor. In the time of a disaster, pastors usually have their hands full assisting their congregation and family. If you know of someone in your congregation who might be gifted for this position, please let the district office know so that we can fill the spot for Capitol Area North as quickly as possible.
The Disaster Response sub-committee is working on a Conference Disaster Response Plan and should have it out in the near future. A local church disaster response plan is also available to you upon request. Disaster early response is a new ministry in the West Ohio Conference. Let's make it the shining example for the North Central Jurisdiction.
ERT training classes will be held at :
Community UMC, Circleville, OH
September 26th at 9:00am
120 North Pickaway Street
740-474-4796 church office, or contact Larry Harris at 740-601-7769
Register by mail at:
West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church
Attn: Julie Bassett
32 Wesley Blvd.
Worthington , Ohio 43085-3285
New Knoxville UMC, New Knoxville, OH
October 31tst at 9:00 a.m.
109 South Main Street
419-753-2427 church office, or contact Jim Rodgers at (740) 440-0270
Register on online at wocumc.org under the “Connectional Ministries Event Registration†tab