September is National Preparedness Month and the Cornerstone Fund is joining UCC Disaster Ministries, the Insurance Board, and Pension Board for a webinar entitled "Loving Our Neighbors Through Disaster Preparedness and Response" on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 12 pm AZ / 1 pm NM & El Paso.
Learn more and RSVP here.
Related to preparedness month, also read short case studies about two churches whose hurricane repairs/recoveries we helped finance via our Disaster Care Investment & Loan Program:
Church of the Isles UCC
Pass-A-Grille Community Beach Church
Read MoreGlobal Ministries ~ Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
On October 29, Hurricane Melissa swept through the Caribbean, devastating communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.
Under the leadership of David Giron, our Global Relations Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Global Ministries is working closely with partners to identify and meet the most urgent needs. Our response will move through needs assessment, life-saving assistance, and long-term recovery.
Current needs include:
House of Hope – Haiti: Food, housing, and medical support totaling $41,881 for families facing devastation.
Centro Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Cuba: Food and medical assistance for 600 families who have no other resources.
United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands – Jamaica: Needs assessment in progress.
100% of your gifts will go directly to our partners’ response efforts. Give today via the Southwest Conference portal and include “Hurricane Melissa” in the memo. Click here for more detailed information.
Read MoreYour donation to the Hawaii wildfires appeal helps the United Church of Christ increase support to immediate relief efforts and enables us to be present for the journey ahead, assuring long-term aid for persons who require assistance with their recovery.
Read More“In these times we want to be of help and assistance to our 'ohana in distress. Offerings and collections taken through your local church can be sent to the Conference Office where we will work to distribute the funds to devastated areas and those in need. Individuals may also donate directly through our Conference 2023 Wildfires Relief Fund.”
Read MoreThe news continues to unfold about the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise. This is shattering news and adds to the challenges of the war in this area for over a decade. At this time, we are issuing an appeal to help recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria. It is hard to tell what other areas are affected or the extent of the damage from this seismic event. See how to help.
Read MoreEvent: Major Flooding and Severe Weather from Missouri to Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia
Read about the UCC impact, early response, long-term recovery, how to help, get links to news & updates, and contact information.
Read MoreIs Your Church “Willing to Respond” in a Disaster?
Does your congregation desire to be more prepared for disasters, both to protect yourselves and to extend love to your neighbors in time of crisis? Then Willing to Respond is for you!
Willing to Respond will help your congregation review its experience, available resources and community context; discern your growing edges, and get ready to respond when disaster strikes. The Willing to Respond network helps your congregation get connected to collaborate.
Read MoreBecause disasters often expose, widen, and exacerbate the gaps of pre-existing disparities, it is essential that communities of faith prioritize and hold fast in their commitments to equity and justice. This webinar will equip faith communities with the knowledge and awareness required to act in accordance with our values.
Read MoreWould you like to offer emotional and spiritual care to people impacted by disaster? Apply to serve on the UCC Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disaster Team.
Read MoreEverywhere, natural disasters are on the increase as Earth’s climate warms. UCC Disaster Ministries is looking for churches that will declare themselves “ready and willing” to respond.
Read MoreThis isn’t the first severe storm this year and we can be reasonably sure it won’t be the last.
What’s the best way to help now? Send money. UCC Disaster Response and Recovery Minister Lesli Remaly said of Hurricane Ida, “For a storm this size, money makes good sense as we know long-term recovery and rebuilding will be necessary.”
Read MoreAs a response to the emergency needs of both Hurricane Ida victims and Afghanistan refugees, Arizona Faith Network has published a page of Disaster Response and Refugee Aid Resources on the AFN website. Most of the links are to programs of faith partners, both local and national, and if you have others they should include, please email them to contactus@azfaithnetwork.org.
Read MoreOn Friday, February 19, the United Church of Christ issued an appeal to raise funds for 2021 winter storm relief and long-term recovery in Texas and beyond.
UCC Issues Appeal in Response to Winter Storms
UCC News story on how churches already are responding
Read MoreRead updates on west coast wildfires and the gulf hurricanes. These disaster events are ongoing and in early stages. Affected conferences and congregations are still assessing the needs. UCC Disaster Ministries focuses on recovery following the disaster events. The best immediate response is to contribute financially and allow the UCC and local Disaster Coordinators to determine the best, most immediate use of financial resources.
Read MoreRead the request from the American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer serving Arizona and New Mexico. See how you can help victims of the hurricanes and wildfires.
Read MoreThere are currently work team opportunities in Puerto Rico, Florida, and California.
Read MoreIn churches across the county (and world) the safety and security of congregants, staff, and the facilities has become a significant concern. One could say that part of our “Extravagant Welcome” should now include implementing plans to help prevent and react to threats that can compromise the safety and well-being of church members, staff and guests.
Read MoreIs your church prepared to withstand a natural disaster and to help your congregation and community in the aftermath? Do you want to be prepared but don’t know where to start? See below a variety of resources to help your church and families to be prepared for natural disasters and to better react when they do happen.
Read MoreFrom Phil Shea, SWC Disaster Coordinator, UCC:
UCC Disaster Ministries focuses on Preparedness and Long-Term Recovery. Long-Term Recovery is the most protracted response and the costliest. As you receive inquiries from individuals wanting to ‘do something’ or support UCC Disaster Ministries, here are some suggestions.
Read MoreReport from Phil Shea, SWC Disaster Coordinator, 11 April 2019
It was my privilege last week to represent the SWC in Puerto Rico at the annual meeting of Conference Disaster Coordinators and the UCC Disaster Ministries staff. Meeting in Puerto Rico was an opportunity to experience the beauty of the country and its people while also learning about the work the UCC and its local partners are doing to rebuild a country ravaged by back to back hurricanes. The UCC continues to send money and work teams to this country. $1.5 already invested and another $1 million anticipated over the next 1-2 years.
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