What’s Next for Disaster Ministries?
Don Miller
KO Disaster Ministries Coordinator
We have spent the last 15 months living in the midst of a world-wide disaster! It has taken up much of our energy and focus. A recent study points out that clergy are nearly twice as likely to experience depression as they minister during this pandemic! So, please reach out to and support your Pastors. Today we grow more hopeful that we are getting nearer to the end of social distancing and isolation and get our churches, schools and businesses reopened. GET THE SHOT!
The National UCC staff has used the past year to reorganize and strengthen our Global H.O.P.E. Disaster Ministries program and leadership. Its focus is on refugee and migration ministries, volunteer engagement, disaster response and recovery, and sustainable development work. H.O.P.E. makes clear the team’s vision: Humanitarian, Opportunities, Progress, Empowerment. Our new staff have leaped into their work, and their energy has also motivated Conference Disaster Coordinators to become more active as well. We also have a new, clear job description which is very helpful!
As your Conference Disaster Coordinator, I will be focusing on two things in the coming months. One is to recruit a K-O Conference Disaster Team. If you have an interest in supporting Disaster Ministries in K-O, please let me know or have your pastor contact me. In addition to our Conference Disaster Team, we will also be recruiting local Church contact persons.
The second is to continue to share information and updates on our efforts in Disaster Ministries. Church World Service currently has a great need for Clean-up Buckets, School Kit and/or Hygiene Kits. Can you or your church build a few or many? Disaster Ministries is again offering a $250 matching grant for Churches that want to do this in a larger way. We know that disasters will occur in our communities and we want to be prepared!
One final bit of information: FEMA has recently launched a Funeral Assistance Program to help families who lost someone from COVID-19. Assistance will be limited to a maximum of $9,000. Details can be found on the FEMA site. This will have a slow roll-out and there will be no online registration. The phone number is (844-684-6333). Watch a video about this new program by clicking here.