Hurricane Relief

As we witness the immense devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across our state, we are sharing with you ways you may help those in need through Broad Street UMC, the Western NC Conference of the UMC, UMCOR & Statesville.  As the recovery efforts progress, more opportunities to lend a hand will arise, and I'll keep you informed as I learn about additional ways to get involved.  If you know of other ways we can help, please email me.  - Rev. Tracy Schumpert

1. Donate Through the Western NC Conference Website, 100% of your donation will go toward Hurricane Relief: CLICK HERE
2. Give Through Broad Street UMC: Make checks payable to Broad Street UMC with "Hurricane Helene Relief" in the memo line. All funds will be forwarded to the Western NC Conference to support ongoing relief work.

You can help make a difference by donating cleaning supplies and other essential items to support those impacted by the hurricane. Please drop off flood buckets or other needed supplies at the Broad Street UMC church office (open Monday-Thursday, 9 am-2 pm),  in Memorial Hall or at the cross near the awning in the parking lot off Walnut Street. We will collecting pre-assembled flood buckets for the foreseeable future. If you need instructions on how to assemble a flood bucket, CLICK HERE.

Flood Buckets are the only items Broad Street UMC is collecting at this time.

• One pair work gloves Cotton with leather palm or all leather.

Phases of Disaster Relief - Read here

Volunteer Opportunites

Stump Removal – We are putting together a team to remove some trees at Henson Chapel.  We need help connecting to someone able to remove stumps.  6 Bradford Pair tree stumps.  Please call or email me if you can help with this task. lhuffman@wnccumc.org or 828-612-2253.
 
Neighborhood Table Ministry in Avery County –Volunteers needed to prepare meals or to drive and/or serve meals!   If you or your church would like to help please check out the links below.  Your church is invited to provide a meal for one of our two sites in Avery County every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from now until the end of the year.  
 
NEWLAND location: 
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054BA9AD22A0FB6-52548446-meals
 
PINE GROVE location: 
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054BA9AD22A0FB6-52107016-meals

Door to Door Canvasing – We began this ministry this week and need about 15 more people who have availability.  We are looking for persons who are willing to go door to door in Mitchell/Avery/Watauga County to help assess needs ASAP.  This is not for the faint at heart but a very interesting opportunity for those who have availability and capacity.  Here is what it entails:

1. 1. Ideally adult volunteers would give 1-3 days at a time to do this work. 
   2. No longer will volunteers be staying at Spruce Pine.  You will be able to drive in and back out.  We may secure housing for those further out and for whom it would be easier to spend one night and work two days.  
   3. Teams will be deployed to canvas neighborhoods door to door to assess the work needs.  A local will be assigned to teams and you will be checking on persons and asking for information around needed repairs to their property.  
   4. You need to be in good shape because there will be a lot of walking, could be a little rough at times with downed limbs, etc.
   5. The purpose of this work is to quickly help the ERT to identify the level of work needed and identify projects our teams can begin to tackle. 
   6. You do not need to be ERT trained because you will not be doing any work, just conversing.
   7. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK AND SHARE YOUR INFORMATION.  Our volunteer coordinator, Bridget Thornton, will be in touch. 

Lower Avery Neighborhood Table – We started a hot meal delivery last week at Pine Grove UMC on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays. Churches who might be interested in preparing a hot meal that will be carried up the mountain and serve for 100-125 people are welcomed to sign up for a date.  If your church might be interested in providing a meal, we are planning to start a second site next week which opens up more opportunities.  Meals are prepared off site, placed in warmers and carried up the mountain and served from 12-3.  If you are interested, please contact Andrea Smith - andrea@headingwest.org

If you questions for the Appalachian District Office contact Katie Hutton

District Office Location: 1710 Parkwood Dr., South Suite, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

HOTLINE NUMBER: 980-354-4157

The WNCC Disaster Response Hotline is currently taking calls! The Call Center is open Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm. This hotline is available to request assistance, donate material resources, offer volunteer assistance, and for any other questions or needs related to Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

Stay informed and connected with our Disaster Response Ministry Team to learn how you can assist with Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western NC by joining our new WNCCUMC Disaster Response Facebook group.

Keep up with the shifting needs at West Jefferson UMC

A Prayer for the People of Western North Carolina

O God, we place our trust in you.  As the wind and rain has passed through the mountains of Western North Carolina, we name before you those whose lives have been devastated.  We especially remember those who have lost so much, those with the fewest options, the most vulnerable.  Draw near to those who are the most exposed, the most frightened, the most overwhelmed.  Hold space for a stillness and a peace even in the midst of the storm. 

O God, we place our trust in you.  In the aftermath of ravaging wind and surging flood,  inspire those who give themselves for others.  Let that work be done justly, wisely, safely, generously.  Help us to turn toward one another in our need.  Strengthen our bonds of connection and love for each other. 

O God, we place our trust in you, and we say these words in the strong name of Jesus.  Amen.

In Christ, +Ken Carter
Resident Bishop, Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church 

In response to the devastating flooding in Western NC, Angela Roberson and Rachel Benton from West Market Street UMC in Greensboro sought to support the spiritual care of children directly affected by the disaster.  They developed a guided workbook. The resource offers children opportunities for reflection and includes spiritual practices to help them process the impact of the flood in a meaningful way.  ACCESS RESOURCE