Thank you for your continued prayers and support for those affected by the recent tornadoes and storms.  We have been overwhelmed with calls, emails, and texts of people just at Trinity wanting to help.  Across the city, state, and nation, so many more are calling their respective pastors and relief agencies doing the same thing.  Our prayer is that this spirit will continue for months and even years to come, as it will be a very long time before many communities fully recover.

Upcoming Trainings

ERT Training at Asbury UMC in Madison
Saturday, May 7 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

This training is highly recommended for volunteers wishing to take part at a work site as identified by the Conference assesment team. Leaders of these work teams must have ERT training before being given an assignment. Training will cover essential skills and information on the process of recovery and relief. Use this link to register and find more details. Please contact Matt Reed if you need assistance with the $15 registration cost.

Trinity Caring Team of Listeners
Thursday, May 12th, 6:30 pm
Trinity UMC in Room 264
Led by Dr. David Barnhart.

The focus will be on listening and providing care for people who have PTS/PTSD from the tornadoes, the aftermath and from helping. It will be for caregivers to know what to look for so they can know how and when to refer persons to seek other counseling. This will provide basic training for those who want to be on a caring team of listeners as part of the Trinity UMC Disaster Relief Team. Use this link to register and find more details.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• ERT Work teams - once we have leaders certified through the ERT Training, Trinity will be eligible to field teams to receive assignments from the Conference Disaster Response Center. Team registration and assignments can be made by going here.
• On-going meal support - Thank you to all who have volunteered to provide a meal next Monday! We have all of the cooks we need at this time. However, if you would like to help provide a meal on another day, please email Matt Reed stating what days you may be available and we can connect you with the Harvest Youth Center.
• Disaster Response Call Center - This call center will field phone calls for the North Alabama Conference tornado disaster response. The Conference is currently looking for volunteers to work in the call center. Each volunteer will go through a brief training when s/he shows up for her/his first shift. Use this link to sign up and find more details.
• Disaster Warehouse in Decatur - The Disaster Warehouse in Decatur is always in need of people to receive supplies, assemble care packages, and much more. Tasks are available for most all ages. Use this link to find directions and contact information. Though the warehouse is open most every weekday, it is recommended to call before going.
• Manna House - help with the distribution of food and other essential items to the area needy. Manna House is located behind The Rock.

If you're looking to meet up with a group or find others from Trinity to work with, consider using our Facebook page to share when you're going and where (http://www.facebook.com/TrinityHSV).

Collections:

Bring the following items to Trinity and place them in the bins near the Wesley Hall Entrance.

• Food for Thought - standard food pantry items
• CASA - Ensure, Glucerna, Adult diapers
• Manna House - food, toiletries
• For Sand Mountain/Rainsville/Cartersville - Contact Leslie Vallely 256.503.8268 or for more details
  • Portable Grills
  • Tents
  • Diapers
  • Toiletries
• Relief Supplies are being received at Latham UMC - Find the list here.

Other important information:

• Self-Report

  • Have you been working in the field, providing meals, or other relief assistance? Please let us know so that we can have an accurate record of how we've contributed. Use this link to let us know how you've served.

• Sign up to help in various ways

  • Please use this link to let us know how you're interested in serving. When opportunities come up, we'll use this list to contact you.

In the message at the Healing Service, I shared a reflection by Rev. Sheri Ferguson, Executive Director, United Methodist Pastoral Care and Counseling, Inc. Click here for "Points To Consider Regarding Alabama Tornado Recovery"

Thank you again for all that you are doing.  I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

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