Relief and recovery efforts from the tornadoes still continue in our community and beyond. As we get further into the recovery process, it will be very important for us to stay mindful of the long term needs that we will all be addressing for some time. In addition, our region braces for more difficulty as we watch the waters rise along the Mississippi River. At the same time, too many reminders and updates can cause fatigue and negate the efforts to stay motivated.

Mission Trip Information Session

This Sunday, May 22, following worship, we will have a brief information session in Room 191 under the Sanctuary regarding a relief trip to the Sylvania area on June 10-11.

Larry Lowe and Kenny Kirby will be heading this trip up. The trip will be limited to 20 individuals and will include heavy lifting and work. Also needed will be food and supply support. More details will be provided in the meeting.

If you cannot be there, but would like to be added to the interest list, contact Matt Reed at (256) 883-3200 ext 218 or via email

Opportunities this Week

Volunteers are still needed on Saturdays in many areas for debris cleanup. The following churches or organizations are acting as coordination sites.

Madison County

Individuals

• Good Shepherd UMC (1418 Old Railroad Bed Road, Madison, AL) Good Shepherd will be organizing volunteers for debris removal only on Saturdays now. Work begins at 8:00 AM. Just show up to work. Please wear appropriate clothing (closed toe shoes, long pants, gloves) and bring applicable tools. Water, sunscreen, and lunch are recommended.
• Harvest Baptist Church - call 256-837-4129 from 9AM to 6PM to volunteer for work in the Harvest area.

Groups

• United Way of Madison County & Madison County VOAD - the group coordinator may call between 8 and 5 daily to register. You must call by Wednesday to receive an assignment for the Saturday workday. You also may register on-line at www.mcvoad.com.

Sand Mountain

• Upper Sand Mountain Parish - http://www.uppersandmountainparish.org USMP serves the Sand Mountain area. They are in need of help with debris cleanup and general support.
• First Baptist, Rainsville - is coordinating relief efforts in the area for cleanup. Groups with specific skills are preferred. Contact Jeff Mann at (256) 638-8637

"Lighter work"

As our community continues to recover, it is now even more important to support those agencies that were serving the poor, even before the storms. Though you may not be working directly on the "frontlines," all of these agencies are serving people either directly or indirectly impacted by the tornadoes.

• UMC Disaster Warehouse in Decatur
• Manna House
• Downtown Rescue Mission
• Christmas Charities
• Salvation Army

Finally, please continue to log your volunteer efforts in recovery. Every hour served helps toward the funds allocated for recovery reimbursement. Use the link to log your hours. If you served multiple times or in multiple locations, use the form to submit each event separately.

Thank you for all that you continue to do.

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