UPDATE
March 8, 2010
Message To Those Who are Working on Kits for Haiti:
We have learned that the Kits are to be gathered in a central location and then taken to Elgin. Originally a message came saying that a semi-truck would start out west some place and come this way picking up the kits in each district in a location near I-70. That has been changed.
We have learned that on April 11 a truck will leave New Windsor to go to Elgin to pick up kits and return them to New Windsor to be shipped on April 16 to Haiti. Our Kits are to be gathered in a central location and then taken to Elgin.
We would appreciate it if each church working on Kits for Haiti ( or tarps) would let us know how many of each kind of kit you are making so arrangements can be made to deliver them. Also if anyone would be interested in delivering the kits to Elgin let us know. There is the possibility of combining with another district for transportation. We will keep you informed. Please email tricia37@stjoelive.com or moark@centurytel.net with the count from your church or organization. We will send more information as it is learned.
Connecting to this transportation is especially true for Family Household Kits and Tarps. Hygiene and Baby Kits can still be funneled through Festival of Sharing collections if that is easier for you. But the Household Kits and Tarps are a special Brethren project and should not be delivered to Festival of Sharing sites.
Blessings,
Disaster Coordinators,
Jim and Pat Dennison
More Information for the District Work Project:
More details are now available concerning the Disaster Rebuild Work Project to be held in Cedar Rapids, IA on April 25-May 1. Cedar Rapids was flooded so this will be rebuilding houses that were destroyed or damaged. They want 10 volunteers per week for the Cedar Rapids project.
The Brethren volunteers will be staying at the Cedar Rapids First Baptist/Brethren Church, 5200 Northland Ave., NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, and tel. 319-377-8020. Pastor, Jim Goodrich.
Pastor Jim is working at getting some "real" mattresses. I think you'll probably need to bring your own bedding, pillows, and towels.
Alan and Denise Oneal will be the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) leaders at the church. Since it's an ecumenical project through Church World Service, our group will be divided into smaller groups to work with volunteers from other denominations, and you may or may not be assigned to work under Alan. (Jim and Pat Dennison)
New Directory Being Planned:
An updated directory for MO/ARK District is in the works. Please look at the current directory for your congregation’s information as well as names of persons in your congregation. Please look for needed changes such as new phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses. Send any changes to Carolyn as soon as possible at:
moark@centurytel.net
417-926-1112
The District phone is now working well.
Change Your Directory Now:
Clyde Paddock has cancelled his landline and is using only his cell phone. It is: 8156-520-2488.
Joanne Brooks has a new address:
16903 East 45th
Independence, MO 64055
Marie Froman of Broadwater Organizes Haiti Relief:
455 Hygiene Kits Delivered to Missouri Festival of Sharing Office
Not long after the Haiti Earthquake, I requested permission to organize our school Greenville R-2 Elementary and Preschool, Williamsville Elementary, South Iron Elementary and Clearwater Elementary and Middle School to collect items for Church World Service Hygiene kits. With all three districts on board, I was sure we could do some good. There are so many times we compete with each other...why couldn't we collaborate instead?
Articles were placed in the local paper and we started the first of February. In the Greenville/Williamsville area alone $1,176.06 was donated from mostly individuals and churches. Three area business contributed funds for the cause and 145 persons donated items for the kits. I was overwhelmed by people's generosity.
The Greenville R-2 6th graders began to assemble the kits and quality checked the kits that arrived from the other schools for the correct items. Parents and teacher volunteered to put the remaining items in the kits at our local PTO meeting. And a group of 6th grade boys enthusiastically loaded the truck--with 38 boxes! We delivered 3 medical kits from the Trinity Methodist Church at Piedmont and the Youth Group at Silva General Baptist Church assembled 25 of the kits we sent. It was a very ecumenical event--more than most people realize.
Caleb, our 5-year-old grandson assisted us with unloading the kits at the Office for Creative Ministries in Columbia, MO. He was thrilled to be of assistance. His enthusiasm,as well as the enthusiasm of others, lifted our spirits. One of our elderly neighbors insisted on giving us gas money to use on the trip.
I guess I was most touched by a child that told me..."we bought these things with the money we collect in children's church. We know we are so fortunate and hope this helps others who don't have everything that we do." That was a message from one of the 4th graders. Praise God for the compassionate and generous people among us--no matter what age they may be!!! We were blessed!
---Marie and Steve Froman, Broadwater
Women – Remember your Retreat:
The women of Warrensburg and Messiah will be hosting the retreat and hope that so many of you will be able to come. It begins late Friday afternoon and will end after lunch on Saturday. Bring your bed roll and a dish for the Friday evening potluck. See you there. It will be SPRING by then for sure!!!
Seminars Available for Learning:
At the end of this UPDATE you will find two fliers with information on opportunities for learning and CEUs. One is on the web and sponsored by the Church of the Brethren. The other is a workshop hosted by First Central Church f the Brethren in Kansas City, KS. Both are free of charge. Keep going to the end to find the details.
Carolyn Schrock
District Coordinator
