Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response

We received word from UMCOR that we might be asked to deploy to the south due to the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Right now we have not yet been invited. However, they would like to know if we have anyone that could possibly go when that time comes. Early Response Teams (ERTs) are teams that have been through training to certify them to deploy to disasters. We are always looking for people that would like to complete this training and be available for these types of emergencies. With Huricane Helene there is a possibility that they will take NON-ERTs. Please let Deb Currinder, know if you or any others are interested in the ERT training or deploying in the next few weeks as a NON-ERT. Deb can be reached at drc@susumc.org or 717-766-5376.

FEMA ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE Residents of Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby from Aug. 9-10, 2024. FEMA may be able to help you pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster.  LEARN MORE Deb Currinder Disaster Response Coordinator Susquehanna Conference UMC drc@susumc.org office: 717-766-7441, extension 3402 www.susmb.org

  As you may be aware, Tropical Storm Debby hit the Pennsylvania area in early August, leaving a trail of flooding and destruction. Currently there is a storm, Helene, that is headed for Florida. During these difficult times it is crucial that we all pull together to help one another. In John 15:12 we are told by Jesus, "this is my commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you."  One way you can show that love during any disaster is by volunteering to be a Crisis Cleanup phone volunteer. Crisis Cleanup opens a hotline that allows survivors of disasters to call and register the damage they sustained and request assistance with addressing it. Phone volunteers are the first line of responders who lend an ear and record their needs. This vital work helps organize information that is provided to relief organizations and disaster teams, allowing them to reach the survivors and meet their needs much quicker. Phone volunteering is a great, safe way to do meaningful servi

Here is a list of  Disaster Recovery Centers provided: Lycoming County Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company 615 East Route 973 Highway Cogan Station, PA 17728 Hours of operation:  Monday   through   Saturday,   8   a.m.   to   6   p.m.   Tioga County Knoxville Community Center 301 W. Main Street Knoxville, PA 16928 Hours of operation:  Monday   through   Saturday,   8   a.m.   to   6   p.m.   Union County Union County Resource Center 480 Hafer Road Lewisburg, PA 17837 Hours of operation:  Monday   through   Saturday,   8   a.m.   to   6   p.m. Opened Monday, September 23 at 8 a.m. Deb Currinder Disaster Response Coordinator Susquehanna Conference UMC drc@susumc.org office: 717-766-7441, extension 3402 www.susmb.org

There have been many homes in our conference that have been damaged by TS Debby. As of Friday, September 13, 2024, the number is around 140 homes that have qualified as needing major repair or destroyed. This amount of destitution has caused FEMA to issue a Declaration of Individual Assistance to Tioga, Potter, Lycoming, and Union County. We continue to give our support to those areas. If you are in those areas and need assistance, you should call 211. There will also be five Disaster Recovery Centers that will be scheduled to be of assistance. Once those locations, dates, and times are released, I will provide those to you. If you have the desire and skills to help with this recovery, please contact me at drc@susumc.org or 717-766-5376. Deb Currinder Disaster Response Coordinator Susquehanna Conference UMC drc@susumc.org office: 717-766-7441, extension 3402 www.susmb.org

  We are thankful for our missional partnership with Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response ! We sent out a call last week for help assessing flood damaged homes in Steuben County and we quickly received a response from one of their ERTs who will be serving in Steuben County all week. Upper New York Mission Central HUB  https://www.facebook.com/UNYMission #TogetherInCommunity

  Please keep Woodycrest UMC, State College in your prayers. As we continue to process and recover from the devastating fire on September 14, 2024, we will use this page to inform our community of the latest updates. While many things may be uncertain at the moment, one thing remains clear: our faith and our mission are unwavering. UPDATES: https://woodycrest-umc.org/updates-on-our-churchs.../ ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodycrestumc … See more Public group  •  124 Members Woodycrest United Methodist Church

Lycoming County's Disaster Recovery Center is open now for residents affected by Tropical Storm Debby. It is located at Hepburn Township Fire Hall, 615 Route 973 East, Cogan Station, PA. 17728. They will be there until November 15th. Their hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. This Disaster Recovery Center's purpose is for FEMA to provide residents with general information on FEMA disaster assistance and status of applications. Deb Currinder Disaster Response Coordinator Susquehanna Conference UMC drc@susumc.org office: 717-766-7441, extension 3402 www.susmb.org

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator In most sports, the coach prepares the team for a game by developing a plan. This blueprint outlines the strategies and tactics to which players will adhere and execute during competition. Using a plan clearly defines roles and responsibilities, establishes goals, and guides the team toward success. When disaster strikes, it is equally important to have a plan and allow God to bless it for success. This was particularly evident when major flooding swept through the Clarks Summit area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District) on September 9 th , catching many people off guard. As a result, nearly 300 individuals and/or families in and around this community just outside Scranton found themselves wondering how to address their wet basements and damaged property. And, when the call for help went out, the response to meeting this need mirrored the work of a well-practiced team entering competition. In the hours immediately following the flood, Re

 “Mary…wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger.” –Luke 2:7 Over the past few weeks, this verse from Luke kept running through my mind. Of course, it is not unusual to hear about the birth of Jesus during the Christmas season. But each time I read it, something more stood out. Now, I know you are going to ask…what more could there be? It’s the story of Jesus’ birth. Mary wrapped Him tightly in a blanket and laid Him in his bed. She used the swaddling technique to soothe her newborn, provide a sense of security and keep him from being startled by the activity in the stable. As I sat in church this morning, the pastor shared Matthew 11:28. And, as he read that scripture the message of comfort became clear to me. “Come to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Our Savior came to comfort us just as Mary did for Him as a baby in that stable. In a few hours, we will enter a new year. As we do, we can choose to take our burdens with us and a

  Shedding Light on Safety: Candle Precautions for Ministries United Methodist Insurance Program Candles serve as an important symbol in worship for United Methodists; however, if mishandled, they can pose serious threats to both the  sanctity  of the event and the  safety  of your congregation. With Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approaching, take some time to visit the training tab on the Disaster Response Ministry website to ensure your ministry implements appropriate precautions for a safe, secure and serene holiday season.  DRM Resources – SUSUMC Global Ministries (susmb.org)