02/07/09 Extra Edition

Response to Recent Tornado Outbreak
        The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its regional church partners are responding as rapidly as conditions allow to tornadoes that struck five southern states on Tuesday night, Feb. 5.
        Early response United Methodist teams were involved in debris cleanup on the afternoon of Feb. 7 in areas that were open to volunteer workers. "In some areas, seek and rescue operations are still the priorities," said the Rev. Thomas Hazelwood, director of domestic disaster relief for UMCOR.
        Donations to assist with relief efforts in the wake of the early February tornadoes can be made to UMCOR in a variety of ways. Indicate Advance #901670 and "Super Tuesday Tornadoes ." Give online by going to www.givetomission.org   and entering the Advance number, by phone using a credit card at (888) 252-6174, or by check sent to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO New York, NY 10087-9068. Contributions may be placed in the offering plate of any United Methodist congregation.
You can also give on-line at:  Tornado Response
        With regard to NC Conference Early Response Teams:  UMCOR has said, at this time, there has not been a call for ERT's from outside the affected Annual Conferences.   A call possibly will be extended either this weekend or early next week.   If the call for external teams comes, it will be coordinated through the SEJ VIM office, who will then notify the conference missions office.  Please pass this information on to trained Early Responders.   Steve Taylor ( staylor@nccumc.org ), conference missions director, will issue updates when available.