News

September is Disaster Preparedness Month. And while we can’t be prepared for everything that might happen to and around us, we can have some basic plans made to help us navigate disaster. Disaster, by its very nature, is self-defined. Some are large and impact many people; some are smaller and affect fewer people. Each of us reacts to disaster in different ways. Taking a few minutes to GET PREPARED will help you to keep safe in a disaster.     HAVE A PLAN - Talk to your family and workplace and ...

Submitted by Pastor Chan Kim God Saw All That He Had Made, and It Was Very Good. Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Contaminated Water Discharge Is Not Like That Brothers and sisters in Christ, God's many blessings be upon you!   I am a pastor of Rockford-First and Marble Rock United Methodist Church. I live in Rockford, Floyd County, the home of the Devonian fossils. This beautiful and wide-open "Fossil and Prairie Park" is about two miles from my parsonage. This summer I had a visit from my ...

Devastating wildfires have raged across Maui, Hawaii, to the tragic loss of more than a hundred lives and counting. The fires have destroyed significant portions of Maui’s infrastructure, including the city of Lahaina, which was almost completely leveled. The sanctuary of the historic Lahaina United Methodist Church was lost to fire.  Reportedly no church members were lost, though many have been displaced. They and others in Maui will spend the next weeks and months trying to assess the damage. ...

Have you wanted to be able to help in times of disaster but didn't know exactly how? Are you interested in serving on a Disaster Response Team? This is your opportunity to get some training for exactly that. Join us on August 19, 2023, for a day of training, partnering with UMCOR. Everyone is welcome! For more details, contact Catie Newman, Iowa Conference Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordinator [email protected] or 712-899-4067 phone or text. Saturday, August 19, 2023   8:00...

Midwest Missions sends tangible resources to those in need to make an intangible difference in their lives through hope and empowerment. SPECIAL NEEDS FOR 2023 is used medical equipment, including: Walkers Crutches Wheelchairs Canes Shower chairs Orthopedic supplies THEY ALSO NEED gently used tools. AND Home Care Kits. Liquid household cleaners - 56-80 oz total (no spray bottles) Dish soap - 42-64 oz total Liquid laundry detergent - 100-150 oz total 1 scrub brush (with or without handle) ...

From the National Weather Service: The Spring Flood and Water Resources Outlook is for the Quad Cities Hydrologic Service Area (HSA), which covers portions of eastern Iowa, northwest and west central Illinois, and extreme northeast Missouri. The flooding areas include the Mississippi River from above Dubuque, Iowa, to below Gregory Landing, Missouri, and its tributaries. The primary local river basins include the Maquoketa, Wapsipinicon, Cedar, Iowa, English, Skunk, North Skunk, and Des Moines...

April 4, 2023 Dear Friends in Christ in the Iowa Conference, As we focus on Holy Week and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are well aware that many in our state and beyond are struggling to recover from the storms and tornadoes of last week.  Those storms struck throughout the U.S., particularly in parts of the South and Midwest, including in parts of Iowa. The storms killed at least 32 people. And so many others lost homes and treasured possessions.     Another round of storms ...

Early Response Team (ERT) Training  — A Caring Christian Presence in the midst of Disaster   Now is your opportunity if you have felt called to volunteer after a disaster but didn't know how. An Early Response Team (ERT) training is being held Saturday, February 25 at Denison First United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the training is $20, which includes lunch, materials, badge and background check. "This is great training to help people know what is the best and most ...

Last week, Bishop Laurie Haller urged the Iowa Conference to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) U.S. Disaster Fund to help survivors of Hurricane Ian. Here is an update on how to also support survivors of Hurricane Fiona. Reminder: Do not self-deploy to go help. First responders and UMCOR will assess the situation and let us know when it is safe to deploy recovery groups. For more information on how you or your church can get involved, visit our Disaster Ministries page....

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Midwest Mission, located just outside Chatham, IL, is working to provide disaster relief to those affected by Hurricane Ian. “Our Cleaning Kit supplies have been depleted. After sending relief to 14 US disasters this year, including the most recent flooding in Kentucky and St. Louis, we need help replenishing so we can get supplies to our partners who are ready to deploy the requested supplies,” says Executive Director Chantel Corrie.  “While we typically have 3,000 ...

Update October 6, 2022: Bishop Laurie adds new relief information for Hurricane Fiona and Ian Invitation to Support Hurricane Relief   Iowa Annual Conference  September 29, 2022   Dear Friends, The words of the prophet Isaiah are haunting today as we lift in constant prayer our brothers and sisters who are in harm’s way because of Hurricane Ian.  “Lord, you are my God.  I will exalt you; I will praise your name,     for you have done wonderful things,  planned long ago, faithful and sure.  ...

WASHINGTON ­– The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church is appealing for donations to assist the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following the devastation left on the island by Hurricane Fiona last week. The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico sent a letter to the COB asking for help and donations. In the letter of appeal, Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo said: “our beloved brothers and sisters from different locations, we kindly ask for support on this journey in which once again...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information: Contact Lisa Rigoni, Development Manager Office: 217.483.7911 Cell: 217-553-6781  [email protected]   Midwest Mission, located just outside Chatham, IL continues to answer the call to help with disaster relief in flooded areas of Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky. After receiving requests for help from three Kentucky organizations in the middle of the disaster declared areas, Midwest Mission went into action and will continue to send disaster ...

Disasters have taken a heavy toll on the country’s southern tier. Most recently in the form of a massive and widespread flood in Kentucky. As the pictures of flooded homes and communities in Kentucky come across our televisions and newsfeeds, our hearts go out.  “In the early days of a disaster, we really encourage people to help by donating funds and praying for one another,” Newman said. “Like many of you, my first instinct is to pack the car and go help, but please don’t.”     In the days ...

About 24 pallets of turnout gear, helmets, hoses, air packs, masks and more were donated to Midwest Mission Distribution Center by fire departments across the state. Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Pastor Catie Newman reached out to Rev. Keith Pitts when she heard about the need to send equipment to El Salvador and Guatemala. Pitts, who pastors Delhi and Buck Creek United Methodist Churches, is also an EMT, rescue diver and firefighter for the Delhi Fire Department.  "The equipment ...

There is no way to prepare for everything that could potentially happen to you or around you. Our suggestion is to spend some time thinking and talking about what you need to do for yourself, your family, your congregation and make a plan from there.   Many resources exist to help you. There are many good books on preparing for disaster and the internet has thousands of options. From all the things that we have read and seen, our best suggestions are below. Disaster Preparedness Tips TALK   ...

Update 3/7/22   Saturday, March 5, 2022, a large, severe storm front moved across Iowa resulting in tornados in the late afternoon. Many communities have been impacted and sadly these storms resulted in seven deaths.    As caring brothers and sisters many of us want to get into the car and go.   However, today, the communities are asking that un-invited, un-trained volunteers STAY AWAY! For now.  The communities impacted are in the assessment process and got heavy snow today. Coordinated ...

Dear Friends in Christ, Wednesday, tornadoes and damaging winds ripped through Iowa. Winds of 70 to 100-plus mph sheared off roofs, overturned vehicles, toppled trees, and caused hundreds of thousands of power outages while contributing to hazardous travel.  In times like these, I can only stop and turn to the Lord. So, I ask you to pray with me: God of the Universe, at the dawn of creation, your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. You created the oceans ...

By. Rev. Catie Newman, Disaster Response Coordinator As we watch the pictures of the damage from the 38 tornados that tore through Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois on December 10th and 11th, many of us in Iowa know firsthand how it feels to see the church roof ripped off or our belongings scattered and wet across the yard. Like many of you, I confess that my first instinct is to get in the car and help. HOWEVER, we are being asked to NOT COME at the current ...

Dear Friends in Christ,    In Psalm 46:1-3, the psalmist describes how God's presence is among all people, giving them protection, confidence, and peace. God is our refuge and strength,     a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,     though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam,     though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (NRSV)   On December 11, we experienced one of the largest tornado outbreaks ...

October 25, 2021   The forecast for Iowa for the next 10 days includes the possibility of snow. This is a good time to take a few minutes and get prepared so that you are not caught off guard.     Heimo from the “Last Alaskans” says “it’s not the cold that will kill you,  it’s not being prepared for the cold that will kill you.”   Personal: Dress in layers to keep warm. Keep your hands and head covered. Check on your Neighbors during and after winter storms. For Your Home:   Have a plan for ...

Midwest Mission Distribution Center is coordinating a supply drive for the most requested items following recent disasters in Haiti and Louisiana. Relief supplies have already been sent to both locations, but Midwest Mission is committed to at least one more shipment at the beginning of October.  The personnel in the hardest-hit locations in Haiti and Louisiana have very specific requests for what items are needed now. Items will be collected through October 3 at three collection sites ...

Hurricanes and other natural disasters have smacked the state of Louisiana with powerful winds and heavy rain causing flooding, loss of homes, businesses, infrastructure, and livelihood. At the same time, many Iowans pray for rain as we experience drought conditions over much of our state.  The Louisiana United Methodist Conference has a new staff person for disaster response who happens to have lived and worked in Coon Rapids, Iowa! Some may remember William (Bill) Howell, Jr. and his wife, ...

Hurricane Ida Hurricane Ida landed just west of New Orleans, LA, and moved east up the Gulf Coast causing damage in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Thousands of people are without power, water and shelter. Currently, authorities are accessing the situation and Power Companies, the national Gard, and Local Municipalities are making things safe. UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) is already at work. The UMCOR-Sager Brown warehouse and grounds were not in the direct path of the ...

Submitted by Beverly Nolte Originally scheduled for December 19, 2020, Pastor Aaron Limmo and Maya Dinga were prepared to travel to South Sudan to purchase humanitarian items for those affected by the Indian Ocean Dipole floods in 2019. Word from South Sudan two days prior to departure told of in-fighting among tribal groups in Mabaan County where they were to visit. The decision to postpone the trip was made. Now, after indications of stability and peace efforts, the men have rescheduled ...

As we move into the spring storm season, the Disaster Response Committee would like to share some resources to help everyone in Iowa. A brochure is now available with ways the committee can respond and a list of the District Response Coordinators. Please download and use as needed. The National Weather Service is advising that we can expect more severe storms in 2021. While we can't be prepared for everything that might happen, it's a good time to make some basic preparations. BE AWARE and ...

The forecast for Iowa for the next week is for continued cold temperatures and colder wind chills.     Heimo from the Last Alasakans says “it’s not the cold that will kill you,  it’s not being prepared for the cold that will kill you.” Take a few minutes and get prepared so that you are not caught off guard.    For you: Be practical about the amount of time you spend outdoors. Frostbite happens quickly.   Dress in layers to keep warm. Keep your hands and head covered Check on your neighbors ...

Winter officially began on December 21, 2020, also known as the Winter Solstice, (the longest night of the year)   Winter storms can include high winds, snow, rain, freezing rain, thunderstorms and more. This is a good time to take a few minutes and review your Winter Preparedness Plans.   Here are a list of winter preparedness tips. For your Home:   Have a plan for how you will keep warm if the power is off for an extended time. (DO NOT use the oven or a gas powered source inside your home) ...

Sadly, we report that an accidental fire destroyed Gladbrook Chapel in Marshall County on the afternoon of October 12, 2020.  No one was injured and firefighters stayed on the scene until the fire was completely contained to ensure it didn't spread to corn and bean fields nearby. Please pray for the pastor and members of Gladbrook Chapel as they mourn and recover from such a difficult loss. For more in-depth coverage, please go to WHO13 or KWWL.

This is the final installment of a series of Faith In Action reports on how churches, ministries, and people from the Iowa United Methodist Church are making a difference and changing lives following the derecho disaster in August 2020.  By: Liz Winders, Director of Communications On August 10, 2020, a derecho damaged an area nearly 800 miles wide throughout the Midwest, with the highest winds recorded at over 140 miles per hour in and around the Cedar Rapids area.  Barns and sheds had been ...

This is the fourth in a series of Faith In Action reports on how churches, ministries, and people from the Iowa United Methodist Church are making a difference and changing lives following the derecho disaster in August 2020.  The derecho storm that tore through Iowa on August 10 became the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that members and volunteers at Shueyville United Methodist Church could come together and work in their community. “The derecho was oddly what we needed," said ...

The August 10 Derecho Storm has devastated more than 150 communities and over 8,000 homes in Iowa. We have State Disaster Declarations for 27 counties and Federal Disaster Declarations for 11 counties. (More are in the application process.)    Many church buildings, parsonages homes, and businesses were damaged, some severely. Please consider reaching out to those brothers and sisters with notes, texts, calls, and prayers. If your buildings were damaged and you have not spoken with your DS or ...

This is the first in a series of Faith In Action reports on how churches, ministries, and people from the Iowa United Methodist Church are making a difference and changing lives following the derecho disaster in August 2020.  It is estimated that the city of Cedar Rapids lost 50 percent of its tree canopy as a result of the August 10, 2020 derecho. The derecho, with wind gusts of over 140 mph, devasted much of the city and surrounding areas. Since day one of the disaster, the Iowa United ...

The August 10 Derecho Storm has devastated more than 150 communities and over 8,000 homes in Iowa.    Many church buildings and parsonages were damaged, some severely. Please consider reaching out to those brothers and sisters with notes, texts, calls, and prayers. If your buildings were damaged and you have not spoken with your District Superintendent or with Pastor Catie Newman, the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, please do so. They can help.  Churches (please, only churches at this ...

The August 10, 2020, derecho storm has devastated more than 150 communities in Iowa.     The United Methodist Chainsaw Teams have been out since day one and will continue. In addition, chainsaw crews from other conferences are responding.  If you want to volunteer to help the Chainsaw Crews in the Cedar Rapids Area with hauling brush and clean-up. Please meet at the Hiawatha City Hall Parking Lot, Monday, August 17, 2020 at 9:00 am. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, eye ...

Dear Friends,   Grace and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I write this as thousands of Iowans are in the process of recovering from the dangerous thunderstorm complex or “derecho” that barreled through our state on Monday with up to 100 miles per hour winds.      As of Wednesday evening, major damage has been done across the state and 277,000 Iowans are still without power. The damage has included some United Methodist churches and parsonages. In addition, according to ...

Submitted by Rev. Phil Webb Pastor at Storm Lake United Methodist Church Member, Iowa Conference Mabaan Flood Relief Fund Raiser Committee On the beautiful shores of Storm Lake, there is a community by the same name, rich in cultural and racial diversity. More recent arrivals that add to this wonderful city are people who have come here from the country of South Sudan. Many work at the two meat processing plants in town. Most of the 300+ South Sudanese in Storm Lake are from the Mabaan tribe, ...

Submitted by Beverly Nolte, Chair, Iowa Conference Mabaan Fund Raising Committee It was June 2016 when Central District Superintendent Dave Weesner asked me to help find housing to relocate a South Sudanese pastor to Des Moines. The family, Aaron Limmo and Helen Lieti, along with their family of four, were to be the new pastor of a fast-growing Mabaan speaking Christian group in Des Moines with a smattering of Mabaans in Storm Lake and Omaha. The family arrived in August 2016 which began my ...

We WILL be “Filling the Truck” for Midwest Missions in June 2020. Just a little different this year. Drop off dates and locations will be announced soon. For information, contact Pastor Catie Newman at [email protected] or 712-899-4067 phone or text.  The ongoing mission outreach at Midwest Missions continues and is busier than ever! In addition to Hygiene Kits, Student Desks and Sewing Machines (both pedal and electric) Midwest Missions has requested: Flannel, “PLU” (waterproof) and...

Bishop Haller and the Cabinet have agreed that the Mabaan Flood Relief fundraiser should be put aside at the present time. With the disruptions of normal activities, financial stress on our economy, and churches unable to meet during the COVID-19 period, many are not able to respond to this fundraiser.   The Mabaan speaking tribal group number in the hundreds here in Des Moines. Their home country/county was ravaged by a 6-month long flood which destroyed their livelihood and homes. The Iowa ...

Prayer for Continued Recovery in Hamburg, Iowa from Iowa Annual Conference on Vimeo. Prayers, hard work, and donations have poured into Hamburg, Iowa since the spring floods, and United Methodists were able to give church members some extra encouragement this week. Through giving across the connection, $30,000 from the Iowa Disaster Ministries Advance Special #223 was gifted to the church community for recovery.   “We came to support you, to love you, to care for you,” said Pastor Catie ...

As the Bahamas and communities along the eastern coast of the United States begin to recover from Hurricane Dorian, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is assisting with relief efforts everywhere. This article by Global Ministries’ senior writer Christie R. House uses the Hurricane Dorian response to illustrate how UMCOR responds to natural and other disasters in countries around the globe as well as in the United States. Read about how before Dorian had even hit the Bahamas, UMCOR'...

In anticipation of the hurricane season, Midwest Mission Distribution Center had pre-staged relief items such as personal dignity kits, rice meal packs, and linens at their partner's (Food for the Poor) warehouse in Jacksonville, FL. Following the devastation caused by hurricane Dorian those items were immediately put to use and airlifted to the Bahamas arriving on September 7. Food for the Poor has sent a request for other items for the residents of the Bahamas and Midwest Mission's would like...

By Linda Bloom Sept. 5, 2019 | UM News How to help: Donations for the Bahamas can be made through UMCOR's International Disaster Response Advance #982450. Money from this fund is used to respond to disasters around the world. In the U.S., donate to the U.S. Disaster Response Advance #901670 for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. As Hurricane Dorian continued to threaten the U.S. east coast, United Methodists were connecting with Methodists in the Bahamas to start relief efforts. The ...

Disaster Response in Glenwood and Pacific Junction from Iowa Annual Conference on Vimeo. Updated May 24, 2019 "This to me has been what it means to be the church and to be part of the connection," said Pastor Kimberly Bowles. "The calls from clergy across the conference saying, 'What do you need? What can we do? How can we help?" It's everything that I believe the church should be. To see your neighbor in need and say, 'What can I do?.'" Pastor Kimberly Bowles isn’t surprised at the way the ...

Virginia Lynn, 93, has lived in Hamburg, Iowa, her entire life and not once experienced the floodwaters that have hit the town. Until now.   Lynn moved to the Park Washington Plaza apartments in July from the home she raised her family in after her husband passed away last January.   “I kept telling everybody I was so blessed because after I lost my husband my kids took me to visit, I sold my house and then I moved,” she said. “It’s just mind-boggling to me. I have literally lost everything. It’...

“The water came from the north,” said Pastor Catie Newman. “The fire department tried to build a berm on Thursday night, and at about nine ‘o clock in the evening the levee broke and they could see the water come into town and come over the berm.”   After being given only 10 minutes to evacuate the town, she, her husband John, and the rest of the residents of Hornick, Iowa, were left to wonder what would happen after the last-ditch effort by the fire department was destroyed by water.   Newman ...

Dear Friends, Over the past several days, two significant events have impacted the lives of people in New Zealand and right here in Iowa. On Friday, at least fifty people were killed at two mosques in Christchurch, and more than fifty others were injured. It was the most horrific mass killing in the modern history of New Zealand, which is one of the safest and most highly developed countries in the world. The alleged perpetrator, an apparent white right-wing extremist from Australia, was taken ...

“Pray, pray, pray,” asks Rev, Catie Newman, disaster response coordinator for the Iowa Annual Conference, in this time of widespread flooding across the State.    In the aftermath of winter snows, rising temperatures, and recent heavy rains, significant parts of Iowa are inundated by flood waters.  In fact, Newman, who is also the pastor of the Hornick and Salix United Methodist churches, had just 10 minutes to evacuate her home, something she said was “a little unsettling…I’ve talked about ...

This weekend, severe storms made their way through Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. We have received reports of a tornado and other weather-related damage. As our partners continue to assess, we ask that you please do not self-deploy but wait for information from the conferences. We will continue to update you here and at UMCOR.org/response. For now, we invite you to pray with us for those affected, for hope and healing, and for the wonderful UMCOR network. Pastor Catie...

Cold Weather Tips Record-breaking cold weather is expected all across Iowa Tuesday, January 29, 2019, thru Thursday, January 31, 2019. National Weather Service Forecast   For Your Vehicle Keep your vehicle full of gas. If you get stranded/break-down, stay with your vehicle. It will shield you from the wind. Have some emergency supplies in your vehicle: - Blanket or sleeping bag - Water - Snacks - Water - Hats, gloves, mittens  In Your Home or Church Open the cabinet doors under sinks to allow...

Written by Rev. Nan Smith, Pastor at Marshalltown Hope UMC  On Thursday afternoon, July 19, when an F3 tornado roared through Marshalltown, the United Methodist Women here at Marshalltown Hope were putting the final touches on their annual fundraiser — a rummage sale set to open the next day. As our church had suffered no damage because of the storm, the women went ahead and opened the doors on Friday. However, as the reports began to roll in that morning about the extent of the tornado damage,...

Tornado season is typically June through October for the Midwest states but tornados can, and have, struck in Iowa in every month of the year. Storms in Iowa can develop suddenly and move with great speed.     Hurricane season has also arrived and it usually lasts from June through November. We have already had our first named storm—Alberto, a sub-tropical storm—that brought heavy rain to the Gulf Coast, the Florida Keys, Alabama and Mississippi. Rain and wind from Alberto reached all the way to...

Hurricanes. Flooding. Active aggressors. God watches over us, but disaster happens, and we need to be prepared and ready to help those around us. Here’s the latest on United Methodists helping in times of disaster, and what to do when disaster strikes.   UMC Helping in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico   United Methodists’ recovery efforts are ongoing in two Texas conferences (Texas Conference and Rio Texas Conference), Florida and Puerto Rico. It will take an estimated 10 to 12 years until ...

There is no way that we can be prepared for everything that “could” happen but we can discuss and be ready for many things. In 2017, a total of 108 fatalities happened in places of worship in the United States. So far in 2018, we have 18 confirmed occurrences of guns in school with two of these resulting in fatalities. There is no “one” training or plan that will work for every church or community. Catie Newman, IAUMC Disaster Response Coordinator has compiled some resources to start the ...

There are many devoted disaster response teams in the Iowa United Methodist community, but a new style of post-crisis care is emerging in the conference.   “Our whole motivation in disaster ministries is to be a caring, Christian presence in the midst of disaster,” said Rev. Catie Newman, the Iowa Disaster Response Coordinator. “Now, we'll have a Spiritual Care Team.”   The first of many Spiritual Care trainings was held at the Conference Office on Oct. 23. The training started from the ground ...

The aftermath of Hurricanes, Harvey, Irma, Maria and the wildfires in the West have devastated enormous parts of the United States. The real work of recovery is just beginning and help in the form of volunteers will be needed for years.   Many of you have asked:  How can we help?  Can we go?   When can we go?  What do they need?  Here are a few of those answers. On Friday, October 20, 2017, UMCOR held a conference call with the Conference Disaster Coordinators with updates regarding our ...

Iowa United Methodist communities of faith were very generous in their giving to disaster response in September.  Giving from 155 congregations amounted to $59,386.41, of which $3,952.93 was designated for an international response and $55,433.48 for domestic disaster response. In this difficult 2017 storm season, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has been particularly attentive to the devastation in Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.  The United Methodist News ...

On Monday, October 2, Addison Gaskin and Barbara Hartsock, two drivers for the family-run Weinrich Trucking business, stood in the parking lot of Altoona United Methodist Church, waiting to have their rig filled with nearly 400 clean-up buckets, plus boxes full of hygiene kits, that volunteers had assembled to help hurricane victims.  (Later in the day, more than 300 additional clean-up buckets were collected from First United Methodist Church in Marion.)  “It’s 53 foot long, and it’s about 8, ...

“The final trucks that we’ve arranged so far, on Monday, will be picking up just under 2,000 buckets across Iowa and delivering them to Midwest Missions,” reports Rev. Catie Newman, who is the disaster response coordinator for the Iowa Conference. “We’ve tried to get all the buckets into three locations so we just have three pick-ups for them that day.” Those kits will soon be helping people in the many areas ravaged by hurricane begin the overwhelming task of cleaning up, but of course there is...

Photo credit: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

A Conversation with Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Catie Newman The sheer number of natural disasters in recent weeks has been overwhelming. Hurricanes have wreaked havoc in the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and now Puerto Rico, while wildfires have raged out west. “Everybody really wants to do something to help when we see those pictures of folks surrounded by devastation,” says Rev. Catie Newman, the disaster response coordinator for the Iowa Annual Conference. “And ...

By Audrey Young, Iowa’s General Secretary for the Iowa Board of Global Ministries It may be a good idea to bring all leftover bulk items for kits to our 2017 Ingathering, rather than holding anything over for 2018, as is the custom of some local churches. “We have been assured UMCOR will accept all of our kits from our 2017 Thanksgiving Ingathering this year. The book for next year, 2018, will reflect the changes,” stated Dan Houston, Iowa Ingathering Chairperson. The first big changes already...

Answers to Most often asked Questions and Kit Shipping Information With so much press and different reports from the aftermath and response efforts in Texas and Louisiana figuring out how we can help can be confusing. Here is the most up-to-date information that we have from UMCOR, and our plans here in Iowa. SHIPPING PLANS: We have already sent 1000 Clean-up buckets to Texas thru the UMCOR system.  Our next shipment will go out on Monday, September 18, 2015.  Your kits will need to be ...

A PASTORAL MESSAGE FROM BISHOP LAURIE Our collective hearts are heavy as we watch the news about the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey on Texas and parts of Louisiana. There are two things we can do: pray and act. I invite you to use this prayer that Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference has shared. Oh God, we need your help. We need the rain to end, the floodwaters to recede, the damaging winds to stop. We need fortitude to cope with this disaster. We need love to share with ...

As United Methodists in Iowa are praying and mourning over the storm damage in Muscatine and Seymour on Monday, March 6, the Iowa Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Catie Newman said now is the time to start thinking about spring weather.   “Spring is coming and with spring, comes spring storms,” she said. “It’s a good reminder and a good time to start thinking about preparedness.”   Iowa has already had its first major round of spring storms in Eastern Iowa. Three tornadoes were ...

By Arthur McClanahan Seymour United Methodist Church is making a big difference in the southern Iowa community.  “They’ve been a part of the school system, sending volunteers in to read,” said Jamie Houser, the principal of the Seymour Community school.  “We’ve had a really good partnership with the United Methodist Church for several years.  It’s nice to have people in your community that work together to make sure that our kids are learning and having good experiences.” Click here to see an ...

by Arthur McClanahan   March 6 was an active weather night across Iowa.  A round of heavy thunderstorms and lightning rolled west to east across the state along with gusts of damaging wind.  Funnel clouds were observed well off the interstate.  Hail struck homes and cars.   Click here to see photos from the Wesley UMC sanctuary Shortly after 10 pm things changed drastically in Muscatine.  A tornado touched down, demolishing businesses, taking the roof off an apartment house, and lifting and ...

Violent storms tore across the Midwest Tuesday, February 28, 2017.  During the afternoon and early evening storms, hail and tornados hit Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana Here in Iowa, Tornados were sighted near Wollcot, Princeton Dubuque and  McCausland.  A Tornado touched down near Clinton.  Oskaloosa area had heavy rain, winds, and hail twice yesterday.  And we have reports of Large Hail in Iowa City At this time we have no reports of damage or injuries from these storms. Please pray...

 From Rev. Becky Wilson, Coordinator of The Northwest Detroit Flood Recovery Project of The United Methodist Church. Brethren Disaster Ministries is doing great work on rebuilds and is also trying to assist with muck-outs but is in need of additional volunteers for muck-out teams. Currently the muck-out teams are working on about a dozen homes with projects that range in size from big to small. A UMC team that volunteered from Columbus, OH earlier in the spring was able to complete eight ...

The month of December 2015 had many occurrences of storms, heavy rain, flooding, tornados and snowstorms in the Midwest and in Texas.   Here are updates on the disaster response efforts in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Texas and contact information if you want to help along with some suggestions as to what you can do right now. Pray for one another and our sisters and brothers in crisis. Make clean-up buckets to re-stock Midwest Missions. Make a financial donation to help in the recovery ...

Morningside College students volunteer at their "Into The Streets" Mission day.

Summer is coming soon, and in Iowa that means there is an increased likelihood of natural disasters. Wind, hail, floods, and fires all pose a potential threat this time of year, so it’s good to be prepared in the event of a storm or other incident involving the elements. To ensure that Iowans are ready for such an emergency, a new disaster preparedness initiative will be introduced at Annual Conference this year. The program addresses the basic questions that you should be asking yourself so ...