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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....

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.  ...

July 26, 2022 | ATLANTA For release: IMMEDIATE  Media Contact: Dan Curran for Global Ministries/UMCOR 770-658-9586 dancurran@curranpr.com  The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Church World Service (CWS) today launched a new joint menstrual hygiene kit initiative to provide essential health and dignity products to vulnerable communities across the U.S. The kits will be purchased and assembled by volunteers and supporters, and then distributed by UMCOR and CWS programs. The joint ...

From: Jane Kies, Africa University - Mutare, Zimbabwe Here in Zimbabwe, Christmas is a time when the welcome smell of rain ends a long dry season. The country greens up, the acacia trees break out in yellow or white blossom, and flowers and shrubs that only appear at this time of year push their way through the rain-softened cracked ground. It's a time for insect (some edible!) invasions, mosquitoes, and—dare I say it—snakes. It's a time for land preparation, plowing (by oxen), and planting ...

Iowa Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month, and you are invited. The board of Iowa JFON is encouraging everyone to join to learn about its history as well as the plans for the future of JFON in our state.  Iowa Justice For Our Neighbors is a non-profit organization, welcoming low-income immigrants of all faiths into churches and communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy.  Established by the United ...

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...