An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Chile on February 27. One of the strongest earthquakes to strike in half a century, preliminary reports indicate almost 800 people have died, massive destruction has occurred over a wide area including homes and hospitals, and many thousands of lives are affected. UMCOR is working with its partners in Chile to respond with resources and support. As UMCOR awaits the results of assessments being made now by the Chilean government and the Methodist Church of Chile, it has made an initial emergency grant of $10,000 to help the Methodist Church of Chile (IMECH) and its relief arm, the Methodist Humanitarian Action Team (EMAH) respond to immediate needs and bring relief to survivors. Click here for more information and to learn how you can help to support the people of Chile as they begin to recover. 
 

Beth Fogle-Miller, chief ministry officer for the Florida Conference, announced today plans to re-align resources to strengthen ministry partnerships
 
In a document called “Strengthening Ministry Partnerships”, the background and need for these ministry partnership changes is outlined. It states, “In reflecting on the Florida Conference as one body fulfilling God’s call to make disciples and transform the world, the Conference leadership has been actively seeking God’s presence and guidance in establishing future direction and focus in the midst of dynamic social change and declining denominational membership.”
 
Fogle-Miller explained, “These changes are needed for us to strengthen our ministry partnership with districts and local churches in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”  Read More
 

In 2009, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church issued a pastoral letter and document on "God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action." Bishop Tim Whitaker's latest blog entry notes that this pastoral letter should have been presented to every local church by now and that the foundation document should be studied by every local church as soon as it is feasible. "The Council recommended that churches study the foundation document during Lent of 2010." Read more.

Click here to be taken to a page with information on how you can support Haiti in its time of need. Resources are available to assist you in praying, giving and responding to the disaster.