Like a Good Neighbor
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)
Disaster relief is something that follows you. Whenever a healthcare provider asks me how long it has been since my last tetanus shot, I do the mental math on how long it has been since Hurricane Harvey. The heavy-duty overalls hanging in my closet (specifically used for post-ice storm, post-tornado, post-hurricane, post-fire, post-flood work) remind me of the many times when we dropped everything and started coordinating recovery plans because there were people and communities who needed help clearing debris, ripping out flood-contaminated dry wall and carpet, or bleaching the already molding places of their home or church.
During yesterday’s wind and tornado warnings, I wondered if the overalls would have an unexpected Oregon debut!
As a United Methodist, this work - the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) - feels second nature. This is the work of a people who want to be the neighbor that Jesus calls us to be.
The robbers in this case: the violence that drives people from their communities, natural disasters that are now even more intense and frequent due to climate change, and widespread poverty.
When I lived in the south, I supported this work hands on. When there was flood or hurricane work in neighboring communities or states, we’d put together flood buckets to drive over in the short term, and deploy Emergency Response Teams to help with the clean-up in the long term.
Now that I live in an area that has different natural disasters that take place in different frequency, I most often support this work through my financial giving and advocacy.
We have an opportunity to do so this Sunday, March 30. United Methodists know this Sunday as UMCOR Sunday.
On this Special Sunday we join to support UMCOR, a ministry dedicated to providing help and hope to those affected by disasters and hardships worldwide. When disaster strikes, when families are displaced, or when communities struggle with poverty, UMCOR steps in to provide relief and recovery. Our gifts this Sunday ensure that UMCOR’s administrative costs are fully funded, making it possible for 100% of other donations to go directly to those in need.
Our generosity empowers life-changing ministries like:
Disaster relief for communities devastated by hurricanes and wildfires.
Support for refugees seeking safety and stability.
Sustainable agriculture programs bringing hope and self-sufficiency to communities in Africa.
In preparation for this Sunday, you can give to UMCOR online: www.fumcpdx.org/give and select “UMCOR Sunday” in the drop-down menu. You can also send a check to the church with “UMCOR Sunday” in the note. If you will be in worship on Sunday, you can write “UMCOR” on a giving envelope.
When we give, we enable UMCOR to respond quickly, efficiently, and compassionately, extending God’s love to the most vulnerable. We enable all United Methodists to be like that good neighbor in our scriptures, offering hope where it’s needed most.
Learn more about UMCOR and UMCOR Sunday in this video:
See you on UMCOR Sunday!
Pastor Karyn