United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) is ready to respond to disasters here at home or anywhere around the world.
Janice Mann, a member of the Jasper Methodist Church, presented information about the faith-based program to members of Community Matters, a coalition of Newton County churches and other non-profit organizations working together to provide assistance to those in need. The networking organization met for its monthly meeting at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Methodist Church's Fellowship Hall in Jasper.
Assisted by two short videos, Mann explained how UMCOR works with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to bring humanitarian relief to the people living in disaster areas. The organization, working through the Arkansas Conference, connects with communities at both regional and local levels.
Besides providing relief supplies, UMCOR works with Arkansas United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, part of the Methodist Global Ministries movement. It offers opportunities for both lay and clergy to utilize their skills and talents in Christian service. VIM volunteers serve at home in local outreach providing community training sessions and around the world in short term mission journeys.
Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service (NOMADS) is probably the church's best kept secret, Mann said. NOMADS provide volunteer labor for Methodist organizations. These volunteers travel on more prolonged missions. Their work includes new construction, remodeling, and repairs for churches, children’s homes, camps, colleges, outreach missions and disaster rebuilding. These team members do maintenance, cleaning, painting, electrical, drywall, sewing and flooring.
Mann noted the recent split in the denomination which resulted in restructuring of some congregations.
Mann said that has had no impact on UMCOR as it continues to help all in need.
Each month one of the Community Matters member organizations is offered the opportunity to spotlight a service or a resource it can provide.
The Community Matters at large membership officially accepted the Mt. Judea Area Alliance as a new coalition member in a unanimous vote Thursday.
Community Matters is still a new community action organization and it established several task groups. Among them is the Communications Committee. It is charged with developing a logo for the organization, establishing a Facebook page and a website as well as managing email communications to group members. The proposed website will include posts from active members, and will contain meeting minutes to provide public transparency. It will be used as a primary tool to encourage new memberships.
Community Matters is working with the Newton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to get the word out about the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse that will put parts of the county in total darkness for just over two minutes that afternoon. The natural phenomenon is expected to attract an inestimable number of visitors to the area. Volunteers will be needed in many areas to help meet the needs of these visitors.
There was also a discussion for the need for establishing cooling shelters throughout the county where residents who do not have air conditioning can escape the extreme temperatures that have been experienced in recent days.
There have been reported proposals to begin planning for an animal shelter in the county.
It was also noted that a new non-profit foundation board has been incorporated in the county to serve as an umbrella for non-profit groups that do not have 501(c)3 fiduciary status.
The next Community Matters meeting will be held Sept. 28 at the church.
Tentative plans are being made to hold the Oct. 27 meeting at the Rock Haven Bible Camp at Hasty in hopes to attract new members who are unable to travel to Jasper for the regular meetings.
