news article
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Summer 2024 storm next steps
August 6, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 6, 2024 on taking the next steps in response to the recent storms that have significantly impacted several Upper New York communities.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:12a
Dear partners in ministry,
Back in July, severe weather swept across Upper New York, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, and numerous tornadoes. Many communities were affected and are still dealing with the aftermath of these storms. Yesterday, downtown Buffalo was hit by a tornado causing considerable damage.
We are embodying God’s love with our neighbors
Amid the devastation, United Methodists of Upper New York are responding with remarkable compassion, grace, and generosity.
So far, we have;
- Secured a $10,000 support grant from UMCOR.
- Raised $7,000 through our congregations for relief and recovery efforts.
- Connected with local congregations, community partners and state officials to ensure effective communication and collaboration with our Disaster Response team.
- Distributed over 30,000 relief items to survivors in Eden, Lowville, Rome, and Canastota, and provided emergency financial assistance for a family that is experiencing homelessness as a result of the severe weather.
The city of Rome, NY was the hardest hit area. They experienced an EF-2 tornado that ripped through the heart of the city displacing people from their homes and disrupting businesses. You can learn how United Methodists of Upper New York are aiding the community of Rome by watching a short video here. We are still assessing the needs in the Buffalo area.
Next Steps
Our work is just beginning. The needs are extensive. The opportunities to embody the love of God with our neighbors are abundant. United Methodists of Upper New York will support this work, for as long as is needed.
As we move to support the next phases of relief, I encourage all UNY churches to:
- Pray. Continue praying for all recently impacted by severe weather in our area and first responders, community partners and government officials.
- Share the Story. Show the UNY Rome Relief video during worship during worship, at least one Sunday, in August to continue raising awareness of the needs in Rome, and how United Methodists of Upper New York are embodying Christ hope through our generosity, presence, and service. You can access/ download the video, here.
- Give. Take a special offering for the UNY Storm Relief Fund and forward it to the Conference treasurer via check with Storm Relief Fund in the memo line by the first week in September. Individual contributions can also be made electronically through the Conference website, here.
- Prepare to Serve. In the coming months we will organize, train, and deploy hope teams to help rebuild homes and lives. If you, or your congregation, are interested in learning about these opportunities, enter your contact information here to be the first to know of all opportunities.
Also, this fall, we will offer training to help you and your church get ready to serve in disaster recovery as part of one of UNY hope teams.
WHAT: Disaster Response Overview via ZOOM
WHEN: August 26 at 6 p.m – 7 p.m.
Register to participate here.
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WHAT: Volunteers in Mission Team Leader Training
WHEN: October 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: UNY Conference Center in Liverpool, NY.
Register to participate here.
Thank you for the many ways you are being a faithful witness to our siblings in their time of need. I look forward to see how the Holy Spirit continues to lead us as we seek to be the embodied healing presence of Christ in our communities.
Together in mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving United Methodists of Upper New York