Respond to current and ongoing disasters. As followers of Jesus, we are called to care for our neighbors. Here are practical ways you can give to those in great need in this season.
A Methodist Response to Gun Violence
Today, we are again heartbroken by the reality of violence and evil in our world. As images and stories emerge from the shooting at Robb Elementary School, the people of Chamblee join in prayer and support for the community of Uvalde, TX and all who have been impacted by gun violence. As United Methodists we are called to weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15) and to be an active witness for peace in our world (Matt. 5:9).
In response to yesterday’s events, a fellow United Methodist, Aimee Cox, offered a prayer titled God show us how to do more: A prayer in response to violence. In it she prays, “Stir something deep within that empowers us to stand up to violence of all kinds but most especially to the violence that hurts your sweet children.” If you find in your grief or your righteous anger a stirring to do more as a person of faith, the North Georgia Annual Conference of the UMC has created a resource list for Gun Violence Prevention (https://www.ngumc.org/gun-violence-prevention) which includes a link to Aimee’s full prayer and information on what the UM Church believes and how we can take action as people of faith.
Please know that the pastors and ministry staff of Chamblee Methodist are always available to you as we all process these events and progress toward a better, faithful future together.
Ukraine
We have all been moved by images of those fleeing the violence in Ukraine. As people of faith we pray for peace and look for ways to care for those facing violence and those displaced by violence. If you are wondering how you can be a part of relief efforts already underway, please consider donating to the work of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Habitat for Humanity.
UMCOR:
FAQ on UMCOR’s response in Ukraine: https://umcmission.org/umcor/faq-the-crisis-in-ukraine/
Donate to UMCOR: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/
Habitat for Humanity:
Learn more about how Habitat is creating safe housing for refugees https://www.habitat.org/emea/newsroom/2022/ukraine-crisis-habitat-humanity-helps-refugees-move-and-those-needing-housing
Donate to Habitat for Humanity’s Ukraine Crisis Response: https://www.habitat.org/donate/?link=1401&source_code=LLAW22030989000
Disaster Response
If you would like to make a donation to UMCOR to assist in the recovery efforts go to ChambleeUMC.org/give and select UMCOR from the fund list.
United Methodists Respond after Devastating Twisters
ERT training and deployment
Disaster Response Teams working through The United Methodist Church are known for arriving early and being among the last to leave in times of disaster. By coordinating with local and national response organizations and following established protocols, the United Methodist connection is effective and useful. To learn more about upcoming ERT training, check https://www.ngumc.org/disasterresponseministry
Possible future mission teams
Please email Pastor Stacey for more information
Afghan Refugees
Chamblee UMC is situated in the midst of a diverse city with 34% of the population having been born outside of the United States. As United Methodists and as Christians part of our witness is to offer love and hospitality to the sojourner and to seek unity in our common call to follow Christ. You are invited to join Chamblee UMC for a four-session exploration of immigration and faith in partnership with El Refugio.
New American Pathways is an Atlanta-based nonprofit with the mission of Helping Refugees and Georgia Thrive. Our vision is for new Americans in metro Atlanta to become successful, contributing, and welcomed members of Georgia’s communities. We fulfill our goals by offering the most comprehensive, fully integrated continuum of services targeted to meet the specific needs of refugees and other immigrants in Georgia.
Our services support new Americans on their individual pathways from arrival through citizenship with programs that focus on four key milestones along the pathway – Safety & Stability, Self-Sufficiency, Success, and Service. Programs work in concert to guide new Americans on their individual pathways to long-term success.
North GA Conference Refugee & Resettlement Team
The Refugee Resettlement Task Force is charged with discovering and providing to churches in the conference the resources necessary to help refugees find housing and support for acquiring the basic necessities of life as new residents. We work directly with New American Pathways and local congregations to embody a ministry of hospitality and community engagement.