Twisters

The photos of a devastated Joplin, Missouri are difficult to view. Please pray for for those impacted by the storms. It is hard to imagine how the emergency response teams are able to respond -- with the lack of power, cell coverage and lack of dedicated roads and streets.

There is a new team forming at church -- Disaster Preparedness. Like all of the UM churches in Iowa, we are working on a plan. Initially it will involve the church proper. After it is in place, then we will work with the city so we can serve as an asset if the unthinkable happens.

As news reports spread of a tornado approaching Oxford and another Kent Park, it helped to speed up my desire to get those plans in place. Each of the major teams will answer questions for a worst case scenario, such as:
1. Where will this ministry meet? Think worship, Creation Kids, Food and Clothing pantry, church office. You get the idea.
2. How will you communicate to your clientele -- congegation, clients, children?
3. Where do you keep your records and inventory list, including an off-site location?

There are a lot of things to consider. Various teams,including the Trustees, have information to gather in order for us to have a comprehensive plan. If you have interest in joining this team, please contact me. Four of us make up the core group at this time: Christine Langridge (nurse), Elaine Hernandez (nurse), Peggy Tillman (worked on a Disaster Preparedness plan at a previous employment) and me.

Pray for those whose lives have been altered. Pray for churches as they minister to areas in need.

On the journey,

Alecia