Just wanted to let you know what we are up to in Coralville. We've been organizing sandbagging crews. Rev. Beverly Marshall-Goodell and I have been asked to coordinate crisis counseling from faith community leaders in the area (We are on the executive committee of the Counsel of Religious Communities). The CRC is holding a meeting this Wednesday 10-12am at Tiffin UMC to discuss how faith communities can be working to support other releif work. In 1993 faith communities in IC distributed over $1 million in aid (according to one pastor here then). I understand Harlan Gilespie was instrumental in that effort so tap into him in CR.
CUMC is having conversations about hosting volunteer groups who need floor space and cooking facilities. We had our first takers today. While sandbagging one in our crew happened onto a group of 14 from Witchita Kansas First UMC who were on their way to Wisconsin for a mission trip, ran into closed roads, and decided to stop and help. They were hoping to find a Methodist Church with whom they might stay. We've got showers across the street at the City Recreation Center and they are bedding down in the fellowship hall tonight.
One person at CUMC has suggested a part time staff hire for a Director of Volunteer Coordination and Disaster Relief to coordinate our own volunteer teams and those who may travel into town from elsewhere over the next few months. I was in conversation with someone about fundraising for that position. We already have a couple of candidates.
I know the worst hasn't yet hit IC and Coralville. We're keeping CR in our prayers.
Peace,
Doug
Douglas E. Williams, D.Min
Coralville United Methodist
www.godscumc.org
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