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HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST
Mission Opportunities
For Mission Monday, March 3, 2008
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference connectional ministries giving.
Edited by Daniel R. Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org.
FOR THE LATEST IN DISASTER NEWS AND RECOVERY LOG ON TO www.disasternews.net and www.gbgm-umc.org/umcor
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Newly Listed Mission Opportunities |
DEATH NOTICE
HENRY L. GERNER, retired Elder (SIC) and former Head of the Department of Chaplaincy, Counseling & C.P.E. at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis from 1982 to his retirement in 1994, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis. Survivors include: his wife, Dorothy “Dotti” Gerner, 4436 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46205; one son, Mark Gerner.
MISSION NEWS
CASE MANAGERS NEEDED TO HELP IN FLOODED INDIANA AREAS
Case Managers are needed to work with long-term recovery effort in the northern Indiana recently flooded areas. Managers will more than likely work with-in their county. Counties included are Carroll, White and Jasper Cass, Fulton, Pulaski and Tippecanoe Counties. The disaster case manager is a special person acting out of the deep concern for the vulnerable and whose role is to ‘enable/empower’ survivors to help themselves as much as possible. The role is to identify survivors’ needs and connect them to resources. The case manager is working one-on-one with disaster survivors who put their recovery in motion. There are volunteer and paid positions available, full-time positions are available for a period up to 18 months. Volunteer positions are needed to assist paid staff, and determine their own work hours. Immediate training is provided. Case managers will work in a team approach – interfacing with the two other main branches of this long-term recovery effort, finance and construction. This calling entails both fieldwork and office work. Case Managers will lead the way and coordinate all services for affected residents. Background checks are mandatory; related work experience preferred; other needed qualities: professional, ability to maintain confidentiality, need to be computer savvy.
Mandatory and training at no charge by United Methodist Committee on Relief: Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, Monticello United Methodist Church.
For information or to apply, contact the Rev. Mary Van Wijk by phone at 219-261-2273 or by e-mail: mevanwijk@hotmail.com.
UMCOR’S SAGER BROWN DEPOT NEEDS HELP WITH KITS
The United Methodist Committee On Relief’s relief supply warehouse, the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., needs your support to provide much-needed bedding, sewing and layette kits for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Sager Brown has received fewer kits over the last year and stocks are becoming alarmingly low.
Sager Brown is especially requesting donations for 33,000 layette kits, 64,000 sewing kits and approximately 1,000 bedding kits to meet upcoming needs. Donations for all kits are needed to prepare for uncertain times and future relief efforts. The Sager Brown Depot is accepting complete kits as well as items in bulk.
For more information, log on to www.umcor.org and click on “Help Sager Brown Deliver Kits of Hope.” – UMCOR
GATES SR. TO ADDRESS UNITED METHODIST GENERAL CONFERENCE
William H. Gates, Sr., co-chair of the Seattle-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and father of billionaire Bill Gates, will speak to the United Methodist General Conference during its upcoming meeting in Fort Worth. The Commission on the General Conference extended the invitation at the request of the Council of Bishops.
In 2007, the Gates Foundation provided a challenge grant to the Nothing But Nets malaria prevention campaign to match contributions up to $3 million — a goal that was reached in August due in part to a groundswell of support from United Methodist churches across the U.S. According to the organization’s Web site, the foundation has committed more than $6 billion in global health grants.
Gates, Sr. is a retired attorney and co-author of the book Wealth and Our Commonwealth: Why America Should Tax Accumulated Fortunes.
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION TURNS TO INTERNET FOR DISTRIBUTION
A new institution that aims to provide theological education via the Internet was named the Methodist E-Academy during a meeting of the United Methodist Theological Schools in Europe. An ongoing project since 2006, the academy's development has been shepherded by an advisory board chaired by Bishop Patrick Streiff of Central and Southern Europe. Instructors who will conduct the online courses were trained at a gathering in Moscow just prior to the Feb. 8-9 meeting of the European school leaders. The courses will address the growing need to provide theological education for prospective pastors for United Methodist churches, especially in Eastern Europe. The E-Academy will offer its first courses this fall. – UMNS
HOLSTON CONFERENCE NOW MISSION PARTNER WITH SOUTH SUDAN
A covenant signed Feb. 23 by Bishops James Swanson of Holston and Daniel Wandabula of East Africa made Holston the first United Methodist conference or church to be in mission in south Sudan. The partnership will provide a school, clinic and other facilities in Yei, as well as educational assistance, church leadership development, volunteer labor and supplies. The covenant also was signed by Bishop Felton E. May, interim top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Some fundraising already has provided land for the new facilities, pastors' salaries, a physician and nurse, school equipment and two wells in south Sudan. In addition, Holston Conference commits to raising $250,000 during the next two years. – UMNS
YOUTH TOGETHER RAISE MORE THAN $9 MILLION TO FIGHT HUNGER
United Methodist youth teamed up on Super Bowl Sunday with young people across the United States to raise more than $9.4 million in goods and dollars to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities through the 2008 Souper Bowl of Caring (www.souperbowl.org). More than 14,400 churches, schools and businesses participated in this year’s campaign, including about 2,200 United Methodist congregations and about 25,000 UM youth, said Caroline Stephens, director of church relations for the nonprofit Souper Bowl organization. United Methodist collections total approximately $890,000 thus far this year. This year more than 300 Hoosier faith-groups and schools raised more than $100,000 and collected 31,399 cans of food. – UMNS
BLOOMINGTON’S JOHN GAUS RECEIVES CWS ADVOCACY AWARD
Three United Methodists are winners of advocacy awards to attend the nation's largest annual gathering of U.S. and international Christian peace and justice activists. Ecumenical Advocacy Days will be held March 7-10 in Washington. Activists John Gaus of Bloomington, Ind., Henry Jones of Fullerton, Calif., and Kathi Moton of Aurora, Colo., are among 10 people selected by New York-headquartered Church World Service (www.churchworldservice.org) for the honor, which is bestowed upon local poverty and hunger activists who have shown exceptional leadership in the global humanitarian agency's poverty and hunger-fighting campaigns. The scholarship award makes it possible for recipients to attend the conference and a day of related lobbying on Capitol Hill. The conference (http://www.advocacydays.org/) educates and empowers grassroots religious advocates to speak out to political leaders on policies that impact the world. – UMNS
HIGHLIGHTED MISSION TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
KOKOMO CHURCH INVITES OTHERS TO UTE INDIANA NATION VIM TRIP
We are looking for a trade...Are you planning on a summer mission trip where you will be needing an additional van and are looking for a way to cut cost all at the same time? I can help. Main Street UMC in Kokomo will be taking a group from our congregation to Southwest Colorado to be in ministry with the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Nation from July 17 through July 29. We would be interested in sharing our van if you would be interested in doing the same. If you are interested in finding out more information about this opportunity call the cell number below. I look forward to hearing from you! Seeking God’s Horizon, Paul Rogers, cell phone: 765-863-0127.
NORTH INDIANA SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION SET FOR JULY 9-12
The North Indiana Conference United Methodist Women announces the 2008 School of Christian Mission to be held Wed., July 9 for the Drive-In Day and Wed. evening, July 9 through Saturday, July 12 at Manchester College, in North Manchester, Ind. The 2008 theme is “Living the Sacred: Psalm 21:1” including these studies and leaders: I Believe in Jesus Spiritual Growth with the Rev. Dr. Derek Weber: Israel and Palestine with Dr. James Dwyer, Dona Lou Imler, Robert Epps and Nancy Myers; Giving Our Hearts Away – Native American Survival with the Rev. John Adams, Susan Jennys, the Rev. Evelyn Taylor-Haney, LaDonna Weber, and the Rev. Jon Walters. Other leaders include: Music Leader, Kelly Sellers; Chi-Mi-Ca (Children’s Program) with Mary Margaret Willbanks and Joan Schell; and Yo-Pe-Mi-Ca (Youth Program) with the Rev. Jeaninne L. Walker. More information and registration to come.
SOUTH INDIANA SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION SCHEDULED FOR JULY
The South Indiana Conference School of Christian Mission will be held on the campus of the University of Indianapolis, July 26-Super Saturday Session or July 27-30 Weekday School. The 2008 Theme is “Living the Sacred.” Studies this year are: Spiritual Growth Study, “I Believe in Jesus” with Bishop Michael Coyner; Geographic Study: “Israel-Palestine” with the Rev. Mary Wilder Cartwright; Current Issue Study: “Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival” with the Revs. Dr. P.T. Wilson and Billie Nowabbi; Young Women’s Study: “Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival” with Rita Gaither-Gant, Kathy White and Barbara King.
This school is designed for mission committee members, lay leaders, pastors, United Methodist Women members, young women, youth and children. Activities will include: Mission studies, worship, music, UMW officer update, mission update, mission education resources, videos, hands-on mission project, fellowship and banquet. For more information check out the “Southwind” newsletter by logging onto: www.gbgm-umc.org/sicumw/
CHURCHES CAN FINANCIALLY HELP FLOOD SURVIVORS IN NORTH INDIANA
Churches wishing to make monetary donations to assist victims of the recent flooding in North Indiana may send funds to:
North Indiana Conference UMC
PO Box 869
Marion, IN 46952
Note for Flood Relief in North Indiana – Account 030401
Flood buckets and flood bucket materials are being collected by the Monticello UMC, 200 South Main Street in Monticello. For more information, contact Pastor Brian Beeks at 574-583-5545.
Homes that flooded along the Tippecanoe River last month, were flooded again last week. Once the water recedes, volunteers will be able to muck out houses. Information about volunteering will be posted when volunteers are needed.
NEWLY LISTED MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
UINDY PRESENTS 2008 SHOWERS SYMPOSIUM ON MISSIONS MARCH 27
The University of Indianapolis will present the 2008 Showers Symposium “Christian Missions in the United Methodist Church: Past, Present and Future” on Thursday March 27, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Topics and participants include: “Mission and the Quest for the Homeland: The Legacy of the Evangelical United Brethren” with J. Steven O’Malley of Asbury Theological Seminary; “Evangelism Without Apology” with Stephen Graham of the University of Indianapolis, who will speak about E. Stanley Jones; “Affection Without Attachment: Toward a Theology of Christian Mission” with Thomas Thangaraj (Church of South India) of Candler School of Theology; and “No Bootstrap Theology: Grace and Holiness in Mission” with Beth Felker Jones of Huntington University.
At the close of the morning session at 11:20 a.m., the South Indiana Conference United Methodist Women School of Christian Mission at UIndy will be recognized for it work in mission education.
A copy of the Showers Symposium brochure can be found by logging on to http://eip.uindy.edu/publications/showers.pdf.
The Showers Symposium is free, however those who wish to register to participate in one of the lunchtime discussions need to contact Cindy Tyree at 317-788-2106 or e-mail her at ctyree@uindy.edu. An event brochure is available by logging on to http://eip.uindy.edu/.
MISSION OPPORTUNITY – TRAVEL TO MEXICO WITH COLUMBUS D.S.
The Rev. Brian White, superintendent of the Columbus District, invites volunteers to join him and other volunteers who are working in Mexico this summer to help rebuild a church damaged by Hurricane Wilma. The project is organized by Intercambio Cultural de Yucatan, a ministry headed by United Methodist clergyperson (and Columbus native) the Rev. Jack Diel. The project will run from June 14-21. For more information including a brochure visit the Columbus District Web site www.coumc.org or e-mail White at bwhite@columbusds.org.
PREVIOUSLY LISTED MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
SEWING MACHINES NEEDED IN SIERRA LEONE
Each of the six United Methodist schools in Sierra Leone is in need of a minimum of seven sewing machines. Since the Bloomington District is compiled of eight counties, the district goal was to receive enough money from each county to purchase at least eight machines. To date the Bloomington District office has received enough money to purchase 21 sewing machines! For more information, call the Bloomington District office at 800-919-8161 or 812-339-1445.
BLOOMINGTON DISTRICT TEAMING WITH AMES CHAPEL FOR MISS. VIM TRIP
The Bloomington District is teaming with Ames Chapel UMC in Orange County during March for a week of work in the Gulfport, Miss. area working on rehabilitating home devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Dates are March 22-29. Some persons will be leaving on Saturday, March 22. Others will need to wait until after Easter services on March 23. Travel will be by car or van, with carpooling encouraged. Details about costs will be available after the first of the year. Ames Chapel is inviting as many as 40 people to join them from around the district. If you have questions, please contact the Bloomington District office at 800-919-8161 or 812-339-1445 or Rev. Gary Loy at Ames Chapel at 812-366-4139.In September, the district is teaming with Ames Chapel again for a week-long work trip to John’s Island, S.C.
MADISON CHURCH PLANS MISSION TRIP TO ENGLAND IN SEPTEMBER
A mission trip scheduled for Sept. 22 through Oct. 1, is being led by Debi Partridge of Trinity UMC in Madison, Ind. The trip will consist of touring John Wesley sites in several areas London, Oxford, etc. and then doing a short mission project in York, England. Team members have the option of staying on in England at their own expense. For more information, call Debi Partridge at 812-273-4601 or email her at partridge2@verizon.net. The price for this trip is $3,000 and the team is almost full.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES REMINDERS
More information about these opportunities as well as a listing of ongoing projects and contact information can be seen at www.inareaumc.org/general_info/mission_opportunities_listings.htm, which has all the details for these opportunities.
PENNIES FOR PEACE MISSION PROJECT IDEA FOR THIS SUMMER’S VBS
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For more information, contact Operation Classroom at ocmisson@frontiernet.net or log on to www.operationclassroom.org
UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEER IN MISSION TEAMS NEEDED IN MEXICO
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Contact information: Jerry Hill jerry.hill@bsumc.com or call 864-320-3165
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AT CENTERVILLE, IOWA
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Contact the church office at 641-856-3862 or the Trustees Chair at 641-895-0381.
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE UPCOMING MISSION TRIPS
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March 2008
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March 7-16 – Bloomington District Mission Trip to Haiti
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March 23-30 – Ames Chapel UMC Trip to Gulfport, Miss.
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June 2008
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Harrodsburg UMC to Henderson Settlement, Ky.
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Youth District Mission Trip Location TBA
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July 2008
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July 12-19 – Mooresville First UMC to Calnali,, Mexico
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Summer 2008
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Bedford First UMC to Louisiana
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South Indiana Native American Mission Trips
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September 2008
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Sept. 20-27 – Ames Chapel UMC to John’s Island, S.C.
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Sept. 22-29 – Mooresville First UMC to Henderson Settlement, Ky.
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TERRE HAUTE DISTRICT OFFERS TRIP TO MISSION DISTRIBUTION
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March 5-7
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April 16-18
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For more information on these mission opportunities please contact the Terre Haute District Office at 800-919-8165 or 812-237-0101.
BLOOMINGTON DIST. ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR HAITIAN ORPHANAGE
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March 7-16
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Please make checks payable to the Bloomington District UMC and mail to the District office, 1520 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403-5167.
DISASTER MINISTRY CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS JUSTICE IN DISASTERS
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March 29-April 1, at the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn.
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A Domestic Disaster Ministry Forum registration form and information may be downloaded from www.cwserp.org/reports. (Follow the links for 2008 Forum Brochure and 2008 Forum Registration Form.)
NORTH IND. TO HOST VIM TEAM LEADER TRAINING AT KOKOMO APRIL 12
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April 12, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s UMC, 700 East Southway Blvd. in Kokomo, Ind.
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For more information: Contact Bonnie Albert, bonkay@hotmail.com, or phone 219-464-1447.
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Registration deadline is Friday, April 4. To register, send name, address, phone number with area code, church, city. Make checks payable to North Indiana Conference, memo VIM training and mail to P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952. For registration form, log on to www.nicumc.org.
PERU CHURCH ASKS FOR ASSISTANCE IN APRIL 13 MISSIONS FAIR
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April 13
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For more information and ways you can support Main Street UMC Mission Faith, contact Miles Straly, mission commission chairman, home phone: 765-472-2273, cell phone: 317-850-1448 or by e-mail: mstraly@mcremc.net. Home address: 1859 S 400 W, Peru, IN 46970.
UM MISSION INITIATIVE SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR TEXAS APRIL 17-18
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For details and registration visit: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/news/events/?i=16762
TWO OPEN SLOTS FOR UNITED METHODIST VIM TEAM TO CUBA
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April 18-30, 2008
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For more information, contact the team leader, Larry Burke: ljrdburke@comcast.net
OPERATION CLASSROOM PACKING PARTY IN TERRE HAUTE DISTRICT
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April 24, at 9 a.m. at Breden Memorial UMC, 2228 S. 7th St. in Terre Haute
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Please contact the Terre Haute District Office, 1403 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Call 812-237-0101 or 800-919-8168.
HENDERSON SETTLEMENT OFFERS PROGRAM FOR SENIORS APRIL 20-26
UNITED METHODIST VIMS NEEDED TO BUILD MONTANA PLAYGROUND
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May 2-5, 2008
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For more information, contact: Barbara Galusha Karst, High Plains Coordinator, bgkarst@vcn.com.
RX CONNEXION TO HOLD ANNUAL CONSULTATION IN LINCOLN COUNTRY
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May 2-4
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Fees: $75 - Meeting Registration, 3 meals, snacks (no breakfast)
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Lodging: $65 - Reserved Room at near-by Baymont Inn or $15/night Limited lodging space is available at the Midwest Distribution Center
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Optional Tour: $10 Lincoln Springfield Tour Saturday evening
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Registration Deadline is April 15 (tax day).
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For more information or to receive a registration form, visit www.gbgm-umc.org/northcentralvim/rxconnexion.html or write umvim-ncj@brookings.net for a copy.
OPERATION CLASSROOM SCHEDULES MORE WORK TEAMS THIS YEAR
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Pine Creek – May 3. Rev. Bruce Mowery is coordinating the project. For more information contact bemowery@hotmail.com.
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Bo Centenary School – June 19-July 11. For more information contact Kay Hess at: hess100@juno.com.
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Itabuna Methodist Church, Brazil – June 27- July 11. For more information, contact the Wagners at ccwagner@hotmail.com.
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Henderson Settlement – July 20-26. Applications are due March 12. For more information contact Anne at annekumeh@aol.com
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W.PL. Brumskine UM School – Oct. 4-19. Kay and Lamar Zeigler are the team leaders. Contact the OC office or Tom at ttillett@ralis.com for more information.
OPERATION 2008 CLASSROOM TEAMS
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Sierra Leone
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May 6 to 22 – Sierra Leone – Koidu Secondary School - U of I, Lang Brownlee, team leader
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June 18 to July 9 Sierra Leone – Bo Centenary School, Kay Hess, team leader, hess100@juno.com
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To Liberia
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June 24 to July 11 – Liberia – Tubman-Gray School, Ken and Kitty Decker, team leaders, ken.decker@prodigy.net or kitty.decker@prodigy.net
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October 9 to 28 – Liberia – W.P.L. Brumskine School, Lamar and Kay Ziegler, team leaders, lamar@rnthompson.com
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MISSION TO CUBA HAS AN OPENING FOR MAY 17-28 TRIP
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Please contact Neil Vander Linden (ngvl@charter.net, 864-859-3652)) for further information.
MINNESOTA MEDICAL MISSIONS TO SIERRA-LEONE NEEDS PHYSICIAN
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June 26-July 8, 2008
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September 27-October 7, 2008
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For further information please contact Doris Acton, RN at doris.acton@nhylandsumc.org or at 952-835-7585.
MISSOURI CONFERENCE SPONSORING HEALTH VIM TRIP TO MOZAMBIQUE
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Late June through early July, 2008, sponsored by the Missouri UM Conference
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For more information, call Tom Mitchell if you have questions or want more information. Phone 314-725-4003 or e-mail TomM8132@aol.com.
SMITH VALLEY UMC ANNOUNCES MISSION OPPORTUNITY TO COLOMBIA
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July 19-26
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Contact Pastor Joe for more details at 317-432-6706. Our focus on this trip is medical, women’s prison, children’s ministries and support of vocational youth education.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GULF PORT HURRICANE RECOVERY IN AUGUST
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Gulf Port, Miss., Aug. 9-17
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Contact Peg and Arley Ellingson, 203 S. 1st Ave Hinton, IA 51024, phone: 712-947-4551(h), 712-947-4553 (o), 712-203-8068 (c) or e-mail: pellingson@usa.net.
DETROIT CONFERENCE VIM TEAM PLANS TRIP TO HAITI FOR NOV. 7-14
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Nov 7-14
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Contact Curtis Bartz, 313- 278-4849 or jbartz@mich.com for information and an application.
WARSAW DISTRICT PLANS 2009 MISSION TRIP TO LIBERIA
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Jan. 10 through 24, 2009
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If you are interested, call the Warsaw District Office at 800-783-6111.
Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.
Last updated on 04/01/2008