Pastoral Letter on Haiti
1/14/2010
Greetings!
Grace and peace from God our creator and God's son our Lord Jesus Christ.
All of us have watched in shock as more and more is known about the extent of the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti. Thank you for your continuing response to this crisis:
-
through prayer
- information
- financial contributions
- assistance through the Midwest Distribution Center
- and so much more.
I urge you to continue your efforts in all of these areas and to keep checking your email and the conference website for helpful information.
As you know, Sunday, Jan. 17, is Human Relations Day in The United Methodist Church. This annual emphasis also carries with it the invitation to give a special offering that supports the ministry of The United Methodist Church in strengthening people, relationships and communities. I am sure that many of our congregations were already planning to observe this day on Jan. 17 or some other Sunday in the near future.
We are also in the midst of giving special offerings through UMCOR because of the disaster in Haiti. Both giving opportunities are important so please do all you can not to let them compete. Because of the urgency of the efforts in Haiti please feel free to do the Human Relations Day Offering on another Sunday. But please don't forget about it.
I am confident that we can rise to the occasion to respond to the humanitarian crisis that stares us in the face and to support ongoing ministries that reflect important United Methodist commitments. Thanks again for who you are and all you have done and will done in the name and spirit of Jesus the Christ.
I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Gregory Vaughn Palmer
Resident Bishop
