What is an ERT: The mission of an early response team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster. It is a cooperative effort between the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. The team is neither a first response group of emergency workers nor a recovery, rebuild or repair team. Rather, it fills a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish the presence of the church.
Download the General ERT Information Bulletin
If your church is interested in holding an ERT Training or an ERT Recertification Training (for those whose badges are expiring), please contact Sara Brown at hashbrown2147@msn.com.
Listed below are the current ERT training(s) scheduled. Please click on the link below to register:
ERT Training at Vandalia UMC on March 31, 2018. Deadline is March 23, 2018
ERT Training at Coal City UMC on April 14, 2018. Deadline is April 6, 2018
Twice a year, a Mini Academy is held with a variety of training's which may include ERT, Connecting Neighbors, Spiritual & Emotional Care Team, and Volunteer in Mission Team Leader. An explanation of these training's are as follows:
What is Connecting Neighbors: This training inspires congregations and communities to minimize disaster-caused harm to people and property and to respond to neighbors in helpful, cooperative and caring ways on behalf of the church and in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Information from this training comes from the knowledge and experience gleaned over many years by dedicated volunteers who have served their neighbors on behalf of the church.
What is the Spiritual & Emotional Care Team: Provides spiritual & emotional care following disasters. Working closely with the conference Disaster Response committee, care teams help survivors connect with their personal and community spiritual, emotional & basic life resources.
What is a Volunteer in Mission Team Leader: The work of a VIM team leader includes the planning & carrying out of an effective mission work trip. The mission trip is a ministry to those that you are leading and those served by the mission team.