An Urgent Disaster Response Meeting

Regional Staff has just recently been in conversation with Carl
Zerweck, Director of the Office of Disciples Volunteering.

In order that those of us in the Upper Midwest Region can get a
handle on what to expect, and how we might be able to respond...over
the long-haul...to the devastation many in our Region have
experienced, two very important meetings have been scheduled. Both
meetings will be on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Noelridge Christian
Church, 7111 "C" Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa...319-393-9532.

Meeting # 1 - The first meeting will be primarily targeted for Clergy
and will begin at 1:00 PM. Carl Zerweck will be available to share
with those clergy present the long-term response possibilities that
may be available and necessary in the aftermath of the tornados and
floods in Iowa and Minnesota. He will detail the plan that has been
implemented in Greensburg, KS, respond to questions, and begin our
thinking together to determine whether or not such a plan might also
work in this Region. It should be emphasized that this meeting is
not just for clergy in the affected area, but all clergy with an
interest in responding are strongly encouraged to participate.

Meeting # 2 - The second meeting will be targeted to laypersons and
clergy from congregations throughout the Region. Again, Carl Zerweck
will be available to respond to questions, and help provide possible
ideas as to how we as Disciples Together can respond to our brothers
and sisters whose lives have been uprooted and tossed into turmoil.
Again, this meeting is not just for those persons who have been
directly impacted by the devastation, but also for persons who want
to learn how they can be of assistance.

The purpose of each of these meetings is to initiate conversations,
share vision and insight, and explore what the possibilities might
be.

Many folks have been asking us how they can help...what can they do???

At the present time, assessment of the damage and of the needs of
each of the communities is being conducted. No one knows yet exactly
what will need to be done, and/or how to go about doing it.

We certainly want to make sure that nothing is done without the full
endorsement and support of the local community, especially those most
affected by the flood and tornadoes.

Please put both of these meetings on your calendar and publicize them
within the congregation with whom you worship. We look forward to
seeing you then and sharing in this important mission and ministry,
whatever it turns out to be.

God's blessings on you and those who have been directly impacted by
the devastation.

Richard Guentert, Regional Minister
Don Hiscox, Associate Regional Minister
Bill Spangler-Dunning, Associate Regional Minister