Learn about UMCOR’s Refugee Ministry in next week’s webcast. Visit www.umcor.org June 15 at 12:00 PM ET to take part in this multimedia event.

You can also share information about this day set aside to learn about and respond to the plight of refugees in our world by using resources UMCOR prepared for this day.

Support UMCOR’s Refugee Ministry by giving to Refugee Response, UMCOR Advance #982540

Locally, Refugee Services of Texas is hosting a World Refugee Day Celebration on Saturday, June 18 at The Indigo on Forest Apartment Clubhouse on 9669 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75243. The time is 1 to 4 p.m. There will be live music, ethnic music and dance, refugee stories, drinks and snacks.

For more information about how to get involved in local refugee ministry, contact Refugee Services of Texas at 214-821-4883.

Dear Friends,

You have indicated a desire to serve those affected by recent disasters in the state of Missouri via our online form. In the last week we have received around 100 more offers of volunteer service from all over the United States growing this email list to around 300 people. We are so grateful for your offers of service and support.

This Tuesday the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) sent a staff person, George Barnette, to assist us with project and team coordination. His work will assist us in preparing to receive all of you and your future teams to serve in the Joplin area. He will also help us identify local coordinators who can assist with the continued rebuilding and relief efforts there.

Remember what you can do for the people of Joplin now. In Missouri, through the Festival of Sharing, we are collecting Emergency Clean Up Buckets and Personal Hygiene Packs. Contents of the buckets and packs as well as drop off sites within the state of Missouri can be found on our website. Emergency Clean Up Buckets can also be donated through UMCOR distribution centers. These kits are needed now and will be for future disasters as well.

Monetary donations are especially useful at this time as they can be used for immediate and long term needs. You can make online donations via the Missouri Conference Office of Creative Ministries website at www.umocm.com or through UCMOR's Spring Storms Fund.

Click here to view video put together by UMCOR on their Spring Storm response which features incredible footage from Joplin.

As always I thank you for your prayers, love and support. I ask that you remain patient yet committed to long term response in Joplin. I hope that all of you who have expressed an interest in service to Joplin will commit to assisting there in the coming months and years. We will need all of your hands to do God's work there.

Blessings,

Audrey Phelps

Missouri Conference
Volunteers in Mission