Get the skills needed to join an UMCOR-certified Early Response Team (ERT) or a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) team. Training for both will be held at Saginaw: First UMC.
The United Methodist Church has a long history of responding to our neighbors in need through short-term volunteer service.
The General Board of Global Ministries, through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), partners with the Michigan Conference to provide trained Early Response Teams (ERTs) when disasters occur. When called upon, these teams supply survivors with food, water, and shelter and help with mucking out and cleaning up (learn more about ERTs).
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) is a grassroots movement within The United Methodist Church designed to provide an official channel for volunteer service, matching skills with needs. VIM offers both short-term local and international mission opportunities. VIM teams serve at several sites in Michigan regularly and places worldwide (see sites).
The Michigan Conference is hosting an event on Saturday, October 26, for people who wish to be trained to be qualified to join a team via one of these two programs. Saginaw: First UMC, 4790 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48638, will host the day-long event. Bob Freysinger will lead the ERT training, and Jody Pratt will facilitate the VIM training. Both are Michigan Conference veteran trainers with years of experience.
Do you enjoy putting your faith to good work and helping others through acts of service? Survey people in your local church to see who might be interested in being prepared to join an ERT or VIM team, and then bring multiple volunteers to the training in Saginaw on October 26.
The deadline to register for this combined training event is October 16. To register, contact Jody Pratt at [email protected] or 616-292-4908. Find more details on each training below.
UMCOR Early Response Team (ERT) Training
With this UMCOR certification, valid for three years, you and a team of volunteers will be prepared to enter a disaster zone when the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Coordinator or one of the other annual conferences in The United Methodist Church requests assistance. If invited, you will get dirty, sweaty, and tired by mucking out basements, removing drywall, tarping roofs, and removing damaged furniture and belongings, all for the joy of serving God as the hands and feet of Christ.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
9 am to 5 pm, includes lunch and breaks
Registration begins at 8:30 am
Saginaw: First UMC, 4790 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48638
Cost: $35 covers materials, lunch, T-shirt, badge with certification (valid for three years), ERT manual, and background check
Instructor: Bob Freysinger, Senior Michigan ERT Trainer
To register or to inquire further, contact Jody Pratt at [email protected] or 616-292-4908. The deadline to register is October 16, 2024.
Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Training
Volunteers in Mission serve under the North Central Jurisdiction Volunteers in Mission program. VIM pairs mission opportunities that match your skills and mission needs with the right training to make your ministry successful. VIM teams serve locally and internationally.
VIM works with individuals, church groups, experienced teams, and those just starting. Teams are launched that focus on everything from relationship building to construction, even medical and wellness. VIM services people of all ages and levels of experience. VIM works with federal agencies and insurance providers to secure national and international health care and emergencies.
Saturday, October 26, 2024
9 am to 4 pm, includes lunch and breaks
Registration begins at 8:30 am
Saginaw: First UMC, 4790 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48638
Cost: $30 covers materials, lunch, and T-shirt
Instructor: Jody Pratt, ERT/VIM Trainer
To register or to inquire further, contact Jody Pratt at [email protected] or 616-292-4908. The deadline to register is October 16, 2024.
Last Updated on August 7, 2024