To prepare volunteer teams for deployment following spring tornadoes and flooding in Michigan, the Michigan Conference is offering training for those interested in joining an UMCOR-certified Early Response Team.
As state and federal crews begin assessing damage from spring tornadoes and flooding across at least 30 Michigan counties, the Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church is preparing to respond to any requests to deploy disaster response teams.
Rev. Kayla Roosa and Rev. Bob Miller, our Michigan Conference Disaster Response Co-Coordinators, have been part of regular meetings with state volunteer organizations involved in disaster impact mitigation. Nancy Money, Executive Director of After the Storm, our long-term disaster recovery ministry, also continues to be at the table in these vital conversations, preparing her staff to come alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives.
According to Roosa, “We have been addressing localized needs in the Traverse City area thanks to trained volunteer leaders there, but there will be a need for mucking out for weeks to come in other areas. We anticipate teams continuing deployments well into the summer months when called upon. Please remember, do not self-deploy to a disaster area.”
She continues, “To prepare for possible deployment, we encourage those interested in helping in this way to join our Early Response Team (ERT) training next month in Lansing.”
June 8 is the registration deadline for the training on Friday, June 12, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Ministry Center, 1011 Northcrest Rd., Lansing, MI 48906. Check-in begins at 8:30 am. Jody Pratt, the Michigan Conference’s Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Coordinator, will lead the training.
Learn the skills needed to join an UMCOR-certified Early Response Team (ERT). ERTs provide a caring Christian response in the aftermath of a natural or human-caused disaster. Volunteers listen to survivors and identify their immediate needs, often assisting with tarping roofs to limit water damage, removing damaged household items, cleaning, and removing wet or damaged drywall. Typically, a team stays for about three days.
ERT certification is valid for three years. The $35 fee covers materials, a participant manual, lunch, and a T-shirt. Payment is due at the door. Make checks payable to “Michigan Conference Disaster Response.”
Pre-registration is required. Contact Jody at [email protected] or 616-292-4908 to register or to ask questions. A background check link will be provided prior to training.
Also, for those attending the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference, go to the Mission Festival on Friday evening and visit the ERT and VIM tables. Experienced and trained volunteers will be at both tables to share their experiences and answer any questions, plus you can register for the June 12 ERT training and other upcoming volunteer mission experiences.
Last Updated on June 9, 2026