Iowa United Methodists Marshal Resources for Storm Recovery

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“Tens of thousands of people in Iowa remain without power a week after a deadly, powerful storm system tore through parts of the Midwest,” reports NPR as of Aug. 17. “Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says her state lost nearly $4 billion from last week’s derecho system that killed four people, blasted homes and wreaked havoc on the state’s farmland.”

Here’s the word from Bishop Laurie Haller and disaster response coordinator Rev. Catie Newman of the Iowa Annual Conference on relief and recovery plans following the Aug. 11 derecho or “inland hurricane” that struck the Midwest:

“As of Wednesday evening (Aug. 12), major damage has been done across the state and 277,000 Iowans are still without power. The damage has included some United Methodist churches and parsonages. In addition, according to Governor Reynolds, approximately one-third of the state’s corn crop was affected, and she has issued disaster proclamations for 23 counties.

“The huge losses that many families and businesses have experienced have been compounded by COVID-19, an uncertain economy, and children and youth returning to school virtually or in person. As United Methodists, our mission is to extend the love of Jesus Christ in tangible ways to our neighbors, wherever they are. I am deeply grateful to Catie Newman, our Disaster Relief Coordinator, for organizing the relief effort and who will also be sharing ways in which you can help or receive help," said Bishop Laurie Haller.

In an Aug. 16 email. Rev. Newman gave an update on disaster response:

“The August 10, 2020, derecho storm has devastated more than 150 communities in Iowa.

"Governor Kim Reynolds has issued Disaster Declarations for 25 counties. This makes available Individual Assistance Grants for those impacted. You have 45 days to apply. Application can be made through your local Community Action Agency. In addition, the Governor is seeking federal assistance.”

Rev. Newman offered these suggestions for helping:

  • "Pray and pray some more. This storm has devastated Iowa, communities and crops. Many, many are impacted. Your prayers are needed. It is in prayer that we unleash God’s power for one another. 
  • "Volunteer.  Help in needed in over 150 communities. Communities looking for help have listed times and locations for volunteer check in and contact numbers on their social media pages and city web pages. Check with the community in which you wish to volunteer for those details. The Volunteer Disaster Agencies in Iowa (Including United Methodists) are all working together with the local city government to meet as many needs in as many communities as possible. 
  • "Contact. If you know someone who has been impacted by the storm; contact them! Call and offer words of encouragement and listen to them. Actual voice-to-voice contact makes a huge difference in time of loss and disaster. Ask them what they need, and get it for them. If someone comes to mind, there is a reason for it, be God’s hands and heart and reach out.
  • "Donate financially. Donations can be given thru the united methodist church advance special #223. All donations are used for supporting and helping iowans affected by these storms."

Rev. Newman also suggests donating physical items because “so many have lost so much.” Suggested items:

  • Battery operated fans
  • Flashlights (and extra batteries)
  • Lanterns
  • Personal Hygiene items (MUST be new and in original packages) 
  • Soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand towels 
  • Large, heavy trash bags
  • Containers – totes with lids to pack personal items in 
  • Charcoal grills
  • Solar powered portable chargers for phones
  • Tarps and tie downs
  • Gloves – heavy work gloves and rubber gloves
  • Propane
  • Wet wipes
  • Charcoal
  • Individually wrapped snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Desperate needs (not in stock anywhere):
  • Bar and chain oil (for chainsaws)
  • Heavy extension cords (for generators)
  • Batteries, specifically “D” batteries
  • Gas cans
  • Generators

Physical Donations DROP OFF: North Liberty, First UMC, 85 North Jones Blvd., North Liberty, IA, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., or Trinity UMC, 838 North, 25th St., Fort Dodge, IA. Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Contact the churches with drop-off questions.

“As we go forward with relief and recovery, there will be many opportunities to help. We will post as many needs and connections as we are able,” Rev. Newman stated.

Bishop Laurie Haller offered this prayer for Iowa:

“Dear God, we are in awe of the power of nature to change our lives in a moment’s notice. We thank you that human injuries from the derecho were limited, but we mourn our losses: damaged homes, flattened cornfields, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. Grant us the resources and strength to rebuild, direct us to those who need our help, and give us hope for the future.”

To provide for grants for recovery from future U.S. extreme weather events – because there will be more due to the climate crisis (see next item) – give to the UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery, Advance # 901670. For international events, give to UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery.

Brace for more tropical storms

On the heels of the Midwest’s “inland hurricane” and Tropical Storm Isaias on the East Coast of the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations predicts a hurricane season much more active than in the past, thanks to climate change. The Guardian reports:

“NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said there could be up to 25 storms which have sustained winds of 39 mph or greater. Storms which hit this threshold are named by the agency. In a normal year, there are usually two storms before August which are named. This year, there have already been nine named storms, a record which makes 2020’s hurricane season one of the busiest on record in the US.

“… The increase in predicted hurricanes is attributed to warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, combined with the wind conditions.

“There is also growing evidence that warming in the atmosphere and upper ocean, caused by human activity, is creating conditions more suitable for more destructive hurricanes. Residents in areas more vulnerable to hurricanes have been encouraged to review their preparation plans for a possible storm, and to account for the effects of Covid-19 in that plan.”

Time to update your church’s and your personal disaster plans.

Media Mentions as of Aug. 14, 2020

Church conflict during COVID-19 growing worry for pastors, says LifeWay Research– Religion News Service

More U.S. churches sue to challenge COVID-19 restrictions – The Associated PressThree churches sue over Minnesota’s mask mandate and other rules – Star Tribune *Some churches defy Anchorage’s COVID-19 order limiting large indoor gatherings – Alaska Public Media

The renegade priest helping undocumented people survive the pandemic – The New Yorker *

COVID-19 cannot stop the hum of a church choir – NPR

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Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight which she founded in 2011.