Dear Church Family,

We have all seen the heart-wrenching images of children, clutching stuffed animals with one hand and the other the hand of their mothers. The borders of neighboring countries are filled with Ukrainian women and children, while men, and many women, are choosing to stay and fight for the independence of their nation.

Within a week, over a million Ukrainians have become refugees with many more to come. Europeans have responded with open arms, many inviting strangers into their home. We all want to do something. There are many ads and requests that we give money to organizations for refugee relief. And we need to do so. But many of these organizations donate with a heavy overhead cost. Some are outright fraudulent.

As many of you know, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) puts 100% of your donations to help with the designated disaster. UMCOR has now set up a fund that will see all your designated donations are used to aid the plight of the Ukrainian people.

I urge you all to prayerfully consider how you can help. This Sunday, the funds collected at the communion rail or designated for Ukrainian relief will be sent to UMCOR specifically to aid the refugees. If you cannot make this Sunday’s service, you can call or drop by the office in the weeks to come to donate.

Not everyone can help, but if you can I urge you to do so. And please pray for peace and the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people and national borders.

God Bless you all!

Pastor Rick