Resolution from Disaster Response

Whereas, disasters are going to happen, come when least expect, and have lasting effects on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those involved; and

Whereas, North Georgia has experienced devastating floods, hurricanes, tornados, fires and human-made disasters in recent history; and

Whereas, every responsible person regardless of age can offer themselves to responding to a disaster through physical work, emotional support, and/or spiritual prayer; and

Whereas, Scripture calls us to be ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, treating all people with fairness and equality; and

Whereas, the North Georgia Annual Conference has a Disaster Response Committee in place; and

Whereas, the Conference Disaster Response Committee has developed training in coordination with UMCOR and UMVIM to prepare men and women to respond to a disaster; and

Whereas, training is offered by the conference Disaster Response Committee on a regular basis; and

Whereas, not every church is away of the existence and work of the Conference Disaster Response Committee; and

Whereas, when disaster strikes in North Georgia and other neighboring conference we need to be ready to respond; and

Whereas, as ambassadors of Jesus Christ in the world, it is the responsibility of every United Methodist congregation in the North Georgia Annual Conference to take the initiative to respond to disasters in our local community and to offer assistance regardless the age, race, creed, denomination, economic or social status of those affected by disaster;

Therefore let it be resolved that every church in the conference be intentional about preparing for a disaster by appointing a disaster response liaison to keep the lines of communication open between the conference Disaster Response Committee and the local church; and

Let it further be resolved that every district in the North Georgia Annual Conference elect an active Disaster Response Coordination committee to work in the local district and to keep the lines of communication open between the districts and the Conference Disaster Response Committee.

June, 2008