Whew, friends, what a spring we've had! It has been a tremendously active spring for disasters. But, despite that, Missouri United Methodists have consistently shown up with a helping hand, ready to transport supplies and generous with donations. This is the United Methodist connection at work!

Spring Response - By the Numbers

Since the start of 2025, 13 new Early Response Team members were trained, and 11 were recertified.
Following storms in southeast Missouri, a team of nine cleaned up five properties in Poplar Bluff.
In response to the April 29 tornado in southwest Missouri, a team of 11 cleaned six properties in Springfield.
After the May 16 tornado in St. Louis, Manchester UMC helped with early cleanup at Union Memorial UMC by removing debris at the church and in the surrounding community.
To help with cleanup after storms in southeast Missouri, Trinity UMC in Piedmont distributed 200 rakes, 200 totes, 200 flood buckets and 200 hygiene kits.
First UMC in West Plains distributed 50 flood buckets following storms.
First UMC in Washington assisted at a MARC in Pacific to distribute supplies in early April.
Following the tornado in St. Louis, Midwest Mission, a UMC-affiliated organization based in Illinois, delivered 150 cleaning buckets and 150 hygiene kits to the YMCA in O’Fallon. A delivery of 320 additional buckets came from our disaster response hub at Woods Chapel.
Grace UMC in St. Louis served as a Red Cross shelter and hosted flood bucket distribution on May 20 with 100 buckets available and more as needed.
New Horizon UMC in St. Louis hosted Matthew 25 Ministries, a laundry/shower trailer and supply distribution, in their parking lot. The laundry trailed provided up to two loads of laundry per person daily, and the shower trailer was available for use.

Ongoing Response

Recovery is ongoing in affected areas. If you church group is interested in getting involved, contact Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Bambi Wheeler at [email protected].

Disaster Response Offering at Annual Conference

At the Missouri Annual Conference Session last weekend in St. Charles, we took up an offering to outfit five Disaster Response Trailers for local churches during Sunday's Celebration of Ministry worship service. $25,968.43 was raised for the Disaster Response offering. Way to go, Church!

Early Response Team Training in West Plains

Due to popular demand, we planned another Early Response Team Training for the summer. Both recertification and introductory basic trainings are available. Join us in West Plains on Saturday, July 26.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26
Where: First UMC, 503 W est Main Street, West Plains, MO
Cost: $15, includes lunch and supplies

Connecting Neighbors Interest

If you are looking for ways to help your church become better prepared to respond during times of disaster, consider the UMCOR Connecting Neighbors program. This one-day training helps equip churches with the knowledge and resources needed to protect both people and property, assess community needs, and connect with local emergency plans. Participants will learn how to strengthen communication, identify potential risks and ensure the church is ready to support neighbors in crisis. For more information or to get involved, please contact Bambi Wheeler at [email protected].