Latin America and the Caribbean UMVIM/UMCOR Consultation

There will be a Latin America and the Caribbean UMVIM/UMCOR Disaster Response Consultation hosted by the Methodist Church of Mexico in collaboration with the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches of Latin America (CIEMAL) and the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA). It will be from Tuesday, March 24 through Friday, March 27 in Mexico City.

At the General Conference Study Committee on the Relationships of the UMC with the Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) meeting in Panama City, Panama in March 2007 a desire to meet directly with representatives of the U.S. congregations and Annual Conferences was expressed by many of the leaders of the LAC churches. There has been a desire expressed in increasing the capacity of LAC churches to respond to disasters. Also, UMCOR is renewing its efforts in responding to disasters in LAC.

We will meet at the Metropol Hotel in Mexico City. Registration forms are available from the office of Mike Collins (email mcollins@wnccumc.org). It needs to be sent in with payment for rooms, meals, and registrations (Single room - $255/Shared room - $180). Individuals are also responsible for their own transportation.

There will be opportunity for workshops, one-on-one conversations, and a discussion of the whole Methodist Mission in LAC. There will be Disaster Response training for LAC leadership in not only hosting volunteers, but in sending volunteers. There will be simultaneous translation of all plenaries and workshops. Morning worship will be lead by the different Bishops and Presidents of the Methodist Churches in the region. There will also be an opportunity to visit some of the Methodist Churches in the city.

The event will begin with registration at 10 A.M. on Tuesday March 24 and end with lunch on Friday March 27.

Caribbean/South American World Desk

Thank you for your interests in working together in ministries and missions throughout Latin America (Caribbean/South America). This is our first attempt at working together in mission relationships using blogs.

I see us sharing information in several ways:
1. Using this Blog: The blog will cover information I receive through the General Board of Global Ministries, work we aredoing within the Commission on Mission/Outreach, and news I receive through emails, … It is a joint process. I am urging others to join us share information that can benefit the total mission work. Share information you wish to be placed on the blog in one of two ways: email information to me, mcollins@wnccumc.org or share your comments after each posting.
2. Enews: The WNCC-enews is our number one way of sharing information. If you have not signed up for the WNCC-enews please do so at http://www.wnccumc.org/.
3. Conference Calls: As time and finances permit, we will have conference calls to share information.
4. Commission on Mission/Outreach: The Commission (or its future organization) meets two-four times a year through conference calls or in-person. Don Routh is the Caribbean/South American Desk Coordinator. Should items be brought to our attention through the Blog or other means, Don will bring this to the Commission’s attention.

I am looking forward to partnership with you.

Mike Collins