ERT Basic Training
Early Response Team Basic training
This training is for those who want to work long-term on disaster recovery teams (usually 1-2 weeks), domestic or international mission journeys, or partner with a certified Early Response team. Trainers Bob Freysinger and Jody Pratt are incorporating the two training sessions for those who do not want to be certified but still wish to serve under the UMCOR umbrella. We will offer the certification training in Winter/Spring 2025 as churches volunteer to host.
Registration begins at 8:30 AM
Cost: $30 covers materials, lunch, shirt.
Payment due at the door. (Make checks payable to MI Conf Disaster Response)
Instructor: Bob Freysinger, Senior MI ERT Trainer and Jody Pratt, VIM Coordinator
**Please register prior to training.
Registration and questions contact Jody Pratt
Early Response Team Training and Recertification
The eight hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. The recertification class will end at 1:00pm and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired.
Cost: $40 for the basic class; $35 for recertification.
Deadline to Register: Monday, January 6
NOTE: A background check is required to receive an ERT badge from UMCOR. You will receive a link to run a background check with UMCOR when you register online. Please complete the background check prior to the class. Your badge cannot be processed without a current background check on file with UMCOR.
Online Team Leader Training, Refresher
This will be an online Team Leader Training Refresher course via Zoom meetings. This is for Team Leaders who may have led teams in the past, or taken the training previously, and are seeking updated information and a “refresher” before leading an UMVIM team. Thought this is an UMVIM Southeast Jurisdiction event, it is open to all.
Participants are encouraged to download and read the Team Leader Handbook at umvim.org/handbookdownload before the event.
This training will be 2 hours and focus briefly on theology of mission, and practical advice for leading a team and travel.
If you have questions, contact Rev. Matt Lacey at matt_lacey@umvim.org
NOTE: After hitting submit, you will be redirected to a donation page. Making a $20 donation is NOT REQUIRED to register for the training, but is appreciated. Your gift will be made to UMVIM, SEJ, and not be used for administrative purposes, but to continue to promote and develop mission resources. After hitting the above ‘submit’ button, your registration will be complete, and you can close the donation window if you do not wish to contribute.
Long Term Recovery Disaster Response and Volunteer in Mission Training
This training is for those who want to work long term on disaster recovery teams (usually 1-2 weeks) in the US.
9:00am-4:00pm
Trainers: Bob Freysinger and Jody Pratt
Cost: $30 (Checks to MI Conf Disaster Response)
Payment at the door but PLEASE register prior to training **
Alternate date: Feb 8, 2025 (in the event of Michigan weather)
Deadline for registrations: January 15, 2025
M0re info and Registration: contact Jody Pratt
Mission Volunteer Training- SEJ, Williamsburg, VA
Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples (ages 18 and up) who seek long-term partnerships with communities around the world and fund themselves. Mission Volunteer opportunities are diverse and range from working with refugees, children and youth to serving as a teacher, pastor, camp director or health care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years.
The Mission Volunteer program is ministry of Global Ministries and those interested will need to complete an online application process which can be found at missionvolunteers.org
The training will be in Toana, Virginia [near Williamsburg] at Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center.
Visit missionvolunteers.org for more information and the application.
UMVIM Team Leader Training- Remote over Zoom
This training will be led by Rev. Matt Lacey, Executive Director of UMVIM, SEJ. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the UMVIM Team Leader handbook, which can be downloaded free at umvim.org/handbookdownload
Since we are a non-profit and do not receive apportionment funds in the UMC, we do encourage you to make a donation for the training, but this is not required. After you complete the form below and submit, you will be directed to a page where you can give your donation, if you wish.
This will be a remote Zoom training, starting at 1:30pm Central, and ending just before 3pm Central.
Please use the following Zoom link to access the training on Nov 21st.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83511808428
Meeting ID: 835 1180 8428
Any questions can be emailed to Matt at matt_lacey@umvim.org
Long Term Recovery Team Training
Do you want to respond to communities devastated by natural disasters? UMCOR kits and financial donations are ways to make a difference. Another way is to go and help when the time is right. Come to this FREE event to be prepared and ready to go when that time is right! Open to all, including those interested in joining a Longterm Recovery UMVIM team and Early Response Team trained people who want to learn more about leading a team. This is a hybrid training.
Sunday November 17 from 1:00-5:00pm
EOCUMC Area Center 8800 Cleveland Ave. NW North Canton, OH 44720 or online
Trainers: ERT trainer Bob Catchpole, UMVIM NCJ Coordinator Tammy Kuntz and Missions and Community Engagement Director Kathy Dickriede
You may preorder the optional Mission Journey handbook and pick it up onsite. If you are attending online, the cost to ship it is $5.
Connecting Neighbors
Connecting Neighbors Training helps participants understand the importance of community connections before the disaster. Churches can better provide a caring Christian response to local disasters if they have prepared their church families and facility before disaster occurs. Connecting Neighbors addresses the faith community's responsibility in disaster readiness and response and suggests tools to meet individual and community needs.
This is a two-day training, two hours each day.
August 12th and 13th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day.
via Zoom
Early Response Team Training
The eight hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. The recertification class will take place during the morning session and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired. Cost is $40 for the basic class; $35 for recertification. All Districts welcome!
Deadline to Register: Monday, November 4
NOTE: A background check is required to receive an ERT badge from UMCOR. You will receive a link to run a background check with UMCOR when you register online. Please complete the background check prior to the class. Your badge cannot be processed without a current background check on file with UMCOR.
Cost: $40.00
UMVIM Team Leader Training
Are you planning a mission journey in 2025 or beyond? Join West Ohio for a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader Training! With an experienced team leader as instructor, you will learn how to plan and lead a mission experience in Ohio, the United States, or around the world. You will also be provided with checklists, timelines, team forms, and practical resources for nurturing the spiritual life of your team. A background check is required.
Cost: $35 (training, materials & lunch)
Deadline to register: October 28
Early Response Team Training
This class will train an early response team/leader to fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish a caring presence of the church and provide hope for survivors .
Conferences determine how to use ERT Teams and work outside the conference requires an invitation from the affected community.
Registration begins at 8:30am
Cost ; $35- Covers material lunch/shirt /certification/background check
Instructor : Bob Freysinger, Senior Mi ERT Trainer
Registrations and questions: Jody Pratt
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: October 16, 2024
UMVIM Team Leader Training
This training is designed for those participating and leading domestic and international mission teams.
The class will provide training on relationship building in mission work, determining location(s), paperwork/insurance, evaluation, and much more!
Cost : $30 - Covers materials /lunch /shirt
Instructor : Jody Pratt ERT /VIM Trainer
Registration and questions: Jody Pratt
Early Response Team Recertification
The Disaster Response Ministries of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference stands ready to assist any time disasters are so large that the resources of the local community or the district are not sufficient to meet the needs. This response can take many forms. Expert advice can be provided to help the local community as they meet immediate needs, or as they plan for recovery from a disaster, UMCOR kits such as Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits are distributed; and, volunteers can also be recruited by the conference. Early response teams (ERTs) are deployed to assist with clean-up and other tasks needed by the community in the period right after the disaster (once the area has been declared safe by first responders). In the long term, UMVIM recovery teams help with home repairs or, in some cases, rebuilding homes that have been completely destroyed during the disaster. In addition, spiritual and emotional care teams can provide support to individuals and congregations as they cope with the loss caused by a disaster.
This is a two-day training, two hours each day.
October 14 and 15, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day.
via Zoom
Early Response Team Training
The mission of an Early Response Team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. The team is neither a first response group of emergency workers nor a recovery, rebuild or repair team. Rather, it fills a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish the presence of the church. It is important to understand that ERTs are trained primarily to respond within their own community. To travel to another district, conference or jurisdiction requires an invitation from that area’s ERT coordinator. All ERTs are trained by authorized UMCOR trainers and given badges. We encourage all ERTs to wear bright green T-shirts as a means of recognition.
Registration begins at 8:00 AM, with training to begin at 8:30 am and ending by 5:00 pm.
Fee - $25.00
Online Team Leader Refresher Training
This online Zoom training is for mission team leaders who have led teams in the past, but can benefit from reviewing the latest mission policies and UMVIM resources. This training will be led by Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of UMVIM, Southeast Jurisdiction, but is open to anyone.
Training will start at 10am Central time, and conclude at noon.
You can register for this event below, and participants will be emailed a zoom link and instructions prior to the event.
Early Response Team Training
The mission of an Early Response Team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. The team is neither a first response group of emergency workers nor a recovery, rebuild or repair team. Rather, it fills a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish the presence of the church. It is important to understand that ERTs are trained primarily to respond within their own community. To travel to another district, conference or jurisdiction requires an invitation from that area’s ERT coordinator. All ERTs are trained by authorized UMCOR trainers and given badges.
Training begins at 9:00am and concludes at 5:00pm.
Trainer: Brian Mateer
Registration: Email Anna-Lisa Hunter, WI CDRC,
Early Response Team Recertification
The Disaster Response Ministries of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference stands ready to assist any time disasters are so large that the resources of the local community or the district are not sufficient to meet the needs. This response can take many forms. Expert advice can be provided to help the local community as they meet immediate needs, or as they plan for recovery from a disaster, UMCOR kits such as Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits are distributed; and, volunteers can also be recruited by the conference. Early response teams (ERTs) are deployed to assist with clean-up and other tasks needed by the community in the period right after the disaster (once the area has been declared safe by first responders). In the long term, UMVIM recovery teams help with home repairs or, in some cases, rebuilding homes that have been completely destroyed during the disaster. In addition, spiritual and emotional care teams can provide support to individuals and congregations as they cope with the loss caused by a disaster.
This is a two-day training, two hours each day.
September 9 and 10, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day.
via Zoom
Connecting Neighbors
Connecting Neighbors Training helps participants understand the importance of community connections before the disaster. Churches can better provide a caring Christian response to local disasters if they have prepared their church families and facility before disaster occurs. Connecting Neighbors addresses the faith community's responsibility in disaster readiness and response and suggests tools to meet individual and community needs.
This is a two-day training, two hours each day.
August 12th and 13th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day.
via Zoom
UMVIM Team Leader Refresher
This refresher is hosted by UMVIM Western Jurisdiction.
If you have been a team leader and realize that things have changed since you were trained this is the course for you.
We are going to briefly review the important aspects of an UMVIM Mission including the leading practices, new ways to connect to your team with a site as well as a review of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the mission. If you have never taken the UMVIM team leader training but are leading teams or if you have questions about the UMVIM team leader training, this is the workshop for you.
There are lots of new updates and be sure to bring all of your questions.
9:00am-11:00am PST
Contact Ronda Cordill for more information
Early Response Team Training + Recertification
The eight hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. The recertification class will take place during the morning session and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired.
NOTE: A background check is required to receive an ERT badge from UMCOR. You will receive a link to run a background check with UMCOR when you register online. Please complete the background check prior to the class. Your badge cannot be processed without a current background check on file with UMCOR.
Cost: $40 for the basic class; $35 for recertification.
Deadline: Monday, May 6
Bridges out of Poverty
Bridges Out of Poverty
The workshop offers a comprehensive approach to understanding poverty through the triple lens approach of individual, community, and structural/policy.
Participants will review poverty research, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of the hidden rules of class, resources, family structure, and language. Rebecca Coiner and Shi Ann Cunningham of OhioGuidestone will lead the workshop.
Cost: $30 (includes the required book and lunch)
Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 21.
Early Response Team Training
The mission of an Early Response Team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. The team is neither a first response group of emergency workers nor a recovery, rebuild or repair team. Rather, it fills a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish the presence of the church. It is important to understand that ERTs are trained primarily to respond within their own community. To travel to another district, conference or jurisdiction requires an invitation from that area’s ERT coordinator. All ERTs are trained by authorized UMCOR trainers and given badges. We encourage all ERTs to wear bright green T-shirts as a means of recognition.
Guidelines for Teams
Trained early response teams (ERT) will be needed first. Wait for further details on staging areas and locations ready to receive assistance.
Teams must be self-sufficient. Many areas lack electricity, access to food and drinking water, supplies and gasoline. Once staging areas and housing for teams is known that will be communicated.
Bring tarps, tools, etc. for covering homes and supplies and debris removal.
Continue to monitor email and the conference website for emerging detail.
Fee: $25.00
Early Response Team Training
This training is in partnership with After the Storm.
Gather on Monday, April 15: to begin at 3:00pm.
Tuesday, April 16: Morning on-site training with After the Storm. Then back to Cass UMC for additional training
Wednesday, April 17: Morning on-site training with After the Storm, concluding at 12:00pm.
Cost : $50 Covers lodging, meals, and materials
Contact Jody Pratt for Information and Registration.
Deadline : April 1, 2024
Early Response Team Training + RECERT
West Ohio ERT trainers will teach participants how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. Trainees will learn how to provide a caring, Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property. Skills that are taught include tarping, debris removal, mucking out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. A background check is required, and a link to complete this will be provided upon registration. Cost is $40 for the Basic class or $35 for recertification. ERT members are not required to be United Methodist but must deploy with a United Methodist-led team. For more information or to register, click here:
More information and registration is here.
UMVIM Team Leader Refresher
UMVIM suggests that team leaders refresh their training every three years. This online Zoom refresher is open to all mission team leaders. This is an important time to review the latest mission policies and UMVIM resources, learn from one another and make connections.
Via Zoom
6:30pm-8:00pm Central
Northeast Juris. UMVIM Mission Academy
NEJ Mission Academy Registration
Mission Academy - Northeastern Jurisdiction
March 18-21, 2024
Rolling Ridge Retreat Center
660 Great Pond Rd
Andover, MA 01845
*Nearby airports include Boston (Logan) and Manchester, NH.
Cost will be $479 per person which includes 3 nights shared occupancy (3/18-3/20/24), meals, and classes. (Note: There are a few single occupancy rooms which will fill up very quickly at a rate of $599 per person). A commuter rate of $109/day will be available for those who are local including classes and meals.
Each person attending the Mission Academy must complete the online registration.
Class offerings include:
UMVIM -Team Leader Training (6 Hours)
UMCOR - Early Response Team Basic Training Class (8 Hours)
GBHEM - Safer Sanctuaries
Global Ministries Overview
UMCOR - Connecting Neighbors
Planning Meaningful Youth Mission Journeys
Hosting / Caring / Feeding Volunteers
Social Justice Mission Journeys
Mission Theology
Devotions for Mission Journeys
Communicating In Disaster
Alaska Missions
Manos Juntas Mission Opprtunities
Earthkeepers Overview
UMVIM General Overview
Contact Ray Yarnall with any questions at coordinator@umvimnej.org
UMVIM Team Leader Training
Enjoy a day of fellowship & conversation to learn best practices for leading a mission team locally, nationally, or internationally.
This training is FREE (includes a meal & the required conference background check). The manual will be emailed as a pdf, print copies available by request. An optional book, A Mission Journey, will be available for purchase for $17.00. If you order this optional book, you will receive it at the training.
Deadline to Register: March 13
Online Team Leader Refresher Training
This online Zoom training is for mission team leaders who have led teams in the past, but can benefit from reviewing the latest mission policies and UMVIM resources. This training will be led by Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of UMVIM, Southeast Jurisdiction, but is open to anyone.
Training will start at 10am Central time, and conclude at noon.
You can register for this event below, and participants will be emailed a zoom link and instructions prior to the event.
ERT Training, Mississippi Conference
ERT Training in the Mississippi Conference (SEJ) at Hawkins UMC (3736 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180) on Saturday, March 9th, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a day of fellowship and conversation to learn the best practices for being part of a disaster Early Response Team (ERT). ERTs provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster offering both helping hands and hope to those in need. ERTs must complete a one-day training that focuses on working with those impacted by disaster, procedures, and site safety.
The eight-hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene.
Cost: $40 for the basic class; includes learning materials, snacks, lunch, and T-shirt.
Deadline to Register: Wednesday, March 5.
NOTE: A background check is required to receive an ERT badge from UMCOR. You will receive a link to run a background check with UMCOR when you register online. Please complete the background check prior to the class. Your badge cannot be processed without a current background check on file with UMCOR.
For more information and registration click here.
Early Response Team Training
The eight hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. The recertification class will take place during the morning session and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired.
Cost: $40 for the basic class; $35 for recertification.
Deadline to Register: Monday, February 26
NOTE: A background check is required to receive an ERT badge from UMCOR. You will receive a link to run a background check with UMCOR when you register online. Please complete the background check prior to the class. Your badge cannot be processed without a current background check on file with UMCOR.
More information and registration is here.
Connecting Neighbors
Connecting Neighbors Training helps participants understand the importance of community connections before the disaster. Churches can better provide a caring Christian response to local disasters if they have prepared their church families and facility before disaster occurs. Connecting Neighbors addresses the faith community's responsibility in disaster readiness and response and suggests tools to meet individual and community needs.
This is a two-day training, two hours each day.
February 26 and 27
6:00pm-8:00pm Central
Early Response Team Training
ERTs provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. ERTs help to prevent further damage to personal properties by tarping, removing debris, and cleaning out flooded areas. They offer both helping hands and hope to those in need.
ERTs must complete a one-day training that focuses on working with those impacted by disaster, procedures, and site safety.
Lunch, snacks and all materials are provided.
For more information and to register, contact: John A. Young
Registration deadline: Feb 2
UMVIM Team Leader Training
Share best practices for leading a mission team locally, nationally, and internationally.
Connect with others who have a heart for missions
Discover the many resources & locations available through the UMC to lead mission journeys with youth and adults
Develop a strategy for sharing the mission story
Become equipped for reaching new, young and diverse people to be a part of your next UMVIM Journey
We do this so that we can be God's agents of transformation in our community and around the world!
Lead by Rev. Tammy Kuntz, UMVIM NCJ Coordinator.
Free registration includes meal and the required EOC background check. Training manual will be shared as a pdf. If the weather is bad, the training may switch to Zoom.
ERT Basic Training and Recertification
The eight hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. The recertification class will take place during the morning session and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired. Cost is $40 for the basic class; $35 for recertification.
Deadline to Register: Monday, January 8
UMVIM Team Leader Refresher
Hosted by East Ohio Conference
If it’s been more than 3 years since you took the full training, you are due for this refresher. Brush up on the new projects and connect with new people who serve God in new ways.