The Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming and the territories of GUAM and the Northern Mariana Islands.
How do United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Serve?
We believe that the neighbors we are called to love exist both next door and halfway around the world.
Tens of thousands of United Methodists engage in short-term mission each year in ministries as varied as disaster response, community development, pastor training, microenterprise, agriculture, Vacation Bible School, building repair and construction, and medical/dental services. There is a place for everyone to serve.
These are just a few examples of ways to serve:
In your local community at food and clothing banks, feeding programs, and helping those who aren’t able to leave their homes;
In Outreach Ministries to people who are homeless, hungry, or in poverty;
Through Medical, Dental and Health Care Volunteer Teams;
Through Construction teams that repair homes, schools, hospitals, churches especially after a disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake;
During disasters both through Early Response Teams (ERT) and Long-Term Recovery (LTR) Teams;
Assisting with programs for children and youth, e.g., Vacation Bible School;
Teaching in schools and in vocational programs.
What the UMVIM WJ Office Can Provide
Team Leader Training, resources, and fundraising ideas.
Step-by-step guides for mission journey planning.
Access to medical, accident and evacuation insurance.
Networking with other Team Leaders and volunteers through events.
Continued relational support with your sites.
How to Form a VIM Team
Follow these steps:
• Contact your Conference Coordinator for information or assistance to identify a site and trained team leader or: Become a trained Team Leader, Recruit team members;
• Register your team with the Conference for insurance, security, and safe sanctuary purposes;
• Conduct team orientation, complete forms and fundraise;
• Tell others about your team through a blog or Conference Newsletter;
• Tell your story when you return.
Why We Serve
Jesus said, “Go and Serve”
Get our feet dusty
Make a meaningful difference int e life of someone in need
Renew your faith
Work and worship alongside our brothers and sisters who faith withstands the trial of poverty and major disaster
Expand our awareness of how other people survive in the world.
Are you thinking of leading a UMVIM team? Or, perhaps you just want to learn more about serving on an UMVIM team?
Training events will teach you UMVIM Leading Practices where volunteers are needed, United Methodist mission theology, logistics and budget guidelines, cultural sensitivity, answer insurance questions, provide forms, and allow you to a chance to meet other mission minded people.
Disaster Ministry
UMVIM has partnered with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) to train and equip UMVIM volunteers who want to specialize in serving in disaster recovery ministry. Such trainings include ERT (Early Response Teams), Emotional & Spiritual Care, Disaster Case Managers and Connecting Neighbors. UMVIM Long Term Recovery Teams work though out the United States to help with rebuilding people’s lives, homes, churches and schools after a disaster.
For more information about serving as an UMVIM volunteer in the area of disaster recovery contact the Western Jurisdiction UMVIM Coordinator or your Conference Disaster Response Coordinator.
Your faithful support is most appreciated and crucial for our work to continue. Giving through the Global Ministries Advance, 100% of your donation goes directly to UMVIM Western Jurisdiction to support the work we do. Thank you!