McCurdy Ministries Youth and Adult VIM Journey

The Young People’s Ministry Council (YPMC ) is once again cosponsoring a mission trip to McCurdy Ministries in Espanola, New Mexico this year!  This trip is open to youth, youth workers, and other persons interested in experiencing a meaningful mission opportunity and learning how to lead mission trips and groups at the same time.  This is a very special avenue to serve and grow in leadership.

McCurdy Ministries Community Center creates hope and empowers the lives of children youth, adults and families through education, life skills and faith-based programs in Española, NM.  They are and have been affectionately known for over 100 years as “A Light in the Valley”.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35% of the population of Espanola lives below the poverty line and 20% of adults 25 and over have not graduated from high school. In the last five years while the rest of the country has recovered from economic decline, the poverty rate in Espanola has risen from 28% to 35% which is why McCurdy’s commitment to create hope and empower lives is so critical!  Come and learn from the people here and be a part of doing good in the world.

The trip dates will be August 3-10.  Price of the trip is to be determined, but will be approximately $600 (dependent upon airfare).  Youth are highly encouraged to join the trip and will be asked to participate in the leadership of the trip (including planning nightly devotions, budgeting and more).   There will be time to see some of the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding areas as well.  For more information, please contact Jason Schwartzman at jschwartzman@susumc.org.

Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Journey to Wesley Forest

June 12-15               cost TBD

Join VIM at Wesley Forest Conference Camp and Retreat Center. We will be working with the amazing Summer Staff to get camp ready to open that Sunday.  Lodging and meals are included. All sorts of tasks need to be completed to make this summer’s camp the best yet.  Projects will be determined as time approaches. Minors may and are encouraged to attend with parent/guardian. Contact Michelle Schwartzman, VIM Coordinator at vim@susumc.org to register and for more details.

The Disaster Response Ministry has been asked to support cleanup in the Northampton county area where there are nearly 30 homes that have been affected by the flooding and will require some form of basement muck out and/or debris sorting.There are also a number of homes with more than five feet of water. The requests for assistance continue to come in. If your congregation would like to send a team(s) to assist with the cleanup, please contact Doug Hoy (Disaster Response Coordinator) at drc@susumc.org or 717-766-5376.

There is an ongoing need to recruit phone volunteers that are trained and ready when a disaster strikes. It is very difficult to bring someone up to speed while going through a disaster and it is beneficial for them to do the minimal training in advance and be prepared.

Phone volunteers are the first line of responders who lend an ear and record their needs. This vital work helps organize information that is provided to relief organizations and disaster teams, allowing them to reach the survivors and meet their needs much quicker.

Phone volunteering is a great COVID-safe way to do meaningful service and training will be provided. If you have a phone and a computer with internet access, you can participate in the important mission opportunity from the comfort of your home.

Contact Doug Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, if you are interested in serving, call (717) 766-7441, extension 3402, or email - drc@susumc.org include "Crisis Cleanup" in the subject line.