Greetings,
As the title hints, UMEM is in a financial crisis. Late winter and spring are usually a difficult time financially for UMEM, but with the global issues of earthquakes, volcano eruptions, etc. donations this year have nearly dried up. We depend on our supporters to help up maintain this vital ministry that has been working with the people of western Maine for more than 40 years.
I have sent out emergency emails to some of our supporters. Others will be contacted by mail or phone to let them know about our situation. Please pray for us and do whatever you can to assist this United Methodist mission.
Full-time staff have cut their hours --- some to 32 hrs, some to 24hrs and some to half time. Part-time staff have been cut back or are not working at this time. Bills for heat, lights, phone, etc. are 60 days overdue and we had a disconnect this week from Central Maine Power that we paid so that we can keep offering services to the community.
I do not like to give out bad news, but the reality of our situation is dire and we need your help. Please consider how you can assist us in continuing this important ministry of the United Methodist Church.
Blessings,
Kay
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Celebrate!
I just realized that we got through the winter without frozen water at UMEM in Salem. This has been an ongoing issue each winter for the past several years. We can celebrate that the relatively mild winter was kind to us and let us have water and working bathrooms all winter. I know that the Salem staff are glad that they do not have to lug water to work every day.
So, we celebrate the seemingly minor things even as we celebrate God's greatest gift to us, his Son, a loving sacrifice for us. On this Maundy Thursday we hear the story of Jesus in the garden and the events leading up to the crucifixion. On this glorious Easter morning, remember to celebrate. "Christ the Lord is risen today!"
So, we celebrate the seemingly minor things even as we celebrate God's greatest gift to us, his Son, a loving sacrifice for us. On this Maundy Thursday we hear the story of Jesus in the garden and the events leading up to the crucifixion. On this glorious Easter morning, remember to celebrate. "Christ the Lord is risen today!"
FROST HEAVES
Cleaning my office is not a favorite thing, but today I found an old copy of Moose Musing, our old newsletter. The piece on frost heaves seems especially appropriate for now, so I will "reprint" it for you.
2001 - "As I was driving on Rt. 27 between Augusta and Farmington last week, my van was attacked by several frost heaves. It is my belief that ravenous frost heaves come out of hibernation each spring and prey on unsuspecting drivers and their hapless vehicles. Luckily no lasting damage was done, but the shake up did get me to thinking....
Driving over frost heaves is a lot like living in this area. We all know what happens when our car hits a frost heave; sometimes we are air-borne, but at the very least we are shaken up. When we hit a frost heave in our life --- a lay off, an illness, a car repair, the furnace quits, or some other unexpected calamity --- we are thrown off balance and have a hard time gaining control again.
It is that lack of control that is so frightening. When our car hits a frost heave, we clench the wheel and fight for control. When our life hits a frost heave, we cannot always find a way to regain control. We feel as if we are careening from crisis to crisis --- totally out of control.
For more than thirty years(forty now) the United Methodist Economic Ministry has been assisting people to regain control of their lives. When the frost heaves of life strike, the UMEM reaches out to help. Fire victims, domestic abuse victims, unemployed, handicapped, elderly and children all know that at UMEM we will listen and that we care. They know that we will help them regain control of their lives.
None of this would be possible without the support of caring individuals, congregations and mission groups. "
Frost heaves are still with us --- are you still with us? We need your support to continue our mission. Send us your donation: UMEM 1458 Salem Rd, Salem Twnship, ME. 04983
Blessings, Kay Webb, Executive Director
2001 - "As I was driving on Rt. 27 between Augusta and Farmington last week, my van was attacked by several frost heaves. It is my belief that ravenous frost heaves come out of hibernation each spring and prey on unsuspecting drivers and their hapless vehicles. Luckily no lasting damage was done, but the shake up did get me to thinking....
Driving over frost heaves is a lot like living in this area. We all know what happens when our car hits a frost heave; sometimes we are air-borne, but at the very least we are shaken up. When we hit a frost heave in our life --- a lay off, an illness, a car repair, the furnace quits, or some other unexpected calamity --- we are thrown off balance and have a hard time gaining control again.
It is that lack of control that is so frightening. When our car hits a frost heave, we clench the wheel and fight for control. When our life hits a frost heave, we cannot always find a way to regain control. We feel as if we are careening from crisis to crisis --- totally out of control.
For more than thirty years(forty now) the United Methodist Economic Ministry has been assisting people to regain control of their lives. When the frost heaves of life strike, the UMEM reaches out to help. Fire victims, domestic abuse victims, unemployed, handicapped, elderly and children all know that at UMEM we will listen and that we care. They know that we will help them regain control of their lives.
None of this would be possible without the support of caring individuals, congregations and mission groups. "
Frost heaves are still with us --- are you still with us? We need your support to continue our mission. Send us your donation: UMEM 1458 Salem Rd, Salem Twnship, ME. 04983
Blessings, Kay Webb, Executive Director
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