Disaster Preparation Project in Support of Congregational Development
CONCEPT: Respond to the following disaster preparation scenario with a congregation based program that develops intergenerational interaction through care and support
SCENARIO: FEMA and/or the Red Cross will not be available for a minimum of three days when disaster strikes (hurricane, severe winter storm, tornado, flood). People should have a three-day supply of life essentials (food, water, medicine) according to Peter B. Gudaitus, President, National Disaster Interfaiths Network.
PROGRAM: Serving all members of a congregation means knowing
- who the members are
- what they need for those three days
- when to best be in contact
- where they live
- how to stay in supportive relationship
Preparing for the three-day disaster scenario provides a topic that builds strong inter-personal congregational relationships through the introduction and maintenance of the three-day supply of life essentials.
Sample organizing approaches
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH
Practice: Interact with elderly members.
Principle: When youthful energy and the wisdom of a lifetime meet the reality of God (the love that is heaven) becomes more apparent.
Outcome: Loneliness and disenfranchisement is less likely to be felt by either generation.
YEAR-ROUND STEWARDSHIP
Practice: Focus moves to managing the needs of others rather than fund raising.
Principle: All possessions and talents are gifts from God and we are called to be God’s stewards.
Outcome: A giving spirit evolves when centered on caring directly for others. Such a mission-based approach builds a culture of generosity.
GEOGRAPHIC GROUPINGS
Practice: Zipcode based adult facilitated sub-groups provide the organizing mechanism.
Principle: Recognizing and caring for our neighbors.
Outcome: The group expands to care for those who are neighbors of the members of the congregation.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. William Carl Thomas
POC: 252-876-6841;
williamcarlthomas@gmail.com;
balconyperspective.com